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Under 8 - Mini Rugby Laws
Derek Golding13 Jul 2010 - 18:14
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(A) Stage 1 Mini Tag Rugby (U7 & U8)
Players and match officials must endeavour to ensure the iRB Law of the Game, modified by the following playing
rules, are observed when playing rugby at Under 7 and Under 8:
1. Object:
The object of the game is to score a try (5 points) by placing the ball with a downward pressure on or behind the
opponents’ goal line. A penalty try will be awarded if a try would probably have been scored but for foul play by the
defending team.
For the sake of safety, the ball carrier must remain on their feet at all times and they are not allowed to score a try
by diving over the goal-line. If a player grounds the ball while on their knees, the try should be allowed but,
afterwards, all players should be reminded that they should stay on their feet. A player may not be prevented from
grounding the ball by any physical contact (including placing a hand between ball and ground.
For safety reasons, where Mini Tag Rugby is played indoors or in restricted areas, a try can be scored by the ball
carrier crossing the vertical plane of the goal-line without grounding the ball. This allows players to have their head
up and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
When a try is scored, the game is restarted by a free pass from the centre of the pitch by the non-scoring team.
2. Teams:
Mini Tag Rugby is played between teams of equal numbers of players, each team containing not more than seven
players and not less than five players. Each side can have an agreed number of substitutes. Substituted players
can be re-used at any time. Substitutions can only take place when the ball is “dead” or at half time and always
with the referee’s knowledge.
3. Passing:
The ball can only be passed sideways or backwards through the air, not handed to another player. If the ball is
handed to another player or passed or knocked forwards (towards the opponents’ goal-line) then a free pass is
awarded to the non-offending side, unless advantage occurs to the non-offending side. In order to keep the game
flowing, referees should play advantage wherever possible.
4. Free Passes:
(a) A free pass is used to start the match at the beginning of each half from the centre of the pitch, from the side of
the pitch when the ball goes into touch at the point where the ball went out of play and from where the referee
makes a mark when an infringement has taken place.
(b) At a free pass, the opposition must be 8 metres back from the mark. They cannot start moving forward until the
ball leaves the hands of the passer. At a free pass, the player must start with the ball in both hands and, when
instructed by the referee who will call “PLAY”, pass the ball backwards through the air to a member of their team.
For safety reasons, no player may run until the pass is made. The player taking the free pass must pass the ball
when the referee calls “PLAY”.
(c) If an infringement takes place or the ball goes into touch over the goal-line or within 7 metres of the goal-line,
then the free pass must be awarded to the non offending side 7 metres from the goal-line. This gives more space
for both attacking and defending teams to play in.
5. The Tag:
(a) All players wearing a Tag belt around their waist with two tags attached to it by Velcro positioned over each hip.
Tag belts are to be securely fastened and any excess belt is to be tucked away so that this cannot be pulled by
mistake. Tag belts are to be worn outside of shirts and not obscured in any way. Referees are to be watchful for
tags being wrapped around the belt preventing them from being pulled off.
(b) The standard dimensions for a Tag are 38 cms in length by 5 cms in width although slight variations of a few
millimetres should not be cause for concern. They should be made of a flexible plastic or plastic/canvas material.
Tags are generally provided in red, blue, green and yellow. Colours should be chosen so that they stand out
against the player’s strip et teams with yellow shirts or shorts should not use yellow tags. Coaches are reminded
that the tags are to be positioned on the hips, not at the front or back, which may require the belt to be adjusted
slightly for players with particularly small waists. Placing a knot in between the two Velcro pieces on the belt often
brings the tags into the correct position.
Note: These dimensions and colours are only guidelines to try and achieve uniformity. Mini Tag Rugby games can
continue to be played with Tags that do not comply with these guidelines but, for fairness, in such case both teams
should be wearing the same design of tag belt and tags.
(c) A “TAG” is the removal of one of the two tags from the ball carrier’s belt. Only the ball carrier can be tagged.
The ball carrier can run and dodge potential taggers but cannot fend them off using their hands or the ball and
cannot guard or shield their tags in any way. The ball cannot be pulled out of the ball carrier’s hands at any time.
(d) If a player does not have two tags on their belt, one on each hip, they will be penalised if they become a ball
carrier or if they tag an opponent and a free pass will be awarded to the non-offending side at the place of
infringement.
(e) Actions by the ball carrier:
(1) When the ball carrier is tagged the ball must be passed to a team mate within 3 seconds, this
includes stopping time. The ball carrier must attempt to stop as soon as possible; within 3 strides is a
reasonable guide for referees, but the ball can be passed in the act of stopping. If the pass takes
longer than 3 seconds or the player takes more than 3 strides they must be penalised and a free
pass awarded to the non offending side at the place where the tag occurred.
(2) After the ball has been passed, the player must go to the tagger, retrieve their tag and place it
back on their belt before re-joining play. If the player continues to play and influences the game
without collecting their tag, they must be penalised and a free pass awarded to the non-offending
side at the place of infringement.
(3) Players are however only allowed one step to score a try after being tagged.
(4) If the ball carrier is tagged whilst standing inside the goal area they must ground the ball
immediately in order to score. Referees should help this part of the game along by advising the ball
carrier “Touch the ball down and I’ll award the try”, or similar.
(5) If the ball carrier dives to ground to score a try if will be disallowed and a free pass will be
awarded to the defending side 7 metres out from the goalline.
(f) Actions by the tagger:
(1) When a tag is made, the tagger must stop running, hold the tag above their head and shout,
“TAG”. At this stage the referee must shout, “TAG - PASS”.
(2) If the ball carrier stops running within 1 metre of the tagger, the tagger must move back towards
their own goal-line, at least 1 metre, to allow room for the ball to be passed. If the tagger fails to retire
at least 1 metre before rejoining the game, they are to be considered “offside” and a free pass will be
awarded to the non-offending side at the place of infringement.
(3) Once the ball has been passed, the tagger must hand back the tag to the player and cannot rejoin
the match until this has been done. If a tagger continues to play and influences the match with an
opponent’s tag in their hand, or throws it to the floor, they must be penalised and a free pass
awarded to the non-offending side at the place of infringement.
(g) MINI TAG RUGBY VARIATION (UNDER 8 ONLY). To reward good defence and to promote the attacking side
keeping the ball alive by passing the ball before being tagged, the side in possession of a ball will only be allowed
to be tagged a maximum of 6 times before scoring a try. At the 7th tag, the referee will stop the game and give the
ball to the other side by awarding a free pass at the point that the tag took place. If the 7th tag takes place one step
from the try line and the ball is grounded, the try will be disallowed and the opposition will be given the ball for a
free pass 7 metres out from the goal line, in line with the point the goal line was crossed.
Note: Coaches of the teams may agree to reduce the maximum number of allowable tags to provide more of a
challenge to their players, both in attack and defence. If coaches cannot agree then the 7th tag ruling must be
enforced.
6. Offside:
Offside only occurs at the time of the Tag where the offside line is through the centre of the ball except for the
tagger for whom it is 1 metre further back, as described in Section 5(f) above. When a Tag is made, all the other
players from the tagger’s team must attempt to retire towards their own goal-line until they are behind the ball. If a
player, in an offside position, intercepts, prevents or slows down a pass from the tagged player to a team mate, a
free pass will be awarded to the non-offending side. A player can, however, run from an onside position to intercept
a floated pass before it reaches the intended receiver.
7. Obstruction:
(a) The ball carrier can run and dodge potential taggers but cannot fend them off using their hands or the ball and
cannot guard or shield their tags in any way.
(b) Similarly, the ball carrier or a potential tagger must not deliberately make contact with an opponent.
(c) If such contact is made the game must be stopped, the offender spoken to, reminded of the non-contact rules of
tag and a free pass awarded to the nonoffending side.
(d) If the ball is pulled from the ball carrier’s grasp, a free pass is awarded to the ball carrier’s side.
8. Kicking:
There is no kicking of any kind in Mini Tag Rugby.
9. Ball on the Ground:
Players play Mini Tag Rugby on their feet, with the ball in hand. If the ball goes to ground, players can pick it up but
they must not dive to the floor to recover the ball.
Penalty: free pass to non-offending side and the following rules will apply:
(a) If the ball was lost forward, a free pass is awarded to the non-offending side unless advantage occurs to the
non-offending side.
(b) If the ball carrier falls to the ground with the ball then a free pass will be awarded to the non-offending side.
(c) If the ball is passed other than forward and goes to ground play will continue and either side may pick up the
ball. If the passed ball rolls into touch a free pass will commence from the touchline to the non-passing side.
10. No Contact:
The only contact allowed between the two teams is the removal of a tag from the belt of the ball carrier. Any other
type of contact on the ball carrier, such as shirt pulling, running in front of or barging the ball carrier, forcing the ball
carrier into touch, etc must be penalised with a free pass and the players concerned reminded of the rules.
11. Prohibited Play:
In Mini Tag Rugby, there is total emphasis on running with the ball, evasion, running in support of the ball carrier,
passing and running to tag the ball carrier. In Mini Tag Rugby there is:
(a) no tackling;
(b) no scrummage;
(c) no line-out;
(d) no kicking;
(e) no hand off/fend off (a hand off being the placing of an open palmed hand by the ball carrier
against an opponent’s face or body while a fend off is an outstretched arm by the ball carrier towards
an opponent to discourage that person making a tag);
(f) no going to ground; and
(g) no ripping of the ball.
Players and match officials must endeavour to ensure the iRB Law of the Game, modified by the following playing
rules, are observed when playing rugby at Under 7 and Under 8:
1. Object:
The object of the game is to score a try (5 points) by placing the ball with a downward pressure on or behind the
opponents’ goal line. A penalty try will be awarded if a try would probably have been scored but for foul play by the
defending team.
For the sake of safety, the ball carrier must remain on their feet at all times and they are not allowed to score a try
by diving over the goal-line. If a player grounds the ball while on their knees, the try should be allowed but,
afterwards, all players should be reminded that they should stay on their feet. A player may not be prevented from
grounding the ball by any physical contact (including placing a hand between ball and ground.
For safety reasons, where Mini Tag Rugby is played indoors or in restricted areas, a try can be scored by the ball
carrier crossing the vertical plane of the goal-line without grounding the ball. This allows players to have their head
up and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
When a try is scored, the game is restarted by a free pass from the centre of the pitch by the non-scoring team.
2. Teams:
Mini Tag Rugby is played between teams of equal numbers of players, each team containing not more than seven
players and not less than five players. Each side can have an agreed number of substitutes. Substituted players
can be re-used at any time. Substitutions can only take place when the ball is “dead” or at half time and always
with the referee’s knowledge.
3. Passing:
The ball can only be passed sideways or backwards through the air, not handed to another player. If the ball is
handed to another player or passed or knocked forwards (towards the opponents’ goal-line) then a free pass is
awarded to the non-offending side, unless advantage occurs to the non-offending side. In order to keep the game
flowing, referees should play advantage wherever possible.
4. Free Passes:
(a) A free pass is used to start the match at the beginning of each half from the centre of the pitch, from the side of
the pitch when the ball goes into touch at the point where the ball went out of play and from where the referee
makes a mark when an infringement has taken place.
(b) At a free pass, the opposition must be 8 metres back from the mark. They cannot start moving forward until the
ball leaves the hands of the passer. At a free pass, the player must start with the ball in both hands and, when
instructed by the referee who will call “PLAY”, pass the ball backwards through the air to a member of their team.
For safety reasons, no player may run until the pass is made. The player taking the free pass must pass the ball
when the referee calls “PLAY”.
(c) If an infringement takes place or the ball goes into touch over the goal-line or within 7 metres of the goal-line,
then the free pass must be awarded to the non offending side 7 metres from the goal-line. This gives more space
for both attacking and defending teams to play in.
5. The Tag:
(a) All players wearing a Tag belt around their waist with two tags attached to it by Velcro positioned over each hip.
Tag belts are to be securely fastened and any excess belt is to be tucked away so that this cannot be pulled by
mistake. Tag belts are to be worn outside of shirts and not obscured in any way. Referees are to be watchful for
tags being wrapped around the belt preventing them from being pulled off.
(b) The standard dimensions for a Tag are 38 cms in length by 5 cms in width although slight variations of a few
millimetres should not be cause for concern. They should be made of a flexible plastic or plastic/canvas material.
Tags are generally provided in red, blue, green and yellow. Colours should be chosen so that they stand out
against the player’s strip et teams with yellow shirts or shorts should not use yellow tags. Coaches are reminded
that the tags are to be positioned on the hips, not at the front or back, which may require the belt to be adjusted
slightly for players with particularly small waists. Placing a knot in between the two Velcro pieces on the belt often
brings the tags into the correct position.
Note: These dimensions and colours are only guidelines to try and achieve uniformity. Mini Tag Rugby games can
continue to be played with Tags that do not comply with these guidelines but, for fairness, in such case both teams
should be wearing the same design of tag belt and tags.
(c) A “TAG” is the removal of one of the two tags from the ball carrier’s belt. Only the ball carrier can be tagged.
The ball carrier can run and dodge potential taggers but cannot fend them off using their hands or the ball and
cannot guard or shield their tags in any way. The ball cannot be pulled out of the ball carrier’s hands at any time.
(d) If a player does not have two tags on their belt, one on each hip, they will be penalised if they become a ball
carrier or if they tag an opponent and a free pass will be awarded to the non-offending side at the place of
infringement.
(e) Actions by the ball carrier:
(1) When the ball carrier is tagged the ball must be passed to a team mate within 3 seconds, this
includes stopping time. The ball carrier must attempt to stop as soon as possible; within 3 strides is a
reasonable guide for referees, but the ball can be passed in the act of stopping. If the pass takes
longer than 3 seconds or the player takes more than 3 strides they must be penalised and a free
pass awarded to the non offending side at the place where the tag occurred.
(2) After the ball has been passed, the player must go to the tagger, retrieve their tag and place it
back on their belt before re-joining play. If the player continues to play and influences the game
without collecting their tag, they must be penalised and a free pass awarded to the non-offending
side at the place of infringement.
(3) Players are however only allowed one step to score a try after being tagged.
(4) If the ball carrier is tagged whilst standing inside the goal area they must ground the ball
immediately in order to score. Referees should help this part of the game along by advising the ball
carrier “Touch the ball down and I’ll award the try”, or similar.
(5) If the ball carrier dives to ground to score a try if will be disallowed and a free pass will be
awarded to the defending side 7 metres out from the goalline.
(f) Actions by the tagger:
(1) When a tag is made, the tagger must stop running, hold the tag above their head and shout,
“TAG”. At this stage the referee must shout, “TAG - PASS”.
(2) If the ball carrier stops running within 1 metre of the tagger, the tagger must move back towards
their own goal-line, at least 1 metre, to allow room for the ball to be passed. If the tagger fails to retire
at least 1 metre before rejoining the game, they are to be considered “offside” and a free pass will be
awarded to the non-offending side at the place of infringement.
(3) Once the ball has been passed, the tagger must hand back the tag to the player and cannot rejoin
the match until this has been done. If a tagger continues to play and influences the match with an
opponent’s tag in their hand, or throws it to the floor, they must be penalised and a free pass
awarded to the non-offending side at the place of infringement.
(g) MINI TAG RUGBY VARIATION (UNDER 8 ONLY). To reward good defence and to promote the attacking side
keeping the ball alive by passing the ball before being tagged, the side in possession of a ball will only be allowed
to be tagged a maximum of 6 times before scoring a try. At the 7th tag, the referee will stop the game and give the
ball to the other side by awarding a free pass at the point that the tag took place. If the 7th tag takes place one step
from the try line and the ball is grounded, the try will be disallowed and the opposition will be given the ball for a
free pass 7 metres out from the goal line, in line with the point the goal line was crossed.
Note: Coaches of the teams may agree to reduce the maximum number of allowable tags to provide more of a
challenge to their players, both in attack and defence. If coaches cannot agree then the 7th tag ruling must be
enforced.
6. Offside:
Offside only occurs at the time of the Tag where the offside line is through the centre of the ball except for the
tagger for whom it is 1 metre further back, as described in Section 5(f) above. When a Tag is made, all the other
players from the tagger’s team must attempt to retire towards their own goal-line until they are behind the ball. If a
player, in an offside position, intercepts, prevents or slows down a pass from the tagged player to a team mate, a
free pass will be awarded to the non-offending side. A player can, however, run from an onside position to intercept
a floated pass before it reaches the intended receiver.
7. Obstruction:
(a) The ball carrier can run and dodge potential taggers but cannot fend them off using their hands or the ball and
cannot guard or shield their tags in any way.
(b) Similarly, the ball carrier or a potential tagger must not deliberately make contact with an opponent.
(c) If such contact is made the game must be stopped, the offender spoken to, reminded of the non-contact rules of
tag and a free pass awarded to the nonoffending side.
(d) If the ball is pulled from the ball carrier’s grasp, a free pass is awarded to the ball carrier’s side.
8. Kicking:
There is no kicking of any kind in Mini Tag Rugby.
9. Ball on the Ground:
Players play Mini Tag Rugby on their feet, with the ball in hand. If the ball goes to ground, players can pick it up but
they must not dive to the floor to recover the ball.
Penalty: free pass to non-offending side and the following rules will apply:
(a) If the ball was lost forward, a free pass is awarded to the non-offending side unless advantage occurs to the
non-offending side.
(b) If the ball carrier falls to the ground with the ball then a free pass will be awarded to the non-offending side.
(c) If the ball is passed other than forward and goes to ground play will continue and either side may pick up the
ball. If the passed ball rolls into touch a free pass will commence from the touchline to the non-passing side.
10. No Contact:
The only contact allowed between the two teams is the removal of a tag from the belt of the ball carrier. Any other
type of contact on the ball carrier, such as shirt pulling, running in front of or barging the ball carrier, forcing the ball
carrier into touch, etc must be penalised with a free pass and the players concerned reminded of the rules.
11. Prohibited Play:
In Mini Tag Rugby, there is total emphasis on running with the ball, evasion, running in support of the ball carrier,
passing and running to tag the ball carrier. In Mini Tag Rugby there is:
(a) no tackling;
(b) no scrummage;
(c) no line-out;
(d) no kicking;
(e) no hand off/fend off (a hand off being the placing of an open palmed hand by the ball carrier
against an opponent’s face or body while a fend off is an outstretched arm by the ball carrier towards
an opponent to discourage that person making a tag);
(f) no going to ground; and
(g) no ripping of the ball.
Further reading