Players
Brothers Juniors Ipswich provides a positive junior rugby league experience (training and games) for children aged 5 to 17 years.
Children aged 3 to 5 can participate in our non-contact skills-based Little Leprechauns program, while children born between 2007 and 2018 can participate in our main season across the mini, mod and international versions of the game.
This section of our site details all you need to know about playing junior rugby league with Brothers Juniors Ipswich, including:
MySideline
Rugby league player and volunteer registration is now completed online via the NRL’s new MySideline system. Whether you are re-registering from previous seasons, registering for the first time or you want to request a transfer, you will need to use MySideline.
Age Group Formats
Under 6 and 7
For boys and girls born in 2018 (U6) and 2017 (U7).
Playing Conditions:
- Format: LeagueTag (non-contact)
- Rounds in Season: 12
- Field Size: 40m x 20m
- Players per team on-field: 6
- Game time: 4 x 8 minute quarters (32 minutes total)
- # of tackles per set: Maximum of 6 'tackles'
- # of passes per play: Minimum of 1 pass
- Defenders must stand back at least 5m from the play-the-ball and wait for the first pass to be made before moving up.
- After a try is scored, the defending team restarts play with a tap at their 5m line.
- No scrums, conversions or kicking in general play.
- Chance Rule applies (for Under 6s only): For knock-ons, forward passes and running into touch, the team in possession plays the ball at the mark of the infringement.
- SafePlay code applies.
During the season, our Under 7s will participate in the NRL's TackleSafe program which prepares participants to learn correct and safe techniques, preparing them for the tackle version of Rugby League. The six-session program is delivered by accredited NRL TackleSafe personnel. The program aims to increase player confidence and physical competence in all tackling situations.
Under 8 and 9
For boys and girls born in 2016 (U8) and 2015 (U9).
Playing Conditions:
- Format: Tackle
- Rounds in Season: 12
- Field Size: 68m x 30m
- Players per team on-field: 8
- Game time: 4 x 8 minute quarters (32 minutes total)
- # of tackles per set: Maximum of 6 tackles
- # of passes per play: Minimum of 2 passes
- FR Vest: The designated first receiver is identified in a yellow FR vest - this player is allowed to run after just one pass.
- DH Vest (Under 9s only): The designated dummy half is identified in a pink DH vest - this player is allowed to run after picking up the ball at the play-the-ball.
- Defenders must stand back at least 5m from the play-the-ball and wait for the first receiver to receive the ball or the dummy half to run.
- After a try is scored, the defending team restarts play with a tap at the halfway line.
- No scrums.
- Conversions are allowed, but not mandatory.
- Kicking (no bombs) in general play is permitted for the Under 9s only.
- SafePlay code applies.
Under 10 and 11
For boys and girls born in 2014 (U10) and 2013 (U11).
Playing Conditions:
- Format: Tackle
- Rounds in Season: 12
- Field Size: 80m x 48m
- Players per team on-field: 11
- Game time: 2 x 20 minute halves (40 minutes total)
- # of tackles per set: Maximum of 6 tackles
- # of passes per play: Minimum of 2 passes
- FR Vest: The designated first receiver is identified in a yellow FR vest - this player is allowed to run after just one pass.
- DH Vest: The designated dummy half is identified in a pink DH vest - this player is allowed to run after picking up the ball at the play-the-ball.
- Defenders must stand back at least 5m from the play-the-ball and wait for the first receiver to receive the ball or the dummy half to run.
- After a try is scored, the defending team restarts play with a tap at the halfway line.
- No scrums.
- Conversions are allowed, but not mandatory.
- Kicking (no bombs) in general play is permitted.
- SafePlay code applies.
Under 12
For boys and girls born in 2012.
Playing Conditions:
- Format: Tackle
- Rounds in Season: 12
- Field Size: 100m x 68m
- Players per team on-field: 13
- Game time: 2 x 20 minute halves (40 minutes total)
- # of tackles per set: Maximum of 6 tackles
- # of passes per play: Minimum of 2 passes
- FR Vest: The designated first receiver is identified in a yellow FR vest - this player is allowed to run after just one pass.
- DH Vest: The designated dummy half is identified in a pink DH vest - this player is allowed to run after picking up the ball at the play-the-ball.
- Defenders must stand back at least 5m from the play-the-ball and wait for the first receiver to receive the ball or the dummy half to run.
- After a try is scored, the defending team restarts play with a tap at the halfway line.
- No scrums.
- Conversions are allowed, but not mandatory.
- Kicking (no bombs) in general play is permitted.
- SafePlay code applies.
Under 13 - Girls
A combined age group for girls born in 2011 and 2012.
Playing Conditions:
- Format: Tackle
- Field Size: 100m x 68m
- Players per team on-field: TBC
- Game time: 2 x 20 minute halves (40 minutes total)
- # of tackles per set: Maximum of 6 tackles
- Defenders must stand back at least 5m from the play-the-ball.
- After a try is scored, the defending team restarts play with a tap at the halfway line.
- Scrums are mandatory and conversions are permitted.
- Kicking in general play is permitted.
- SafePlay code applies.
Under 13, 14 and 15 - Boys
For boys born in 2011 (U13), 2010 (U14) and 2009 (U15).
Playing Conditions:
- Format: Tackle
- Rounds in Season: 14 + Finals + Grading
- Field Size: 100m x 68m
- Players per team on-field: 13
- Game time: 2 x 30 minute halves (60 minutes total)
- # of tackles per set: Maximum of 6 tackles
- Defenders must stand back at least 5m from the play-the-ball.
- After a try is scored, the defending team restarts play with a kick off from the halfway line.
- Scrums are mandatory and conversions are permitted.
- Kicking in general play is permitted.
- SafePlay code applies.
Under 15 and 17 - Girls
Combined age groups for girls born in 2009 & 2010 (U15) and 2007 & 2008 (U17).
Playing Conditions:
- Format: Tackle
- Field Size: 100m x 68m
- Players per team on-field: 13
- Game time: 2 x 25 minute halves (50 minutes total)
- # of tackles per set: Maximum of 6 tackles
- Defenders must stand back at least 10m from the play-the-ball.
- After a try is scored, the defending team restarts play with a kick off from the halfway line.
- Scrums are mandatory and conversions are permitted.
- Kicking in general play is permitted.
Under 16 and 17 - Boys
For boys born in 2008 (U16) and 2007 (U17).
Playing Conditions:
- Format: Tackle
- Rounds in Season: 14 + Finals + Grading
- Field Size: 100m x 68m
- Players per team on-field: 13
- Game time: 2 x 30 minute halves (60 minutes total)
- # of tackles per set: Maximum of 6 tackles
- Defenders must stand back at least 10m from the play-the-ball.
- After a try is scored, the defending team restarts play with a kick off from the halfway line.
- Scrums are mandatory and conversions are permitted.
- Kicking in general play is permitted.
SafePlay Code
The NRL's National SafePlay Code was developed to emphasise safety and good conduct within the game of Rugby League by creating the best possible on-field environment and actively encouraging the core values of Rugby League, and a healthy respect for all participants. It applies to all players up to and including the Under 15 years age group.
The SafePlay code protects our young players by removing some of the more dangerous and "rougher" elements of the game player by senior players, including what you see during NRL matches.
Some of the SafePlay code regulations include:
- Tackles above the armpits are not permitted.
- The ball-carrier cannot be lifted.
- Ankle taps are not permitted.
- It is an offence to sling or swing the ball-carrier.
- A player cannot drop, dive or fall on a prone player.
- It is an infringement to use threatening or offensive language.
Click here to learn more about the SafePlay code.
