Note that if not stated, then normal laws of rugby apply. E.g. Forward passing, Knocking forward, Offside, Blocking, etc. are not allowed.
Under-10, Under-12, Under-15 (All co-ed), and U-15 Girls. Each player should be within the age group on the day of the game.
The size of the rugby pitch for all Non-Contact games should be a minimum size of 50 meters X 40 meters. This size is an approximate size only, and is left to the discretion of the hosting team. The U-15 and U-12 teams shall use a #4 size ball, while the the U-10 and under shall use a #3 size ball.
A Non-Contact team shall comprise of 7 players on the field at any given time. There shall be 3 Forwards, a scrumhalf, and 3 backs. Unlimited substitution is permitted to enable all players to participate in the game. When substitution is required, the coach shall inform the referee, and seek permission to do so.
A Non-Contact game shall comprise of two halves of 15 minutes each, with a break of 3 minutes in between. There shall be no injury time. 5 Points shall be awarded for each try scored.
A player is “tackled” when an opposing team player tags the player with the ball with TWO hands simultaneously. A one handed tag is not regarded as a tag. All tags should preferably be on the waist.
Frontal tags above the waist, and tags with force are not permitted, and is regarded as dangerous play. The referee is permitted to send off the field, any player who indulges in dangerous play.
When a player is tagged, the player has the option to pass the ball to another player within 2 SECONDS (Count of one thousand one – one thousand two) or to PLACE THE BALL ON THE GROUND directly in front of him (and get out of the way). If the ball is placed on the ground, the opposing team has to move back 5 METERS. The 5 meter law shall be enforced by the referee at all times.
Play is restarted when a player from the team that has the ball (on the ground) taps the ball with his foot and passes it to another player. THE PLAYER THAT TAPS THE BALL CANNOT RUN WITH THE BALL, AND HAS TO PASS IT. Immediately upon the ball being tapped, the opposing team can advance.
The player that is tagged CANNOT GAIN SIGNIFICANT GROUND (GREATER THAN 3 STEPS) after he is tagged (this is to replicate a tackle, where a player is brought down, and cannot go further) and HAS TO PASS THE BALL IMMEDIATELY OR PLACE IT ON THE GROUND. If the player with the ball gains MORE THAN 3 STEPS after he is tagged, the referee will bring the ball back to the initial position where he was tagged. The team that had possession will still retain it, and re-start play with a tap.
If a tap-kick is taken within 5 meters of the opposing teams try line, the 5 Meter law does not apply, and instead, the opposing team stands immediately behind the try line.
The ball shall be turned over to the opposing team after the team with the ball has been tagged and/or placed the ball on the ground 5 TIMES. The opposing team shall restart play from the same place where play ended, by taking a tap. The 5 meter rule shall apply.
In the U-12 and below divisions, the scrum shall remain UNOPPOSED. There shall be no pushing, and the side that puts the ball in HAS TO WIN THE BALL.
In the U-15 division all scrums shall be OPPOSED. The scrum shall not move more than 1.5 meters or be wheeled at any time. Any violation shall result in a penalty. For safety reasons, the referee shall instruct the players to “crouch-touch-engage”, and also shout “ball out” as soon as the ball leaves the scrum.
All scrums will comprise of 3 players from each side (Prop-Hooker-Prop)
All line-outs WILL BE CONTESTED, with 2 players from each team jumping. For safety reasons, there shall be no lifting, and the referee shall ensure that a tunnel of one meter be kept. The hooker (or any player taking his/her position) can throw the ball in. All other rugby rules will apply.
Kicking is permitted any time during the game, and all off-side rugby laws apply.
There will be no conversions after a try, and the opposing team will kick-off from the center line (via a drop kick). The team kicking off shall wait until all players of the team that scored the try cross the center line before he kicks the ball.
An opposing team player picking up the ball immediately after a try is scored, running to the center line, and kicking off, is strongly discouraged.
Dangerous play will not be tolerated, and all rugby laws regarding foul play will be enforced.
Any player that uses foul language shall be sent to the ‘sin bin’ for 5 MINUTES. Repeated use of foul language will result in the player being sent out for the rest of the game, and possibly banned for the rest of the day. This decision will be made by the referee. No substitution is allowed when a player is sent to the sin bin.
Whenever possible, a certified Non-Contact referee should referee the game. Coaches of the teams that will be playing in the game are strongly discouraged from refereeing that particular game. All efforts will be made to find a referee who has no affiliation to the two teams on the field.
Coaches, players, or spectators will not question a referee’s decision during the game, but if needed, the coach will discuss the incident after the game with the referee. No decision on the field shall be reversed after the final whistle has been blown.
ALL OTHER LAWS OF RUGBY SHALL APPLY.
The above laws are to guide each team to play Non-Contact rugby in a safe and enjoyable manner. Let us make rugby a game that our youth can enjoy for years to come….