Minis 1
With the introduction of the tackle at under 8 level players now have to deal with continuity (before, during and after the tackle).

There are two identifiable groups: (a) Players around the ball

(b) Players in the space

The players around the ball are trying to keep the life in the ball through passing before, during or after the tackle to keep the continuity going. The ruck and the maul are now introduced as a means of putting life back into the ball i.e. get the ball moving again after a tackle is made.

The players in the space are trying to occupy the space either side of the ball to attack the defence and identify space or a numbers inbalance.

The coach must create an environment where the players are put in these decision making situations through the game and reduced activities to guide them to;

GO Forward - Support - Maintain Continuity

The same applies to the defence ;

(a) Players are defending around the ball

(b) Players are defending the space

The players defending around the ball are re-acting to the tackler, stop the offload contest the ruck/maul and regain possession.

The players defending the space are trying to position themselves to apply pressure on the players attacking the space.

Again the coach is trying to create the situations to guide the defence to;

Go Forward - Support - Apply Pressure

The challange for coaches at this level is to get the players to understand the principles required and guide them to achieving them to the limit of their capacities. The different level of capacities that the players have will also challange the coach, but each player/child deserves a chance to develop at their own rate of learning.

MINI 1 RULES AND REGULATIONS

Ball Size 3 Must be adhered to
Maximum time per half-single match 15 min
No injury or extra time allowed
Maximum time per half-blitz days7 min
No injury or extra time allowed
Maximum time a squad/teamis allowed to play per day/event70 min
No injury or extra time allowed
Maximum time allowed for half time 1 min
Max number of players per team 8 Equal numbers on both teams-emphasis on participation & enjoyment
Safety Zone between pitches 6 m Common Sense Prevails
Tackle Height Below Waist
Swinging tackle/high tackle to be penalised immediately & player warned
Hand Off Not Allowed Players should carry the ball in two hands
Time allowed for rucks and mauls 5 sec
The 5 seconds use it or lose it rule applies.
This starts from the moment the ruck/maul is formed.
It is illegal to collapse a maul
No of players allowed in rucks and mauls per side 3 Including the ball carrier and tackler
Kicking No
Start Match Pass Off Pass-off must be off the ground
Method of scoring Try
Line out No
Scrum No
Penalties No quick tap penalties allowed Penalties are with a pass off from the ground on the whistle