U11 rules at a glance
Not yet checked against the official rules. This summary has not been verified against the current RFU text. Do not rely on it: read the official RFU Regulation 15 before you coach or referee.
A plain-English summary for coaches. The rules of an age group are a ceiling: you can always coach an earlier stage if your players need it.
| Tackle | Full tackle. In the community game in England, tackles must be below the base of the sternum, so coach players to aim for the hips or waist. |
|---|---|
| Ruck | Limited numbers: a maximum of 3 per side, including the tackler or ball carrier. |
| Maul | A maximum of 3 per side, including the ball carrier. |
| “Use it” | Once the ball is won at a ruck or maul, the referee calls “use it”. If it isn't played within 5 seconds, a scrum goes to the other side. |
| Ripped ball | If the ball is ripped in an upright tackle or maul, it must be passed. |
| Scrum half | Must pass the ball away from the base. No running or kicking. |
| Scrums & lineouts | Small, simplified versions. Numbers and rules change by age, so check the current appendix. |
Official source: RFU Regulation 15 (age grade rugby) · Last checked:
Rules change. RFU age-grade rules are reviewed every season. If anything here differs from the official text, the official text wins.