Welcome to your SAFEPLAY CODE for
JUNIOR Rugby League Centre
Australian Rugby League & The Rugby League Foundation support the "SAFEPLAY CODE"
SAFEPLAY CODE FOR JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE

Philosophy


The SAFEPLAY CODE was developed with an emphasis on
SAFETY and good conduct within the game of Rugby League

The CODE is designed to provide the best possible on field environment for the "junior" game of Rugby League by actively promoting control of undesirable actions.

It has been introduced for players up to and including Under 15 years age group.

The ARL & ARLF trusts that players, coaches, parents and supporters will wholeheartedly embrace the code for the benefit of the players of Rugby League.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

IT IS MANDATORY THAT A PENALTY KICK FOLLOW ANY ACT THAT TRANGRESSES THE CODE OF SAFE PLAY

ACTION, IN ADDITION TO A PENALTY FOR A BREACH (ie:SIN BIN OR REPLACEMENT IN MINI/MOD) IS DISMISSAL AT THE DISCRETION OF THE REFEREE.

Refer International Laws, Section 13,1(a) & Section 15 - Player Misconduct.

1. TACKLE ZONE.

The Code:

TACKLES ABOVE THE ARMPITS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
Application: (a) Whaen a ball carrier is running with an upright posture, any tackle in which the defenders arms makes contact ABOVE an armpit, constitutes an infringement.
(b) It is an infringement for a defender/tackler to set upon the head or neck region of a ball carrier.
(c) A ball-carrier who is "diving" or running with a "burrowing" or "stooped" posture, can be blocked or tackled provided there is no contact by the defenders arm(s) with the head or next of the ball-carrier. Defenders must tackle below the line of the shoulders.
Law Book Reference: Section 15, Law 1 (b), Page 38
2. DANGEROUS TACKLES.
The Code (use of legs) 2.1 THE TACKLE'S LEGS CONNOT BE USED TO TRIP IN A THROW.
Application: The use of legs in a tackle is not permissible. Using the LEGS ( even if the defender has a hand hold on the ball-carrier) to TRIP or THROW constitutes an infringement.
Law Book Reference: Section 15, Note to Law 1 (a), Page 38
The Code (Lifting) 2.2 ADOPTING A CROTCH HOLD IS MISCONDUCT.
Application: Adopting a crotch hold i.e. by placing either a hand or arm in the crotch area, is an infringement.
Law Book Reference: Section 15, Law 1 (d), Page 38
The Code (Lifting) 2.3 NO VERTICAL LIFT IN A TACKLE IS PERMITTED.
Application:

No defenders, during the course of a tackle are permitted to vertically lift the ball-carrier.

If a vertical lift is anticipated (by the referee) or is obvious, i.e. both feet of the ball-carrier have left the ground, the referee must immediately blow his/her whistle to prevent the tackle from continuing.

(This is not to be confused with a tackle that, in the same motion, "knocks" a player of his feet).
The Code (Lifting) A BALL-CARRIER CANNOT BE LIFTED AND DRIVEN.
Application: A tackle that results in the ball-carrier being lifted and remaining off the ground while the tackler takes two (2) or more steps to drive the player (in any direction and while the ball-carriers feet are off the ground) is an infringement.
Law Book Reference: Section 15, Law 1 (d), Note to Law 1 (d), Page 38
3. "SHOULDER CHARGE"
The Code: A DEFENDER CANNOT "SHOULDER CHARGE" A BALL-CARRIER TO EFFECT A TACKLE.
Application: The defender who RUNS at a ball-carrier and, without attempting to tackle, grab or hold the ball-carrier, charges to make contact with the shoulder or with the upper arm (tucked into the side) is guilty of an infringement.
Law Book Reference: Section 15, Concidered "Misconduct" or "Dangerous Play"
4. VICIOUS PALM
The Code: AN ATTACKING PLAYER CANNOT "THRUST" OUT AN ARM TO CONTACT THE DEFENDER ABOVE THE SHOULDER
Application: Any attacking player who violently PUNCHES or THRUSTS out an arm or uses an outstretched stiff arm so that hand or fist contacts the neck, face or head of a defender commits an infringement. (This section does not state that a player cannot legally 'PALM' the head, neck or face).
Law Book Reference: Section 15, Law 1 (a), Page 38
5. SLINGING
The Code: THE USE OF THE BALL-CARRIER'S ARM OR GUERNSEY TO SLING OR SWING THE PLAYER IS PROHIBITED.
Application: A defender who uses the arm or guernsey of the Ball-carrier to SLING or SWING the player in a tackle commits an infringements
Law Book Reference: Section 11, Note to Law 1, Page 23.
6. SANDBAGGING (Flopping)
The Code: A PLAYER CANNOT DROP OR FALL ON A PRONE PLAYER
Application: It is an infringement for a defenderto drop, dive or fall on a player in possession of the ball who is prone or stationary on the ground and not atempting to play on. (A simple hand-on completes the tackle).
Law Book Reference: Section 15, Note to Law 1, Page 38.
7. SURRENDER (in the tackle) RULE
The Code: BALL-CARRIERS MAY SURRENDER THE BALL IN THE TACKLE. WHEN SMALL AND/OR INEXPERIENCED PLAYERS ARE INVOLVED IN A "SURRENDER", DEFENDERS MUST NOT COMPLETE THE TACKLE
Application:

This rule is designed to protect beginners and small players by minimising risk and eliminating excessively robust play.

The referee, NOT the player, calls "held". Players who are at an obvious disadvantage because of low levels of experience, are of small stature or show a lack of skill are to be protected when in possession of the ball and being tackled.

A halt to play is to be called (BY THE REFEREE) when these players submit to the tackle or are held, subdued or their progress is halted by bigger or more experienced players.

Failure by a tackler to respond to the referee's call is an infringement.
Law Book Reference: Section 11, Law 2 (c), Note to 2 (c), Page 23.
8. VERBAL ABUSE / FOUL LANGUAGE
The Code: THE USE OF OBSCENE EXPLETIVES, THREATENING OR DESIGRATING WORDS IS NOT PERMITTED
Application: Verbal abuse, obscene language and sledging - inclusive of comments or words that THREAREN or DESIGRATE an opponent, referee or supporter is an infringement. (If the individual cannot be identified, then the team should be causioned through the captain).
Law Book Reference: Section 15, Law 1 (b), Page 38.
9. SCRUMS
The Code: NO PUSHING OR PULLING IN, ROTATING A SCRUM IS NOT PERMITTED
Application:

All scrums are to be DE-POWERED

Scrums will form as per the following instructions:
FORM, ENGAGE & HOLD.

A team that delibrately pushes or pulls in or rotates a scrum - is guilty of an infringement.

Once the ball has been fed into the scrum, hookers ONLY may strike for the ball.

Second row players can LIFT a foot to rake the ball out of the scrum BUT cannot step forward over the ball to cause the ball to come out of the scrum.
Law Book Reference: Section 12, Law 4, Page 30.
It should be noted that every penalty under the Code should be accompanied by a caution and instruction to the player responsible for the infringement.
More detailed explaination of the "SAFEPLAY CODE" Below here.

ADVANTAGE PLAY & THE CODE

A penalty kick must follow any infringement.

1. IF NO ADVANTAGE OCCURS, the penalty is to be awarded immediately.

2. IF AN ADVANTAGE OCCURS, the penalty is to be awarded either at the breakdown in play immediately after the misconduct occured, (unless a try is imminent) or where the act of misconduct occured, whichever is to the greater advantage of the non-offending team.

3. WHEN A TRY HAS BEEN SCORED in the same play in which the act of miscinduct occures OR in the immediate play thereafter ( the immenent factor), the penalty kick, additional to the conversion, will be awarded in front of goal posts. A kick at goal must be taken from the penalty kick (drop or place kick) and play restarted from the centre on the half-way line irrespective of the utcome of the kick.

A NOTE ON MODIFIED GAMES
(Laws of Modified Games, Corcoran, 2002)

The "sin bin" does not apply in Mini Footy or Mod League games. Should a player be guilty of such conduct that "merits" suspension from the field for a time, then the referee is to advise the player's team captainof the problem and direct that player t be replaced for the remainer of that period of play during which the misconduct occured.

A players captain may be directed to replace the player for the remainer of the game should the player's misconduct warrent such action. In this case the offending player cannot take any further part in the match.

A player - replaced for a period (Mini) or half (Mod) who resumes players in a later period / half AND is guilty of further misconduct NUST be dismissed WITHOUT REPLACEMENT. (International laws apply here)

IMPLEMENTING THE SAFEPLAY CODE

Advertising the Code

All Parents, Players, coaches and referee's should familiarise themselves with the "Safeplay Code" before the commencement of the season and subsequent matches. A copy of the Code should be avialable to all present at the match venues and training sessions.

Referee's

Referee's are the key to the successful application of the "SafeplayCode"

Referee's must be fully briefed on the detailed workings of the "SafeplayCode".

The most suitable personnel to do this are State-appointed Coaching and Development staff or Referee's Co-ordinators/Providers.

Coaches

Coaches are the other vital factor in ensuring that the Code is applied successfully. All coaches must ensure that their player are aware of, and fully understand, the "Safeplay Code".

All Matches

To ensure that all parties fully understand the Safeplay Code a pre-match meeting should be held between the match referee, coaches and where possible team captains for International Law games.

It may take a few matches for referee's and players to become accustomed to the Code. During this period there may well be a little "under enforsement". However, the right balance will soon be achieved as long as all the concerned work together and reliese that the Code will befifit all players and the Game.

The original Safeplay Code was written by Graham Chaffey - NSWRL - and trialled by the NSWCRL in 1995.

Febuary 2002

Safeplay Code for Junior Rugby League Ages
up to and including Under 15
Mini Footy - Basic Rules - Ages 6 to 8
  • 3 x 10 minute periods
  • Each player must play 1 whole unbroken third
  • 8 players on the field
  • 4 tackles
  • No markers
  • 2 passes then run - If dummy half or 1st receiver are tackled then changeover
  • 3 player scrum
  • No kicking in general play
  • 1 conversion each player - conversion = 2 points
  • Try with 2 or less passes = 3 points
  • Try with 3 or more passes = 5 points
  • Small field, football and posts
Mod Footy - Basic Rules - Ages 9 to 12

11 players for 9 to 11 years - 13 players for 12 years

  • 2 x 20 minute periods
  • 6 tackles
  • Kicking allowed but no bombs
  • Try with 2 or less passes = 3 points
  • Try with 3 or more passes = 5 points
  • 1 conversion each player - conversion = 2 points
  • Reduced size field and footballs

General Code of Conduct for Players, Officials and Spectators

OFFICIALS / SPECTATORS

1. All persons attending matches controlled by the League do so with the permission and licence of the League and not otherwise.

2. At the time of registration or at some other time, all carers of players, coaches, trainers and other persons, are to be handed a copy of this Code.

3. All such carers, coaches, trainers and other persons must agree to be bound by this Code prior to acceptance of registration of their child or themselves.

4. No person attending a match controlled be the League shall

(a) Use of offensive or obscene language to any player, referee, touch judge, official or another spectator.

(b) Enter the field of play during the course of a match without prior approval of the Ground Manager appointed by the League.

(c) Dispute the decision of a referee or touch judge.

(d) Assault or act with aggression to any other person.

(e) Behave in any way contrary to the spirit of the game.

(f) Behave in any way, which disturbs the enjoyment of the match by any other person or brings discredit to the League.

(g) Act in such a way as to exhibit racial intolerance by language or conduct to any other person.

(h) Refuse to accept the reasonable direction of Ground Manager, or Official of the League or of the Club, which that person is supporting.

5. Any person contravening Rule 4 of this Code may be reported by the Ground Manager to the Manager of the team, which that person is supporting.

6. Upon receiving a report from the Ground Manager, the Team Manager must draw the attention of the offending person to this Code.

7. The Ground Manager must note on the back of the team sheet the time of and nature of his report to the Team Manager.

8. In the event that the offending person does not desist from the offending conduct, such person will be asked by the Ground Manager to leave the ground immediately.

9. The request to leave the ground and the time thereof must be noted by the Ground Manager on the back of the team sheet.

10. In the event that a person refuses to obey the direction of the Ground Manager, he may direct the Referee to terminate the match.

11. In the event that the match is so terminated, the fact will be reported to the League which may at its absolute discretion, against which there will be no appeal, award points for the math to the team other than that which the offender is supporting or declare that neither side will receive any points for the match.

12.a) The Ground Manager cannot identify a particular person who is contravening Rule 4 or

b) More than one person associated with a team is contravening or has contravened Rule 4 The Ground Manager may report that behaviour to the Manager of the team, which that person or persons are supporting.

12.1 Upon receiving a report from the Ground Manager, the Team Manager must draw the attention of this Code, to the supporters of that team.

12.2 The Ground Manager must note on the back of the team sheet the time of and nature of his report to the Team Manager.

12.3 In the event that the offending person or persons do not desist from the offending conduct, the Ground Manager may direct the Team Manager to request the offending person or persons to leave the ground.

12.4 The request to leave the ground and the time thereof must be noted by the Ground Manager on the back of the team sheet.

12.5 If the offending person or persons do not leave the ground, or if the Team Manager does not follow a direction made by the Ground Manager under the Clause 12 - 12.5, the Ground Manager may direct the Referee to terminate the match and Rule 11 will apply.

13. Clubs are responsible for the conduct of their members, parents of players and spectators who support them.

14. Clubs, which do not exercise control over their members, parents of players or spectators may be called upon by the League to accept responsibility for such offence and the following penalties will apply.

a) For a first offence - a fine AND / OR

b) The loss of competition points, AND / OR

c) The suspension of the offender from attending future matches.

d) For the second offence - the temporary suspension of the team AND / OR Club from the competition.

e) For a third offence - suspension of the team AND / OR Club either for the remainder of the season or permanently

15. Abuse to referees, touch judges or officials of the League may result in the registration of the child whose carers so offend being cancelled.

16. Where a team does not have a Team Manager at the ground, any request or direction made by the Ground Manager to any official of that team of official of that team's Club shall be regarded as a direction of the Team Manager for the purposes of this Code.

WARNING:
NO GLASS BOTTLES PERMITTED AT JUNIOR LEAGUE GROUNDS

THE PLAYER

You are reminded that the purpose of this Code is to provide you with an enjoyably and safe environment, where you are able to develop as a player, gaining personal fulfilment and satisfaction through friendly competition.

ALL PLAYERS should:

1. Play within the rules

2. Be a good sport on and off the field

3. Never become involved in foul play

4. Shake hands with and thank the opposition players and officials after the match win, lose or draw

5. Respect the Referee's decision. Leave any questions to your Captain

6. Never use bad language or

7. Sledging against opposition players, supporters or officials

8. Remember that winning should be strived for but only by using fair means

9. When the game is lost we must be good sports

10. Never abuse your own team mates

11. Remember: - If you do become involved in illegal or any other poor behaviour you may:

  • Be removed from the field by the coach
  • Sin binned
  • Sent off
  • Face Judiciary and Suspension
  • And you will always lose the respect of good judges

Official NSW Rugby League [...more]




 

 

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