Overview
The RFU provides a comprehensive set of Age Grade Resources to help clubs, coaches, parents, teachers, and volunteers deliver safe, consistent, player-centred rugby for U6–U18. These resources sit under Regulation 15 and the Age Grade Codes of Practice, which form the backbone of governance for the youth game in England.
Below is a summary of the key resources available, with links to the relevant RFU pages.
1. Age Grade Codes of Practice
The Codes of Practice are the practical handbook for delivering Age Grade Rugby. Every coach, volunteer, and club official involved in youth rugby should read and share these documents. They cover:
- Playing and training frequency
- Grouping of players (including POOAG, mixed ability, and developmental considerations)
- Player welfare — physical, emotional, and social
- Holistic, player-centred coaching principles
- How to apply Regulation 15 in real-world settings
The RFU emphasises that everyone involved in Age Grade Rugby should read and share the Codes of Practice, as they underpin safe and enjoyable player development.
Download: 231005-Age-Grade-Rugby-Codes-of-Practice.pdf (available via englandrugby.com)
2. Regulation 15 — The Core Legal Framework
Regulation 15 is the mandatory regulation that all clubs and schools must follow. It defines the rules and requirements for all rugby played by players aged U6–U18, including:
- Age-banding and how a player’s age grade is determined
- Playing up or down (Playing Out of Age Grade — POOAG)
- Match durations and contact progression by age group
- Season structure and activity limits
- The Half Game Rule
- Safeguarding expectations
Following the RFU’s full review of Regulation 15 (July 2025–April 2026), a number of changes have been approved for the 2026/27 season, including a standardised POOAG risk assessment process and a new dual girls’ U11/12 age band. Further changes are planned for 2027/28.
Link: RFU Regulation 15 — Age Grade Rugby | englandrugby.com
3. Rules of Play (U7–U14)
Each age group has its own Rules of Play document, reflecting the progressive introduction of contact and game complexity:
| Age Group | Format & Key Features |
|---|---|
| U7 & U8 | Tag rugby only — no contact |
| U9 & U10 | Introduction to contact |
| U11 & U12 | Developing contact, rucks, and mauls |
| U13 & U14 | Full contact progression |
| U15–U18 | Law variations available — moving toward adult laws |
A player’s age grade is determined by their age at midnight on 31 August at the beginning of each season. All Rules of Play documents are available via the RFU website.
4. The Half Game Rule
The Half Game Rule is a mandatory requirement under Regulation 15. Every player must play at least half of any age-grade fixture. This rule is central to the RFU’s values around:
- Inclusion — ensuring every player gets meaningful game time
- Development — every young player deserves regular playing opportunities
- Retention — players who do not play are more likely to leave the sport
- Enjoyment — participation is the foundation of a positive rugby experience
Link: What is the Half Game Rule? | englandrugby.com
5. Safeguarding Resources
All Age Grade activity must comply with RFU Regulation 21 (Safeguarding) and best practice guidelines. Key resources include:
- RFU Safeguarding Policy
- DBS guidance for coaches and volunteers
- Codes of Conduct for coaches, players, parents, and spectators
- Pitch Side First Aid and Immediate Care guidance
- Headcase — RFU concussion management programme
The RFU requires DBS-checked supervision for all age-grade sessions and prohibits 1:1 situations between adults and young players.
Link: Safeguarding | englandrugby.com
6. Playing Out of Age Grade (POOAG) Resources
POOAG covers situations where a player plays either up or down from their designated age grade. This is a formal process governed by Regulation 15 and must be welfare-led and evidence-based. Supporting documents include:
- Playing Up guidance and assessment template
- Playing Down guidance
- POOAG Approval Smartsheet (RFU)
- Combining Out of Age Grade Approval Form
- Playing Adult Rugby approval forms (Club and Player)
- Age Grade Cluster Registration Form
Important — Herts RFU Requirement: Herts RFU require additional supplementary documents for POOAG applications for the 2026/27 season. These must be completed and attached to any RFU Smartsheet applications before approval will be granted.
Herts-specific documents include:
- 17s Playing Senior Rugby — Individual Player Impact Risk Assessment Form
- Herts RFU POOAG (Playing Senior Rugby) — Parent/Guardian Consent Form
- Herts RFU POOAG (Up or Down) — Individual Risk Assessment Form
- Herts RFU POOAG (Up or Down) — Parent/Guardian Consent Form
7. Competition & Festival Guidance
Resources covering all competitive activity include:
- Festival best-practice guidance
- Competition formats and age-group specific rules
- Behaviour standards and Codes of Conduct
- Referee guidance
- Player-loading considerations across the season
The overarching principle is that competitions must remain developmental, not outcome-driven. Winning is not the priority — player welfare, enjoyment, and long-term development are.
Link: Rugby Festivals | Age Grade Contact Training, Match Load & Recovery — englandrugby.com
8. Videos, FAQs & Help
The RFU provides a range of digital support to help volunteers, coaches, and parents navigate age grade rugby:
- Codes of Practice explainer videos
- FAQs for each season
- GMS Helpdesk (Game Management System)
- Links to Regulations and seasonal updates
Links: Codes of Practice | FAQs for Age Grade 2025/26 | Game Management System | Contact the RFU
