FAQs ABOUT RUGBY

When should my child start playing rugby?

Your child can begin playing rugby from approximately four years of age through the Junior Player Pathway. Many players also start rugby at an older age. Players will play in the age group that matches the age they turn during the year. For example, if they turn six during the year they will play in the U6's.

What benefits might my child gain from playing Rugby?

• benefit from physical exercise;
• make new friends;
• develop social and physical skills;
• learn about team work;
• become more resilient;
• grow in self confidence; and
• develop life-long friendships.

Isn't Rugby Union the most dangerous sport to play?

To the contrary, research recently released by Medibank Private found that Rugby Union ranked last behind AFL, Basketball, Netball, Tennis, Cricket, Soccer and Rugby League for injuries.

To read a copy of the report please click here.

I thought you had to be big to play rugby?

No. Rugby requires many varied body shapes and sizes to play the game. From shorter, strong front rowers to tall far reaching second rowers and the fast, nimble outside backs. There is a crucial position for everyone in rugby. Rugby is, however, a contact sport. It is therefore critical that correct tackling techniques are coached and learnt, so that all shapes and sizes coming into contact with each other can tackle in a safe and correct manner. The ARU's SmartRugby program is operational throughout Australia to minimise the risk of injury. To view more on the SmartRugby program click here.

Can boys and girls play together?

Yes - girls and boys can play in Walla rugby in the Under 6's and Under 7's. As girls can play down an agethey can play up to and including the age of 8. As the girls grow older physical differences prohibits mixed teams, so girls can continue to play on in girls only competitions. After school, many women enjoy playing rugby in club competitions.

What if I - or my child - have never played rugby before?

Rugby requires specific skills just like any other sport. In fact, some of our best rugby players started playing other sports first and then converted to rugby. Skills learnt in any other sports will help you learn the basic rugby skills and allow you to quickly adapt to the new game. For the child aged 5 to 12 years, there is a rugby pathway that allows them to be gradually introduced to the game of rugby. This has been developed to suit the development stages of each age group. To view this programme click here.

Are there programs that teach the skills of Rugby to young kids?

Yes. TryRugby is a rugby sports skills program that teaches 5-12 year old girls and boys the basic skills of the game in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. It is conducted by professional instructors, and is run over six consecutive Friday nights at the same convenient time and place. To find out more about TryRugby, the centres in your state and when they are running, click here.

• Western Sydney Minis - Under 6, 7, 8 and 9
• Sydney Juniors - Under 10 and over
• Play Sundays.
  • Under 10s play a 12-a-side game while Under 11s and above play a 15-a-side game.

How long is the season?

The season starts in March and continues through until early-mid August. Teams playing in a competition (9s and above) play in semi-finals and finals thereafter. There are generally 14 rounds before the finals.

Where will the games be played?

The season draw is not normally finalised until approximately four weeks into the season (when school football starts) as the number of teams in each club can vary up until that time. As such we normally have two draws, one for the first four weeks and one for the remainder of the season. Once the draws have been finalised they will be posted on this website.

What gear does my child need before they play the game?

Mouth guards and football boots are the major requirements. Additional padding includes shoulder pads, head gear and shin pads which are optional and offer limited protection in contact situations. As a general safety measure all players must wear mouth guards and we encourage players to wear headgear if they feel more comfortable doing so.

All items of clothing should comply with the International Rugby Board Law 4 and regulations aimed at ensuring safety. As such look for the IRB Approval Mark when purchasing gear. Click here to view approved manufacturers.

Boots must comply with IRB Law 4 and Regulation 12 relating to Player Dress. Click here to view advice regarding boots.

For the convenience of all, our gear has been centralised at Olympus Sports who are situated at The Grove, 166-174 Military Road, Neutral Bay (telephone: (02) 9953 4522). If you need a Mosman jersey, shorts or socks drop in whenever it is convenient. Don't forget they are open until late. They also have a great range of other essential items such as boots, mouth guards, head gear and shoulder pads. Make sure you ask about the Platinum Card which allows any member of the Club a 10% discount on any purchases made from Olympus Sports.

Do my BOOTS comply?

Boots (including "Blades") are covered under IRB Law 4 which deals with "Players" Clothing. Click here to view Law 4. The laws relating to boots are as follows:

LAW 4.3 deals with STUDS as follows:

(a) Studs of players’ boots must conform with the IRB Specification set out in IRB Regulation 12.

(b) Moulded rubber multi-studded soles are acceptable provided they have no sharp edges or ridges.

LAW 4.4 deals with BANNED ITEMS OF CLOTHING and this includes:

(b) A player must not wear any item that is sharp or abrasive.

(g) A player must not wear any other item which does not conform with the IRB Specifications for such clothing (Regulation 12).

(i) A player must not wear a single stud at the toe of the boot.

LAW 4.5 deals with INSPECTION OF PLAYERS’ CLOTHING and this includes:

(a) The referee or the touch judges appointed by or under the authority of the match organiser must inspect the players’ clothing and studs for conformity to this Law.

(b) The referee has power to decide at any time, before or during the match, that part of a player’s clothing is dangerous or illegal. If the referee decides that clothing is dangerous or illegal the referee must order the player to remove it. The player must not take part in the match until the items of clothing are removed.

Are games played during school holidays?

As a general rule games will not be played during normal NSW School Holidays though from time to time this can not be avoided.

Where and when is training held?

2016 u11-17 Penrith DJRU training will take place during Term 2 for approximately 8 weeks at Nepean Rugby Park on Friday evenings or Saturday afternoons.

Why do I need to register my child?

Registration gives players access to the Australian Rugby Union Insurance Scheme. It also gives the ARU a clear understanding on who is playing the game of rugby union. This assists in organising competitions and determining where the game can be developed. All club members, including coaches and referees also have to fill out a ARU membership form and be registered, so they can access the insurance scheme.

Click here to view the current Insurance Coverage Manual.

What does my Registration Fee cover?

Fees are set annually to cover many items including Club gear, ground hire, competition fees and referee costs. The fees also include direct player benefits such as ARU insurance cover and trophy at the end of the season and pair of club socks.

How does the Team Selection process work?

At RSL preference is given to the incumbent playing group but loyalty is a two way street. All players are expected to register by February to ensure we have a place in our teams. Registration opens to the public in February if there are places remaining in teams. As a general rule every year we accept up to 2-3 players as teams require more players as they move up in age groups.

How do I become a Referee?

The NSWRU Referees Department supports over 2000 Referees, Referee Coaches and Touch Judges throughout NSW. They promote refereeing as both a leisure pastime and a pursuit of excellence in officiating.

The NSWRU Referees Department co-ordinates courses, training and development to potential and existing referees across the state. They manage national accreditation for all NSW referees, and promote continuing education to ensure the highest possible quality of officiating is available at all levels of Rugby.

For information on courses, accreditation and education run by NSWRU open to all referees from any association, as well as content specific to the NSW Rugby Referees Association, which is responsible for officiating in all open-age metropolitan rugby, click here.

Who makes the Laws of the game?

The governing body that makes the Laws is the International Rugby Board (IRB). They accept submissions for law changes from all member Unions, of which Australia is one. To view the IRB Laws and Regulations click here.

• All studs worn must comply with Law 4.
• Regulation 12 does not permit any stud to be longer than 21mm in length. This measurement is taken from the base of the stud as seen on the sole of the boot to its tip.
• Referees and Touch Judges will inspect boots only to check that they are safe to play in. They will check that there are no sharp edges or burring etc.
• Check that their studs are safe to play in
• Reject any boots that have sharp edges or burring etc.
• Ask their retailer for confirmation that the manufacturer complies with IRB Specifications
• It is ultimately the responsibility of each individual to make sure that their boots are safe.
• Pre-season trials are held observed by independent selectors;