Combining and Clustering of Age Grades
The RFU allows the combining and clustering of age groups in certain circumstances to support player development, participation, and the sustainability of teams.
Combining Age Groups
This process ensures that every child has the opportunity to play rugby safely and enjoyably while adhering to strict guidelines to protect their welfare.
Why Combine Age Groups?
- Participation: To enable smaller clubs to field teams and ensure all players have a chance to play.
- Development: To provide appropriate challenges for players, enhancing their skills and experience.
- Team Continuity: To maintain team structures when numbers in a single age group are too low.
The Process
- Initial Assessment:
- Clubs must assess the physical, emotional, and skill-level suitability of players being combined into an older or younger group.
- Consent:
- Parental or guardian consent is required for any player to play outside their usual age group.
- Approval:
- The Club Safeguarding Officer (CSO) must approve the arrangement in consultation with the coaching team.
- Final approval from the Constituent Body may be required for certain cases.
- Click here for Combining Age Grades
- Monitoring:
- Clubs must regularly review the arrangement to ensure player safety and suitability.
Key Safeguarding Principles
- Player welfare and safety are the highest priorities.
- Combined age groups must follow RFU regulations to ensure the experience is beneficial and fair for all players.
For detailed guidelines, refer to the RFU Regulation 15 – Age Grade Rugby or contact Hampshire RFU’s Safeguarding Team for support.
Age Grade Clustering
A Cluster (or local partnership) is a short-term arrangement between two or more clubs, schools, or colleges, designed to support the growth and development of players and teams. This is set out in Regulation 15.13.1 (see here)
Clustering allows players to train and play together at the development level, where the focus is on increasing participation, enjoyment, and player development. It provides opportunities for players to try different positions and play with and against a variety of teams, with the aim of creating sustainable, independent teams through a clear action plan.
Registration
- Clubs, schools, or colleges clustering on more than three occasions in a season must register with the RFU and Hampshire RFU using the Cluster Registration Form.
- If a Cluster includes teams from more than one CB, a separate registration form must be submitted to each relevant CB.
Examples
- Same CB: Only one form is required.
- Different CBs: Each team must also submit a form to their own CB.
- Mixed groups: Teams from the same CB register together; any team from a different CB must submit an additional form.
Guidance
Before completing the registration form, please read Cluster Guidance
This process is not about approval – it is to record the clubs and people involved, ensure compliance with RFU regulations, and safeguard the welfare of all players.
