Playing by the Rules: A Developmentally Appropriate Introduction to Rugby Union

Abstract

The current study examined the effect of rules changes on game behaviours and opinions of under-nine rugby union players. Eighty-nine games were filmed in five counties in England; two governed by the then current rules and three governed by new pilot rules. The pilot rules were designed to create a less structured game; reducing numbers on the pitch and limiting set pieces and specialised skills. Games played under the pilot rules had 25% more ball-in-play time; 55% more runs with the ball; more than twice as many successful passes; and nearly twice as many tries scored (ps < .001). 272 players participated in a survey. Irrespective of the rules, players identified that passing, running and tackling were key activities, while having fun and playing with friends were their main reasons for playing rugby. The results suggest that the pilot rules create a competitive game that closely matches child-led informal activities.

Are all sport activities equal? A systematic review of how youth psychosocial experiences vary across differing sport activities

“…Recent articles expanded the ways that sport settings are studied by: (1) comparing children's experiences while participating in adult-led or peer-led sport practices, with the expectation that peer-led experiences would generate increased learning and enjoyment,45 and (2) comparing youth experiences within rugby leagues based on traditional sport rules with league rules designed to reduce tackling and provide more opportunities to be involved in play 49. Although few significant results in relation to psychosocial outcomes were revealed, these studies faced limitations in sample size or measurement.…”

“…An improved evidence base may inform decision-making when shaping sport programmes to ensure personal development, as opposed to simply ensuring optimal development of sport-specific skills 18. Enhancing the evidence base is particularly vital because efforts to improve sport activities (eg, changing rules or policies49) are low-cost and can be easily maintained, compared with many other approaches to impact youth sport (eg, coach development76). …”

Play more, enjoy more, keep playing; rugby is a simple game

“…Rule changes are designed to increase engagement within competition by increasing 'action' and personal involvement or by promoting scoring opportunities and maintaining closer score lines, potentially reducing the occurrence of mismatches which can be both physically and mentally damaging. [5][6][7] Recently, Harwood and colleagues 5 reported positive impacts for key performance indicators in youth cricket (e.g., number of playable deliveries), when the pitch length was reduced, which led to more engaging matches for all players (e.g., batters, bowlers and fielders) Morley et al 6 also observed increased opportunities for players to demonstrate technical skills (e.g., number of passes) in junior rugby league matches with modifications to pitch size, player numbers, and tackle requirements. 7 found age-group specific rule changes in rugby union increased the proportion of time the ball remained in play, thereby increasing passing and ball carrying actions; states of play which young people find engaging.…”

“…[5][6][7] Recently, Harwood and colleagues 5 reported positive impacts for key performance indicators in youth cricket (e.g., number of playable deliveries), when the pitch length was reduced, which led to more engaging matches for all players (e.g., batters, bowlers and fielders) Morley et al 6 also observed increased opportunities for players to demonstrate technical skills (e.g., number of passes) in junior rugby league matches with modifications to pitch size, player numbers, and tackle requirements. 7 found age-group specific rule changes in rugby union increased the proportion of time the ball remained in play, thereby increasing passing and ball carrying actions; states of play which young people find engaging. Thus, it would appear that simple modifications to rules within youth sport enable positive outcomes for players in terms of greater involvement with in-game 'actions', as well as the successful completion of these.…”

Values Based Coaching and the Coaches Role in Moral Development

“…Whilst a relatively young area of academic enquiry, Competitive Engineering has demonstrated promise in enhancing the types of positive outcomes that can be obtained through sport. Specifically, within engineered sporting environments, participants have reported increased engagement (Harwood, Yeadon, & King, 2018), technical skill acquisition (Morley 2016), and enjoyment and time on ball (Thomas & Wilson, 2016). However, competitive engineering goes beyond motivational and skill acquisition outcomes alone.…”