Junior league rule change to benefit smaller players
EXCLUSIVE: Rugby league juniors will this year switch to limited interchanges in matches as the NSWRL looks to make the game even more accessible to children, while also addressing safety concerns around weight versus age.
EXCLUSIVE: Rugby league juniors will this year switch to limited interchanges in matches as the NSWRL looks to make the game even more accessible to children, while also addressing safety concerns around weight versus age.
The Saturday Telegraph can reveal that from Under 13s upwards, teams will now be granted only 10 interchanges from its bench — which can consist of up to seven reserves.
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While sides previously enjoyed unlimited interchanges, the rule change aims at not only making the code safer and more inclusive but also benefiting smaller, agile and fitter players.
Set to be introduced to all competitions managed by the NSWRL, it will also assist those juniors making the transition to open age football, which already operates under a 10-7 limited interchange.
“Rugby league has always been an inclusive sport,” NSWRL GM of Football Barrie Jon-Mather said. “And we want to make it available to all children to try.
“We’ve introduced a number of strong initiatives with regards to weight and age to help allay any safety concerns parents might have.
“We also have a non-tackle program in Blues Tag which allows children to learn rugby league skills without any concerns about contact, plus a ‘Try League’ program which encourages children from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to try the sport too.”
St Christopher’s coach Grant Hanratty said he was looking forward to the limited interchange system that would impact on his son and halfback Jack, 13.
“I think it will definitely help the little halfbacks, being able to run around the bigger guys later in the game when the big guys get tired,” Mr Hanratty said.
“It’s a positive move. Instead of being able to roll on big guy after big guy, it will bring all players back into it.”
The NSWRL also piloted a weight dispensation scheme last year which allows any child in the bottom 15 per cent of their weight range to drop down an age group if required.
In another move to make the sport accessible, a new Fast Footy Competition is also being trialled for Under 13 players weighing 68kg and under across all Sydney Junior Rugby League districts this year.
St John’s Eagles coach Fady Ghanem applauded the weight dispensation scheme which had afforded John Ghalouhi, 8, the chance to drop down an age group and play with Mr Ghanem’s seven-year-old son, James.
“I’m a schoolteacher so I think it’s a great idea,” Mr Ghanem said. “It keeps these kids involved in rugby league.
“Johnny’s parents wouldn’t let him play because they were worried about his size so the fact he’s playing with his friends in a lower division — he’s smaller than my son who’s younger than him — has made the difference in him playing.
“At this age, it’s all about having fun so the fact that they’re with friends is the most important thing,” he said.
“I’ve been in league 25 years and have never seen a serious injury with this age group due to a kid being bigger than another kid.”
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