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 myaccount.rugbyxplorer.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 myaccount.rugbyxplorer.com.au/ or 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.