U13-14's

1. The 15 Man Game

The move from Midi rugby to Youth rugby involves a few very distinct and challenging changes.

1.0 Team constitution

The team now comprises 15 players in addition to a solid bank of substitutes as follows

The Front Row
- Tight Head Prop
- Hooker
- Loose Head Prop
Second Row
Back Row
- Open side flanker
- Blind side flanker
- Number 8
Half Backs
- Scrum half
- Fly Half
Centres
- Inside centre
- Outside centre
Back Three
- Right Wing
- Left Wing
- Full Back
Substitutes
- It is advisable that 6 of the squad are trained in the front row positions otherwise uncontested scrums will be enforced

1.1 Pitch Size

The game is now played on a full size pitch

1.2 Law changes

The continuum no longer applies; the game is played as per the adult game with only a few amendments which can be found in the game below. The law amendments only stipulate what is not allowed, the following details what is now allowed

Hand-offs
- Permitted to any part of the body
Grubber kicks and fly hacks
Shortened Line Outs
Quick throw ins at the line out
Number 8 pick up
- ball must be picked up from the hindmost part of the scrum
- Flankers are not allowed to pick up from the base of the scrum
Conversions to be taken in line with where the try was scored

2. Under 19 - Law Variations

The following variations are applicable in domestic Schools and Club Youth rugbymatches in England only.

2.0 General Law Changes from the Continuum

LAW 3 - Number of Players - The Team

3.5 (d) If a team nominates 22 players, it must have at least 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.
3.5 (f) If a team nominates more than 22 players it must have at least 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. There must also be three players who can play in lock position.
3.13 A player who has been substituted may replace an injured player.
Rolling Substitutions
- A player who has been substituted may replace any player, whether or not that player has been injured.
- Players may be exchanged at any time during the match, when the ball is dead, and with the knowledge of the referee

LAW 10 -Temporary Suspension Sin bin Protocol

As per the adult game the player will remain in the Sin Bin for ten minutes actual playing time.
The player will stand out of the field of play, in the vicinity of the half way line, at a place readily identifiable to the referee.
The player must be under the control of the teachers and coaches.
The player should not be isolated and should be given warm clothing to wear whilst serving the temporary suspension

LAW 20 - Scrum

20.1 (f) In an 8 person scrum the formation must be 3-4-1, with the single player (normally the Number 8) shoving on the 2 locks. The locks must pack with their heads on either side of the hooker.
Front rows coming together. Each prop touches the opponent's upper arm and then pause before the front rows meet. The sequence should be: crouch, touch, pause, engage.
Maximum 1.5 metres push. A team in a scrum must not push the scrum more than 1.5 metres towards their opponents' goal-line.
- Penalty: Free Kick
Ball must be released from scrum. A player must not intentionally keep the ball in the scrum once the player's team has heeled the ball and controls it at the base of the scrum.
- Penalty: Free Kick
Incomplete Scum
- Exception: Ateam must have fewer than eight players in its scrum when either the team cannot field a complete team, or a player is sent off for Foul Play, or a player leaves the field because of injury. Even allowing for this exception, each team must always have at least five players in a scrum.
- If a team is incomplete, the scrum formation must be as follows:
  - If a team is without one player, then both teams must use a 3-4 formation (i.e. no No.8).
  - If a team is without two players, then both teams must use a 3-2-1 formation (i.e. no flankers).

2.1 AGE GROUP SPECIFIC LAW VARIATIONS

2.1.1 UNDER 13 TO UNDER 18 INCLUSIVE:

LAW 14 and 15 - Squeeze Ball

No player involved in a match at any age level from under 18 downwards shall use in training or in a match the technique known or referred to as Squeeze ball.
Note: 'Squeeze ball' is a technique where the ball carrier goes to ground, head forward (touching or close to the ground), irrespective of immediate contact with opponents) usually keeping parallel to the touchline, holding and protecting the ball close to the chest and, when on the ground, pushes the ball back between the legs.
Penalty: Penalty Kick

2.1.2 UNDER 13 AND 14

LAW 5 - Time

Playing time not to exceed 25 minutes each way with a size 4 ball.
After 50 minutes of playing time, the referee must not allow extra time to be played in the case of a drawn match on any occasion.
15-a-side Festivals should follow the following pattern:
- Not exceeding 4 matches of 10 minutes each way = 80 minutes

LAW 19 - Line-out

Lifting/supporting is prohibited in these age groups, i.e. a player may not bind to a jumper until that player has returned to the ground.
Penalty: Penalty Kick.

LAW 20 - Scrum

The scrum-half not throwing the ball into the scrum must not move beyond the middle line of the scrum until the ball has emerged from the scrum or an opponent has placed his hands on the ball.
In the event of a strike against the head, the scrum-half who has thrown the ball into the scrum is similarly restricted in not following the ball.

Otherwise the IRB Laws of the Game with Under 19 and Seven-a-Side Variations apply at all times

Conduct

3.1 Players' Code of Conduct

A good player is a self-disciplined person. Stay in control of yourself always
Accept the referee's decision and never argue, without him or her there would not be a game.
Work hard on your own game and learn to co-operate with your team-mates.
Respect the opposition and applaud them afterwards, warmly and genuinely.
Play for yourself, not to please others.
Any form of violence or practice against the laws is not to be encouraged, especially by shouts from the touchline.
Applaud all good play, not just your own team's

3.2 Selection Policy

Player selection for each age group will be made by the coaching staff based on the following criteria:
Skill and playing experience
Size and strength
Fitness
Attendance during the season (A&F Youth section operate a "No Train No Play policy")
Effort and commitment

In the Youth section it is considered that the boys are old enough to elect their own captains. This may be done with some supervision by coaches who may put forward a list of nominees for consideration by their players.

3.3Dress Code

Training (these do not need to be A&F)

Shorts
Rugby top
Socks
Boots (bring trainers for when the pitches are hard and the weather is sunny and warm)
Tracksuit / Drill top (without zips)
Tracksuit bottoms
Waterproofs (tops and bottoms again without zips)
Hat (for the cold weather)
Drink (water is preferable, squash tends to be dehydrating)
Mouthguard + a spare
Spare studs
Spare laces
Gloves
Plenty of layers in the winter time (t-shits, long sleeved tops, Kooga/Nike skin tops or equivalent)
Cycling shorts are good to wear as they help keep the quads and hamstrings warm and are more supportive that boxer shorts or other forms of underwear

Matches (away) - also applicable to coaches and assistant coaching staff

Number 1's
- White Shirt
- Club Ties (available from the club)
- Smart trousers - preferably Kahki/Chinos (dark grey/black school ones will be acceptable)
- Smart shoes (NO trainers)
- Jacket (for Under 17's upwards)
Match Kit
- A&F Shirt
- A&F Shorts
- A&F Socks
- CLEAN boots
- Mouthguard
- Warm and waterproof over clothing for substitutes
- Waterbottle
Matches (home)
- Number 1's not required until the club house is built and available for use
- Match Kit
  - A&F Shirt
  - A&F Shorts
  - A&F Socks
  - CLEAN boots
  - Mouth guard
  - Warm and waterproof over clothing for substitutes
  - Water bottle