Scottish Rugby launch Age Grade Law Variations Trial Workshops

Scottish Rugby have launched a series of Age Grade Law Variations (AGLV) Trial Workshops this August aimed at all coaches, teachers and match officials working in Mini and Schools & Youth rugby.

The AGLVs are designed to give players time to get to grips with the basics of running, evading, catching and passing the ball before tackling before phasing in contact skills with the aim of having a positive impact on player safety.

The upcoming two-hour workshops will provide further detail on how to coach and referee the AGLV trials as well as practical tips on key focus areas.

They will be delivered across the country and give attendees the opportunity to experience the new laws for themselves, hear about the rationale behind the trials and learn about the key aspects for their respective age groups.

The first workshop takes place on Monday 13 August and coaches wishing to attend can sign up through the links below.

Sessions at Hillhead Jordanhill, Ayr, Gala, Highland, Howe of Fife and BT Murrayfield will contain a focus specifically on refereeing alongside coaching.

Scottish Rugby Head of Training and Education, Neil Graham, said: “The variations aim to create a more enjoyable and inclusive game for all while giving younger players the skills to fulfil their potential.

“We want everyone involved to understand the purpose of the AGLVs, so reaching out and talking to the coaches who’ll be trialling them is vital.”

The trial laws, which can be downloaded here, were revealed at a series of regional roadshows throughout June which attracted more than 300 mini and youth coaches and referees.

The trial period starts on Wednesday 1 August 2018 in every rugby playing school and rugby club age-grade side in the country and will be analysed by Scottish Rugby to determine the impact of each trial in comparison with the current set of AGLVs.

In addition to the analysis undertaken by Scottish Rugby, feedback will also be sought from coaches, referees and players.

Further controlled trials will take place throughout the season, including specific women and girls’ laws. These will investigate innovative ways to develop the game at each age and stage to support the player-centred, development-driven and competition supported ethos.

More training videos and supplementary detail will be launched in August through the annual RugbyRight online course.

Detail on the AGLVs and sign- up can be found at: http://www.scottishrugby.org/age-grade-law-variation-trials-workshops.