Hi all
Firstly, apologies if this is posted in the wrong section - I looked for a Minis Rules section but couldn't see one.
I am coaching and refereeing with U10s (my sons age group) and have been with them since they were U6s. I enjoy both coaching and reffing immensely but always find the progression of rules a bit daunting at the start of the season... hopefully, less so now that I've discovered this site!
I feel that we have a reasonable grasp of the U10 NRoP but following a friendly fixture yesteray a couple of points came up that I'm uncertain about. I'm hoping someone with more experience may be able to guide me:
1. A 2v2 maul has formed and the team in possession are making forward progress. As soon as their forward momentum has stopped I am telling them they have 5 seconds to play the ball or awarding a free pass to the defending side. The opposition coach thought that a maul was only allowed to remain for 5 seconds, reagrdless of forward motion. On a re-read of the rules I cannot see any mention of forward motion so, perhaps I'm interpreting it incorrectly? I'd be interested to hear how others interpret and ref this.
2. The ball carrier is tackled to the ground and I've called "tackle - release". A player from the defending team is quick to the breakdown and, supporting his own body weight, trying to rip the ball from the tackled player. A supporting attacking player joins the ruck and tries to drive the defender off the ball but is unable to move him. At the point that the attacking support player makes contact with the defending "ripper" does the defender need to let go of the ball or is the onus on the attacker to get the defender off his feet, thus, making it illegal for him to be handling the ball?
I hope I've described the situations well enough but please shout if not. Any help or guidance would be much appreciated!
Thanks
Firstly, apologies if this is posted in the wrong section - I looked for a Minis Rules section but couldn't see one.
I am coaching and refereeing with U10s (my sons age group) and have been with them since they were U6s. I enjoy both coaching and reffing immensely but always find the progression of rules a bit daunting at the start of the season... hopefully, less so now that I've discovered this site!
I feel that we have a reasonable grasp of the U10 NRoP but following a friendly fixture yesteray a couple of points came up that I'm uncertain about. I'm hoping someone with more experience may be able to guide me:
1. A 2v2 maul has formed and the team in possession are making forward progress. As soon as their forward momentum has stopped I am telling them they have 5 seconds to play the ball or awarding a free pass to the defending side. The opposition coach thought that a maul was only allowed to remain for 5 seconds, reagrdless of forward motion. On a re-read of the rules I cannot see any mention of forward motion so, perhaps I'm interpreting it incorrectly? I'd be interested to hear how others interpret and ref this.
2. The ball carrier is tackled to the ground and I've called "tackle - release". A player from the defending team is quick to the breakdown and, supporting his own body weight, trying to rip the ball from the tackled player. A supporting attacking player joins the ruck and tries to drive the defender off the ball but is unable to move him. At the point that the attacking support player makes contact with the defending "ripper" does the defender need to let go of the ball or is the onus on the attacker to get the defender off his feet, thus, making it illegal for him to be handling the ball?
I hope I've described the situations well enough but please shout if not. Any help or guidance would be much appreciated!
Thanks