Non-Contact 7s (NC7s)

NRW 2014 Non-Contact 7s Laws
I. AGE GROUPS
Modifications in pitch & ball size are recommended below to cater for players at differing stages of
development.
II. SIZE OF PITCH AND BALL SIZE
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U13 - Opens – 70 metres x 50 metres with size 5 ball
U10-U12 – 60 metres x 40 metres with size 4 ball
U8-U9 – 60 metres x 35 metres with size 3 ball
U7 – 40 metres x 25 metres with size 2 ball
III. TEAM SIZE AND CONFIGURATION
A Non-Contact 7s team shall comprise of a maximum of 12 players; 7 players in total on the field at
any given time with a maximum of 5 reserves. Unlimited substitution is permitted to enable all players
to participate in the game.
IV. GAME DURATION AND SCORING
A Non-Contact 7s game shall comprise of two halves of not more than 10 minutes (preferably 7
minutes) each, with a break of 2 minutes in between. There shall be no injury time. 1 Point shall be
awarded for each try scored (in mixed games 2 points are awarded if a girl scores). There will be no
conversions.
V. THE “TACKLE” TOUCH
A player is “tackled” when an opposing team player touches the player with the ball with a minimum of
one hand. Touches are not permitted above the shoulders.
Touches with force are not permitted, and are regarded as dangerous play. The referee is permitted
to send off the field (RED CARD), any player who indulges in dangerous play.
When a player is touched, the player has the option to pass the ball to another team mate within 2
SECONDS and can take a maximum of 2 steps before passing; or turn and face their own try line and
place the ball on the ground for a team mate to receive/remove (BALL PLACE). If a ball place occurs,
the opposing team has to move back 5 METRES. If the player passes the ball (within 2 seconds and
2 steps) to another player no offside line will be applied and general play will continue with the touch
counted.
A BALL PLACE must be made if a player runs further than 2 steps or takes longer than 2 seconds. A
ball place must be made at the mark of where the touch occurred. At a ball place the defending team
cannot move forward until the ball is played on the ground by an attacking player other than the ball
placer. If the attacking team intentionally delays the game by not playing the ball on the ground the
referee shall award a free kick to the defending team at the place of the ball place.
The player that is touched CANNOT GAIN SIGNIFICANT GROUND (GREATER THAN 2 STEPS)
after he/she is touched (this is to replicate a tackle, where a player is brought down, and cannot go
further) and HAS TO PASS THE BALL IMMEDIATELY OR PRESENT THE BALL FOR A BALL
PLACE. If the player with the ball gains MORE THAN 2 STEPS after he/she is touched, the referee
will bring the ball back to the initial position where he/she was touched. The team that had
possession will still retain it, and re-start play with a BALL PLACE.
VI. TURN OVER
The ball shall be turned over to the opposing team after the team with the ball has been touched 7
times. The opposing team shall restart play from the same place where play ended, by taking a
tap. The 5 meter rule shall apply.
The ball shall be turned over to the opposing team if a knock on or forward pass occurs and no
advantage applied. The non – infringing team shall restart play with a tap kick at the place of
infringement. The opposition team will retreat 5 metres.
The tackle count shall be restarted if the defending team performs an infringement, this could include
making contact with the ball without maintaining possession of it.
Please note, the tackle count does not restart if an attacking player regains their own or a team mates
kick. The tackle count will only restart if the opposition plays at the ball but do not maintain possession
of the ball.
VII. THE LINE-OUT
A lineout occurs when the ball or a player with the ball crosses the line of touch. The ball is thrown in
to the lineout by the team not in possession of ball when it crossed the line of touch. If the ball is
kicked and bounces prior to crossing the line the non-kicking team will throw the ball in to the lineout.
All line-outs WILL BE NON CONTESTED, and take place in the form of a quick throw in.
Quick throw-ins are permitted. For a quick throw-in to occur the player may be anywhere outside the
field of play between the place where the ball went in to touch and the players own goal line. A quick
throw-in must travel 5 metres and cannot travel toward the opponent’s tryline. All opposing players
must stand 10m back from where the ball crossed the line of touch and cannot start defending until
the ball has left the hands of the person throwing the ball in.
VIII.
KICKING
There are two options with respect to kicking in general play. Either option can be chosen. A
suggestion is to apply Option 2 (kicking permitted) for older age (13 yrs +) or more able groups.
Option 1: There will be no kicking in general play allowed. If a player kicks the ball in general play,
play will resume in the form of a tap kick to the non-infringing team.
Option 2: Kicking is permitted any time during the game, and all off-side rugby laws apply.
There will be no conversions after a try, and the scoring team will restart play with a kick-off from the
center line (via a punt kick). For safety reason the receiving team shall be allowed to catch the kick off
uncontested. Once the ball is caught or bounces general play commences.
Lineouts take place where the ball crossed the touch line. A ball cannot be kicked out on the full at
any time. If the ball is kicked out on the full play will recommence with a tap kick to the non-infringing
team at the place where the kick was made.
IX.
ADVANTAGE
Advantage law is encouraged and will be played at the referee’s discretion in accordance with the
laws of the game.
X.
FOUL PLAY
Dangerous play will not be tolerated, and all rugby laws regarding foul play will be enforced.
No substitutions will be allowed if a player receives a yellow or red card during a game.
XI.
THE REFEREE AND OTHER OFFICIALS
TOURNAMENTS
Whenever possible, a certified referee should referee the game.

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