Start
Rugby
Coaching
Coaching
and
Refereeing
Flag
Rugby
in
Ontario
2
Contents
Governing
Bodies Rugby
Ontario
Rugby
Canada
Rugby
Structure Flag
Rugby
Rugby
Coaching
Con?nuum
Long
Term
Athlete
Development
Model
Rugby
Ready
and
Rugby
Safe
4
7
How
to
Coach
Flag
Rugby
Role
of
a
Coach
Coach
Code
of
Conduct
Coaching
Philosophy
Managing
Players
Coaching
Session
Structure
Session
Planner
Coaching
Toolbox
13
Flag
Rugby
Laws 24
How
to
Referee
Flag
Rugby
Role
of
a
Referee
Referee
Code
of
Conduct
Admin
Organising
a
Fes?val
27
31
32
Appendix Full
Flag
Rugby
Laws
Referee
Signals
Acknowledgements
3
Governing
Bodies
4
Rugby
Ontario
Rugby
Ontario
is
the
governing
body
for
the
sport
of
Rugby
in
Ontario.
OUR
MISSION
To
promote,
develop
and
administer,
the
playing
of
Rugby
Football
under
safe
condi?ons
throughout
Ontario
OUR
GOALS
•
To
increase
the
number
of
communi?es,
age
groups,
and
educa?onal
establishments
playing
rugby
in
an
organized
manner.
•
To
increase
the
number
of
male
and
female
par?cipants
in
member
rugby
organiza?ons.
•
To
raise
the
standards
of
play,
discipline,
coaching,
refereeing,
administra?on
and
facili?es
at
all
levels.
•
To
increase
the
awareness
of
Rugby
and
improve
its
public
image.
•
To
establish
and
apply
standards
and
regula?ons
which
collec?vely
prescribe
an
acceptable
level
of
safety
for
players,
officials
and
spectators.
•
To
deliver
programs
and
services
which
meet
the
needs
and
aspira?ons
of
member
rugby
organiza?ons
and
enable
rugby
athletes
to
achieve
their
maximum
poten?al.
5
Rugby
Canada
Since
its
humble
beginnings,
the
game
of
rugby
has
baTled
a
number
of
major
constraints
in
its
development.
Canada
is
blessed
with
a
harsh
climate,
an
immense
geographical
size,
and
a
rela?vely
low
popula?on.
Since
1945,
Provincial
Rugby
Unions
have
experienced
marked
growth
and
the
Rugby
Union
of
Canada,
which
func?oned
for
ten
years
before
1939,
was
reformed
in
1965.
The
present
administra?ve
body,
the
Canadian
Rugby
Union,
know
as
Rugby
Canada,
was
incorporated
in
1974.
Since
then,
Rugby
Canada
has
been
a
permanent
fixture
on
the
global
rugby
scene,
including
trips
to
each
of
the
five
IRB
Rugby
World
Cups
(1987
‐
Australia/
New
Zealand,
1991
–
United
Kingdom,
1995
–
South
Africa,
1999
–Wales,
and
2003
Australia).
As
a
regular
on
the
IRB
Sevens
Circuit,
Canada
con?nues
to
climb
the
world
rankings
and
challenge
the
dominant
rugby
na?ons
in
both
versions
of
the
game.
To
provide
the
opportunity
for
Canadians
to
compete
interna?onally
has
always
been
a
priority
of
Rugby
Canada.
6
Rugby
Structure
7
Flag
Rugby
Flag
Rugby
is
a
fast
moving,
non‐contact
invasion
game
suitable
for
boys
and
girls
to
play
together.
The
key
to
the
game
is
enjoyment,
with
running
and
handling
skills.
It’s
safe,
non
contact
nature
combined
with
the
fun
and
vibrance
of
the
sport
promotes
fitness,
teamwork,
and
par?cipa?on.
It
introduces
the
basics
of
one
of
the
fastest
growing
team
sports
in
Ontario.
It
connects
with
Ontario
phys‐ed
curriculum
and
OPHEA
safety
guidelines.
The
interchangeable
nature
of
possession,
leading
to
rapid
switching
of
aTack
and
defense,
means
that
a
range
of
skills
are
cul?vated
and
developed.
Co‐opera?on,
integra?on
and
determina?on,
along
with
individual
and
collec?ve
responsibility,
are
key
elements
in
the
game
of
Flag
Rugby.
8
Rugby
Coaching
Con?nuum
Start
Rugby
Coaching
Community
Rugby
–
Ini?a?on
to
Rugby
(NCCP
L1)
Compe??on
Introduc?on
(NCCP
L2)
Advanced
Compe??on
Introduc?on
(NCCP
L3)
Compe??on
Development
(NCCP
L4)
9
Long
Term
Athlete
Development
Model
Rugby
Canada
has
launched
its
Long
Term
Rugby
Development
(LTRD)
strategy
providing
the
blueprint
for
all
stakeholders
involved
with
rugby
players
of
all
ages
and
abili?es.
Rugby
Canada
has
done
this
in
conjunc?on
with
Sport
Canada
and
believe
this
policy
will
be
a
significant
milestone
for
rugby
in
Canada.
There
are
many
benefits
for
Rugby
Canada
implemen?ng
this
LTRD
approach,
•
•
•
•
•
•
Establishment
of
a
clear
pathway
for
rugby
players.
Support
for
the
development
of
beTer
players
and
op?mal
performance
at
all
levels
through
well‐structured
programs
and
plans
.
Implementa?on
of
integrated
programs
for
developing
rugby
players
and
rugby
in
Canada.
Provision
of
a
planning
tool,
based
on
scien?fic
research
and
sport‐specific
empirical
experiences,
for
coaches
and
administrators.
Crea?on
of
a
plagorm
for
a
beTer,
more
enjoyable
and
a
sustainable
game.
Facilita?on
of
new
partnerships
within
sport,
health,
and
educa?on
governments
that
will
benefit
rugby.
Furthermore,
the
LTRD
model
is
being
introduced
to
the
Canadian
rugby
community
at
a
?me
when
rugby’s
significant
growth
poten?al
is
being
recognized
both
within
Canada
and
interna?onally.
“The
health
and
well‐being
of
the
na?on
and
the
medals
won
at
major
games
are
simple
by‐products
of
an
effec?ve
sport
system.”
Istvan
Balyi
10
Where
does
Flag
Rugby
fit
into
the
LTRD?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Why
is
it
important
to
have
a
Long
Term
Development
Model?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
11
Rugby
Ready
and
Safe
Rugby
Rugby
is
one
of
the
fastest
growing
team
sports
in
Canada.
Known
as
the
"sport
for
all",
rugby
aTracts
par?cipants
of
all
sizes,
shapes,
and
abili?es.
Coaches,
Officials,
Administrators
and
Parents
must
all
be
responsible
for
ensuring
that
the
rugby
environment
is
FUN
and
SAFE
for
its
par?cipants.
RUGBY
READY
The
IRB
Rugby
Ready
program
aims
to
support
individual
coaches,
referees,
players
and
Unions
in
preparing
to
play
the
game
and
with
good
prac?ce
models
for
physical
condi?oning,
technique,
injury
preven?on
and
injury
management.
With
an
emphasis
on
strength
and
safety,
it
teaches
you
to
respect
yourself
and
the
game
so
you
can
gain
maximum
enjoyment
from
it.
There
is
a
website
at
www.irbrugbyready.com
for
online
informaFon
and
cerFficaFon.
SAFE
RUGBY
The
primary
aim
of
Rugby
Canada’s
Approach
to
Safe
Rugby
program
is
to
provide
coaches,
referees
and
club
administrators
with
the
required
knowledge,
skills
and
leadership
abili?es
to
ensure
that
safety
principles
and
best
prac?ce
principles
are
incorporated
into
all
aspects
of
contact
Rugby.
There
are
five
dis?nct
elements
of
the
program.
1.  Duty
of
Care
&
Risk
Management
2.  Balance
and
Stability
3.  Introduc?on
to
Contact:
Tackle,
Post‐tackle
support,
Rucks
and
Mauls
4.  Building
Safe
Scrums:
Safe
Scrum
Forma?on
(1v1,
3v3,
5v5,
8v8),
Pre‐
engagement,
Safe
Stable
and
Square
Engagement,
Contes?ng
for
the
Ball,
"May
Day"
Protocol
5.  Injury
Protocol:
Injury
Preven?on,
Care
of
Injured
Players,
Implemen?ng
IRB
12
Regula?on
10
Medical
(Concussion)
How
to
Coach
Flag
Rugby
13
Role
of
a
Coach
List
what
you
think
makes
a
good
rugby
coach.
•
•
•
•
•
List
what
is
a
coach
responsible
for.
•
•
•
•
•
14
Coach
Code
of
Conduct
RESPECT
FOR
PARTICIPANTS
The
principle
of
respect
for
par?cipants
challenges
coaches
to
act
in
a
manner
respecgul
of
the
dignity
of
all
par?cipants
in
sport.
Fundamental
to
this
principle
is
the
basic
assump?on
that
each
person
has
value
and
is
worthy
of
respect.
RESPONSIBLE
COACHING
The
principle
of
responsible
coaching
carries
the
basic
ethical
expecta?on
that
the
ac?vi?es
of
coaches
will
benefit
society
in
general
and
par?cipants
in
par?cular
and
will
do
no
harm.
Fundamental
to
the
implementa?on
of
this
principle
is
the
no?on
of
competence
‐
responsible
coaching
(maximizing
benefits
and
minimizing
risks
to
par?cipants)
is
performed
by
coaches
who
are
"well
prepared
and
current"
in
their
discipline.
INTEGRITY
IN
RELATIONSHIPS
Integrity
means
that
coaches
are
expected
to
be
honest,
sincere
and
honorable
in
their
rela?onships
with
others.
Ac?ng
on
these
values
is
most
possible
when
coaches
possess
a
high
degree
of
self‐awareness
and
the
ability
to
cri?cally
reflect
on
how
their
perspec?ves
influence
their
interac?ons
with
others.
HONORING
SPORT
The
principle
of
honouring
sport
challenges
coaches
to
recognize,
act
on
and
promote
the
value
of
sport
for
individuals
and
teams
and
for
society
in
general.
15
Coaching
Philosophy
All
players
will
come
to
your
session
hoping
to
enjoy
themselves.
To
achieve
this
simple
aim,
they
must
par?cipate
in
some
form
of
purposeful
game
regularly
throughout
the
session.
Rugby
is
enjoyed
most
when
play
is
con?nuous,
not
a
series
of
stop‐start
ac?vi?es;
therefore,
coaches
need
to
plan
their
sessions
to
give
players
the
skills
to
achieve
this.
What
does
APES
stand
for?
•
•
•
•
A
P
E
S
PLAYERS
LEARN
BY
•
•
•
•
•
•
Imita?on
Trial
and
Error
Playing
in
suppor?ve
environment
Being
praised
for
effort
rather
than
outcome
Following
the
example
of
coach
Encouraging
each
other
16
PLAYERS
REMEMBER
BY
Prac?ce
‐
90%
Explana?on
‐
3%
Demonsta?on
‐
7%
EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATION
Effec?ve
Communica?on
is
a
two
way
process,
comprising
the
giving
and
receiving
of
informa?on.
The
Coach
should…..
Explain
concepts
clearly
Show
the
players
what
to
do
Observe
the
players
prac?cing
Ask
quesFons
and
invite
feedback
Observe
the
players
prac?cing
Evaluate
the
players
and
themselves
While
the
players…..
Listen
to
you
explana?on
Observe
your
demonstra?on
PracFce
what
you
have
shown
Answer
ques?on
and
offer
feedback
Improve
skills
Evaluate
themselves
17
Managing
Players
Effec?ve
control
of
a
group
and
excellent
coaching
skills
will
help
players
to
improve.
Giving
instruc?ons
or
explaining
ac?vi?es
to
players
is
a
key
element
of
coaching.
In
order
to
become
more
effec?ve
at
doing
this,
you
should
remember
the
following
process:
HOW
TO
GAIN
AND
REGAIN
CONTROL
Presence
–
your
appearance
and
attude.
Your
players
first
impression
of
you
is
what
you
look
like.
Carry
yourself
in
an
authorita?ve
manner.
Whistle
–
use
it
to
make
your
players
stop,
look
and
listen.
Your
whistle
is
a
tool
to
help
you
get
and
keep
the
aTen?on
of
your
players
Voice
–
vary
the
tone,
volume
and
pace.
Inject
energy
into
what
you
say
and
make
it
sound
interes?ng.
You
wont
keep
the
aTen?on
of
your
players
if
they
are
just
going
through
the
mo?ons.
Movement
–
keep
your
players
in
your
field
of
vision
and
allow
all
of
them
to
see
you.
If
a
player
feels
“stuck
at
the
back”
they
will
switch
off.
AcFviFes
–
make
sure
they
are
me?culously
planned
and
well
organized.
You
can’t
afford
to
let
your
players
think
that
you
do
not
know
what
you
are
doing.
18
Coaching
Session
Structure
Rugby,
par?cularly
for
young
people,
should
be
fun
and
young
players
will
enjoy
and
learn
most
through
playing
various
types
of
condi?oned
rugby
games.
When
planning
a
session
a
qualified
coach,
should
use
the
model
below:
Stage
7
‐
_________and
emphasis
on
_________
Stage
1
‐
_______(using
some
_____
work)
Stage
6
‐
Return
to
the
______
and
add
__________
progressions
Stage
2
‐
Condi?oned
_______
Stage
3
‐
Ques?ons
–
____________?
(tac?cal)
Stage
5
‐
Iden?fy
________that
are
preven?ng
________
and
coach
them
How
can
we
do
it
beTer?
Stage
4
‐
Return
to
_______
19
WARM‐UP
•
•
•
•
The
warm‐up
should
always
include
a
ball,
preferably
with
one
ball
per
player,
but
with
no
more
than
three
or
four
players
to
one
ball.
Warm‐ups
are
ideal
for
reinforcing
skills
and
ball
familiariza?on.
The
key
to
warming
up
is
to
keep
the
players
ac?ve,
and
intersperse
with
gentle
stretching
exercises.
The
warm‐up
should
also
reflect
the
nature
of
the
ac?vity
being
coached,
e.g.
if
you
are
doing
a
contact
session,
you
should
include
progressive
contact
ac?vi?es.
THE
GAME
•
•
•
•
Small‐sided
games
(e.g.
one
vs.
one,
two
vs.
one,
three
vs.
two,
four
vs.
four)
allow
more
players
to
be
involved.
Playing
games
allows
you
to
iden?fy
areas
where
play
breaks
down.
You
should
then
ask
the
players
why
there
is,
or
is
no
success
and
encourage
them
to
find
solu?ons
before
restar?ng.
Awer
playing
the
game
again
and
making
any
changes
to
the
condi?ons
(e.g.
playing
on
a
wider
pitch),
you
need
to
iden?fy
the
skills
that
need
to
be
coached
and
developed.
SKILL
DEVELOPMENT
•
•
•
•
Many
players
are
able
to
pass
a
ball
down
a
line;
at
this
stage,
they
are
performing
a
series
of
techniques.
When
a
player
can
perform
these
ac?ons
under
pressure
(i.e.
less
?me,
less
space
or
with
opposi?on),
they
are
acquiring
skill.
Awer
observing
the
weaknesses
in
the
game,
you
should
establish
skill
development
ac?vi?es
that
focus
upon
developing
these
weaker
skills.
You
may
need
to
adjust
the
prac?ce
to
firstly
develop
the
technique
and
then
progressively
add
pressure
in
order
to
simulate
a
game
situa?on.
Once
there
is
rela?ve
success,
return
the
players
to
the
game.
20
Its
important
to
focus
on
these
KEY
skill
sets
and
rugby
principles
• Running
Spend
MOST
?me
on
this
Stage
• Evasion
• Handling,
Catching
&
Passing
MOVEMENT
&
PLAY
• Bea?ng
Defenders
Then
CONNCENTRATE
on
this
• Running
in
support
of
the
ball
carrier
Stage
• Passing
before,
during
and
CONTINUITY
OF
PLAY
awer
contact
(flag)
Spend
the
LEAST
?me
on
this
Stage
• Restarts
SET
PIECE
Ac?vity….
In
a
group
plan
a
session
using
the
session
planner
(opposite
page)
and
Coaching
Cards.
21
Session
Planner
AIM
DATE
TEAM
KEY FACTORS
EQUIPMENT DIAGRAM / ACTIVITY
Reminder :
22
Coaching
Toolbox
Things
you
will
need
to
run
a
successful
training
session
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Whistle
Stopwatch
Notebook
Clipboard
Pen
Cones
/
pylons
Flag
Belts
and
Flag
Bibs
(pinnies)
Rugby
Balls
(Max
1
per
player
Min
5)
First
Aid
Kit
Coaching
Cards
Session
Plan
Proper
footwear
and
clothing
(for
the
condi?ons)
You
may
need
all
of
the
above
or
just
some.
The
list
can
be
exhaus?ve
and
different
depending
on
the
coach.
LIST
OTHER
EQUIPMENT
YOU
MAY
NEED
•  •  •  •  •  •  23
Flag
Rugby
Laws
24
Flag
Rugby
Laws
The
laws
of
Flag
Rugby
have
been
designed
to
allow
for
a
fast
moving,
non
contact
invasion
game
suitable
for
both
boys
and
girls
to
play
together.
The
laws
have
been
revised
in
2009
by
Rugby
Ontario
and
its
clubs
to
create
a
game
for
op?mal
enjoyment
and
skill
development.
The
laws
can
be
varied
by
organizers
of
local
compe??on.
THE
NUMBER
OF
PLAYERS
Equal
number
of
players
on
both
teams
–
Max
8
Min
5
Subs?tutes
are
allowed
when
the
ball
is
dead
DURATION
OF
PLAY
A
match
is
made
up
of
two
halves,
each
a
maximum
of
fiween
or
a
minimum
of
seven
minutes
dura?on
with
a
2
minute
interval
at
half
?me.
SCORING
A
TRY
is
worth
one
point.
The
ball
must
be
placed
on
or
over
the
opponents
goal
line.
If
a
player
has
passed
the
goal
line
they
MUST
be
allowed
to
place
the
ball
down.
Diving
for
a
try
in
not
allowed.
You
may
score
if
a
flag
has
been
pulled
within
a
meter
of
the
goal
line.
FLAGS
A
flag
must
be
38
cm
x
3.5
cm
Two
flags
aTached
with
Velcro
to
a
belt
worn
around
the
waist
on
the
hips
The
flag
must
be
aTached
with
a
fold
“a
dog’s
ear”.
Flag
belt
must
be
secure
and
excess
belt
tucked
away.
Flags
must
be
available
and
unobstructed
–
shirts
tucked
into
shorts.
Any
players
without
one
or
both
flags
can
not
impact
on
the
play.
25
FORWARD
PASS
AND
KNOCK
ON
The
ball
can
only
be
passed
backwards
of
sideways
(laterally)
through
the
air
If
the
ball
is
knocked
towards
the
opposi?on
goal
line
it
is
a
turn
over.
Advantage
should
be
applied.
OFFSIDE
The
offside
line
is
an
imaginary
line
through
centre
of
the
ball
and
parallel
to
goal
line.
When
a
FLAG
is
made
all
players
from
defending
team
must
aTempt
to
re?re
towards
their
own
goal
line
un?l
cross
the
imaginary
offside
line
onto
their
side
of
the
offside
line
PROHIBITED
PLAY
Players
must
not
make
deliberate
contact
with
an
opponent
(but
must
make
every
effort
to
avoid
the
opponent!).
No
fending
off
‐
ball
carrier
must
not
use
hand
or
ball
to
shield
his/her
flags.
A
player
must
not
spin
to
shield
their
flags
No
hand
off
‐
ball
carrier
must
not
use
hand
or
ball
against
opposing
player’s
face
or
body.
No
kicking
the
ball.
No
tackling.
No
going
to
ground.
No
ripping
the
ball.
No
handing
off
the
ball.
ADVANTAGE
Instead
of
stopping
the
game
every
?me
an
infringement
occurs,
referees
should
allow
advantage
to
the
non
offending
team
if
there
is
a
chance
that
they
may
gain
a
tac?cal
or
territorial
advantage.
Advantage
is
important
to
achieve
con?nuity
–
which
is
a
corner
stone
of
Flag
Rugby.
For
a
full
copy
of
the
Flag
Rugby
Laws
as
prescribed
by
Rugby
Ontario
please
refer
to
Appendix.
26
How
to
Referee
Flag
Rugby
27
Role
of
Referee
Refereeing
is
an
important
part
of
Flag
Rugby.
Its
important
the
referee
understands
the
laws
of
the
game
and
how
to
apply
them.
The
game
is
for
the
players
and
the
ref
is
there
to
ensure
_______________,
______________
and
applica?on
of
Law.
What
do
you
think
makes
a
good
referee?
• 
• 
• 
• 
REFEREE
CHECKLIST
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Whistle
Watch
(stopwatch)
Notebook
and
pen
(for
the
score)
2
shirts
(for
colour
clashes)
Check
playing
area
to
ensure
safety
28
BEFORE
THE
GAME
Meet
with
both
teams
and
check
the
following
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Make
sure
players
are
not
wearing
jewelry,
watches
or
anything
that
could
cause
injury
to
others.
Make
sure
all
shirts
are
tucked
into
shorts
Flags
are
on
hips
in
a
“Dogs
Ear”
Belts
are
not
hanging
out
Both
teams
have
equal
numbers
to
start
the
match
DURING
THE
GAME
Make
sure
you
fully
understand
the
laws
and
how
to
apply
them.
The
KEY
element
of
refereeing
is
ADVANTAGE
and
making
sure
the
game
is
played
safely.
Communicate
as
much
as
you
can
so
that
all
players,
coaches
and
spectators
know
what
is
happening.
Use
the
words
–
FLAG,
PASS
&
PLAY
ON
Use
referee
signals
to
communicate
your
decisions.
See
Referee
Signals
in
Appendix
Be
as
confident
as
you
can
so
you
project
an
image
of
a
person
in
control
but
not
overly
officious.
Have
fun
and
enjoy
the
game.
29
Referee
Code
of
Conduct
REFEREES
SHOULD
ALWAYS:
Recognise
the
importance
of
fun
and
enjoyment
when
officia?ng
young
players.
Provide
posi?ve
verbal
feedback
in
construc?ve
and
encouraging
manner
during
games.
Emphasize
the
sprit
of
the
game.
Appreciate
the
needs
of
the
young
players
before
the
needs
of
the
sport.
Understand
the
physical,
social
and
psychological
development
of
young
players.
Be
a
posi?ve
role
model.
You
set
an
example
and
as
such,
comments
you
received
should
be
posi?ve
and
suppor?ve.
Look
to
self
improvement
e.g.
par?cipa?on
in
other
referee
courses
to
develop
and
join
a
branch
society.
REFEREES
MUST
ALWAYS:
Recognise
that
the
safety
of
the
young
players
is
paramount
Explain
decisions
–
all
young
players
are
s?ll
learning
Always
penalize
foul
play
Play
advantage
whenever
possible
to
let
the
game
flow
Show
empathy
for
the
age
and
ability
of
the
young
players
Be
consistent
and
objec?ve.
Ensure
that
all
verbal
abuse
from
players,
coaches,
or
spectators
is
not
tolerated
and
is
dealt
with
by
the
club
officials
immediately.
Be
aware
of
and
abide
by
Rugby
Canada
and
Rugby
Ontario’s
Child
Protec?on
Guidelines
and
procedures.
30
Admin
31
Organising
a
Fes?val
The
following
formula
is
used
to
work
out
how
many
matches
need
to
be
played
in
a
fes?val
situa?on.
For
the
example,
it
is
assumed
that
four
teams
are
taking
part
of
the
tournament.
Step
1
Take
one
away
from
the
number
of
teams
in
the
pool:
4
‐
1
=
3
Step
2
Mul?ply
the
result
by
the
number
of
teams
in
the
pool:
3
X
4
=
12
Step
3
Now
divide
the
total
in
half:
12
/
2
=
6
Six
games
have
to
be
played.
This
formula
can
be
applied
to
any
situa?on.
32
Appendix
33
Flag
Rugby
Laws
General
Rules
of
Play
for
Flag
Rugby
(Note:
Applica.on
of
the
rules
may
vary
at
tournaments
depending
on
agreement
between
clubs.)
TEAMS
Equal
sides
of
not
more
than
8
and
not
less
than
5
players.
Subs?tutes
allowed,
but
only
when
play
is
stopped.
SCORING
(Try
=
1
point)
Placing
the
ball,
with
downward
pressure,
on
or
behind
the
opponent's
goal
line.
Ball
carrier
must
remain
on
his/her
feet
when
scoring.
As
soon
as
a
player
has
crossed
the
goal
line
they
must
be
allowed
to
score
the
try.
Scoring
by
diving
is
not
allowed
Ball
carrier
is
allowed
one‐step
to
score
a
try
awer
being
flagged.
*Try
scored
on
7th
flag
will
be
disallowed
and
free
pass
awarded
to
defending
side
7‐metres
out
from
goal
line
LENGTH
OF
THE
GAME
Minimum
7
minutes
to
a
maximum
of
15
each
half.
FLAGS
A
flag
must
be
38
cm
x
3.5
cm.
Two
flags
aTached
with
Velcro
to
a
belt
worn
around
the
waist
‐
one
flag
on
each
hip.
The
flag
must
be
aTached
with
a
fold
“a
dog’s
ear”.
Flag
belt
must
be
secure
and
excess
belt
tucked
away.
Flags
must
be
available
and
unobstructed
–
shirts
tucked
into
shorts.
Any
players
without
both
flags
cannot
impact
on
the
play
–
if
a
player
without
both
flags
impacts
on
the
play
(either
by
flagging
the
ball
carrier
or
by
receiving
a
pass),
then
a
penalty
is
awarded
resul?ng
in
free
pass
to
non‐offending
side.
34
STARTING
THE
GAME
AND
RESTARTS
Play
starts
with
either
a
Free
Pass
from
the
centre
of
the
field
(At
Under
8
this
is
compulsory)
or
a
drop
kick.
The
team
that
scored
or
lost
the
toss
is
to
drop
kick
to
the
opposing
side
and
is
to
be
uncontested.
If
the
kick
is
not
a
drop
kick
advantage
may
be
played.
If
drop
kick
can
not
be
preformed
a
Free
Pass
at
the
centre
will
be
the
alterna?ve.
FREE
PASS
AND
DROP
LICKS
–
HOW?
Free
Pass
Opposi?on
must
be
7‐metres
back.
Opposi?on
cannot
move
un?l
ball
has
lew
the
free
passer’s
hands.
Player
taking
the
free
pass
cannot
run,
but
must
pass.
Player
taking
the
free
must
pass
the
ball
to
the
first
person
either
side
of
them.
Referee
calls
“PLAY”.
Drop
Kick
Must
be
made
from
the
centre
and
the
kick
must
be
a
drop
kick.
The
kick
is
to
be
uncontested.
Advantage
MAY
be
played
if
the
kick
is
not
a
drop
kick.
FREE
PASS
AND
DROP
KICK
–
WHEN?
Free
Pass
Starts
the
game
and
the
half
(at
centre).
Restart
awer
a
score
by
non‐scoring
team
(at
centre).
Restart
from
a
penalty
(at
referee’s
mark).
Restart
from
ball
into
touch
(at
touchline
at
the
point
where
ball
went
into
touch).
Flag
count
returns
to
zero
when
a
free
pass
is
awarded.
Drop
Kick
Starts
the
game
and
the
half
(at
centre).
35
FLAGGING
Defender
(flagger)
removes
the
flag,
shouts
“FLAG”,
then
stands
s?ll
holding
flag
alow
(un?l
flagee
retrieves
the
flag)
Flagger
must
not
move
or
rejoin
play
un?l
the
flag
is
given
back.
Referee
shouts
“FLAG!…PASS!”.
Play
does
not
stop!
Ball
carrier
(flagee)
must
pass
the
ball
within
3‐secs/3‐steps
–
flagee
must
not
rejoin
play
un?l
his/her
flag
is
retrieved.
If
a
player/s
does
not
pass
the
ball
within
3‐sec/3
steps
then
they
are
liable
for
penalty.
Flagee,
having
passed
the
ball,
retrieves
his/her
flag
from
the
flagger
and
reaTaches
flag.
Both
players
may
now
rejoin
play.
Free
pass
to
defending
side
on
the
7th
flag
(or
agreed
number
of
flags)
see
scoring*
PASSING
The
ball
can
only
be
passed
backwards
or
sideways
through
the
air.
The
ball
cannot
be
handed
off
to
another
player
–
free
pass
to
non‐offending
side.
The
ball
cannot
be
passed/knocked
forward
–
free
pass
to
non‐offending
side.
Play
advantage
if
other
team
picks
up
knock‐ons
or
intercepts
forward
passes.
OFFSIDE
The
offside
line
is
an
imaginary
line
through
centre
of
the
ball
and
parallel
to
goal
line.
The
offside
line
only
occurs
at
the
?me
of
the
FLAG
and
at
the
start
of
play
from
a
free
pass.
Generally,
there
is
no
offside
when
the
ball
is
in
play….with
the
following
excep?on:
When
a
FLAG
is
made
all
players
from
defending
team
must
aTempt
to
re?re
towards
their
own
goal
line
un?l
cross
the
imaginary
offside
line
onto
their
side
of
the
offside
line…they
cannot
impact
on
play
(i.e.
intercept
or
FLAG
a
player)
un?l
they
get
on‐side.
If
player
in
an
offside
posi?on
interferes
with
the
pass
from
the
flagged
player,
then
free
pass
to
the
aTacking
team.
36
PROHIBITED
PLAY
–
penalty,
free
pass
to
non‐offending
team
Players
must
not
make
deliberate
contact
with
an
opponent
(but
must
make
every
effort
to
avoid
the
opponent!).
No
fending
off
‐
ball
carrier
must
not
use
hand
or
ball
to
shield
his/her
flags.
A
player
must
not
spin
to
shield
their
flags
No
hand
off
‐
ball
carrier
must
not
use
hand
or
ball
against
opposing
player’s
face
or
body.
No
kicking
the
ball.
No
tackling.
No
going
to
ground.
No
ripping
the
ball.
No
handing
off
the
ball.
37
Referee
Signals
Penalty
Forward
Pass
Knock
On
Try
38
AIM
DATE
TEAM
KEY FACTORS
EQUIPMENT
DIAGRAM / ACTIVITY
Reminder :
39
Acknowledgments
Rugby
Canada
and
Rugby
Ontario
would
like
to
acknowledge
the
following
for
their
input
to
the
Start
Rugby
Course.
•
•
•
RFU
IRB
NZRU
The
informa?on
provided
has
been
used
to
develop
the
Start
Rugby
Course
and
is
only
the
start
of
the
coaching
process.
There
are
no
NCCP
accredita?on
associated
with
this
course.
Level
1
Community
Rugby
–
Ini?a?on
to
Rugby
is
the
star?ng
point
for
na?onal
accredita?on
with
the
Coaching
Associa?on
of
Canada
and
Rugby
Canada.
A
cer?ficate
of
comple?on
which
is
recognized
by
Rugby
Ontario
will
be
provided
awer
the
comple?on
of
the
course.
40