Field: A field no larger than 60 yards in length and 40 yards in width. 40 x 25 is recommended for U8, though the size of the field can be adapted to suit the age, ability, and team size of the teams participating. The try zone should be 5 yards deep from the try line and clearly marked with cones.
Time: A game is made up of two halves. It is recommended that each half last between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on player’s age and ability. Halftime should be 2 minutes in length.
Gender: Mixed.
Ball Size: 3
Kicking: No kicking
Apparel: U8 players may wear leggings or tights as a safety precaution against abrasions ONLY during a game that is being played on artificial turf.
Players: Rookie Rugby is played between two teams with equal numbers of players on each team. Each team contains no more than seven players and no less than four. Each team may have an agreed number of substitutions. Substituted players may return to play, but only when play has stopped. Each player is encouraged to play every position on the field. Keep team numbers at or below 7v7! Rookie Rugby is about learning and participation. More players on the field means less opportunity for each player to pass, run, catch, defend, and score.
Coaches: Coaches are allowed on the field of play to teach players general and positional play during the season, but will not be allowed on field at the end of season tournament. Prepare accordingly.
Scrum: No scrums. Free pass is awarded to opposing team at the spot of the infraction.
Lineout: If the ball is passed or carried out of bounds a free pass is used to restart play. The free pass should be one yard in field from the sideline, in line with the line of touch.
Offside: An imaginary line is drawn through the ball once a flag is pulled, which indicates where the defense must be in order to play the ball. After a flag is pulled, all defensive players must retreat to in front of the ball Offside at a free pass is 5 yards from the ball. Defenders must not prevent the pass from being made.
Flag Etiquette: While the offensive team attempts to move the ball forward, the defensive team will attempt to slow them down by pulling the ball carrier’s flag, simulating a tackle. Once the ball carrier’s flag is removed the game will continue by using the following flag etiquette:
- Step 1: Defender removes the flag, holds it up in the air and yells, “FLAG!” The defender is now out of play and should stand still.
- Step 2: The ball carrier must pass the ball to a teammate within three steps or three seconds. After the pass, the player witha flag missing is out of play.
- Step 3: While play continues, the defender must return the flag to the offensive player before they can return to play. The defender must hand the flag to the offensive player.
- Step 4: The player whose flag was removed must replace their flag on their belt before returning to play.
Free pass: A free pass is an uncontested pass allowed from one player to a teammate. A free pass is used to start the following:
- Each half of the match at the center of the field.
- Restart after a try is scored. The non-scoring team restarts play from the center of the half way line.
- Restart after turnover or a penalty offense, from the spot of the infraction.
- After the sixth flag pull by the defense.
To make a free pass, the referee calls “Play” and the player passes the ball backwards to a member of the player’s own team. The opposition team must remain five yards back from the free pass until the ball leaves the passer’s hands. If a free pass would otherwise occur within five yards of the try line, move the free pass five yards away from the try line.
A turnover will occur with the opposing team being awarded a free pass at the spot of the penalty for:
- Kicking
- Contact of any kind (pushing, tackling, fending, pushing away a defender’s attempt to pull a flag)
- Offside
- Obstruction
- Failing to pass the ball after three steps or three seconds
- Dangerous play – includes diving to score a try or to retrieve a ball on the ground
- Any act that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship in the playing enclosure
