AGE GRADE RUGBY
Age Grade Rugby rules apply to all competitions with players under the age of 19 in Canada, this includes Minor (U6-U12) and Junior (U13-U19) participants at any level. This page has the necessary information for parents, coaches, and organizers with players in these divisions.
MORE INFORMATION
REGISTRATION: AGE CATEGORIES
To participate in any rugby activities (training, competitions, camps) players must be registered for the correct age and contact level. Check the chart below to determine what memberships are available to players by birth year.
WHAT KIND OF RUGBY CAN I PLAY WITH MY MEMBERSHIP?
Minor Non-Contact (U6-U12)
Junior Non-Contact (U13-U19)
Non-Contact
Touch or flag competitions and/or training (needs an upgrade to train contact or play in contact competition)
Minor Intro to Contact (U10-U12)
Junior Intro to Contact (U13-U15)
Intro to Contact
Touch or flag competition and/or training contact in a controlled setting (needs an upgrade to play in contact competition)
Junior Contact (U13-U19)
Contact
Junior level contact competition and/or training as well as any non-contact activities (age banding applies to competitions)
Competitions: AGE BANDING
Age bands apply to contact rugby involving Junior athletes and specify which age grade competitions players are permitted to participate in with and without dispensation. These are based on Rugby Canada’s Age Banding Guidelines and World Rugby Age Grade Guidance.
Age banding does not apply to non-contact rugby activities.
WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTABLE AGE WINDOWS?
ONE-YEAR
Athletes can participate in competitions within their age grade (based on birth years)
Example:
A U16 player in a U16 competition
TWO-YEAR
Athletes can participate in competitions one (1) year above their age grade (based on birth years)
Example:
A U16 player in a U17 competition
THREE-YEAR
Athletes can participate in competitions two (2) years above or one (1) year below their age grade with approved dispensation
Example:
A U16 player requesting to play up to a U18 competition or play down to a U15 competition
AGe dispensation process
To apply for dispensation within the three-year age window, follow the steps below.
All dispensations must be approved PRIOR to participation in the competition or the Player and team will void their insurance.
The Sask Rugby Age Dispensation Policy outlines player eligibility and procedures for acquiring a dispensation.
Within the Policy and on this page you will find 3 separate forms to complete to receive confirmation of participation from a registered coach, the player’s parent/guardian (if under 18 years old), and a medical practitioner:
- Appendix A: Written Confirmation from a registered coach with an appropriate understanding of the physical attributes required and of the risks to players in Rugby and to whom the player is known that the player has the requisite skills and experience to play rugby at the desired level.
- Appendix B: Written agreement from players’s parents or guardian to play and acceptance of the associated risk with playing with people who may be stronger and more physically developed than them. This can be completed by the athlete when the athlete is over 18 years of age.
- Appendix C: Written confirmation and agreement from a medical practitioner with an understanding of the demands of rugby to whom the player is known that the player is in a physical condition to play rugby at the desired level and that this view is supported by a musculo-skeletal evaluation and/or other appropriate assessments. This can be completed at any clinic by a licensed medical practitioner (i.e. doctor, nurse, physiotherapist).
Complete the online dispensation application. It will require you to upload the completed confirmations and agreements.
Applicants will receive written notification from Saskatchewan Rugby whether their application has been approved or rejected.
Applications will be processed as they are received and may take up to 7 days to be approved.
LAW VARIATIONS
The Age-Grade Law Variations designed by Rugby Canada aim to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment so players of every gender, age, size, and ability can participate in developmentally appropriate, competitive and enjoyable games.
Game Cards: 2023 AGE GRADE LAW VARIATIONS FOR COMMUNITY RUGBY HERE