Manly Touch would like to remind all U7 and U9 players and their coaches / managers / parents of the modified rules in place for these age groups in our Junior Competition. The key points for both age groups are listed below, for the complete set of rules please click here.
Key Points for U7s
The most important modification in U7s is the attacking team is allowed their full set of 6 touches regardless of any infringements.
Drop balls, late or forward passes, over the mark, etc count as a touch. In effect, each team gets 6 chances with the ball in attack. Any infringement is not ‘play on’ it is counted as a touch. This same rule is used for all junior rugby league games at this same age group.
It is important to note that defenders are not able to move up until the first receiver has touched the ball or the dummy-half runs with the ball. This same rule is once again used for all junior rugby league games at this same age group and is easy for referees to enforce.
We also don’t want the dummy-half to run with the ball, they should stand up and pass the ball. There will be pink bibs if any team wants to nominate a dummy-half for a period of time (but it doesn’t matter if another player goes to DH, it is just a training tool).
Key Points for U9s
Normal touch football rules apply for U9s, however, like U7s the defence is not able to move up until the first receiver has touched the ball or the dummy-half runs with the ball.