JUNIOR AGE BANDING
Rugby Ontario have announced changes to the junior boys and girls age banding effective for 2020 season as per the following;
U8 – Minor Flag
U10 – Minor Flag
U10 – Minor Introduction to Tackle Option (single age band)
U12 – Minor Introduction to Contact
U14 – Junior Introduction to Contact
U16 – Junior Contact
U18 – Junior Contact (eligible U19 players will be permitted to play in the U18 age grade)
“Rugby Ontario has determined it is important to continue to introduce the game with flag rugby at U8 and U10 age bands to allow athletes aged 6-10 years the opportunity to learn how to play the game without the pressures of contact. The decision to offer contact to the U10 age group provides the opportunity for athletes aged 9 years turning 10 to learn how to tackle at the same age they were introduced to the game in 2018 and 2019, which was well received in the community and largely successful in 2019. It will also help to prepare those U10 players in a single age category for U12 rugby.
The age grade change will allow rugby in Ontario to match the high school system which should allow clubs to target their recruitment efforts in schools more effectively: U16 includes grade 9 and grade 10 athletes, U18 includes grade 11 and grade 12 athletes. Eligible U19 players will also be able to participate in U18 rugby to ensure players who aren’t ready for senior rugby have a place to play. It is also felt this change will alleviate the pressures of fielding adequate numbers of U19 teams across the province to facilitate a meaningful competition for athletes in the U18 age band.”
Any questions about junior rugby leagues should be sent to Mark Kellington at Rugby Ontario, mkellington@rugbyontario.com.
