U9 Laws

Laws

Field:

40m wide – goal line to 10m line (sidelines are try-lines)

Time:

20 minutes each way with a 2-minute break at halftime. (Maximums)

Kick-off:

Tap and pass

Time:

25-minute halves and 5-minute halftime.

Ball:

Size 3

Players:

Teams comprise of 7 players. Recommend 10 players per team.

Subs:

All players must play half a game which may consist of one half or two quarters i.e. Substitutions may be made at quarter-time, half-time or three-quarter-time. No rolling substitutions are permitted.

Referees:

Associate referee, if not - no game

Tackle (Rip)

• To complete a 'rip' one of the two flags from the ball carriers’ belt must be removed.
• Only the ball carrier can be ripped.
• The ripper stops hold the flag above their head and shouts "RIP!”
• The ball carrier must then pass the ball within three steps. He or she does not have to stop, return to the mark, or tap the ball before passing
• After the ball carrier has passed the ball the ripper must hand the flag back to the player who then reattaches it to their belt before they rejoin play.
• Six rips in a row lead to a turnover in possession.
• The belt must be worn outside the clothing and flags positioned one on each hip.
• If a player is 'ripped' when crossing the try line, they restart play five metres out from the try line.

Offside:

• Offside only occurs at the rip.
• When a rip is made, all players from the ripper's team must get back until they are in front of where the ball is being passed from (facing the opposition).
• If a player is offside and intercepts, prevent, or slow down a pass, a free pass will be awarded to the non-offending team.

A free pass is used to:

• Start play.
• Restart after a try is scored (non-scoring team).
• Restart after a turnover or a penalty offence.
• To make a free pass, the referee calls "Play" and the player passes the ball back to a member of their own team.
  The opposition team must remain five metres back from the free pass.

Penalties:

• Kicking
• Contact of any kind (pushing, tackling, fending).
• Hiding or shielding Rippa tags.
• Offside
• Diving on the ball on the ground.
• Not handing back Rippa tag.
• Continuing to run after rip (more than 3 steps).

Turnover of Possession :

• Knock On
• Forward Pass.
• Ball or ball carrier outside the field of play.

“Everyone Enjoying Rugby”
North Harbour Rugby

Advice & Guidance

At U9 the players are looking to play the game themselves without coaches on the field to guide them. That job is now your's as the referee. There is no need to rush the game. Take time to help the kids set up when required. Ensuring they are in the generally right place will help them really start learning the game for themselves.

Don't play a very long advantage. The kids will forget quickly the why when you call it back and we want them to learn the laws. When an advantage happens call it out loud, ensure the advantaged team is in good control and going forward and then call out 'advantage over'.

If you blow the whistle for every mistake you are going to need a lot of puff. Confirm with the opposition but drops at the feet maybe play on. But consider being strict on forward-passes because that is a fundamental rule of the game as opposed to a mistake. Look to find that good balance for both teams.