Provincial Age Grades 2019

December 05, 2018

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 2019 PROVINCIAL AGE GRADES UPDATE

An update on the Provincial Age Grades for 2019 from Rugby Development Manager Ryan Jones. All questions and inquiries can sent to rjones@rugbyontario.com

Dear Rugby Ontario Rugby Club, 

In 2018 Rugby Ontario adopted a set of age grade laws that were implemented by an age grade review committee from Rugby Canada. The law variations aimed to provide a set of laws that were in keeping with global standards but also sympathetic to some unique Canadian challenges. The review process took a look at how the game was played as well as at what laws were to be implemented, at a given age band. 

When looking at what age grades to select the review committee took into consideration the skills needed for players competing at the Learn to Train (males ages 9-12 & females ages 8- 11) stage of Long-Term Rugby Development (LTRD), and subsequently worked backwards to ensure the correct competition level was provided to the age of the player. As a result of this review the following age grades were selected to maximize the development of players both in the contact and non-contact formats of the game: 

Under 7 (5-6 years)
Under 9 (7-8 years)
Under 11 (9-10 years) – Introduction to Contact Under 13 (11-12 years)
Under 15 (13-14 years)
Under 17 (15-16 years)
Under 19 (17-18 years) 

At the end of the 2018 season Rugby Ontario reviewed the state of the game in consultation with Rugby Canada for all age groups that may have been impacted by the change. The review took into account growth or regression in a number of areas including; registration numbers in individual age bands over the past five years, registration numbers in birth years over the past five years, regional registration numbers, registration numbers in girls and boys and the number of teams entering in competition. 

The review highlighted many positive areas of our game and outlined some areas that require attention moving forward. We also identified the need to research further into our game to truly understand the landscape of rugby in Ontario. 

The review highlighted many positive areas of our game and outlined some areas that require attention moving forward. We also identified the need to research further into our game to truly understand the landscape of rugby in Ontario. 

As a result of the review Rugby Ontario in consultation with Rugby Canada has made the decision to remain with the odd age banding for 2019. This decision was made for the following reasons: 

  1. We do not have enough evidence at this time to support a change from odd age banding to any alternative option.
  2. If we revert back to even age banding or a hybrid model (odd & even age bands) some players will be the youngest player in a two-year age band for 3 years in a row.
  3. It allows us to review two years of odd age banding and conduct further research into the state of our game.

2019 will be a year of review. We will take a deeper look at the trends over the last 6 years, including 2019, and will work towards evidence-based solutions for 2020. 

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me. 


Sincerely,

Ryan Jones
Manager, Rugby Development Rugby Ontario
Phone: (647)560-4790 ext.1010 

Email: rjones@rugbyontario.com

Rugby Ontario Age Banding Memorandum.pdf

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