Kids First Tag Rugby Manual

Tag Start
Dodge

101

ACTIVITY: MISMATCH TAG

Rules and adaptations

The same rules apply as for tag rugby. However, this time, one or two children are
identified from each of the two teams by putting on bibs. When they are defending they
can only walk. All other tag rules apply. The coach rotates the children who can walk.
Progression
• The bibbed defenders have to take two tags for the ball carrier to have to pass.
• Bibbed ball carriers have to have two tags taken to have to pass the ball (strong

attacker).
• If bibbed defenders tag, they gain possession (strong defender).
• Bibbed ball carriers lose possession if they’re tagged (weak attacker).

Questions

• What is the ball carrier looking for? Hint: space, weak defenders, support.
• What are the support children looking for? Hint: the same as above.
• Where is the best place for the defence to deploy their slower children and why?

Hint: if in the middle you can defend close to them, which will allow faster children
to cover the outside. If on the outside, you force the attackers to try and play wide,
which will make them pass, and perhaps make mistakes.
• Now the attackers are aware of this what will they try to do? Hint: attack space
between fast and slow defenders to take both out of the game, or attack the outside
space of fast defenders as if they tag they will be out of the game, leaving space on
the outside of the slow defender.

Game management and refereeing tips

To encourage the game understanding being coached, apply the conditioned rules strictly.

102

Tag Start
Dodge

Walk

103

ACTIVITY: BREAKOUT TAG

Rules and Adaptations

See diagram for the pitch. The outer square is defended by one or two children in
each section. The inner square contains between four and eight attacking children.
Attackers can pass in any direction in the inner square but only backwards in the
outer square. They are aiming to score a try by placing the ball beyond the outside
line. If they are tagged or drop the ball in the outer square, the attack is over and the
ball must be returned to the inner square. Children have one or two minutes to score,
then change teams.

Questions

• What is the attacking team looking for? Hint: space, slow defence, support and dead
defenders (e.g. defenders who have not yet returned the tag).

• What skills do they need to improve to play this game better? Hint: quick passing
and spatial awareness.

• What are the defenders looking for? Hint: to anticipate the pass and direction of attack.

Game management and refereeing tips

• Position yourself outside of grid and look in.
• Depending on the ability of group, be less strict at first and become stricter as they

get used to the task.

104

You can’t pass Give the tag back
forwards when Place on the
over the outer line floor to score

4 15m Act as a decoy
10m

15m 3 15m
10m 10m
Short quick
passes into space

12

Pull the defender 10m
out of position 15m

105

SECTION 11: RULES OF PLAY

Below is an outline of the rules for Under 7s and Under 8s. For the full, precise and specific
rules for Mini Tag Rugby for Under 7s and Under 8s, please refer to
www.rfu.com/regulation15appendix1a

Under 7s

This is an introduction to rugby at the earliest years, and as such should be a simple and
easy to understand game with minimum intervention from the game coach (referee).
As a consequence the rules of the game have been simplified. They are deliberately
uncomplicated and flexible. The referee or coach should see this as an opportunity to coach
within a game and if interpretations vary this provides an excellent learning opportunity for
the players to review, adapt and modify their play.
A free flowing and continuous game should be encouraged, and the outline rules below offer
core guidelines to the game, with enough flexibility for the coach or referee to adapt to the
needs and abilities of the players. The game coach should refrain from intervening too often
and should only do so if a) it is dangerous or potentially dangerous b) there is an injury or c)
there is an obvious and significant advantage to one side.
Should the ball be propelled forward accidentally (for example a knock on or dropped
pass) play should be allowed to continue as it offers opportunity for the defending team to
win the ball.
There are limitless tags, and any breaks in play (for example the ball out of play or throwing
tags down) should result in the referee (game coach) passing the ball to the non-offending
team, preferably to players who may not have had much of the ball.
The game coach should also act as a coach to both sides with every child and their
development being a priority rather than the outcome of the game.

106

Four–a –side Tag Rugby: 10. If the ball carrier is tagged within
approx one metre of the try line a score
1. Pitch size 20m x 12m can be made

2. 10 minutes each way 11. No physical contact (including fending off
with hands or ball)
3. Tag belts clearly visible, excess strap
tucked away, one tag each side 12. If a free pass is awarded, the opposition
should be three meters back, toward their
4. The ball should be passed sideways or own try line; free passes may not take
backwards. place within three metres of the try line.

5. The ball carrier should pass when tagged 13. Players may not dive on the ball.
within approximately three metres or
three seconds

6. Opponents must allow them to pass and
try hard to get in front of the ball (off side)

7. The ball carrier cannot continue to play
until both tags are attached

8. The tagger cannot continue to play until
they have returned the tag

9. A try is scored when the ball carrier has
placed the ball over the line; restart from
the centre with a free pass from the game
manager or one of the players

107

SECTION 11: RULES OF PLAY

Under 8

This provides an incremental step up from a 4v4 to a 6v6 game. This does not differ a great
deal from the previous Under 8 rules other than there being one less player and a smaller
sized pitch. The children will not now be penalized if they go to ground when they score.
The larger numbers on a smaller pitch offers the children the opportunity to play in more of a
team environment while maintaining the principles of child development.
By agreement, the coaches of both sides may set a five tag rule, whereby after the fifth tag
possession changes to the defending side with a free pass.
The game coach (referee) should endeavour to adopt a similar approach as that described in
the U7 brief outlined previously. The basic rules are set out below.

108

Six-a-side Tag Rugby: 10. A try is scored when the ball carrier has
run the ball over the line; restart from
1. Pitch size 45m x 22m (maximum) the centre with a free pass
2. 10 minutes each way
3. Tag belts clearly visible, excess strap 11. If the ball carrier is tagged within approx
one metre of the try line a score can be
tucked away, one tag each side made

4. The ball should be passed sideways or 12. No physical contact (including fending
backwards off with hands, or ball)

5. The ball carrier should pass when tagged 13. If a free pass is awarded, the opposition
within approximately three metres or should be three meters back toward their
three seconds own try line; free passes may not take
place within three metres of the try line
6. Opponents must allow them to pass and
try hard to get in front of the ball (off side) 14. Players may not dive on the ball.

7. The ball carrier cannot continue to play
until both tags are attached

8. The tagger cannot continue to play until
they have returned the tag

9. If the ball is propelled forward (dropped,
knocked forward or passed forward) a
free pass will be given by the opposition
unless there is an advantage to the non-
offending team

109

SKEIDCSTIFOINRS1T2:RUGBY MANIFESTO

A Kids First club will:

• Provide children with a safe, healthy and positive environment
• Endeavour to apply and support the Core Values of the game
• Adopt and robustly support the Ruckley Sticker Book Programme
• Ensure that children have fun without pressure, harassment or abuse from adults
• Publish the KIDS FIRST Manifesto on its website and direct parents and coaches to it
• Utilise the KIDS FIRST Development Framework
• Enrol on the KIDS FIRST Programme and ensure that coaches attend the relevant KIDS

FIRST courses
• Support KIDS FIRST coaches in fulfilling their roles
• Acknowledge good practice and challenge any less than good practice
• Ensure parents are conversant with, and adhere to, the Parent Code of Conduct.

A Kids First coach will:

• Treat every child with respect and dignity
• Set a good example of conduct, attitude and behaviour
• Attend the KIDS FIRST courses and workshops
• Have knowledge of, and be conversant with, the principles of the KIDS FIRST Programme
• Work with the KIDS FIRST Development Framework
• Utilise the KIDS FIRST Coaching Cards
• Apply the principles contained within the KIDS FIRST Manifesto
• Value qualities beyond winning and promote a love of the game, teamwork and

connection with the club
• Emphasise progress and not outcome
• Provide equal opportunity for every child to participate in coaching sessions and competition
• Endeavour to build the confidence and self-esteem of every child in every session

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• Encourage problem solving and creativity
• Plan and prepare thoroughly for each session and use the Ruckley Sticker Books to

reward and highlight progress for children in the key areas:
• Core Values
• Social and Personal Development
• Physical and Movement Development
• Game Understanding
• Skill Focus
• Place the needs and interests of each child above those of the sport
• Encourage all children to play to the rules and show respect to the opposition, officials

and coach
• Acknowledge and reward effort and improvement, not just winning.

111

SECTION 13: CODES OF CONDUCT
ENGLAND RUGBY

The good coach’s code • Ensure all youngsters are coached in a
safe environment, with adequate first aid
In rugby union, coaches of young readily to hand.
children should:
• Avoid the overplaying of the best
• Recognise the importance of fun and children, by using a squad system, which
enjoyment when coaching young gives everybody a satisfactory amount of
children. Most learning is achieved playing time.
through doing.
• Never allow a child to train or play when
• Appreciate the needs of the children injured.
before the needs of the sport.
• E nsure good supervision of young
• Be a positive role model; think what this children, both on and off the field.
implies.
• Recognise that young children should
• Keep winning and losing in perspective never be exposed to extremes of heat,
and encourage young children to behave cold, or unacceptable risk of injury.
with dignity in all circumstances.
• Develop an awareness of nutrition as
• Respect all referees and the decisions they part of an overall education in lifestyle
make (remember it could be you refereeing management.
next week) and ensure that the children
recognise that they must do the same. • Recognise that it is illegal for young
children under 18 to drink alcohol.
• Provide positive verbal feedback in a
constructive and encouraging manner, to • Ensure that their knowledge and coaching
all young children, both during coaching strategies are up-to-date and in line with
sessions and games. England Rugby philosophy.

In rugby union, coaches of young • Be aware of, and abide by, the England
children must: Rugby recommended procedures for
taking young people on residential tours
• P rovide experiences which are matched at home and abroad.
to the young children’s ages and abilities,
as well as their physical and mental • Be aware of, and abide by, the policies and
development. procedures outlined in the England Rugby
Child Protection Guidance Booklet.

112

Important note

Coaches working with young children up to the age of 12 must follow the guidelines laid
down by England Rugby Continuum.
Coaches working with young children aged 13+ must be aware of the Under-15 and Under-19
Law Variations, including those that apply to cross border matches.

113

SECTION 13: CODES OF CONDUCT
ENGLAND RUGBY

The good parent’s code Parents should:

Parents are encouraged to: • Remember that young people play rugby
for their own enjoyment not that of their
• Be familiar with the coaching and training parents.
programme to ensure that your child is
fully involved and the coaches are aware • Encourage young people to play, do not
of their availability. force them.

• Be familiar with the teaching and • Focus on the young children’s efforts,
coaching methods used by observing the rather than winning or losing.
sessions in which your child participates.
• Be realistic about the young children’s
• Be aware that the club has a duty of care abilities; do not push them towards a level
and, where appropriate, assist coaches that they are not capable of achieving.
with the supervision of the young
children, particularly where numbers • Provide positive verbal feedback both in
are large and there is a need to transport training and during the game.
youngsters to away games.
• Remember that persistent, negative
• Be involved with club activities and share messages will adversely affect the children’s
your expertise. and referee’s performance and attitude.

• Share concerns, if you have them, with • Always support the rugby club in their
club officials. efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and
abusive behaviour from the game.

• Be familiar with the Good Coache’s Code. • Remember young people learn by example.
In particular:
• Always show appreciation of good play
• Coaches should recognise the importance by all young children both from your own
of fun and enjoyment when coaching club and the opposition.
young children.
• Respect decisions made by the match
• Coaches should keep winning and losing officials and encourage the young
in perspective, encouraging young children to do likewise.
children to behave with dignity in all
circumstances.

• It is important that parents support
coaches in instilling these virtues.

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The good child’s code Children should:

Children are encouraged to: • Play because you want to do so, not to
please coaches or parents.
• Recognise and appreciate the efforts
made by coaches, parents, match officials • Remember that skill development, fun and
and administrators in providing the enjoyment are the most important parts of
opportunity for you to play the game and the game.
enjoy the rugby environment.
• Be attentive at all training and coaching
• U nderstand the values of loyalty and sessions.
commitment to adults and teammates.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your
• Recognise that every young child has a team as both will then benefit.
right to expect their involvement in rugby
to be safe and free from all types of abuse. • Recognise good play by all children on
your team and by your opponents.

• Understand that if an individual or group • Be a sportsman, whether you win or lose.
of young children feel they are not being
treated in a manner that is acceptable, • Play to the Laws of the Game and accept,
then you have a right to tell an adult either without question, all referees’ decisions.
at the rugby club or outside the game.
• Control your emotions: verbal or physical
abuse of teammates, opponents, or match
officials is not acceptable.

• Treat all children, as you would like to be
treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take
advantage of any child.

115

SECTION 13: CODES OF CONDUCT
ENGLAND RUGBY

The good spectator’s code Spectators should:

Spectators are encouraged to: • Remember children play sport for their
enjoyment, not yours.
• Act as positive role models to all young
children. • Acknowledge good individual and
team performance from all youngsters
• Be familiar with, and abide by, the irrespective of the team for whom they play.
England Rugby Child Protection Guidance
in relation to verbal and emotional abuse. • R espect match officials’ decisions.
Remember, they are volunteers providing
• Respect the rugby club with regard to an opportunity for youngsters to play rugby.
spectator behaviour.
• Never verbally abuse young children,
match officials, fellow spectators or
coaches. Such behaviour can create a
negative environment for young children
and their behaviour will often reflect this.

• Acknowledge effort and good
performance rather than the win at all
costs ethic.

• Verbally encourage all youngsters in a
positive way. If you do want to shout make
sure it is for, not at the children.

• E ncourage all youngsters irrespective of
their ability; never ridicule any individual
child, regardless of the team for which
they play.

116

The good match official’s code Match officials must:

Match officials should: • Recognise that the safety of young
children is paramount.
• R ecognise the importance of fun and
enjoyment when officiating young • Explain decisions as all young children
children. are still learning.

• Provide positive verbal feedback in a • A lways penalise foul play.
constructive and encouraging manner
during games. • Play advantage whenever possible in order
to let the game flow.
• Emphasise the spirit of the game.
• S how empathy for the age and ability of
• Appreciate the needs of the young young children.
children before the needs of the sport.
• B e consistent and objective.
• Understand the physical, social and
psychological development of young • E nsure that verbal abuse from children,
children. coaches or spectators is not tolerated and
is dealt with by club officials immediately.
• Be a positive role model. You set an
example, and comments you receive • Be aware of, and abide by, the England
should be positive and supportive. Rugby Child Protection Guidance policies
and procedures.
• Look to self-improvement e.g.
participation in the Entry Level referee
Award or Referee Education Evenings.

117

SECTION 14: SAFEGUARDING

Safeguarding Policy The RFU greatly appreciates the army
of volunteers who give up their time to
England Rugby is committed to safeguarding organise the Kids First Tag programme
the welfare of children in the sport. All and strive to provide the highest standards
children are entitled to protection from harm of care for children in a safe and enjoyable
and have the right to take part in sport in a environment. It is the responsibility of each
safe, positive and enjoyable environment. and every one of us to ensure that children
are experiencing the highest quality of
This Policy is based on the following experience possible.
key principles:
In cases of possible abuse England Rugby
• The welfare of the child is paramount. acts swiftly, working in partnership with
police and social services, to protect an
• All participants regardless of age, gender, individual or individuals from harm. We
ability or disability, race, faith, size, have robust safeguarding procedures to
language or sexual identity, have the right manage these situations with confidence
to protection from harm. and efficiency.

• All allegations and suspicions of harm The onus is on everyone who has contact
will be taken seriously and responded to with children and young people to protect
swiftly, fairly and appropriately. them from harm as well as to create a
positive environment in which to participate.
• Everyone will work in partnership Based on best practice, the policy provides
to promote the welfare, health and information about abuse, advice on
development of children. identifying problems, as well as policies
and procedures for use by those involved in
• The interests of those who work or delivering rugby union around the country.
volunteer with children will be protected.
England Rugby provides support for clubs,
Further guidance on this policy can be found assisting them in making safer recruitment
at www.rfu.com/RFUSafeguardingTeam decisions for those involved with young
people, systems for dealing with allegations
Safeguarding is a proactive concept based or concerns and training programmes for
around promoting the child’s welfare in every all working with young players, as well as
way. It means protecting children and young effective systems for working with other
people from abuse and neglect but stretches relevant agencies.
much further to include all that we can do to
ensure their appropriate development and to
maximise life opportunities.

118

It is recommended that you attend Key contacts
England Rugby’s Play it Safe Safeguarding
Course as soon as possible. This will The following contacts can assist you in
provide more detailed information, dealing with any concerns you might have:
guidance and opportunity for practical
delivery and feedback. Your Club • Club Safeguarding Officer, details in
Safeguarding Officer (CSO) will be able to your club handbook.
provide you with information about these
courses or you can find out more on line at • Constituent Body Safeguarding Officer,
www.rfu.com/RFUSafeguardingTeam details in your county handbook or website.

Dealing with issues • England Rugby Safeguarding Team
www.rfu.com/RFUSafeguardingTeam
An individual who becomes aware of any
suspicions or concerns about the safety or • NSPCC (website and directory).
welfare of a child must pass these on to the • Child Line (website and directory).
CSO as soon as possible. If they feel the
child is in immediate risk of abuse then a
statutory agency (local children’s services or
the police) should be contacted immediately.

119

NOTES

120

121

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

With thanks to YSD for the design of this booklet.
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