Field size and Times of Play for Young Rugby Players in USA Rugby
The following provides guidance on:
recommended maximum dimension for the fields-of-play, and
recommended maximums for times of play in individual matches and for cumulative play in any one day,
for age groups in high school and youth contact and non-contact rugby in the USA.
Age group Dimensions Time, minutes
years meters Per match Per Day
Under 9 70 by 35 20 50
Under 11 70 by 35 30 60
Under 13 70 by 35 40 70
Under 15 70 by 45 50 80
Under 17 100 by 70 60 90
Under 19 100 by 70 70 90
For group assignment purposes the ages of a players are determined as of August 31 prior to the match involved. For
simplicity only, the age groups are expressed in odd-numbered, two-year blocks. This is not intended to preclude
other blocks, such as Under 12 or Under 14, that might make more sense in particular local circumstances. Common
sense should be used in translating the maximums to other block designations.
When circumstances dictate, smaller fields and shorter times than those shown are acceptable.
The maximum times include any time taken to settle a tie at the end of regular time in a knockout competition.
The per day maximum cumulative times are to prevent young players from being overextended on the multi-match days
that occur at tournaments and other events. At each age group the maximum cumulative time allows a player to
participate in up to five reasonable length matches, or a fewer number of longer matches.
Under the Laws of the Games and other IRB Directives the maximum times for Under-19 players are required, rather
than recommended.
Return to Main Page