JUNIOR RULES

Why should my child be involved in the Junior Player Pathway?

• Provides children with a safe and enjoyable introduction to the skills and tactical principles of the game of Rugby Union
• Allow young players to be introduced to physical & skill practices at a pace appropriate to their stage of growth, maturation and development
• Creates opportunities for all young players to be actively involved in a healthy sporting environment. The focus being on maximising activity and participation levels
• The desirable qualities of rugby - sportsmanship and fair play - are positively rewarded, with minimal emphasis on competition
• At all times safety is a paramount consideration. All programs / components of the Junior Player Pathway have been specifically designed to provide a safe environment for both male and female players, while learning relevant skills
• The Modified Junior Player Pathway games provide the basic skills and understanding of set plays through the modified scrum, maul and lineout situations
• The essential feature of Rugby within the Junior Player Pathway is one of enjoyment
• Irrespective of size, body shape or ability, players are given the opportunity to reach their potential in a caring, fun and safe environment

The Junior Player Pathway Modified Games of Walla, Mini & Midi resemble the adult form of Rugby from which they derive. They have been specially adapted to be more suitable for the player's stage of life, physical capability, health status, skill level and previous experience.

They are safe to play yet still challenging. These games have altered aspects of adult Rugby Laws to achieve suitability, such as the size of the ball, the playing area, the length of games and the playing numbers on the field.

Penrith Junior teams play under the Pathway system in the following Age Groups:

6 to 7 years - Walla Rugby

As the first introduction to the game, Walla Rugby is played on a modified field to cater for the young age group, ensuring that each player will experience maximum involvement. It is a simple, non-tackling introduction to the game. It has been designed to focus on the game principles of Possession, Go Forward and Pressure; the individual skills of Passing and Receiving, Running and Evasion; and tagging; as well as the game elements of Ball take, Scrum and Lineout. Walla is player on a smaller field and with only 7 players.

To view the Walla Law Book click here.

8 to 9 years - Mini Rugby

Mini Rugby continues the theme of free-flowing running and passing Rugby action. However most importantly it introduces the young player to the contact elements of the game. It has been designed to teach the Game principles of Possession, Go Forward and Pressure with greater emphasis on the tactical principle of Support. It also teaches the individual skills of Passing and Receiving; Running and Evasion; Contact; Kicking and Tackling; as well as the game elements of Ruck, Maul, Scrum and Lineout. Mini is played on a smaller field with 10 players in each team.

To view the Mini Law Book click here.

10 to 11 years - Midi Rugby

Midi rugby is the stepping-stone to the full game. It is played between twelve or fifteen players on a standard size field, with more elements of the Under 19 game being introduced. It has been designed to teach the Game principles of Possession, Go Forward, Pressure, Support with greater emphasis on the principle of Continuity. It also teaches the individual skills of Passing and Receiving; Running and Evasion; Contact; Kicking and Tackling; as well as the game elements of Ruck, Maul, Scrum and Lineout.

To view the Midi Law Book click here.

12 to 17 years - U/19 Rules

These forms of Rugby provide an appropriate learning environment for appropriate age groups that stimulates interest and maximises participation. They can also be used as an introductory activity for new players of all ages.

To view the Under 19 Law Variations click here.