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Rules, Safety & Development Guidelines

Clear guidance for delivering safe, consistent and enjoyable junior rugby


This section brings together the key rules, policies and documents that guide how Junior Rugby operates across Wellington. These resources support clubs, convenors, coaches, managers and whānau to create safe, positive and development‑focused experiences for tamariki at every grade.

Charter

Positive sideline and team environments are essential to Junior Rugby. The Junior Charter sets out the standards expected of everyone involved in the game and is built around the values of Leadership, Discipline, Pride, Integrity, Inclusiveness and Respect. 

These expectations apply to:

  • Players - showing kindness, fairness, teamwork, honesty and pride in their team
  • Parents & Whānau - creating a supportive sideline, encouraging positive behaviour and letting tamariki enjoy the game
  • Coaches & Managers - role‑modelling the Charter values, helping players learn and grow, and fostering safe, inclusive teams
  • Supporters & Spectators - contributing to a welcoming, encouraging environment for all kids on and off the field

These standards help protect tamariki, support volunteers and ensure Junior Rugby remains fun, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Girls-Only Grade - Framework

Launching in 2026, our inaugural girls‑only grade is supported by framework which outlines how junior girls’ rugby is delivered across each age group. The framework focuses on:

  • Provides age‑appropriate game formats for Year 3/4 through to Year 7/8
  • Focuses on player safety, confidence and enjoyment, with progressive skill development
  • Outlines player numbers, field sizes, game length and ball sizes by age group
  • Introduces modified contact and set‑piece rules to match physical development and experience
  • Ensures meaningful game time, with all players required to play at least half a game
  • Emphasises safe coaching standards, including Rugby Smart, Small Blacks, and tackle education
  • Supports a participant‑centred approach, putting girls at the heart of their rugby experience
  • Designed to create a positive, inclusive and supportive environment for girls in the game
Key Supporting Policies & Resources
Fair Play Policy

The Fair Play Policy sets out clear behavioural expectations for players, coaches, referees, volunteers, supporters and whānau. It outlines:

  • Pre‑game requirements and coach‑to‑coach checks
  • Score‑differential management (35+ points at halftime)
  • Half‑Game Rule requirements
  • Complaints processes and sanctions

This policy works alongside the Wellington Rugby Charter to ensure safe, respectful and enjoyable game environments.
 

GPR Policy – Grade Playing Restrictions

The GPR Policy promotes safety and balanced play, particularly for larger players. It covers:

  • GPR registration and pre‑game identification
  • Restrictions on GPR players (e.g., no tap‑and‑go within 5m, no acting as first receiver, no No.8 pick‑ups in Y7/8, no “battering ram” carries)
  • Half‑Game Rule requirements for all players
  • Safety‑driven sanctions for misuse

These restrictions help keep games safe, inclusive and appropriately matched.
 

Junior Fields Layout
  • Helps maintain a safe, consistent playing environment - while also protecting our fields by limiting unnecessary trampling from spectators
  • Defines junior field sizes and layouts for each age group
  • Uses smaller fields for younger players to increase involvement and confidence
  • Gradually increases field dimensions to match player development
  • Applies across Rippa and tackle rugby formats
Junior Team Creation Policy
  • Ensures fair, balanced and development‑focused team formation
  • Supports equitable access to rugby for all junior players
  • Covers:
    • Squad size expectations
    • Even‑ability team formation
    • Collaboration with neighbouring clubs
    • Player sharing when numbers are uneven
    • Responsibilities of coaches, parents and club management
  • Designed to promote player development, enjoyment and fair play
  • Supports consistent team structures across all grades
Refereeing Priorities

Designed to support FABS (Fun, Achievement, Belonging, Safety), the Refereeing Priorities outline:

  • Pre‑match procedures for all tackle grades (equipment checks, GPR confirmation, coach alignment)
  • Key refereeing principles (Whistle-Signal-Explain)
  • Year‑specific guidelines from Rippa to Year 8
  • Safety expectations (no head contact, no rag‑dolling, correct tackle technique)
  • Foul‑play management emphasising learning over punishment

These priorities promote consistent, development‑focused refereeing across all grades.
 

Weights & Grading Chart

Age/weight policies and modified rules ensure children play with others of similar size and ability in a safe environment. WRFU may immediately suspend any player, coach, administrator or team for breaching rules or policies.

Weight grades are set by WRFU and cannot be changed by clubs or individuals. Weigh-ins are only required when applying for dispensation or when changing grade based on weight.
 

Why These Rules Matter
  • They promote safe introduction to contact
  • They create clear and consistent experiences across all clubs
  • They ensure balanced development for all tamariki
  • They give coaches, referees and parents confidence in the game
NZ Rugby Age Band Policy (Dispensations)
Rugby Toolbox

RugbyToolbox is your go to resource for all things rugby coaching, referees and players development.

Small Blacks covers all rugby for tamariki aged 5-12. The focus is on keeping the game safe, enjoyable and development‑focused. The programme is progressive, with age‑appropriate formats that support skill growth as players get older and guidance to help coaches know what to teach at each stage.

Season Structures

Understand how the junior season is organised, including:

  • Key season dates and timelines
  • Cancellations and postponement processes

Clear season structures help clubs plan effectively and ensure consistent experiences across all grades.