Law Variations and Standards

Within Canada and Ontario, we have standard age-grade law variations (AGLVs) to provide a consistent set of age and stage-appropriate modifications to the game with a focus on enjoyment, player development, accessibility, and player welfare. These law variations are applied at all age-grade rugby competitions. Refer to the links below to read more about the specific variations for each age group and ensure that all program coaches are knowledgeable of their respective age category variations. These should also be shared with any local match officials and volunteers who may be acting as game managers at festivals.

• U8 and under law variations
• U10 law variations
• U12 law variations (Ontario specific change to 7-a-side)
  o U12 groups and older wishing to continue participating in non-contact rugby can use U10 law variations at festivals or transition to a version of World Rugby’s T1 touch rugby for a house-league.
• U14 13-a-side law variations
• U14 10-a-side law variations being piloted in Ontario in 2025 follow the 13-a-side variations above with the added difference in the number of players on field (5 forwards and 5 backs) and the size of the playing field (half field – see XRugby law variations below for field setup).
• U14 7s law variations
• Quick reference law variation cards – note that the quick reference is a short summary and does not include all of the details found in the above linked documents.
• U19 law variations