What's new this season?

This season is a big step up for the boys; contact starts and the rules get a bit  more complicated. Below are a few differences that spring to mind.

Tackling

The main difference is that this season there are no more tag belts, but 'proper' tackling instead. This is a big psychological test. It takes a degree of commitment and self-belief to tackle someone who is running at you fast.

The coaches concentrate on getting the boys to be confident and committed but to use correct and hence safe technique. The key to this is to always put your head behind the person you are tackling - not in front. And never ever ever hit anything with your head first. That's what shoulders are for.

Scrums

This year we have 3-a-side scrums. The three players from each team bind properly and lean lean against each other, but the scrums are uncontested in that they are not allowed to push. Much as in the senior game, the major benefit is to tie the forwards in and give the backs a bit more room to run in.

Lineouts

The two man lineouts (plus the hooker makes 3) are also uncontested. The opposition have to wait until the lineout is over before they can challenge for the ball or tackle the ball carrier.

Rucks, Mauls, Ripping, Smuggling and Driving Over

Just in case you don't know - 'ripping' refers to the act of wrestling the ball away from someone - nothing more sinister.

All the above are new skills for the boys and they have a lot to learn. Its all much more physical than U8s where even handing (rather than passing) the ball to your own player was not allowed. It will take the boys time to come to terms with all these new options and skills.

15mins each half

The games are longer, and all that tackling, rucking and mauling mean the boys will be working harder. This year aerobic fitness and endurance will become more of a factor.