Every child's rugby experience is to be a safe and enjoyable one
All rugby in New Zealand is covered by the New Zealand Rugby Union's agreement with the ACC. Our playing rules and age/weight criteria are set with the guidance of the ACC.
In setting grading criteria each year, the JRZE needs to consider a child's age, maturity, weight and ability, while trying to ensure that every child that wishes to play rugby can do so. Clubs have absolutely no authority to place children in teams outside of the set criteria. So please do not ask them to do so.
Each of the 3 zone committees (Hutt Valley, Wellington and Western Bays) and the JRZE are responsible for the checking and enforcing the implementation of the criteria.
If you have any concerns regarding safety, please speak to your club.
Any person involved, in any way, in the coaching of junior rugby must hold a current Small Blacks accreditation. There are three different Small Blacks qualifications available: Small Blacks Beginning Rugby (Under 6 - Under 7), Small Blacks Learning Rugby (Under 8 - Under 10) and Small Blacks Playing Rugby (Under 11 - Under 13).