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Age Grade Rugby is controlled by England Rugby's Regulation 15. This regulates the dates of the playing season, out of season activities, the law adaptations for each age group amongst many other issues.
Wimbledon RFC fully subscribes to the Half Game Rule, which ensures any player selected for a match/tournament gets to play at least 50% of the available playing time. With two dedicated Tackle Ambassadors, we take implementing the new tackle height laws seriously.
All coaches, referees and first aiders need to have an active DBS check. To arrange or renew a DBS check please get in touch with Sophie Castle, details on our Child Safeguarding page.
Age Grade Regulations
Under 5s, 6s and 7s - read the regulations here
Under 8s - read the regulations here
Under 9s - read the regulations here
Under 10s - read the regulations here
Under 11s - read the regulations here
Under 12s - read the regulations here
Under 13s - read the regulations here
Under 14s - read the regulations here
Under 15s, 16s and U18s (Colts) - read the regulations here
World Rugby Under 19s variations also apply - read the regulations here
• Under 19 Team variations are here
• Under 19 Time variations are here
• Under 19 Scrum variations are here
The full Laws of the Game can be read here
Of specific note - maximum (unintentional) wheel is 45 degrees and maximum drive is 1.5m. Intentional wheeling, even just to 45 degrees, is a penalty offence.
Match Official Abuse
Sadly abuse of referees has become a bigger and bigger issue. Mostly the problems come from the touchline and Wimbledon RFC asks all parents and coaches to be mindful of showing match officials respect. The London Society of Referees, which covers our area, takes this issue very seriously and has a page dedicated to it. A form to report Match Official Abuse (MOA) can also be filled in from that page. Such abuse is taken very seriously by England Rugby and sanctions can apply to individuals and clubs. If a Wimbledon RFC coach, parent or player is reported for MOA they will be subject to the club's disciplinary policy, which can be read here.
Coach Training and Development
Wimbledon RFC encourages our coaches to take as many courses as possible. You can get your course fees refunded by contacting treasurer@wmrfc.co.uk. Please get pre-clearance from your age group head coach/rugby chair and let the treasurer know you are doing it. This way Nick, our treasurer, knows that your course is supported by the club and he can track courses and also know that a bill will be coming.
Find out what course is right for you here
Find and book your England Rugby coaching and refereeing course here
Refereeing
To referee minis and Under 12 to Under 14 rugby matches it is encouraged that you take the England Rugby Introduction to Refereeing course (or a similar course organised by Wimbledon RFC or Surrey Rugby).
To referee the 15-a-side game you are encouraged to attend the England Rugby Refereeing Award (which is a nationally-recognised Level 2 qualification). This course is for new and developing referees wanting to referee the 15-a-side game and will equip delegates with the skills and confidence to do so effectively. It takes 12 hours over two days and is a mixture of practical and classroom based activities. Pre-requisites for the course are to complete IRB online Rugby Ready and IRB Laws Test before attending.
Young Match Officials is a new RFU initiative to encourage 14 to 18 year olds to pick up the whistle. When we have had YMOs referee matches at the club they have been most impressive. Wimbledon RFC will support any club members to start refereeing through this scheme. Read more about YMOs here.
If you need further advice on how to start refereeing or choosing an appropriate course go here. If you have any questions please get in touch with our refereeing co-ordinator John Cardosi at ref@wmrfc.co.uk.