The goal of our Heartland Youth Rugby Flag Rugby League, for 1st through 8th grade boys and girls, is to introduce young players to the game of rugby, while incorporating its traditions of sportsmanship, teamwork, and ultimately having fun. This league will consist of school-grade divisions. Each division plays a variation of the game with its own specific rules and procedures. 

Our Tackle Rugby League, for 3rd through 8th grade boys and girls, will introduce young players to the game of rugby, while incorporating the tackle aspect of the game.  Since tackling in rugby is much different than any other contact sport, there will be a big emphasis on coaching the proper technique of making and taking tackles.

Our goal is that players learn the contact aspect of rugby, but most importantly are safe. All Tackle players will be required to play with a scrum cap and mouthpiece. In addition, all Tackle Rugby players will also play some Flag Rugby games to help them get a full understanding of the game. This division will play a variation of the contact game with its own specific rules and procedures.

What is Youth Rugby?

 

This is non-contact, flag rugby that can be played by boys and girls, ages 17 and under. It is a game that introduces the kids to the sport of rugby, where everyone gets to pass, catch, run, and score with the ball. Youth rugby is played with flags to simulate and replace the tackle. Kids will learn about all the unique parts of rugby, like the ‘scrum’ and the ‘line-out’ in a fun, safe, and non-contact environment.

How do you play Youth Rugby, and how is it similar to other sports?

 

Teammates will run with the ball in their hands, passing the ball among them, looking to run between or around the opposition to score in the try zone. Several skills like running, passing, spacing, and decision-making are the same skills that are used in soccer, football, and basketball.

Is Youth Rugby played under the same rules and laws as real rugby?

 

No, youth rugby laws are amended to provide a fun and safe opportunity for kids to learn the sport.

I’ve seen Rugby on television. How is Youth Rugby different?

 

The style of rugby seen on TV recently is the style that youth rugby is based on. The only difference being the contact. In youth rugby, play does not stop if a flag is pulled. The ball changes sides when the offense makes a mistake. Kids will learn how to attack space through drills that involve passing and running with the ball, to go between or around the defense, or kick past them.

Are there special skills necessary to start playing Youth Rugby?

 

No special skills are necessary to begin. If kids can pass and catch a ball while running, they’ll be a star. Remember, tackling will be replaced with flags. Kids will concentrate on the skills of passing, running, kicking, and positional play.

Will Youth Rugby help my kid in other sports?

 

Rugby is excellent preparation for any team sport. The game will get kids in excellent shape. They’ll improve their ability to read defenses. Their passing and footwork will be vastly improved for their other sports.

In some sports my kids play now, they hardly touch the ball. Will that happen in Youth Rugby?

 

No! Teamwork is very important and because there are no downs in rugby, the ball keeps moving around the field. Everyone touches the ball. Everyone runs with the ball. Everyone passes the ball. Everyone scores!