All referees - please be aware that for 2016 season that ACTJRU U16s and U18 games that players in the scrum are permitted to crotch bind (therefore from U15 down they are not).

Crotch binding is being trialled in a number of junior unions around Australia and is endorsed by the ARU.

This rule is not in the the ACTJRU Rules book but a letter from ARU outlining the inclusion of ACTJRU within the trial is contained in the back of the Team Sheets book (each team must complete a sheet each game and signed by the referee. The referee must keep the yellow copy for their records and possible audit)

ACTRRA Executive

ACTJRU Trial Rules of Competition

From round 4, 24th May 2014 the ACTJRU has agreed to the following changes. These changes only apply to age-groups U13-U18.

Uncontested Scrums

If a team starts with a contested scrum and a player becomes injured to the point where he can no longer contest the scrum he is also to be deemed unfit for play and must leave the field. He may be replaced at this time and the usual uncontested scrum rules apply.

Mercy Rule (Up-dated)

*          If the difference in score between two teams reaches 30 points or more then the winning team must reduce the number of players on the field by one to 14 players.

*          If the difference in score between two teams reaches 40 points or more then the winning team must reduce the number of players on the field by another player so that the team has 13 players.

*          If the difference in score between two teams reaches 50 points or more then the winning team must reduce the number of players on the field by a further player so that the team has 12 players.

*          When the difference in score reaches 20 points or below then the winning team may return to its full team of 15 players.

*          The winning team is required to drop no more than 3 players.

*          A winning team playing short is required to reduce its numbers based on a full team of 15 players, not its initial reduced numbers.

*          Both team coaches may agree before a match not to enforce the Mercy Rule.

*          The Mercy Rule does not apply in finals’ or U18 Div 1 matches.

Normal substitutions will continue during the game for both teams. Team coaches are responsible for player movements.

How it works:

·         30 point lead - lose one player (14 on the field)

·         40 point lead - lose a second player (13 on the field)

·         50 point lead - lose a third player (12 on the field)

·         20 point lead – players can return (15 on the field)


It is advised that referees print off a copy of the new rules, and have them available at the pre-match brief, to discuss with team coaches/managers.
(Print version document below)

    Please also note:

·         Coaches/managers are responsible for keeping a running score.

·         The referee will confirm the score at the ‘end’ of the game.

·         Both team coaches/managers are responsible for managing player movements.

·         Both teams must match numbers in the scrum, as per U19 law.

·         These are trial laws. Therefore, there are no sanctions for coaches/managers, who choose not to comply. This is NOT an issue for referees.