Kids Rugby Plays it Safe
The Rugby Australia’s Kids Pathway tackles any concerns a parent can have about the game that forges a lifelong passion for involvement at all levels on and off the field unions.
For starters, there’s no tackling for ages under 6 & 7 years, and winning comes a distant third to having fun and making new friends. So it doesn’t matter whether they’re big or small, boy or girl, any child can stand tall and have a ball.
Rugby Union is a fun and exciting way for young children to learn valuable life skills such as leadership, team work, courage, sportsmanship and friendship in a safe environment.
The Rugby Australia (RA) Try Rugby program introduces new players to the game through a series of age-specific modified rugby games in a controlled environment. Safety is the priority as the laws and level of contact are gradually introduced while players develop.
An Intro to the Game of Life
Rugby instils leadership, team work, courage, sportsmanship and friendship. A game steeped in tradition, its players and supporters enjoy a deep sense of community and involvement. These values and traditions develop from the first time a young Try Rugby player shakes hands with their opposite number, leading to a lifelong passion for involvement with the game at all levels on and off the field.
Development and Fun
Each game-style of the U6 to U12 Try Rugby Kids Pathway has a developmental skills focus which takes into account the chronological age of the child and their capacity for safe and achievable rugby skill acquisition. The key aims being to:
- Keep it simple, free flowing and enjoyable
- Let the players develop skills with safety
- Discourage any dangerous actions or unsafe practice
- Adopt an educative, positive reinforcement approach
- Ensure that players receive an equal chance to participate regardless of ability
Coaches and referees are also trained to reduce risk and injury. Coaches and referees are required to gain SmartRugby qualifications.
SmartRugby minimises risk of injury to all players in all facets of the game. The ARU oversees the qualification process and ensures refresher courses are undertaken every two years.
Integrity
Integrity
Integrity is central to the fabric of the game and is generated through honesty and fair play.
Passion
Passion
Rugby people have a passionate enthusiasm for the game. Rugby generates excitement, emotional attachment and a sense of belonging to the global rugby family.Solidarity
Solidarity
Rugby provides a unifying spirit that leads to life-long friendships, camaraderie, teamwork and loyalty which transcends cultural, geographic, political and religious differences.Discipline
Discipline
Discipline is an integral part of the game both on and off the field and is reflected through adherence to the laws, the regulations and rugby’s core values.Respect
Respect
Respect for team-mates, opponents, match officials and those involved in the game is paramount.
Teamwork
Teamwork
Teamwork is essential to our game of rugby. We welcome all new team members and include all because working as a team enriches our lives. We play selflessly, working for the team, not for ourselves alone, both on and off the field. We take pride in our team, rely on one another and understand that each player has a part to play. We speak out if our team or game of rugby is threatened by inappropriate words or actions.