Development Model (U11s to Under 13s)
What is the Small Blacks Development Model?
Coaching (Under 11s to Under 13s)
Laws (Under 11s to Under 13s)
Wallet Cards
Development Model (Under 11s to Under 13s)
School Year
Age Grade | Y6
U11 | Y7
U12 | Y8
U13 | Comments |
Numbers on Field | 15 | 15 | 15 | These numbers are maximums. Games must proceed with even numbers. Balancing playing numbers and ability is to be encouraged. |
Field Size | F | F | F | 15's must be full field. |
Try | 5pts | 5pts | 5pts | If score blowouts are occurring (ie 35 at halftime), both coaches must meet and come to an agreement as to how they can generate a more even contest. |
Conversion | 2 | 2 | 2 | Conversions are not to be taken further out than the 15m line. |
Tackle | Tackle | Tackle | Tackle | Tackles must be below the nipple. |
Subs | Rolling | Rolling | Rolling | All players must play at least half a game. A rolling sub is where a coach substitutes a player during a stoppage in play. The referee must be notified. |
Scrums | 8
person | 8
person | 8
person | Contest and pushing only at U12 and U13. The push is limited to half a metre maximum. Safety is paramount. |
Lineout | 8
person | 8
person | 8
person | Lineouts can be contested from U11. There is to be no lineout lifting at any level. |
Kick - Off | Normal | Normal | Normal | There wil be no lifting from kick-starts. |
Penalty | Normal | Normal | Normal | |
Kicking
(general play) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
Referee | Yes | Yes | Yes | If no Playing Rugby referee, no tackling and no contested scrums. |
Ball Size | 3 | 4 | 4 | Balls will be colour coded for each size. Size 2 1/2 = orange, Size 3 = blue, Size 4 = green |
Length of Game | 2 x 25 | 2 x 30 | 2 x 30 | These are maximums. |
What is the Small Blacks Development Model?
Small Blacks Rugby has been designed to help players develop their rugby skills as their physical ability develops, making the game as simple and safe as possible for all Kiwi children, regardless of their age, shape or size. The new Small Blacks Development Model has been developed to ensure that there is a consistency of playing, coaching and player welfare at all levels throughout the country, and is a great way of getting kids involved in a team sport.The model has been designed to ensure that all children who graduate from the Small Blacks programme have the best possible skill set to take them through their rugby career - who knows, today's Small Black may one day go on to become an All Black or Black Fern.
Coaching (Under 11s to Under 13s)
For coaching information including skills and drills for the Under 11s to Under 13s age groups visit www.coachingtoolbox.co.nz.
Laws (Under 11s to Under 13s)
To view the rugby laws for the Under 11s to Under 13s age groups go to the Laws section of this website.
Wallet Cards
The New Zealand Rugby Union developed the Small Blacks Development Model wallet cards so that all those involved in junior rugby (including parents) can easily refer to the rules of Small Blacks rugby.
The cards were distributed to clubs and schools across New Zealand at the beginning of the season. The wallet cards for the Under 11s to Under 13s age groups can be downloaded below.
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Under 11s Wallet Card
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Under 12s and Under 13s Wallet Card
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