All competitions and festivals are RFU-approved where necessary and will adhere to RFU Regulation 15 for the specified age groups. You can download a copy of RFU Regulation 15, dated August 2023, from the link provided. Please note that pitch sizes may be smaller than those stipulated in RFU Regulation 15, which outlines only maximum dimensions.
Referees
Each club is required to bring age group referees -one referee per team entered. Clubs that do not bring a referee will incur a penalty of 2 league points for each missed game. Age group referees will officiate games when their teams are not playing, allowing them to support and watch their players.
Competition Format
We anticipate a minimum of 6-8 teams per age group, competing in a league format where every team plays against each other. Each team will play three games daily. In groups with 6 teams, the tournament will feature all teams playing each other, followed by playoffs for first, third, and fifth places, ensuring that every team plays 6 games over the two days.
Playing Numbers
- U7: 4 players
- U8: 6 players
- U9: 7 players
- U10: 8 players
- U11: 9 players
- U12: 12 players
Maximum Squad Sizes
- U7: 7 players
- U8: 9 players
- U9: 12 players
- U10: 12 players
- U11: 14 players
- U12: 17 players
Coaches should decide squad sizes according to RFU Regulation 15. Our goal is to ensure every player participates in three competitive games per day, encouraging clubs to travel with all players who wish to play.
Barbarian Teams
To maximize playing time, if a club has enough players for one and a half teams, we recommend forming a properly coached Barbarian team. We will promote this team in advance of the competition, so all Barbarian players and their parents know who they will be playing for, and the coaching will be consistent throughout the festival.
If you have extra players available for a Barbarian team at any age group, please call us at 01243 812936 or email us at rugby@internationalminirugby.com.
Regulation 15 – As updated to August 2023
Tournament League and Playoff Scoring
The tournament will be conducted in accordance with RFU Regulation 15. Matches will last until 30-0, with no extra time allowed except for injury stoppages. If teams from the same club face each other, the match will be considered a draw. A team unable to compete due to injuries or absences will be deemed to lose 30-0, except in intra-club matches. If a team defaults on all remaining games, all their matches will be treated as unplayed for scoring.
League Points
- Win: 3 points
- Draw: 1 point
In case of tied points, teams will be ranked by:
- Points difference
- Result of the match between tied teams
- Coin toss (if necessary)
Playoff Stages
For tied playoff games, the order will be determined by:
- Points difference in league play
- Result of league match between tied teams
- Coin toss (if necessary)
No extra time will be played in any situation, except for injury stoppages.