Ref/Coaches Guidelines

Enjoyment and Safety. If the play gets messy or dangerous, blow the whistle, reset, and explain why. Keep the game moving and maintain a high "ball-in-play" time. 

• Play can only start/restart when the ref says “Play”. Use a nice loud voice so players can hear you.

• Team Size: 5 vs 5.

• Start/Restart: A "Free Pass" from the center to start/after a try. The defense must be 3 meters back for every free pass restart where possible.

• There must be two passes after a restart after a try is scored. Two passes should be encouraged after all restarts but let the game flow naturally wherever suitable. 

• The Tag: A tag should be taken and handed back, where possible. Don't penalise if a player drops the tag.

• Refs should shout “Tag, Pass” when a tag is taken. Encourage the tagger to shout “Tag” also.

• The Reaction: Once tagged, the player must pass the ball within 3 strides or 3 seconds. They cannot score after being tagged.

• Tag Replacement: The tagged player must put their tag back on before they can rejoin the game.

• The Offside: Encourage defenders to retreat so they aren't "cherry-picking" the tags in-line or in advance of the passer. Enforce any obvious infringement.

• Out-of-bounds or infringements: These result in a Free Pass to the opposition.

• Strictly enforce the rule for players in-touch. Encourage the runner to “stay on the pitch” but if they are in-touch please call it. Free pass to the opposition.

• No Contact: No tackling, pulling clothes, or wrestling for the ball.

• No Kicking: Kicking is not permitted at this age grade.

• No Fending: Ball carriers cannot use their arms to ward off defenders. Please warn players if they persist but let the game flow wherever possible.

• No diving over the line: Remind players of this rule if you see it happening. This is a safety thing.

• Use the word “Play” to start/restart. Insist that play does not resume until you have given this call.

• The "3-Second" Grace: Be lenient with the pass-after-touch rule if the child is trying their best.

• Forward Passes: Be strict on the concept (passing backwards), but gentle on the execution. If it’s a clear forward fling, reset with a Free Pass to the opposition.

• In-Touch: Be strict on players in-touch. Remind runners to “stay on the pitch”.

• Only award a try if the ball is grounded on or behind the try line. 

• Knock-ons happen, don't penalise, let the game flow.

• No Scoreboards: Remind coaches and parents that at U7, we don't officially keep score. It’s about the tries, not the tally.