Rules explained in plain English for parents learning Rugby.
1
Rules Vary By Code And Youth Format
Youth rugby may be flag, tag, touch, reduced-side, reduced-contact, or tackle, and rules can differ by rugby code, age group, and local organization.
Parent tip: Ask for the exact local rule sheet before comparing one match to adult rugby, school rugby, sevens, fifteens, or another club.
Example: A younger tag league may restart after a tag while an older tackle league may form a ruck after a legal tackle.
Age note: All youth levels; format is local.
2
Tries
A try is usually scored when a player legally grounds the ball in the opponent's in-goal area.
Parent tip: Wait for the referee's signal because being over the line is not always enough if the ball was not grounded or a prior infringement occurred.
Example: A winger dives into the in-goal area and places the ball down, then the referee awards the try.
Age note: All youth levels.
3
Conversions
After a try, many formats allow a conversion attempt for extra points, though youth leagues may simplify or skip this.
Parent tip: Ask whether conversions are kicked, moved closer, taken as drop kicks, or removed for the age group.
Example: After a try, the team takes a short conversion attempt before play restarts.
Age note: Format-specific.
4
Passing Backward
Players may run forward with the ball, but passes must travel backward or sideways rather than forward to a teammate.
Parent tip: A backward pass can look odd at first because the team gains ground by running and supporting, not by throwing forward.
Example: The ball carrier draws a defender and passes backward to a teammate running in support.
Age note: All youth levels.
5
Forward Pass
A forward pass is an illegal pass that travels toward the opponent's goal line from the passer's hands.
Parent tip: The referee may stop play even if the pass is caught cleanly.
Example: A player throws ahead to a teammate and the referee calls a forward pass.
Age note: All youth levels.
6
Knock-On
A knock-on is usually called when a player mishandles the ball forward from the hands or arms.
Parent tip: Dropped balls happen often for beginners, so watch whether the ball went forward and what restart the referee chooses.
Example: A player tries to catch a pass, the ball pops forward, and play stops for a knock-on.
Age note: All youth levels.
7
Tags, Touches, And Tackles
The way a defender stops the ball carrier depends on the format: pulling a tag, making a touch, or completing a legal tackle under local rules.
Parent tip: Do not assume tackle rules apply to non-contact rugby or that one league's tackle progression applies everywhere.
Example: In tag rugby, the defender removes a flag and the ball carrier must pass or reset according to local rules.
Age note: All youth levels; contact rules vary.
8
Tackle, Release, And Roll Away
In tackle formats, a tackled player, tackler, and arriving teammates have rules about releasing, moving away, and contesting the ball.
Parent tip: This guide does not teach tackling technique. Watch for the referee managing safety, release, and who may play the ball next.
Example: After a tackle, the referee penalizes a player who does not release or move away when required.
Age note: Tackle formats only; age rules vary.
9
Ruck
A ruck can form after a tackle when the ball is on the ground and players from both teams contest over it while staying on their feet.
Parent tip: Youth formats may simplify rucks, limit numbers, or delay them until players are ready.
Example: Two teammates arrive over the ball after a tackle and the referee calls players to stay on their feet.
Age note: Modified or tackle formats.
10
Maul
A maul can form when the ball carrier is held up by opponents and teammates bind around the ball while it remains off the ground.
Parent tip: Some youth programs limit or simplify mauls because they involve close body contact and many players.
Example: A ball carrier is stopped upright, teammates bind on, and the group moves until the referee calls use it or stops play.
Age note: Modified or tackle formats.
11
Scrum
A scrum is a structured restart often used after minor errors such as a knock-on or forward pass, though youth scrums may be uncontested or simplified.
Parent tip: Ask whether scrums are contested, uncontested, reduced-player, coach-fed, or replaced by another restart.
Example: After a knock-on, the referee sets a scrum for the non-offending team.
Age note: Format-specific.
12
Lineout
A lineout is a restart often used after the ball goes into touch along the sideline.
Parent tip: Youth lineouts may use fewer players, no lifting, simplified throwing, or a different restart.
Example: The ball crosses the touchline, and players line up for a lineout throw.
Age note: Format-specific.
13
Offside
Offside means a player is in a place where they are not allowed to take part, often around rucks, mauls, scrums, lineouts, tackles, or kicks.
Parent tip: This call can happen away from the ball, so listen for the referee's explanation or direction.
Example: A defender steps in front of the offside line at a ruck and is penalized.
Age note: All youth levels; details vary by format.
14
Penalties And Free Kicks
Infringements may lead to a penalty, free kick, tap, kick to touch, scrum choice, or another local restart.
Parent tip: The team awarded the call may have options, so play can restart quickly or move to a lineout or scrum.
Example: After offside, the referee awards a penalty and points toward the team with the ball.
Age note: All youth levels.
15
Advantage
The referee may allow play to continue after an infringement if the non-offending team has a useful chance to benefit.
Parent tip: If advantage does not help, the referee can return to the original mark for the call.
Example: A defender knocks the ball on, but the other team picks it up and attacks, so the referee calls advantage.
Age note: All youth levels.
16
Restarts
Play restarts after tries, kickoffs, knock-ons, forward passes, penalties, free kicks, lineouts, held-up calls, and balls into touch.
Parent tip: Restarts are where local youth formats vary a lot, so watch the referee and ask coaches what each restart means.
Example: After a try, teams reset for the kickoff or a local center restart.
Age note: All youth levels.
17
Dangerous Play And High Contact
Referees stop or penalize play that is unsafe, high, late, reckless, or outside the contact rules for that age group.
Parent tip: Safety-related calls are not the moment for sideline arguing. Let coaches and officials manage the explanation.
Example: A player makes high contact and the referee awards a penalty for dangerous play.
Age note: All youth levels; strictness varies.