THE BASICS FOR THE SIDELINE

HOW WE PLAY THE GAME

Rugby is a game of continuous flow. Unlike sports with constant whistles and resets, rugby players have to make decisions in real-time. It looks fast and physical, but it’s rooted in a few simple principles: moving forward, passing backward, and staying on your feet.

The Three Golden Rules

  1. Pass Backward, Run Forward: The ball can only be passed laterally or toward your own goal line. To get down the field, you have to run it or kick it.

  2. The Tackle: When a player is tackled to the ground, they must release the ball. This starts a "Ruck"—where both teams compete to push over the ball and win possession.

  3. Stay on Your Feet: Only players on their feet can play the ball. If you fall, you’ve got to get up or get out of the way.

Youth rugby game with children in black and green uniforms, some wearing helmets, in action on the field. A coach or referee in a gray hoodie is observing nearby. Several players are tackling or holding a rugby ball. The game is outdoors on a green artificial turf with a chain-link fence and trees in the background.

Decoding the Whistle (Restarts)

  • The Scrum: Think of this as a powerful huddle. It’s used to restart play after a minor mistake (like a "Knock-on," which is just dropping the ball forward).

  • The Lineout: When the ball goes out of bounds, the teams line up like two walls. The "Hooker" throws it in, and the big kids get lifted to catch it. It’s the most photogenic part of the game.

  • The Try: This is our "Touchdown." To score, you don't just cross the line—you have to physically press the ball down onto the grass. This is worth 5 points, followed by a kick for 2 extra points.

Rules for youth rugby game under 8s, including game length, half-time, maximum playing time, ball size, game format, team and player rules, safety zones, playing areas, and common game penalties.
A green infographic titled 'Youth Game Laws Under 10's' with rules for a youth rugby game, including details on game duration, ball size, game play, safety zones, offside rules, scoring, playing area dimensions, penalties, substitutes, and other regulations.
Guidelines for youth game laws under JV, including rules for game length, team size, ball size, game play, safety areas, and officiating.
Youth game laws for under-12 varsity, including rules on game duration, ball size, team size, safety zones, restart procedures, offside, fouls, and equipment regulations.