Rugby: modified

I'm trying to work out what the best age is to introduce contact to children (tackling, mauling, rucking). I think learning early how to handle contact safely is very important, but at the same time, I want to make sure it is not too early. Are there any universal guidelines, or does it vary from national union to national union?

Hi, I am a coach for the under 13’s at our club. Recently during one of our meetings I raised a concern about the possibility of players playing in full contact games, drills and training. I and my fellow coaches appear to disagree on whether a young player can still take part in full contact drills, training or game if he does not have his mouth guard with him. I’m informed that the club’s guidelines are that if his/her parent is present and gives permission or there is a letter stating that it is ok for that player to play without his/her mouth guard then we as club and coaches are able to play that player. I know that the RFU have also provided a guideline that mouth guards are recommended at all times but the position I am taking is that we, as club and as individuals, have a duty of care and if we knowingly allow anybody to play without the correct protection and an injury occurs we may be likely to be found guilty of negligence even if we have that prior permission. I do not believe that a letter or verbal permission abrogates us from our responsibility of caring for our players…especially the young. Maybe I am reading too much into this but the Health and Safety Act is an enabling act (possibly doesn’t cover sport- not sure about that) where the responsibility of safety is inherent in everybody not just nominated persons and with the litigation climate in this country becoming more like the USA I would hate for one of our parents to get "legal" if one of their little dears gets injured. Dentistry is not cheap. My approach is if the player does not have their gumshields then they cannot take part in any contact . Period…just in case. Do we have anybody who could clarify this point. Kind regards David

During a recent U17's league game, the opposing side took two consecutive quick tap penalties. During a break in play shortly after, as the coach attending an injured player, I questioned the referee on the legality of this passage of play, as my understanding was that two consecutive quick taps, used to catch the opposition in an offside position and therefore gain terratorial advantage, was not allowed under current law. The referee responded that this law is at his discretion and when we discussed after the game, he stated there is no such aw and that it is a "gentlemens agreement". I have since reviewed the laws on penalties and there is no specific law preventing a side taking two quick tap penalties. Has anyone else come across this interpretation and how can this be managed consistantly if when watching elite games, such a move is not allowed yet can be allowed at junior level ?

Hi there. Does anyone have any session plans on back row support of 12 taking quick ball off the top of a lineout?

I coach under 8's and next season they will start contact. When am I allowed to start teaching them tackling skills? I sit january during their under 8 season or at the start of the under 9 season ?

Tackle and release. What is the best way to teach the new application of law 15.4 and 15.5 as played in the Super14. This application of the law is also applied to all levels of rugby in SA.

Hi there, just advice, I currently play for a local team, only social rugby, I love the sport, but so does my little boy who's 4... I was interested in finding out what qualifications processes you would need to go through to setup a little rugby class in my local area. Im not looking to teach the Kids the Rules of Rugby or have games, but more touch and chase the tag, fitness, co-ordinations skills etc... but how qualified do I need to be, and where would be a good start to getting a programme together... Hope you can help....

Can you put 5 players into a scrum in a 7 a side game?

an RFU directive states that coaches should not hold pads/shields for juniors to run into during sessions, or even juniors holding pads for each other!!! I notice a lot of drills utilise pads as this was something we always used when I trained years ago! I personally think they are a good thing (especially since some of the juniors I coach are 'not small'!) BUT wondered what the general thoughts were out there in SportPlan world....

When a person is tackled and goes to ground is it correct that the tackler can stand up quickly and take the ball ? If so is this along as they are on their feet and behind the offside line(so they reach down to take the ball) or are they allowed to step over the tackled player to take the ball ? This is in the rare occasion where no support is available. Also once picked up do they have to pass it out or can they just go ? Sorry for all the questions.

I coach under 8's and next season they will start contact. When am I allowed to start teaching them tackling skills? I sit january during their under 8 season or at the start of the under 9 season ?

Can you put 5 players into a scrum in a 7 a side game?

When a person is tackled and goes to ground is it correct that the tackler can stand up quickly and take the ball ? If so is this along as they are on their feet and behind the offside line(so they reach down to take the ball) or are they allowed to step over the tackled player to take the ball ? This is in the rare occasion where no support is available. Also once picked up do they have to pass it out or can they just go ? Sorry for all the questions.

an RFU directive states that coaches should not hold pads/shields for juniors to run into during sessions, or even juniors holding pads for each other!!! I notice a lot of drills utilise pads as this was something we always used when I trained years ago! I personally think they are a good thing (especially since some of the juniors I coach are 'not small'!) BUT wondered what the general thoughts were out there in SportPlan world....

During a recent U17's league game, the opposing side took two consecutive quick tap penalties. During a break in play shortly after, as the coach attending an injured player, I questioned the referee on the legality of this passage of play, as my understanding was that two consecutive quick taps, used to catch the opposition in an offside position and therefore gain terratorial advantage, was not allowed under current law. The referee responded that this law is at his discretion and when we discussed after the game, he stated there is no such aw and that it is a "gentlemens agreement". I have since reviewed the laws on penalties and there is no specific law preventing a side taking two quick tap penalties. Has anyone else come across this interpretation and how can this be managed consistantly if when watching elite games, such a move is not allowed yet can be allowed at junior level ?