WORLD RUGBY defines the 'Laws' of the game for the sport of RUGBY UNION.
You can view and also download the 'Laws' directly from the WORLD RUGBY website.
WORLD RUGBY defines the 'Laws' of the game for the sport of RUGBY UNION.
However there are incidents within a game where the referee cannot rely solely on what is stated within the Laws, but needs to decide how to apply the Laws where possible ambiguity on the application of the Laws exist for a specific action or event.
World Rugby provide clarification for referees, coaches and players regarding how the Laws are to be applied in that given incident.
World Rugby have a specific section within their website containing these 'clarifications on Laws'.
England Rugby / Rugby Football Union (RFU) have a set of information to help with playing the game, as well as 'Regulations' that determine how rugby union is to be played. The 'Regulations' include the 'Age Grade Rugby' RFU Regulation 15 which contains the 'Codes of Practice' for players up to and including U18s.
'RFU Regulation 15' defines which parts of Rugby Union can be played taking into account age of the player. This includes
It is a requirement that 'RFU Regulation 15' and its' contained 'Codes of Practice' are adhered to by all Clubs, Schools, Sixth Forms and Colleges.
The information provided here is only part of the 'RFU Regulation 15' 'Codes of Practices'.
The Age Grade Bands for GIRLS rugby are listed below. These include the allowance of combined Age Bands.
U7s (Yr 2s)
U8s (Yr 3s)
U9s (Yr 4s)
U10s (Yr 5s)
U11s (Yr 6s)
U12s (Yr 7s)
U13s (Yr 8s)
U14s (Yr 9s)
Combined U14s
U13s & U14s
U15s (Yr 10s)
U16s (Yr 11s)
Combined U16s
U15s & U16s
U17s (Yr 12s)
U18s (Yr 13s)
Combined U18s
U17s & U18s
It is not a requirement for matches to be played using the combined Age Grade Bands.
The priority for matches to be played using the single Age Grade Band.
Certain age grades are permitted to be combined together. Regulation 15.2.2 defines the Codes of Practice when Age Grades are being combined.
The following is stated in Regulation 15.2.2:
If age grades are being combined, the following conditions must be met:
(a) the school does not have a sufficient number of players to make up a team in the single age grade;
(b) the school or club completes the online Combining Out of Age Grade Form and process;
(c) the school’s headteacher or the club’s Constituent Body provides written approval (such approval to be valid for up to one season only);
(d) no more than a third of the players of each team on the pitch at any time can be from the older age grade (the specific numbers are as shown in Regulation 15.5);
(e) the team plays to the rules of the younger age grade;
(f) the provisions of Regulation 15.5 are followed in relation to U11 girls and the girls U12, 14, 16 and 18 age bands; and
(g) if approval is given, the club/college/school must notify the opposing team at least 24 hours in advance of the game although an opposition’s objection shall not prevent the player from playing.
It is not a requirement for matches to be played using the combined Age Grade Bands.
The priority for matches to be played using the single Age Grade Band.
Certain age grades are permitted to be combined together. Regulation 15.2.2 defines the Codes of Practice when Age Grades are being combined.
The following is stated in Regulation 15.2.2:
If age grades are being combined, the following conditions must be met:
(a) the school does not have a sufficient number of players to make up a team in the single age grade;
(b) the school or club completes the online Combining Out of Age Grade Form and process;
(c) the school’s headteacher or the club’s Constituent Body provides written approval (such approval to be valid for up to one season only);
(d) no more than a third of the players of each team on the pitch at any time can be from the older age grade (the specific numbers are as shown in Regulation 15.5);
(e) the team plays to the rules of the younger age grade;
(f) the provisions of Regulation 15.5 are followed in relation to U11 girls and the girls U12, 14, 16 and 18 age bands; and
(g) if approval is given, the club/college/school must notify the opposing team at least 24 hours in advance of the game although an opposition’s objection shall not prevent the player from playing.
There are two main areas within England Rugby (RFU) to assist with the development of girls rugby within your school.
These being:
England Rugby provide great information to help you with developing rugby within your School. This includes:
How to play the different formats of rugby:
England Rugby Schools have a set of information to help Schools
The England Rugby Schools is the schools arm of the RFU with around 2,000 member schools.
By joining, your School will become part of your local Schools Union.
They can help with your girls rugby development by providing playing, competition and teacher development opportunities.
Their mission statement is:
HEADCASE is part of 'England Rugby' overarching player safety and wellbeing programme, RugbySafe.
The HEADCASE programme aims to increase understanding and provide information on concussion and other related topics, including how to prevent and manage suspected concussions.
It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading concussion awareness and education resources.
The HEADCASE Essential Guide is the document for the key points and important information about how to identify and manage suspected concussions.
The HEADCASE Graduated Return to Activity and Sport (GRAS) programme document provides a step by step guide on the return to play programme.
HEADCASE is part of 'England Rugby' overarching player safety and wellbeing programme, RugbySafe.
The HEADCASE programme aims to increase understanding and provide information on concussion and other related topics, including how to prevent and manage suspected concussions.
It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading concussion awareness and education resources.
The HEADCASE Essential Guide is the document for the key points and important information about how to identify and manage suspected concussions.
The HEADCASE Graduated Return to Activity and Sport (GRAS) programme document provides a step by step guide on the return to play programme.
'England Rugby' have published a guidance on areas that will assist Coaches who are coaching Girls Rugby.
There are sections for each specific Age Bands, these being
U7s - U11s
U12s
U14s
U16s
U18s
ACTIVATE is part of 'England Rugby' overarching player safety and wellbeing programme, RugbySafe.
It puts player welfare at the heart of the game and covers how to organise and manage the game so that it is played in as safe and enjoyable manner as possible.
ACTIVATE Injury Prevention Exercise Programme can be integrated into training and pre-match sessions. The exercises are designed to improve functional and core strength, balance and agility, helping players with the game’s physical demands.
England Rugbys' RugbySafe Essential Guides provide comprehensive information regarding clothing, the use of goggles and management of medical conditions for girls playing rugby.
For clothing, goggles etc, this includes:
Boots & Allowable Boot Studs
Mouthguards
Headguards
Goggles
Breast Padding
Sports Bras
Shoulder Pads
Shin Guards
Face Masks
Headscarves & Religious Head-dress
World Rugby have a list of approved devices. If you are unsure what to buy it maybe worth checking this list prior to purchase.
To support the development of girl players England Rugby has provided support material covering many aspects of female health and well being. Some of the subjects covered include:
Provides information for rugby athletes, coaches and support staff about the menstrual cycle and its potential influence on training.
Discusses the journey through puberty and what an athlete can do to look after themselves during this phase of their development.
Provides information on breast health considerations when participating in rugby activities.
This includes information and tools when buying and using sports bras.
Provides information on mental health, identifying when a player might need support. The information also provides mental skills that can support psychological safety and enhance the players performance on the pitch.
Pelvic specific health and how it can be impacted by exercise and how to maintain it.
GMS is the official 'England Rugby' Game Management System (GMS).
If you are involved with the coaching and/or refereeing at the your School, Sixth Form and/or College there are many courses available to support your own development and to ensure best practice. These courses and how to attend/book are listed on the 'England Rugby' Game Management System (GMS).
Create an account
You will need to create your own Account, after which, you can book Courses etc, and keep a record of your education/qualifications. You will also be assigned your own personal RFU ID number.
You can also have your School, Sixth Form or College as an organisation.
Members of staff who also have an RFU ID on GMS can be assigned to the organisation.
Pupils
Pupils who play rugby at the School, Sixth Form and College and are not registered on GMS associated with a Rugby Club can have an account and link this to your organisation.
This is particularly useful when arranging attendance to group courses etc.
The pupils account needs to be set up by their parent(s) or person with official responsibility for that pupil.
England Rugby / Rugby Football Union (RFU) have a set of information to help with playing the game, as well as 'Regulations' that determine how rugby union is to be played.
These 'Regulations' include the 'Age Grade Rugby' RFU Regulation 15 which contains the 'Codes of Practice' for players up to and including U18s.
Clustering
Schools, Sixth Forms and Colleges may not always have enough players to allow them to participate in fixtures.
One solution is for two or more Schools, Sixth Forms or Colleges to join their squads together to form a single team, allowing the playing of fixtures possible.
Within RFU Regulation 15 this is known as 'clustering' with the requirement to allow this contained within section 15.13 Clusters.
Below contains information stated within section 15.13 Clusters:
15.13.1 Teams from two or more Clubs, Schools or Colleges may Cluster in their age grades as a short term measure in order to increase participation, provided that the following conditions are met:
(a) a primary Club, School or College is identified and agreed by all Clubs, Schools or Colleges within the Cluster;
(b) all Players must be registered to their own Club on GMS; and
(c) no Clusters may participate in any of the competitions set out in Regulation 15.14.
15.13.2 If teams from two or more Clubs, Schools or College Cluster on more than three occasions in a Season, they must:
(a) jointly register the Cluster with their Constituent Body via the following form: Age Grade Cluster Registration Form; and
(b) If teams involved in a Cluster are members of separate Constituent Bodies, they must register with each Constituent Body with which a participant Team in the Cluster is a member using the form in 15.13.2(a) above.
WORLD RUGBY defines the 'Laws' of the game for the sport of RUGBY UNION.
You can view and also download the 'Laws' directly from the WORLD RUGBY website.
WORLD RUGBY defines the 'Laws' of the game for the sport of RUGBY UNION.
However there are incidents within a game where the referee cannot rely solely on what is stated within the Laws, but needs to decide how to apply the Laws where possible ambiguity on the application of the Laws exist for a specific action or event.
World Rugby provide clarification for referees, coaches and players regarding how the Laws are to be applied in that given incident.
World Rugby have a specific section within their website containing these 'clarifications on Laws'.
England Rugby / Rugby Football Union (RFU) have a set of information to help with playing the game, as well as 'Regulations' that determine how rugby union is to be played. The 'Regulations' include the 'Age Grade Rugby' RFU Regulation 15 which contains the 'Codes of Practice' for players up to and including U18s.
'RFU Regulation 15' defines which parts of Rugby Union can be played taking into account age of the player. This includes
It is a requirement that 'RFU Regulation 15' and its' contained 'Codes of Practice' are adhered to by all Clubs, Schools, Sixth Forms and Colleges.
The information provided here is only part of the 'RFU Regulation 15' 'Codes of Practices'.
The Age Grade Bands for GIRLS rugby are listed below. These include the allowance of combined Age Bands.
U7s (Yr 2s)
U8s (Yr 3s)
U9s (Yr 4s)
U10s (Yr 5s)
U11s (Yr 6s)
U12s (Yr 7s)
U13s (Yr 8s)
U14s (Yr 9s)
Combined U14s
U13s & U14s
U15s (Yr 10s)
U16s (Yr 11s)
Combined U16s
U15s & U16s
U17s (Yr 12s)
U18s (Yr 13s)
Combined U18s
U17s & U18s
It is not a requirement for matches to be played using the combined Age Grade Bands.
The priority for matches to be played using the single Age Grade Band.
Certain age grades are permitted to be combined together. Regulation 15.2.2 defines the Codes of Practice when Age Grades are being combined.
The following is stated in Regulation 15.2.2:
If age grades are being combined, the following conditions must be met:
(a) the school does not have a sufficient number of players to make up a team in the single age grade;
(b) the school or club completes the online Combining Out of Age Grade Form and process;
(c) the school’s headteacher or the club’s Constituent Body provides written approval (such approval to be valid for up to one season only);
(d) no more than a third of the players of each team on the pitch at any time can be from the older age grade (the specific numbers are as shown in Regulation 15.5);
(e) the team plays to the rules of the younger age grade;
(f) the provisions of Regulation 15.5 are followed in relation to U11 girls and the girls U12, 14, 16 and 18 age bands; and
(g) if approval is given, the club/college/school must notify the opposing team at least 24 hours in advance of the game although an opposition’s objection shall not prevent the player from playing.
It is not a requirement for matches to be played using the combined Age Grade Bands.
The priority for matches to be played using the single Age Grade Band.
Certain age grades are permitted to be combined together. Regulation 15.2.2 defines the Codes of Practice when Age Grades are being combined.
The following is stated in Regulation 15.2.2:
If age grades are being combined, the following conditions must be met:
(a) the school does not have a sufficient number of players to make up a team in the single age grade;
(b) the school or club completes the online Combining Out of Age Grade Form and process;
(c) the school’s headteacher or the club’s Constituent Body provides written approval (such approval to be valid for up to one season only);
(d) no more than a third of the players of each team on the pitch at any time can be from the older age grade (the specific numbers are as shown in Regulation 15.5);
(e) the team plays to the rules of the younger age grade;
(f) the provisions of Regulation 15.5 are followed in relation to U11 girls and the girls U12, 14, 16 and 18 age bands; and
(g) if approval is given, the club/college/school must notify the opposing team at least 24 hours in advance of the game although an opposition’s objection shall not prevent the player from playing.
There are two main areas within England Rugby (RFU) to assist with the development of girls rugby within your school.
These being:
England Rugby provide great information to help you with developing rugby within your School. This includes:
How to play the different formats of rugby:
England Rugby Schools have a set of information to help Schools
The England Rugby Schools is the schools arm of the RFU with around 2,000 member schools.
By joining, your School will become part of your local Schools Union.
They can help with your girls rugby development by providing playing, competition and teacher development opportunities.
Their mission statement is:
HEADCASE is part of 'England Rugby' overarching player safety and wellbeing programme, RugbySafe.
The HEADCASE programme aims to increase understanding and provide information on concussion and other related topics, including how to prevent and manage suspected concussions.
It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading concussion awareness and education resources.
The HEADCASE Essential Guide is the document for the key points and important information about how to identify and manage suspected concussions.
The HEADCASE Graduated Return to Activity and Sport (GRAS) programme document provides a step by step guide on the return to play programme.
HEADCASE is part of 'England Rugby' overarching player safety and wellbeing programme, RugbySafe.
The HEADCASE programme aims to increase understanding and provide information on concussion and other related topics, including how to prevent and manage suspected concussions.
It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading concussion awareness and education resources.
The HEADCASE Essential Guide is the document for the key points and important information about how to identify and manage suspected concussions.
The HEADCASE Graduated Return to Activity and Sport (GRAS) programme document provides a step by step guide on the return to play programme.
'England Rugby' have published a guidance on areas that will assist Coaches who are coaching Girls Rugby.
There are sections for each specific Age Bands, these being
U7s - U11s
U12s
U14s
U16s
U18s
ACTIVATE is part of 'England Rugby' overarching player safety and wellbeing programme, RugbySafe.
It puts player welfare at the heart of the game and covers how to organise and manage the game so that it is played in as safe and enjoyable manner as possible.
ACTIVATE Injury Prevention Exercise Programme can be integrated into training and pre-match sessions. The exercises are designed to improve functional and core strength, balance and agility, helping players with the game’s physical demands.
England Rugbys' RugbySafe Essential Guides provide comprehensive information regarding clothing, the use of goggles and management of medical conditions for girls playing rugby.
For clothing, goggles etc, this includes:
Boots & Allowable Boot Studs
Mouthguards
Headguards
Goggles
Breast Padding
Sports Bras
Shoulder Pads
Shin Guards
Face Masks
Headscarves & Religious Head-dress
World Rugby have a list of approved devices. If you are unsure what to buy it maybe worth checking this list prior to purchase.
To support the development of girl players England Rugby has provided support material covering many aspects of female health and well being. Some of the subjects covered include:
Provides information for rugby athletes, coaches and support staff about the menstrual cycle and its potential influence on training.
Discusses the journey through puberty and what an athlete can do to look after themselves during this phase of their development.
Provides information on breast health considerations when participating in rugby activities.
This includes information and tools when buying and using sports bras.
Provides information on mental health, identifying when a player might need support. The information also provides mental skills that can support psychological safety and enhance the players performance on the pitch.
Pelvic specific health and how it can be impacted by exercise and how to maintain it.
GMS is the official 'England Rugby' Game Management System (GMS).
If you are involved with the coaching and/or refereeing at the your School, Sixth Form and/or College there are many courses available to support your own development and to ensure best practice. These courses and how to attend/book are listed on the 'England Rugby' Game Management System (GMS).
Create an account
You will need to create your own Account, after which, you can book Courses etc, and keep a record of your education/qualifications. You will also be assigned your own personal RFU ID number.
You can also have your School, Sixth Form or College as an organisation.
Members of staff who also have an RFU ID on GMS can be assigned to the organisation.
Pupils
Pupils who play rugby at the School, Sixth Form and College and are not registered on GMS associated with a Rugby Club can have an account and link this to your organisation.
This is particularly useful when arranging attendance to group courses etc.
The pupils account needs to be set up by their parent(s) or person with official responsibility for that pupil.
England Rugby / Rugby Football Union (RFU) have a set of information to help with playing the game, as well as 'Regulations' that determine how rugby union is to be played.
These 'Regulations' include the 'Age Grade Rugby' RFU Regulation 15 which contains the 'Codes of Practice' for players up to and including U18s.
Clustering
Schools, Sixth Forms and Colleges may not always have enough players to allow them to participate in fixtures.
One solution is for two or more Schools, Sixth Forms or Colleges to join their squads together to form a single team, allowing the playing of fixtures possible.
Within RFU Regulation 15 this is known as 'clustering' with the requirement to allow this contained within section 15.13 Clusters.
Below contains information stated within section 15.13 Clusters:
15.13.1 Teams from two or more Clubs, Schools or Colleges may Cluster in their age grades as a short term measure in order to increase participation, provided that the following conditions are met:
(a) a primary Club, School or College is identified and agreed by all Clubs, Schools or Colleges within the Cluster;
(b) all Players must be registered to their own Club on GMS; and
(c) no Clusters may participate in any of the competitions set out in Regulation 15.14.
15.13.2 If teams from two or more Clubs, Schools or College Cluster on more than three occasions in a Season, they must:
(a) jointly register the Cluster with their Constituent Body via the following form: Age Grade Cluster Registration Form; and
(b) If teams involved in a Cluster are members of separate Constituent Bodies, they must register with each Constituent Body with which a participant Team in the Cluster is a member using the form in 15.13.2(a) above.
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WORLD RUGBY is the overall governing body for the sport of Rugby Union.
Tournaments such as the World Cup and WXV are defined by World Rugby, as well as the 'Laws' of the game.
It is then the responsibility of the Regional Governing Bodies to ensure the Laws are utilised, as well as setting their own 'Regulations' and 'Rules' for implementation locally.
For example, 'England Rugby', also known as the 'RFU', are responsible for the game of Rugby Union within England.