Golden Oldies Rules

Golden Oldies Playing Laws

The World Rugby Laws of rugby apply to Golden Oldies, but are modified within each grade with the exception of the Presidents Grade. The Golden Oldies Laws embody and reflect the spirit of Golden Oldies Rugby. The aim of the laws and the variations is to provide the best environment in which player enjoyment is maximised and the possibility of injury is minimised. Prior to a match the team captains and the referee will remind all players of the manner in which the game is to be played and the nature of the laws to be applied.

Sportsmanship and camaraderie are imperative in all Golden Oldies matches.

We have grades to suit everyone.

In addition to choosing a grade, teams will be requested to provide information on their playing standard, experience, playing ethos, spread of the ages within their team and an estimate of the average age of players.
This will influence the fixtures a team plays within their grade.

Length of match

ALL Grades:  FOUR 10 MIN QUARTERS with 5 MIN BREAKS IN-BETWEEN

• Please note that the change of format is based off recommendations from our medical provider due to the high altitude conditions in Denver.

Shorts and bibs explained

Red shorts or bibs / 35-64YRS 

• Not to be tackled to the ground or pushed off their feet

• Must be “claimed and held”

• Must pass to a player not in red or gold shorts

Gold shorts or Bibs / 64-69YRS

• Not to be tackled or touched

• May run with the ball for up to 15 metres before passing the ball

• Must pass to a player not in red or gold shorts

PURPLE shorts or Bibs / 70+YRS

• Not to be tackled or touched

• May run with the ball for up to 15 metres before passing the ball

• Must pass to a player not in red or gold shorts

Law Variations

Scrums

• All scrums are uncontested, except in the Presidents grade where full World Rugby Laws apply

Lineouts

• There are no quick lineouts

• A lineout must consist of 8 players

• There is no lifting permitted except in the Presidents grade where full World Rugby Laws apply

KICKING

• A player may only kick when inside their own team’s 22 metre area except in the Presidents grade where full World Rugby Laws apply.

Tap Kicks

• There are to be no quick tap kicks, but players from the offending side must quickly retire 10 metres from the mark. Except in the Presidents grade where full World Rugby Laws apply.

Substitutions

• Unlimited substitutions permitted at any time and a player substituted earlier may return to the game at any time.

Tackles, rucks and mauls

• No cleaning out

• No vigorous counter rucking or reckless driving into tackles, rucks and mauls

• Except in the Presidents grade where full World Rugby Laws apply
  

Presidents Grade matches must still be played in the true Golden Oldies spirit of safety, enjoyment and camaraderie.