Rugby Australia - Policies and Guidelines

• All policies and guidelines of Rugby Australia are available at https://australia.rugby/about/codes-and-policies/all-codes-and-policies

Coaching

• At the Norths Pirates, we encourage our coaches to follow our Club coaching philosophy which involves:
  • Skills development
  • Fair play
  • Health and safety
  • Sportmanship and friendship
  • Teamwork 
  • Fun
  • Fair and reasonable game time for all players
  • Running rugby with all players having an opportunity to handle the ball

• To get the best out of your players and ensure you do not lose their attention, preparation for training sessions is key.
• Rugby Australia coaching courses, tips and session planning available at https://australia.rugby/participate/coach/coaching-resources
  
• SmartRugby – to be a coach or referee in Australia SmartRugby is the minimum qualification required. Courses are online via your Rugby Xplorer login myacccount.rugby.com.au, select Learning Centre, which will take you into Rugby Learning Centre, then Browse Learning
• If you are interested in finding out more or would like to enquire about coaching, please contact the Club's coaching coordinator (available at Club contacts - Committee). 

Age Group Overview

• Northern Suburbs Junior Rugby consists of four Norths village clubs - Drummoyne, Hunters Hill, Mosman, Norths Pirates. 
• U6-U9 teams play in the Gordon District Minis comp. Their games are on Saturday mornings, with 1 or 2 games on Sunday mornings. 
• U10-U16 teams play in the Sydney Junior Rugby Union (SJRU) competition. Their games are on Sundays (and some Friday evenings). This is a graded competition.
• The season runs from April to August.

 Under 6s

• First year of rugby union with a strong emphasis on participation, enjoyment and making new friends from the district.
• 7 players on the field at a time.
• There is no tackle or ruck/maul but a two handed grab low (tag) on the shorts.
• Games are played on a quarter of full field.
• Playing time is 2 x 10 mins.

Under 7s

• The children continue for another year with the introduction of non contested three person scrums and two person line outs.
• The development is centred around catch and pass and again with a strong emphasis on participation and having fun.
• 7 players on the field at a time.
• Games are played on a quarter pitch size.
• Playing time is 2 x 15 mins.

Under 8s

• First introduction of tackle and the ruck contest.
• 7 players on the field at a time.
• Games are played on half size field with more room to run.
• Playing time is 2 x 15 mins.
• The safe practices of the tackle and ruck maul are taught by "Smart Rugby" accredited coaches.
  

Under 9s

• Whilst still on half size field, the team increases to 10 with 5 person scrum and 5 backs.
• More positional play is encouraged but with uncontested scrum and line out.
• Playing time is 2 x 20 mins. 
• The opportunity remains for everyone to safely try all positions on the field.

Under 10s

• The games are played on Sundays with grading for the first time.
• The competition covers the Sydney Metropolitan area on a home and away basis.
• Games are competitive scrums and line outs with 12 players on each team.
• The field is almost full field, only 10m narrower (5m each side).
• Playing time is 2 x 20 mins. 
• Conversions, kicks in general play and semi and grand finals are other changes to the first year of juniors.

Under 11s

• Same parameters as the U10s.
• The teams are regraded again to keep competitions fair and safe across the grades.

Under12s - U16s

• 15 players on the field.
• Skills focus is on positional awareness.
• Full size field.
• Playing time is 2 x 25 mins.