Full Mini and Mod League rules can be found in the Download area

1) Mod League is a modified version of Rugby League.

2) Played by all children in Years 5 & 6 of Primary School - i.e. under the age of 11 at midnight on 31 August.

3) Maximum number of players in Mod League is 11- five forwards & six backs; there is no limit on substitutions, but each player must play at least half a full game.

4) The game is played in 2 halves - the maximum length of a half is 20 minutes.

5) The size of the pitch should not exceed is 80x50 metres and have a minimum size of 50x30 metres. The game can be played on any grassed area. When using a full size pitch to mark the dimensions (played across its width) especially when setting out two pitches, side by side across each half, care needs to taken to avoid the goal posts and avoid pitches that are too narrow.

6) A size 4 ball, or Mod League ball, to be used.

7) The normal 6 tackle rule applies.

8) A try is scored in the normal way by placing, or touching down, the ball over the opponents try line.

9) All defending players must retire 10 metres at the play the ball except for a single marker who must be square to the play the ball without interfering. The marker is not allowed to strike for the ball or move until the ball is passed by the acting half back, or the acting half back clears the ruck (runs with the ball). The tackled player should restart the game by way of a play the ball. The ball must be played backwards in the correct manner and where the tackle occurred.

10) If the acting half-back is tackled in possession of the ball, it results in a penalty - handing over possession to the opposing team.

11) Kicking is allowed - but conversions must be taken from in front of the posts, and there is to be no one appointed kicker i.e. all players must take a turn to kick at goal. Kicking in open play from the hands e.g. bomb, punt, chip, grubber is allowed, secondary kicking i.e. fly-kicking and dribbling is not allowed.

12) The game commences with a play-the-ball in the centre of the pitch at the beginning of each half and after scoring a try. All other starts & restarts will be a play-the-ball as described above.

13) A passive scrum shall be formed by no less than 5 players from each team. The scrum shall be formed no nearer than 10 metres from all touch lines or the try lines after the following situation:

If the ball goes out of play in touch (not touch in goal) the scrum to form 10 metres in from touch opposite where the ball last made contact with the field of play or a player (but no nearer than 10 metres to the goal line).

The team not responsible for the first, or only infringement or making the ball go out of play will have the head and feed.

The ball must enter the tunnel of the scrum and both scrum halves must retire behind their forwards’ rear feet.

The scrum half must feed the ball in the correct manner, it is then struck (won) by the hooker of the feeding team, to enable the ball to leave the scrum through a legitimate route and according to the rules of the game.

The scrum shall be formed. No pushing is allowed and the team without the feed of the ball cannot strike for the ball.

14) All other infringements (knock ons, forward passes, off side etc.) will result in a hand over to the non-offending team and they will resume play using a play the ball restart which will not count as part of the six tackle count.

15) Any infringement in the in goal area will result in play restarting 15 metres from the goal line in a central position.

16) No ball stealing

17) Any act of foul play will result in a 10 metre advance up the field of play to the non-offending side. The game will recommence with a tap restart 10 metres infield from the nearest touchline.

NB: A quick tap restart on the mark may also be taken; if the player is tackled in possession it does NOT result in a handover to the opposition.

18) Any rule not covered will be as per international rules.

Local notes: referees may for reasons of player safety and experience reduce the distance between PTB and defensive line (Rule 9). If markers are encouraged to be active then Rule 10 does not apply – mutual agreement by coaches & referee required.

Full Mini and Mod League rules can be found in the Download area

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