MODIFIED GAMES 2017/18
Aims of the 2016 trials & proposed game models for 2017/18
» Increase fun, enjoyment and skill development of players within the
Modified Games.
» Demonstrates practical implementation throughout the nominated league
locations as a basis trial for all junior league districts across Australia.
» Develop a game most tailored to pre-teen children at different stages of
growth and motivation though gradual implementation of rule trials.
» Provide the ‘base’ for high performance outcomes (better technical and
tactical skills).
Rationale 6 – 8 years’ game models
» Creates a positive learning environment: rewarding players for effort in
attempting a new skill, not penalised for making a mistake.
» More game time: Increase involvement = Increased fun and enjoyment =
Increasing satisfaction.
» Efficient ground use: Provide appropriate space for development of technical
and tactical skills such as the basic fundamental Rugby League skills of running,
passing and catching.
» Allowing all players an opportunity to run with the ball in a set of six tackles.
NOTES:
1. Option is for coaches to be on the field at all times – the defending team coach
facilitates (referees) the game or official accredited Referees may be used in
(a) 7’s only or (b) 6’s & 7’s
2. One qualified Sports Trainer operates for the 4 games centrally controlled/
timed for each venue (6 and 7 year game models).
3. Modified “Facilitators Course” for 6 & 7 years’ coaches replaces MG Course
for coaches of 6 & 7 year age groups, if using the no official Referee model.
4. Under the revised model of 40m x 20m playing areas for 6’s & 7’s within
the international size 48 players participate. Under the traditional model 32
players participate on a full size field.
PROPOSED GAME MODELS
FOR SEASON 2017
Under 6 Model 2017
» Field Size – 40m x 20m (reduced from 68m x 30 m).
» Team Numbers – 6 per team (reduced from 8).
» Game Duration – 4 x 8 min quarters (from 3 x 10 mins).
» Tackles per Set – 6 (increased from 4).
» Number of Passes – 1 (Reduced from 2, to avoid handover).
» Chance Rule – Addition of “running into touch”.
Under 7 Model 2017
» Field Size – 40m x 20m (reduced from 68m x 30 m).
» Team Numbers – 6 per team (reduced from 8).
» Game Duration – 4 x 8 min quarters (from 3 x 10 mins).
» Tackles per Set – 6 (increased from 4).
» Number of Passes – 1 (Reduced from 2, to avoid handover).
Under 8 Model 2017
» First Receiver Vest introduced (FR) – First Receiver may run with the ball.
» Game Duration – 4 x 8 min quarters (from 3 x 10 mins).
» Tackles per Set – 6 (increased from 4).
PROPOSED GAME MODEL FOR SEASON 2018
Under 9 Model 2018
» Field Size – 68m x 30m (reduced from 80m x 40 m).
» Team Numbers – 8 per team (reduced from 11).
» Game Duration – 4 x 8 min quarters (from 3 x 10 mins).
» Two Pass Variation (DH & FR vests).
» 6 tackles
8 mins
80m
X4
40m
FR DH
2 Pass
6 Tackles Variation
Note 10, 11, 12 Years – no changes
recommended for 2017/18
Field sizes for 6-9 years’ age groups
2017/2018: Under 6 & 7
(40m x 20m – reduced from 68m x 30m)
2017: Under 8 2018: Under 8 & 9
(68m x 30m – no change) (68m x 30m – under 9 field size reduced)
SUMMARY OF MAJOR ASPECTS OF PLAY
6-12 YEARS
6 & 7 years’ – “Leaguestart” model 2017/18
» Field size = 40m x 20m
» Team size = 6 players
» Game duration = 4 x 8 mins
» Number of passes required = 1
» Number of tackles = 6 per set
» No Scrums
» Tap re-start to non-scoring team (at 5m line)
» No conversions
» Chance rule (6’s only – KO, forward pass, run into touch)
» Zero tackle standardised
8 & 9 years’ – “Mini Footy” model 2017/18
» Field size = 68m x 30m
» Team size = 8 players
» Game duration = 4 x 8 mins
» Number of tackles = 6 per set
» FR vest (8 years) = One Pass Variation rule
» FR/DH vest (9 years) – Two Pass Variation rule
» No Scrums
» Tap re-start to non-scoring team (at half way)
» Conversions allowed
» Zero tackle standardised
10 & 11 years’ – “Mod League” model 2017/18
» Field size = 80m x 48m
» Team size = 11 players
» Game duration = 2 x 20 mins
» Number of tackles = 6 per set
» FR/DH vest – Two Pass Variation rule
» No Scrums
» Tap re-start to non-scoring team (at half way)
» Zero tackle standardised
12 years’ (as per 10’s and 11’s “Mod League” model) plus
» Field size = 100m x 68m
» Team size = 13 players
2015 Data Analysis: 6 & 7 years
from Sydney University Research Team
Traditional Model Modified Rules
» We play-the-ball or tap 47 times » We play-the-ball or tap 50 times
» Our average tackle count per set » Our average tackle count per set
is 2.5 is 4.2
» Each of us has 13.2 skill » Each of us has 15.4 skill
opportunities opportunities
» We cross the advantage line 42 » We cross the advantage line 45
times/defensive line 38 times times/defensive line 40 times
» We have 11 line breaks » We have 18 line breaks
» We score 7.7 tries per game » We score 11 tries per game
» DH – run (10), tackled (7), score (2.4) » DH – run (7), tackled (4), score (1.2)
per game per game
» FR – run (4), tackled (2), score (0.3) » FR – run (14), tackled (9), score (33)
per game per game
Survey results – Coaches in Parramatta/Illawarra trials 2016
Responses rated 1 – 4: 1 = Poor 2 = Ok 3 = Good 4 = Very Good
(A) Smaller field Good/Very Good = 77.9% Ok = 18.1% Poor = 4.0%
(B) Fewer players Good/Very Good = 67.3% Ok = 19.5% Poor = 13.2%
(C) 5m tap re-start Good/Very Good = 74.5% Ok = 16.2% Poor = 9.3%
(D) 4 x 8 min quarters Good/Very Good = 72.8% Ok = 18.2% Poor = 9.0%
(E) 6 tackles Good/Very Good = 84.1% Ok = 13.7% Poor = 2.2%
(F) One Pass Rule Good/Very Good = 74.4% Ok = 16.3% Poor = 9.3%
Centralised model – 6 and 7 years matches
Advantages
» 4 games operate at any one time – reduces game day duration.
» One qualified Sports Trainer per full (4 game) venue.
» Centralised canteen for clubs – venues rotated on a weekly basis.
» Ground set up is from one club only, rotated weekly.
» Spectators are strictly controlled – behind fence/roped area – not in centre/
between Mini fields.
» “Gala Day” atmosphere is created each week under a centralised model .
Rugby League’s Values
Excellence Inclusiveness
» Valuing the importance of every » Engaging and empowering everyone
decision and every action to feel welcome in our game
» Striving to improve and innovate » Reaching out to new participants and
in everything we do supporters
» Setting clear goals against which » Promoting equality of opportunity in
we measure success all its forms
» Inspiring the highest standards in » Respecting and celebrating diversity in
ourselves and others culture, gender and social background
Courage Teamwork
» Standing up for our beliefs and » Encouraging and supporting others
empowering others to do the same to achieve common goals
» Being prepared to make a » Committing to a culture of honesty
difference by leading change and trust
» Putting the game ahead of » Motivating those around us to
individual needs challenge themselves
» Having the strength to make the » Respecting the contribution of
right decisions, placing fact ahead every individual
of emotion
National Rugby League
ABN: 23 082 088 962
Rugby League Central Driver Avenue
Moore Park NSW 2021
T: 02 9359 8500
Published in July 2016 www.nrl.com
