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5. Playing Up/Down an Age Group
The Club is not permitted by the RFU to allow the playing up or down an age group without prior approval being granted.
There is a requirement for the Club to obtain approval from its’ Constituent Body (CB), Essex RFU, and in order to do so, there is a process that needs to be followed.
________________________________________
1. What does “Playing Up/Down” mean?
“Playing up/down” is when a child plays in a older/younger age group than the one their date of birth normally places them in.
The RFU only allows this in exceptional circumstances, and always with player safety as the top priority.
________________________________________
2. Why might a child be approved to play up/down?
A child can only play up/down if the reason fits one of the official criteria in Regulation 15.4.1 (a), (b), or (c) — these cover things like:
• Physical development (e.g., size or strength differences)
• Emotional or social development
• Specific welfare or safety concerns
When a request is made, the club must explain exactly which 15.4.1 reason(s) applies.
________________________________________
3. How does the club decide if it’s appropriate?
Before approval, a qualified coach completes a full assessment looking at:
• Your child’s skills and experience
• Their physical development
• Their emotional and social maturity
The RFU recommends this is done by a coach trained to at least England Rugby Coaching Award (Level 2). (We have several in the club who will support this process.
This ensures any decision is made thoughtfully and with your child’s safety at the center.
________________________________________
4. How long does Playing Up/Down last?
If your child is approved to play down, they must stay in the younger age group for the entire season. They cannot switch back and forth.
This helps them settle socially, learn consistently, and remain safe.
________________________________________
5. Can a child play down more than one age group?
It’s possible — but only in very rare cases.
Playing down two years requires approval directly from the RFU (not just the Club or CB).
________________________________________
6. Will this affect other teams or children?
As part of the decision, the club must explain:
• How they’ll ensure fairness
• How they’ll avoid mismatches in size or ability with opponents
• How they’ll keep the environment safe for all players, not just your child
This is all about protecting every child involved.
________________________________________
7. What parents need to do
You’ll usually be asked to:
• Discuss the decision with the coaches
• Sign the online approval form
NB:
Approvals do not carry over to the next season. The form must be completed every season a youth player is to play up or down an age group.
There is a requirement for the Club to obtain approval from its’ Constituent Body (CB), Essex RFU, and in order to do so, there is a process that needs to be followed.
________________________________________
1. What does “Playing Up/Down” mean?
“Playing up/down” is when a child plays in a older/younger age group than the one their date of birth normally places them in.
The RFU only allows this in exceptional circumstances, and always with player safety as the top priority.
________________________________________
2. Why might a child be approved to play up/down?
A child can only play up/down if the reason fits one of the official criteria in Regulation 15.4.1 (a), (b), or (c) — these cover things like:
• Physical development (e.g., size or strength differences)
• Emotional or social development
• Specific welfare or safety concerns
When a request is made, the club must explain exactly which 15.4.1 reason(s) applies.
________________________________________
3. How does the club decide if it’s appropriate?
Before approval, a qualified coach completes a full assessment looking at:
• Your child’s skills and experience
• Their physical development
• Their emotional and social maturity
The RFU recommends this is done by a coach trained to at least England Rugby Coaching Award (Level 2). (We have several in the club who will support this process.
This ensures any decision is made thoughtfully and with your child’s safety at the center.
________________________________________
4. How long does Playing Up/Down last?
If your child is approved to play down, they must stay in the younger age group for the entire season. They cannot switch back and forth.
This helps them settle socially, learn consistently, and remain safe.
________________________________________
5. Can a child play down more than one age group?
It’s possible — but only in very rare cases.
Playing down two years requires approval directly from the RFU (not just the Club or CB).
________________________________________
6. Will this affect other teams or children?
As part of the decision, the club must explain:
• How they’ll ensure fairness
• How they’ll avoid mismatches in size or ability with opponents
• How they’ll keep the environment safe for all players, not just your child
This is all about protecting every child involved.
________________________________________
7. What parents need to do
You’ll usually be asked to:
• Discuss the decision with the coaches
• Sign the online approval form
NB:
Approvals do not carry over to the next season. The form must be completed every season a youth player is to play up or down an age group.