FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that aren’t addressed here, feel free to email us at rugby@internationalminirugby.com.

The RFU recommends that parents of current players referee Under 7 to Under 15 matches, as they offer the safest environment with a better understanding of Regulation 15. Each team should bring one referee. Age group referees will be scheduled when their teams aren’t playing, allowing them to support their players.

If a team does not bring a referee, they will incur a penalty of 1 league point per game missed. Anyone interested in refereeing additional matches over the weekend is encouraged to reach out to us at rugby@internationalminirugby.com.

Entry tickets and event wristbands for the International Mini Rugby Series are required for all attendees and will be dispatched to club/team organizers approximately two weeks before the event. No entry will be permitted without a pre-paid ticket and wristband. To streamline entry, please ensure your tickets and wristbands are ready to show at the security gates upon arrival.

Professional First Aid cover will be provided at each tournament. However, we recommend that each rugby club has its own first aider and first aid kit for their team.

The International Mini Rugby Series will use pitches marked as closely as possible to the RFU Regulation 15 guidelines:

  • Under 7: 20m x 12m
  • Under 8: 45m x 22m
  • Under 9: 60m x 30m
  • Under 10: 60m x 35m, plus 5m for each in-goal area
  • Under 11 and Under 12: 60m x 43m, plus 5m for each in-goal area

While reduced pitch sizes are acceptable, they must be agreed upon by the officiating referee and coaches.

The tournaments will be played in a league format, allowing each team to compete against all others in their age group. Matches will occur with a minimum of 3-4 games on Saturday and 3 on Sunday. Younger age groups may have shorter, more frequent games. Teams will play between 50 to 80 minutes of rugby per day, with game gaps ideally not exceeding one hour, except during lunch.

Every competitor will receive a medal or similar recognition on the final day of the competition, and trophies will be awarded to winners and runners-up in each age group. Plus, our sponsor, Your Club Stash, will provide special Champion T-shirts to celebrate winning teams. Medal presentations will take place on the final day, recognizing all participants’ efforts throughout the event.

Unfortunately, dogs and other pets are not permitted at any of the venues.

All participating rugby club players must be insured for both on-field and off-field activities. The Chichester College Group does not provide group insurance against injuries, illness, theft, or property damage, so each player is responsible for securing adequate coverage. Additionally, participants from countries without medical insurance agreements with the UK must obtain personal medical insurance.

Please note that the Chichester College Group is not liable for any cancellations due to adverse weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

We strongly recommend that all families staying in accommodation during the event have holiday insurance to cover potential cancellations of the event or accommodations due to unforeseen circumstances. Please note that Chichester College Group is not liable for any economic losses incurred from event disruptions or accommodation cancellations.

Team sizes are according to RFU Regulation 15:

  • Under 7: 4 players
  • Under 8: 6 players
  • Under 9: 7 players
  • Under 10: 8 players
  • Under 11: 9 players
  • Under 12: 12 players

For Under 13 to Under 15, the squad size is 22 players.

Maximum squad sizes are as follows:

  • Under 7: 7
  • Under 8: 9
  • Under 9: 12
  • Under 10: 12
  • Under 11: 14
  • Under 12: 16

Coaches should determine the appropriate squad size based on the RFU Continuum.

You can enter as many teams as you like. Our goal is to maximize playing time for all participants, ensuring every player who wishes to play can do so. We will make efforts to avoid intra-club matchups on the second day.

Don’t let that stop anyone from joining! We aim to maximize participation, so if you have enough players for a partial team, we can form a Barbarian team. Your club can provide the coach, and we’ll promote the Barbarian team in advance, ensuring all players get a chance to compete alongside their peers.

All members of the same team will be placed on the same accommodation site unless requested otherwise. However, not all teams participating in the same competition will be on the same site due to availability issues.

Transportation between accommodation and the venue is not included in the quoted prices unless otherwise stated.

Open fires are not allowed at any camping venues. Portable BBQs are permitted, but please use them responsibly, away from playing areas.

Teams are welcome to bring gazebos, tents, and awnings to create seating areas and provide shelter. Please set these up at least two meters away from any playing areas. They can be left overnight but must be well secured.

The IRB has approved a global trial allowing the use of specially designed Rugby Goggles in all levels of rugby. These goggles are safe and provide high-speed impact resistance, UV protection, and a secure strap. They must bear the IRB trial-approved logo, and players will need confirmation from an ophthalmologist to participate in the trial.

You can find more information on ordering these goggles by visiting the manufacturer’s website: Raleri.

For the latest guidelines on goggles, visit World Rugby.