Kids Rugby
Through the course of 2008, an ARU working party reviewed Junior Rugby education and piloted a new program called Kids Rugby. Kids Rugby provides the fundamentals of coaching and refereeing to those involved in Walla, Mini and Midi Rugby competitions in a new and improved way.
For 2009, Kids Rugby replaces the Junior Player Pathway courses of previous years and will be delivered as either a Coaching Kids Rugby course or Refereeing Kids Rugby course.
The course is designed to prepare the Junior Rugby coach and referee with the fundamentals of:
- How to coach and referee Kids Rugby
- How to develop Rugby skills
- How to play the modified games of Walla, Mini and Midi Rugby
With an emphasis on sportsmanship, fair play and safety, girls and boys are given the opportunity to develop their sporting skills and confidence.
The Junior Player Pathway Modified Games consist of Walla, Mini and Midi (outlined below) which resemble the adult form of Rugby from which they derive. They have been specially adapted to be more suitable for the player's stage of life, physical capability, health status, skill level and previous experience.
The modified Rugby games, are also incorporated in a curriculum school-based EdRugby program and community TryRugby program.
Walla Rugby. 7 - 8 years.
As the first introduction to the game, Walla Rugby is played on a modified field to cater for the young age group, ensuring that each player will experience maximum involvement. It is a simple, non-tackling introduction to the game. It has been designed to focus on the game principles of Possession, Go Forward and Pressure; the individual skills of Passing and Receiving, Running and Evasion; and tagging; as well as the game elements of Ball take, Scrum and Lineout. Walla is player on a smaller field and with only 7 players. CLICK HERE for some ideas of skills and drills for Walla coaching.
Mini Rugby. 9 - 10 years.
Mini Rugby continues the theme of free-flowing running and passing Rugby action. However most importantly it introduces the young player to the contact elements of the game. It has been designed to teach the Game principles of Possession, Go Forward and Pressure with greater emphasis on the tactical principle of Support. It also teaches the individual skills of Passing and Receiving; Running and Evasion; Contact; Kicking and Tackling; as well as the game elements of Ruck, Maul, Scrum and Lineout. Mini is played on a smaller field with 10 players in each team.
Midi Rugby. 11 - 12 years.
Midi rugby is the stepping-stone to the full game. It is played between twelve or fifteen players on a standard size field, with more elements of the Under 19 game being introduced. It has been designed to teach the Game principles of Possession, Go Forward, Pressure, Support with greater emphasis on the principle of Continuity. It also teaches the individual skills of Passing and Receiving; Running and Evasion; Contact; Kicking and Tackling; as well as the game elements of Ruck, Maul, Scrum and Lineout.
Midi rugby is the final modified game before players reach U19 laws at 13 year of age.
These forms of Rugby provide an appropriate learning environment for appropriate age groups that stimulates interest and maximises participation. They can also be used as an introductory activity for new players of all ages.
Why should my child be involved in the Junior Player Pathway?
- The Junior Player Pathway provides kids with a safe and enjoyable introduction to the skills and tactical principles of the game of rugby union;
- Irrespective of size, body shape or ability, players are given the opportunity to reach their potential in a caring, fun and safe environment;
- Pathway games provide the basic skills and understanding of set plays through the modified scrum, maul and lineout situations;
- The desirable qualities of rugby - sportsmanship and fair play - are positively rewarded, with minimal emphasis on competition;
- With your support, you will see your child's coordination, confidence, self-esteem and social skills improve immensely in a very short period of time. This will help to provide a good basis of health, fitness and motor skills for future years.
Pathway Laws
See Coaching Kids Rugby for the Laws of each level of the Pathway
