Field Size and Times of Play for Youth Rugby Players in USA Rugby
The following provides guidance on:
• Recommended dimension for the playing area, and
• Recommended maximums for times of play in individual matches and for cumulative play in a day, for age groups in high school and youth contact and non-contact rugby in the USA
USA Rugby has provided a policy for all youth and high school-aged players in relation to time limits for games and time limits for days, as well as field dimensions. Please review this policy when scheduling any fixtures for youth players.
Rugby Pitch Setup
Full Pitch
Half Pitch (Two Fields)
Quad Pitch (Four Fields)
Dimensions
120m x 70m
70m x 40m
45m x 30m
Try Zone
10m
5m
5m
Alleys
Not Applicable
10m Between fields
10m Between Fields
• Minimum dimension for High School play: 90x53 yds (football field)
• When circumstances dictate, smaller fields and shorter times than those shown are acceptable.
Grade Range
1 & 2 Grade Non Contact Rookie Rugby
3 & 4 Grade Non Contact Rookie Rugby
5 & 6 Non Contact Rookie Rugby
5 & 6 Contact, Tackle 7s Rugby
7 & 8 Grades, Non Contact Rookie Rugby
7 & 8 Grades, Contact 7 a side
7 & 8 Grades, Contact 10 a side
9 & 10 Grades, Flag Rugby or Touch
9 & 10 Grades, Contact 7 a side
9 & 10 Grades, Contact 10s and 15 a side
11 & 12 Grades, Varsity Flag or Touch Rugby
11 & 12 Grades, Contact 7 a side
11 & 12 Grades, Contact 10s and 15 a side
Field Size
45 x 25
45 x 25
53 x 40
53 x 40
53 x 40 or 76 x 43
53 x 40 or 76 x 43
120 x 53
53 x 40 or 76 x 43
120 x 53
120 x 53
53 x 40 or 76 x 43
120 x 53
120 x 53
Max Time per Match
20 minutes
30 minutes
30 minutes
30 minnutes
40 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
48 minutes
48 minutes
70 minutes
48minutes
48 minutes
48 minutes
Max Time per Day
50 minutes
60 minutes
70 minutes
70 minutes
80 minutes
80 minutes
80 minutes
90 minutes
90 minutes
90 minutes
90 minutes
90 minutes
90 minutes
Minimum of 1 hour rest between consecutive matches in same day, not to exceed total day limit
The maximum times include any time taken to settle a tie at the end of regular time in a knockout competition.
The per day maximum cumulative times are to prevent young players from being overextended on the multi-match days that occur at tournaments and other events. At each age group the maximum cumulative time allows a player to participate in up to five reasonable length matches, or a fewer number of longer matches.
Under the Laws of the Games and other World Rugby Directives the maximum times for Under-19 players are required, rather than recommended.