Following the detailed discussions of the Age Band Review Group a number of recommendations for the youth game have now been accepted by the RFUW Board. The Review Group involved a range of interested parties representing coaches, team managers, schools, welfare staff, development staff as well as the Chair of the RFU Continuum Review Group. The Group received and examined extensive verbal and written feedback from those involved from club to elite levels including a number of players most of whom are within the current age bands but some of whom had moved through into the senior game. As the director with particular responsibility for Youth I am grateful to all who took the time to submit their views, and in particular to the volunteers and staff who attended the meetings or formed part of the wider consultative circle.
The principle implications are:
§ From season 2007-08 age bands will move to Under 15 and Under 18, remaining as three year age bands
§ The Under 15 age band (i.e. girls aged 12, 13 or 14 at the start of the season) will see the following significant changes from the current Under 14 laws and regulations:
§ Maximum of 13 players on each side – six forwards and 7 backs
§ The introduction of active scrums where coaches feel that the experience and technique of the players in the scrum justify this
§ Adult size pitch
§ The Under 18 age band (15, 16 or 17 at the start of the season) will effectively adopt the current Under Under 17 laws based upon the IRB Under 19 guidelines
§ Since Under 12 girls will effectively be removed from RFUW age band rugby a small Task Group will meet in the 06/07 season to examine an appropriate all girl format at Under 12 and below in conjunction with the RFU Continuum Group
§ For next season ( 2006-07) as previously announced no major changes will be made to the age bands themselves but some transitional changes have been agreed in relation t
§ Pitch size
§ Active scrums being permitted where coaches feel it beneficial and appropriate in developmental terms
Further details are included in the following statement approved for publication by the RFUW Board at its meeting on 6th May 2006:
“SEASON 2006-7
Unchanged except that:
1) To recognise the transition to Under 18 in the following Season the RFUW will continue to grant dispensation for those U18s whose playing experience and size make it inappropriate for them to play in Adult rugby.
2) For the purposes of player development and to ease the transition into senior rugby the following year, those U18 players with a Youth Dispensation may also register as a senior player and participate in adult rugby training sessions and in friendly matches during the 2007 portion of the 06/07 season by application to the RFUW. If leave to register as a senior player is granted the coach of the senior side and welfare officer must be made aware of the special dispensation status of the player in order to enable them to make an informed judgement regarding the level of participation of the player.
3) Pitch size for U14 rugby will be increased to full pitch with the proviso that coaches will take into account the fitness levels of U12 players participating in such a match and will reduce the pitch time of such players to no more than 60 minutes in total in one day.
4) To facilitate a more measured introduction of contested scrums U14 teams will be permitted to contest scrums but only where BOTH coaches regard this as beneficial for the safe development of the relevant techniques. It is NOT intended that contested scrums will be included in either the U14 National Cup or the Regional Programme for season 2006-7. During a transition year it is not felt that this would be appropriate given that some girls may enter the regional programme without the relevant scrummaging experience and it is not the role of the regional coaches to introduce these safety critical skills.
Special Dispensation:
The vast majority of players, with correct coaching, can play in their correct age grades. In exceptional cases, where player safety may be compromised due to a developmental disability (physical or behavioural), application to the RFUW may be made for an individual dispensation permitting a player to play down one year age grade. Such dispensation will only last for one season. Application for such a dispensation should be submitted to the RFUW and should be accompanied by documentary evidence or signed statements confirming the player's disability.
For the avoidance of doubt, special RFUW dispensations to play outside of their true age grade will not be granted to players merely because they appear to have skills inferior to their team mates.
Rugby for Girls Aged 11 and below on 1st September
In anticipation of the 07/08 age grade changes, which remove U12s from RFUW age band rugby, it will be necessary to establish a small Task Group in the 06/07 season to examine an appropriate all girl format at Under 12 and below in conjunction with the RFU Continuum Group. The aims of this group will be to agree the best way to enhance the exit route for girls into club rugby from community recruitment initiatives and school-based rugby activity at U12 and below.
SEASON 2007-8
There will be two Age Bands each equivalent to three academic years:
1. Under 15 – Consisting of players aged 12, 13 & 14 at 1st September 2007. Laws largely as per current U14 except:
a. Introduction of contested scrum
Coaches must be able to justify the decision to play any player in the scrum based on risks to players.
No deliberate wheel in scrum. Scrum to be reset after move 45 degrees and the same side put in.
No more than 1.5m push.
Non putting in Scrum half cannot advance beyond middle of tunnel (as per RFU U15)
b. 13 aside - 6 in scrum & 7 backs
The game is played between teams having a maximum of thirteen players, six of whom will be forwards and form the scrum, with the remaining players forming the back line. Each side can have a number of substitutes agreed by mutual consent. Substituted players can be re-used at any time. Substitutions may only take place when the ball is ‘dead’ or at half time and always with the referee’s knowledge.
The scrum will be made up of six players from each team - the front row (a row of three players, i.e. a prop on either side of the hooker, two locks forming the second row and a back-row player who shall bind between the two locks (3-2-1 formation). The locks must bind to each other using the inside arm, with the outside arm around the hips (not between the legs) of the front row (props). The back row player must have their head between the hips of the second row bound with the arms around the hips (not between the legs) of the second row (locks). No player may unbind to pick up the ball at the rear of the scrum but must remain bound onto the scrum until the ball is carried or passed out by the scrum half.
Penalty: Penalty kick
c. Adult sized pitch
d. Lineout: No lifting
e. Timings: 25 minute halves
Festival and Tournament: 90 minutes maximum per player in one day.
f. Ball size: 4
g. Hand off and fly-hacking allowed where not dangerous.
2. Under 18s Consisting of players aged 15, 16 & 17 at 1st September 2007
a. Matches played to IRB Under 19 Law variations.
b. No Dispensation except for disabilities or identified Elite player
Special Dispensation:
The vast majority of children, with correct coaching, can play in their correct age grades but in exceptional cases, where child safety may be compromised due to a developmental disability (physical or behavioural), application to the RFUW may be made for an individual dispensation permitting a player to play down one year age grade. Such dispensation will only last for one season. Application for such a dispensation should be submitted to the RFUW and should be accompanied by documentary evidence or signed statements confirming the player's disability. For the avoidance of doubt, special RFUW dispensations to play outside of their true age grade will not be granted to players merely because they appear to have skills inferior to their team mates.
Potential Elite Player:
Not withstanding the Under 18 Age Band Regulations set out above a player aged 17 years may, if identified by the RFUW Performance Department and given its specific, written consent, participate in particular training session/s or matches where there are players aged 18 or over.
c. From their 18th birthday players may elect to register as a senior player and may participate in senior training sessions and matches as well as U18 training sessions and matches.
Player Registration:
All players to be registered on the RFU Youth Registration system so that in Season 2007/8 Team Managers/coaches will be required to offer for inspection by the opposition the players Registration cards containing photographs.
2008/9 Season
It is recommended by the Age Band Review Group that this age banding should remain in place for a minimum 07/08 and 08/09 seasons. Continuously monitored and evaluated by the RFUW.”
Communication:
While we will attempt to distribute information like this as widely as possible- we rely on club contacts distributing information to coaches and players.
· Web statement and down load
· Email to Youth Club and regional contacts held by RFUW
· Season 06/07 Law Guidance card produced and distributed to referee societies
· Included in RFUW handbook (inc distribution to RFU staff)
· Sent to affiliated clubs contacts with affiliation information
· Ongoing available on web and from the RFUW HQ
Kean Clifford
RFUW Director – Youth & Students
9th May 2006 |
