I haven't played Rugby before - what are my options?You are more than welcome to join up with one of our teams, and our qualified coaches will help you get started and teach you the rules of the game and the skill you need to play as you go. Alternatively, another option is to take advantage of an Australian Rugby Union initiative called 'Try Rugby'. TryRugby is a high-quality community sport and social initiative created to introduce children and parents to the game and skills of rugby union in a safe, fun, and welcoming atmosphere. TryRugby activities are challenging but non-competitive and do not involve any tackling. It`s all about equal participation and enjoyment where every kid gets a fair go on the field. TryRugby has also been designed for the needs and lifestyles of the modern family. The Friday night format features community BBQ`s, combined parent and children activities, and special events and guests. Balancing a blend of sport and social activities at an affordable family price is all part of the fun at the TryRugby Experience. Contact the ARU for further details of the nearest location for TryRugby.
Are the rules the same for all ages?No, the rules and outcomes are modified for each age group. Games are played to a modified version of the Australian Rugby Union Pathway. The ARU believe that younger rugby union players should be introduced to the game gradually through itŐs pathway programme. The Rugby Union pathway is based on research conducted into children in sport and development. It was concluded that modified pathways offer great opportunities for children to develop confidence in sporting performances. Children as young as six greatly enjoy rugby through non-contact versions of the game. Pathway Rugby should be free flowing with the purpose of developing the skills of running, balance, ball handling and contact. The Pathway as played by the Roos comprises: Under 6 and 7 play Walla Rugby. This form of rugby is for the complete novice, who's under 7 years of age. Players compete in a non-contact "tag" based game that focuses on ball handling and running skills. Similar to Touch Rugby, this 8-a-side game is designed to combine basic skills with Rugby Union concepts in a fun environment, suitable for both male and female players. Under 8 and 9 play Mini Rugby. At Under 8 the players are introduced to a more technical approach to the game, with tackling and line-outs and an increase in the number of players to 10 per side. Under 9 is much the same with the addition of scrums and a larger pitch. Under 10 play Midi Rugby. For the Juniors at Under 10 the 12-a-side game allows the teams to acheive high skill levels in a fully competitive environment. The Under 11's to Under 17's use the International rules as modified for Under 19 players. This is 15 player Rugby Union and is as exciting as the Wallabies and the All Blacks. For the 'Minis' (under 6 to Under 9) the emphasis remains on the kids having fun, learning the techniques and spirit of the game. There are no finals or premiers. For the 'Juniors' (Under 10 and above), a competition table is introduced culminating in a finals series and a premier team at the end of the season. From Under 11 onwards players are able to be selected for representitive football, starting with the Manly District side, through Northern Zone (Manly, Warringah and Gordon), to Sydney, NSW and Australian sides. In the spirit of a great international sport, Roos Rugby has a social side. Players, parents and supporters get together throughout the season for club socials and gala days. How are the age groups worked out?Players qualify for a particular age group based on their birth year not their age at the start of the season. Those born
1n 2002 or after qualify for the 'Under 6' team this year In what age groups do the Roos field teams?The Roos will field teams in all age groups from Under 6's ( mini's ), right through to to Under 17/18's ( juniors ) in 2008. After Under 17/18's the Roos are a feeder into Manly Rugby Union Colts grade. In Mini's (Under 6 - Under 9) where there are one or more teams in the same age group a 'mates play with mates' policy will apply where ever possible, player numbers permitting. In the Junior's (Under 10 upwards) where there is only one team in the age a 'mates play with mates' policy will apply where ever possible, player numbers permitting. In the Junior's where there is more than one team in the same age group, in the same grade (i.e. both in A or both in B grade), a 'mates play with mates' policy will apply where ever possible, player numbers permitting. In the Junior's where there is more than one team in the same age group, in the different grades (i.e. one in A and one in B grade), the policy will be to select players based on their level of skill and experience. This is done to ensure they are playing in the appropriate level of competition for their safety, enjoyment and skill development.Whenever possible a 'mates play with mates' policy will apply, player numbers permitting. Any Junior player playing in a lower grade in the previous season, who is selected in a higher grade for the current season, may choose to remain in the lower grade if they prefer, player numbers permitting. Players are strongly advised to play in their own age group. When and where are matches played?The season starts in early April and runs through to September. As yet the draw is still to be finalised so exact details of times and venues are unavailable. Once completed they will be handed out to all players and published on this site. In general, the Mini's play on Saturday mornings at a single location in the Northern Beaches. The grounds used are located at Manly, Dee Why, Colleroy, Newport, Warriewood and Belrose. The Juniors play throughout the Northern Beaches and North Shore generally on Saturday morning or afternoon, but also on Friday evenings and Sundays. Higher age levels play further afield in the Sydney metro area. When and where is Training?Training is held under lights from March-August, at Keirle Park, Manly (next to the skateboard ramps), once or twice a week, on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the age group. What equipment do players need?Each registered player is issued a team jersey and shorts - to be returned at the end of the season - and socks to keep. Each player provides their own boots and mouthguard (free with rego from maloufs pharmacy in corso). A club pool of secondhand boots is operated by the gear committee. Who do I contact if I have a problem?Your first point of contact should always be the team manager or coach. In the event that the coach or manager is unavailable, the Roos also have nominated representitives responsible for the Mini's and Junior competitions, who can also be of assistance. Click Here for contact details. |