sport news NSW rugby league bans competitive games for kids under 12 in policy aimed at ... trends now
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Children under six will be banned from tackling in junior rugby league games and kids will play without any scores until they hit 12 in a move to make the game 'safer' and more enjoyable.
New South Wales Rugby League and National Rugby League have signed a policy abolishing competitive games for children in age groups lower than the under 13s.
The details of the policy, which will prioritise the 'wellbeing' of junior players, is expected to be unveiled within the next fortnight.
The changes will come into effect from the 2023 season, and are aimed at making the game 'more positive' with an emphasis on learning and fun with 'less pressure' on children from their parents.
New South Wales Rugby League has signed a policy to abolish competitive games for children under 13. The framework also includes no contact for children under six and less tackling (pictured, children playing a game of rugby league)
NSWRL will implement the policy as part of a four-year staggered plan to increase the non-competitive age from under 9s to under 13s by 2026.
This means that from next year those in the under 10s teams and younger will not play for competition points and won't have any finals rounds.
The state will also make it mandatory for children under six to play 'league tag' - a game where participants grab tags attached