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Schools & Youth Rugby

The game at Schools and Youth level is played according to the IRB Laws, with the following exceptions:-

Law 3 - NUMBER OF PLAYERS

1.1 If a team nominates 22 players, it must have at least six players who can play in the front row and there must be replacement cover for the loose head prop, hooker and tight head prop.

1.2 If a team nominates more than 22 players it must have six players who can play in the front row in order that there is replacement cover for the loose head prop, hooker and tight head prop and there must be three players who can play in the lock positions.

1.3 Players who have been substituted may replace an injured player

Law 5 - Time

2.1 Each half of an Under-19 match lasts 35 minutes playing time. Play in a match lasts no longer than 70 minutes. After a total of 70 minutes playing time, the referee must not allow extra time to be played in the case of a drawn match in a knock-out competition.

Law 20 - Scrummage

3.1 During formation the props should touch their opponents upper arm in the sequence:- CROUCH, TOUCH, PAUSE, ENGAGE.

3.2 Both teams must always have the same number in the scrum – i.e. 8 in normal circumstances. If one team is short a player or players both teams must scrummage with the same numbers.

3.3 If a team is unable to field a front five forward, non contested scrums will be implemented.

3.4 The scrummage shall not be wilfully wheeled. (PK)

3.5 An unintentional wheel must not go beyond 45 degrees. If the scrum has wheeled more than 45 degrees, the referee shall re-set the scrum with the same team throwing in the ball.

3.6 A team must not push the scrum more than 1.5 metres. (FK)

3.7 The scrum formation must be 3-4-1, with the No.8 binding between the two locks. The No.8 is the only player allowed to detach and pick up the ball.

3.8 The ball must emerge from the scrum without delay (A player may control the ball but not hold it in). (FK)

3.9 The Schools & Youth Variations take precedence over the Laws of the Game.

3.10 In all matches where replacements are authorised, the front row replacements must be named and advised to the referee prior to the match. This must include the position (prop or hooker) for which the replacements are designated.
In the event of a team – due to injury, temporary suspension or sending off of a prop or hooker – having no further designated replacement for that position, the referee will order non-contested scrums.

3.11 In all matches where replacements are not authorised, the referee will immediately order non-contested scrums, in the event of injury, temporary suspension or sending off of a front row player.


U15 SCHOOLS & U16 YOUTH ONLY: (Domestic Variation)

The following applies in Schools Rugby up to and including Under 15, and in Youth Rugby up to and including Under 16. It is inclusive of competitions, such as Junior Cup and Medallion Shield.

Law 23B - Lineout

Lifting
• Support or lifting will NOT be allowed.

• Players may not bind on their jumpers, until these players have returned to the ground.

• Referees are asked to adjust their approach when refereeing at the levels defined above to ensure that this is enforced.

• The sanction for an offence is a free kick

SAFETY

The following are additional notes on safety; relevant to schools and Youth rugby at all age groups: -

5.1 Safety of the players will always be the referees priority.

5.2 If the referee sees a player in a potentially unsafe or vulnerable position, he will immediately stop play. It is not advisable for the referee to play advantage when there has been an injury or foul play has occurred.

5.3 The Tackle
Referees will be strict in penalising:

• High tackles, late tackles or shoulder tackles where no attempt is made to grasp the opponent.

• Players who tackle opponents whilst their feet are off the ground jumping to catch the ball either in the lineout, or in open play.

5.4 Players Dress
Clothing and studs must comply with the letter of the Law. No player is permitted to wear anything which is a danger to the opposition or to the wearer. No braces or supports which contain hard material – whether covered or not – are permitted. All padding must have the International Rugby Board logo on it.

5.5 Ruck & Maul
If a maul or ruck collapses the referee should not allow play to continue unless the ball emerges without delay.