Non-Tackle (Under 6 - Under 8)
The Wellington Junior Club Rugby Programme begins with non-tackle rugby for under 6 to under 7 grades. In these years children are taught the basic skills of:
ABSOLUTELY no tackling is allowed in under 6 and under 7 grades.
In the under 8 grade the players are introduced to tackling. The first half of the season will proceed as in the under 6 and under 7 grades with no tackling allowed, although players will be introduced to the idea of 'setting-up' the ball for rucks and malls, as well as being taught how to tackle and be tackled properly and safely.
In the second half of the season in the under 8 grade tackling IS allowed.
Click here for an overview of the rules for the Under 8 grade.
Every child's introduction to rugby is to be a safe and enjoyable one. All rugby in New Zealand is covered by the New Zealand Rugby Union's agreement with the ACC for the provision of insurance cover.
Check back soon for more information.
Check back soon for more information.
Where girls are playing in mixed gender teams clubs are directed to use their discretion while keeping in mind the child's own wishes when placing girls into teams/grades.
Girls may play 'down' a grade.
However, if a girl playing in a team weighs 10kgs or more than the normal limit for the grade she shall be entered onto the Overweight Player register and be treated as an overweight player. Girls showing 'exceptional' ability will be monitored and may become subject to normal age/weight criteria. Again, Clubs need to exercise discretion.
Check back soon for more information.
A player must meet the registration weight regardless of when during the season they register.
Once a player weighs out of a grade, they are not eligible for that grade for the rest of that season.
Grade Base weight rule: automatic dispensation is offered to players 15kg or more, less than the grade weight limit.
Zones may consider applications for players 10kgs or more lighter than the weight limit.
Players exceeding the Cap weight for a grade will be required to move up 2 grades. Application can then be made to the JRZE for that player to move back down 1 grade. If dispensation is granted for a player to move down a grade under this rule, that player will become subject to the OWPR playing conditions.
Season maximum weights have been set for grades. Once a player exceeds that weight they MUST move up a grade and may not return to the lower grade.
Coaches and referees must at all times be aware of the impact that large players may have on a game and other players. They should also be cautious of the safety of these larger players. The number of situations where these large players can be misused and create unnecessary risk is great, therefore the onus and responsibility to protect all players lies with the coaches.
Where it is reported that such a player is being used in a way that puts them or other players at unnecessary risk, the JRZE has the right to immediately suspend that player, player's coach and/or team until it is satisfied that the risk has been sufficiently addressed and no longer exists.