General play
POSITIONS AND PLAYING
In the U7s and U8s there are no formal positions. Everyone gets to try everything – running, passing, lines outs, and (modified) scrums. The emphasis is on a grounding of the basics, teamwork and lots of Fun.
In the older age group players begin to separate into forwards and backs but will vary according to the teams and individual abilities. As team/individual skills and game play develop more complex/higher skill variations of the basics will be introduced over the age groups.
Our focus will always be mainly on having fun, making lifelong friendships, getting fit and developing core basic rugby skills.
In U9s and U10s kids still try several positions, with progression from U11s-U12 to gradually to start to settle on preferred positions based on skills, physical ability. As players age and start to grow, some positions may be better suited to their changing size, confidence and ability. Safety and enjoyment are the first considerations in this regard. At times coaches may ask players to try a different position as the player may have some ability required for that position over their preferred position. This will also occur when the teams overall balance needs to be considered.
THE DRAW
Game day is where it all comes together. Game times/draws are given on the Rugby Xplorer App and are published at the beginning of the season.
PLAYING DIVISIONS
The draw is made based on results of the previous season as well as with input from the clubs and schools participating. The initial seven rounds are divided into Division 1 (Red) and Division 2 (White).
Where possible it is Vikings preference to field teams in Division 1 first and then Division 2 if there are enough players to form 2 teams of equal players. Often a whole age group will train as one squad during the season and only split for games based on initial grading of players (where applicable), Coaches sections, player ability and player availability.
In an age group with only one team, consideration can be made before the season commences to start the season in Division 2. This may occur with age groups low of player numbers, results from the previous season and graded ability of all players in that age group.
FINALS
In a ‘normal’ season Finals are normally played in 3 divisions for under 10s through to under 18s. Semifinals are generally played at hosting club/school ovals, your team and opposition may not be necessarily playing at our or their home ground. Grand finals are conducted over two days – Saturday and Sunday and have previously been run at Viking Park Erindale for the last few years.
Finals will be determined based results and table standings at the completion of round 12. For Finals teams are then further divided into 3 divisions:
- Divisions 1 (Red) – top 4 teams in Division 1;
- Division 2 (White) – bottom 2 teams from Division 1 and top 2 teams form Division 2; and finally
- Division 3 (Green) – based on the remaining top 4 from Division 2 at the end of round 1
For Semi-finals the default playing draw is based on the final table standings, with 1 v 4 and 2 v 3 semi-final from that divisions ladder.
