The information included in this page is to provide those who are interested in the development of Junior Rugby League the necessary "overview" & rules for the specific age groupings.

When we started our programme in February 2010, this is the basis of our development, as it aligns with wider Rugby League junior teaching & development.

These are based on what the ARL (Australian Rugby League) and NZRL (New Zealand Rugby League) are teaching their age groupings. As we are BASED in AOTEAROA we will be using the Kids 2 Kiwis NZRL rules & regulations.

In Aotearoa the current programme is called Kids 2 Kiwis
Did you know that there are two sets of modified rules for Junior Rugby League in New Zealand?

Six to nine year olds and ten to twleve year olds both play modified rules to ensure their safety when playing rugby league. So the game that our Junior players take part in is a far cry from what you see in the NRL competition.

At a Junior level rugby league in New Zealand, the focus is on safety and fun.  

Mini Rugby League rules apply to those children in the 6 - 9 year old bracket, while the Modified Rugby League rules apply to those children in the 10 - 12 year old bracket. There are also Codes of Conduct for all participants in rugby league played in New Zealand.

Mini & Mod Rules

You will be aware of the recently distributed Mini and Mod trial rules circulated as an addendum to the NZRL Mini / Mod Rule Book and conveyed at all recent Coaching Courses and Club Coaches and Managers meetings.

We had been advised by NZRL that the application to trial these rules in 2009 were declined and that the officially endorsed and published rules were to be played however on submission and recommendation to the Board of Directors, the Board ratified continuation for 2009.

Following the NZRL National Conference of Leagues, it was reiterated to all District Leagues that the game was to be played under the approved and published rules for a number of reasons including:
·         Standardised National Rules
·         Our collective and individual Duty of Care obligations/responsibilities to players
·         Ensuring we all comply with Health and Safety Regulations

Moving forward NZRL has advised a full review process of the rules will be undertaken during 2009, a review that is also being mirrored in both Australia and the UK. As part of this review we will endeavour to ensure a process that ensures as many mini and mod coaches as possible have the opportunity for input.

Below is a one (1) page summary (and the Mini/Mod Field dimensions) which should be distributed to coaches / managers / parents and supporters to ensure everyone understands the rules. These are the only rules to be played by all Mini and Mod teams throughout New Zealand in 2009.

2 key changes that must be pointed out are:

Under 9’s are to play Mini rules (however if you have a physically big under 9’s team there is an option to make the field 40m wide as opposed to 30m. Both coaches must agree to this or the standard 30m wide field is to be used). This option applies to under 9’s only.
Under 12’s required to play the published Mod rules only (not international) with some minor adjustments (13 on field, full international field etc)
 
For the full Mini and Mod Rule book CLICK HERE

If you have any queries, please contact me:)