Touch Rugby Mini Comp

Supplies

• 1–2 rugby balls (soft foam or touch balls are ideal)

• Cones to mark the field + try zones

• Whistle (optional)

• Bibs or ways to tell teams apart

🏉 Set-Up

1. Create a small field:Approx 20m x 12m is perfect for mixed ages.Mark two try zones with cones.

2. Split kids into teams:

   • 2 teams if small group

   • 3–4 teams rotating if larger group6–8 players per team works best.

3. Explain the basics (simple rules):

   • Two-hand touch = tackle

   • When touched, attacker stops & performs a roll-ball (place ball down, step over, teammate picks up)

   • 6 touches per possession, then ball turns over

   • No kicking

   • Always pass backwards

Keep rules simple so the game stays fun.

🏉 Mini Comp Format (15–25 mins)

1. Round-Robin Games (4–6 mins per game)

• Team A vs Team B

• Team C vs Team D

• Rotate until all teams have played each other OR until time runs out.

• Short games keep energy high and kids engaged.

2. Quick Scoring System

• Win = 3 points

• Draw = 1 point each

• Loss = 0 points

Optional fun points to encourage teamwork:

• +1 bonus point for “Team Spirit Play” (great teamwork, helping others).

3. Final Match (optional)

Play:

• Top 2 teams > Grand Final

• Other teams > Friendly playoff

If short on time, skip this and just announce final points.

🏉 How to Run Each Mini Game

Kick-Off

• One team starts with a tap (tap ball with foot, pick up, run).

During Play

• Staff call “Touch!” when a player is touched.

• Player stops, places ball on ground, next player picks up.

• After 6 touches, staff calls “Turnover!”

Try Scoring

• Ball must be placed on or behind the try line.

• After a try, non-scoring team restarts with a tap from halfway.

Subbing Players

• Encourage rolling subs every 1–2 minutes.

• Keep everyone involved and prevent “dominant” players from taking over.

🏉 Staff Tips for Smooth Running

• Keep instructions short and repeat them each round.

• Encourage passing, teamwork, and space finding rather than speed.

• Have staff act as on-field refs but keep calls light and friendly.

• Praise efforts (“Great pass!”, “Awesome defence!”, “Nice teamwork!”).

• If a team is dominating, shuffle one player to even things out discreetly.

🏉 Safety

• No diving on the ball.

• No bumping or pushing.

• If a child is upset or overheated, sub them for a breather.

• Water break between rounds.