Rippa+Rugby


 * This term Rebecca is offering Rippa Rugby to all the Senior School girls. Below are the objectives and rules for the game.**

Rippa Rugby is the new game for young rugby players. It is a very safe, non-contact, easy-to-play game for both boys and girls alike. Best of all it's fun and exciting for all involved. While the rules are simple and the game easy to learn, Rippa Rugby will promote excellent ballhandling and running skills, and give all kids a chance to participate in our national game. The New Zealand Rugby Union is proud to recommend Rippa Rugby and we are sure it will give the kids in your team a fun, safe and enjoyable sporting experience.
 * RULES FOR RIPPA RUGBY**
 * Introduction**

Brent Anderson Manager Community Rugby

The object of the game is to score a try by grounding the ball behind or on the opponents' try line. A try is worth five points. To prevent a try being scored the defenders must rip the flag from the belt of the ball carrier. This forces the ball carrier to pass the ball. Six rips against the attacking team in one set of possession results in the ball being turned over to the defending team.
 * Objective of the Game**

• Up to 70 metres in length and up to 40 metres wide. • Rippa Rugby can be played in pretty much any open space, however we recommend half a field from the 22m line to the opposing 10m mark of a full rugby field. (Playing across field) • Where possible the field should be marked with cones or markers so that the players can easily tell the size of the playing field. • The 'try-scoring area' (in-goal area), should be five metres deep from the try line and clearly marked if possible with cones. • In-goal (5m) should be marked with cones A game is made up of two halves. It is recommended that each half lasts for 15 minutes, with a two-minute interval at halftime. You may like to alter this to suit the level of your class. Rippa Rugby is played between teams of equal numbers of players. It is ideal to have no more than 10, and not less than five players but this number can be varied to suit the field size, class size or number of players available. Each side should agree on the number of substitutes. Substitutes can be used at any time but they can only be made when the ball is 'out of play' or at halftime. The referee must be told of these substitutions. During the match, coaches of both teams can referee or direct the game from on the field, behind their respective teams. (Perhaps half a game each for refereeing can be an option). If there is only one coach/teacher and the age group is appropriate, the game can easily be played with one referee. The belt is adjusted to fit the waist of the player and fastened with the plastic clip at the front sothat two flags hang from both sides. Velcro attaches the flags so they are positioned one on each hip. Care needs to be taken to ensure that for safety the tail of the belt is tucked away. Each team is distinguished by the colour of the flags they wear. The belt must be worn outside the clothing, shirts tucked in and flags free so they can be ripped off. **ATTACKERS** On attack, the ball carrier should run forward and the other players should run in support ready to receive a pass. The ball carrier can evade opposition but should pass to teammates in a better position if there is no space to run into. The ball carrier cannot fend defenders off using their hands, or the ball, and cannot guard or shield their flags in any way. Players should run forward so they can reduce the space between them and the attacker, and move into a position where they can rip the flag from the ball carrier. There is no contact in Rippa Rugby; ripping the flag off the belt of the ball carrier makes a tackle. Defenders (Rippers) cannot physically touch the ball carrier.
 * How to Play**
 * DIMENSIONS OF FIELD**
 * DURATION OF PLAY**
 * NUMBER OF PLAYERS**
 * SUBSTITUTES**
 * COACHES/REFEREES**
 * THE RIPPA BELT**
 * DEFENDERS (RIPPERS)**