Ripper Rugby Rules

Ripper rugby is a non-contact version of rugby that's ideal for kids learning the game. It gets its name from its tackling rules. Rather than a making a traditional tackle, a defender must rip a flag from the belt of the ball carrier. The main objective is to ground the ball either on or behind an opponent's try line through a series of sprints and passes. A successful score earns five points, but once the defending team achieves six flag rips during a possession, the ball is turned over.

  1. Dimensions

    • Playing field: The field is 70 meters long by 40 meters wide. The in-goal area should measure 5 meters long and the try line should be clearly marked with paint and/or cones.

      Game Time: Halves lasting 15 minutes each.

      Players: Each team should consist of no less than five players but no more than 10 depending on skill level, size of the field, or the amount of players available.

    Starting the Game

    • One team starts at center field with a free pass, similar to the rules of soccer. After each successful score, the opposing team will have a free pass at center field, and play continues.

      Requirements for a free pass:

      1. The player starting with the ball must have two hands on the ball
      2. That player must make the free pass backward to a teammate.
      3. The opposing team must remain 5 meters back from the pass until it is made.
      4. A free pass is also awarded when an offensive player carries the ball out of the field of play. The defensive team will gain possession and be awarded the free pass to continue play.
      5. No free pass may take place within five meters of either try line at any point of the match.
      6. If an offensive team commits a penalty such as a forward pass, offside, or not returning a flag to a carrier, a free pass is given to the defensive team.
      7. If the ball is knocked on the ground toward the opponent's try line, a free pass is awarded to the defensive team.

    Ripping

    • "Ripping" is ripper rugby's version of tackling:

      1. To complete a successful rip, one of two flags on the ball carrier's belt must be removed. Only the ball carrier's flags may be removed.
      2. Once the flag is removed, the ripper stops and signifies the flag by holding it up and yelling "rip."
      3. The ball carrier whose flag was ripped must pass the ball to a teammate within a maximum of three steps (six rips results in a turnover of possession).
      4. The ripper must return the flag to the previous carrier before both of them can rejoin the play.

    Offsides

    • Offsides may only occur at the spot of the rip. All players from the defensive team must get back to behind where the rip was made, similar to a free kick in soccer. Also, if a player is offside and they interfere with a pass, a free pass will be awarded to the current offensive team.

    The Ball on Offense

    • 1. A ball may only be passed backward or sideways from the passer.
      2. There are no forward passes or hand-offs. Either instance results in a turnover of possession and a free pass for the opposing team.
      3. There is no kicking of the ball in any direction.
      4. If an offensive player goes to the ground with the ball, the ball is turned over and a free pass is awarded.
      5. An offensive player may only dive with the ball for an attempt at a try.

    Advantage

    • If a penalty occurs and the game is not stopped, it is called an advantage. A referee should give an advantage to the defensive team if they have an opportunity to gain possession of the ball.