Development Model (Under 8s to Under 10s)
What is the Small Blacks Development Model?
Coaching (Under 8s to Under 10s)
Laws (Under 8s to Under 10s)
Wallet Cards
Development Model (Under 8s to Under 10s)
|
School Year |
Y3
U8 |
Y4
U9 |
Y5
U10 |
Comments |
|
Numbers on Field |
10 |
10 |
10 |
These numbers are maximums. Games must proceed with even numbers. Balancing playing numbers and ability is to be encouraged. |
|
Field Size |
1/2 |
1/2 |
1/2 |
1/2 = goal to 10m (across the field). Portable goalposts are recommended. The NZRU recommend portable posts by POWA PRODUCTS. Full size posts on one touchline need to have bolsters on them. |
|
Try |
5pts |
5pts |
5pts |
If score blow-outs are occurring (ie 35 at halftime), both coaches must meet and come to an agreement as to how they can generate a more even contest. |
|
Conversion |
0 |
0 |
0 |
U8 to U10 conversion taken from in front of posts either drop goal or punt. Points don’t count. |
|
Ball Size |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Balls will be colour coded for each size. Size 2 1/2 = orange, Size 3 = blue, Size 4 = green |
|
Subs |
Rolling |
Rolling |
Rolling |
All players must play at least half a game.
A rolling sub is where a coach substitutes a player during a stoppage in play. The referee must be notified. |
|
Scrums |
5 person |
5 person |
5 person |
No pushing and no contest. Safety is paramount. |
|
Lineout |
5 person |
5 person |
5 person |
Lineouts not to be contested. There is to be no lineout lifting at any level. |
|
Penalty |
Tap & Pass |
Tap & Pass |
Tap & Pass |
|
|
Kicking
(general play) |
Encourage
running &
passing |
Encourage
running &
passing |
Encourage
running &
passing |
|
|
Length of Game |
2 x 25 |
2 x 25 |
2 x 25 |
These are maximums. |
|
Referee |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
If no Learning Rugby referee, there is no tackling. |
|
Tackle |
Two-handed
touch
Tackle |
Tackle |
Tackle |
In the U8 grade there will be a minimum four week transition stage for the Rippa or Two-handed touch game to move into tackle. This period is to be used as a period of tackle, scrum and lineout coaching. Tackle must be below the nipple. No fending in U8. |
|
Kick - Off |
Tap &
Pass |
Punt or drop-kick by the scoring side |
Punt or drop-kick by the scoring side
|
At U10 and below, kick offs to be rotated through all players. There will be no lifting from kick-starts. |
What is the Small Blacks Development Model?
Small Blacks rugby has been designed to help players develop their rugby skills as their physical ability develops, making the game as simple and safe as possible for all Kiwi children, regardless of their age, shape or size. The new Small Blacks Development Model has been developed to ensure that there is a consistency of playing, coaching and player welfare at all levels throughout the country, and is a great way of getting children involved in a team sport.
The model has been designed to ensure that all children who graduate from the Small Blacks programme have the best possible skill set to take them through their rugby career - who knows, today's Small Black may one day go on to become an All Black or Black Fern.
Coaching (Under 8s to Under 10s)
For coaching information including skills and drills for the Under 8s to Under 10s age groups visit www.coachingtoolbox.co.nz.
Laws (Under 8s to Under 10s)
To view the rugby laws for the Under 8s to Under 10s age groups go to the Laws section of this website.
Wallet Cards
The New Zealand Rugby Union developed the Small Blacks Development Model wallet cards so that all those involved in junior rugby (including parents) can easily refer to the rules of Small Blacks rugby.
The cards were distributed to clubs and schools across New Zealand at the beginning of the season. The wallet cards for the Under 8s to Under 10s age groups can be downloaded below.
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Under 8s Wallet Card
>>Download PDF 1.4mb
Under 9s and Under 10s Wallet Card
>> Download PDF 1.3mb