The scrum at this level should not just be seen as a restart of play for the non-offending team. In the U12 and U13 grade there is some contest (The push is limited to 1/2 metre maximum). Nevertheless, it is always necessary to ensure safety at all times when forming scrums. There is no contesting or pushing in scrums at the U11 level.

Pre-Engagement and Engagement

· Before the two front rows come together they must be standing not more than an arm’s length apart.

· Props bind with the hooker anywhere between armpit and hip. Hookers bind anywhere between armpit and hip or on top of Props shoulder blades.

· Position correctly on referee’s call.

“Crouch”

· Sink down into a crouch position, face in neutral position, eyes open, looking forward.

· The front rows must interlock (Ear to Ear) so that no player’s head is next to the head of a team-mate. Crouched and bound.

· Feet, hips and shoulders are all square.

· Bend at the hips and knees.

· Shoulders above hips at all time.

· Back straight - spine in line.

· Weight off the heels and on balls of feet.

· Referee will call “BIND”

· Using their outside arm each prop must bind.

· A loose head prop must bind on the opposing tight head prop by placing the left arm inside the right arm of the tight head and gripping the tight head prop’s jersey on the back or side.

· A tight head prop must bind on the opposing loose head prop by placing the right arm outside the left upper arm of the opposing loose head prop and gripping the loose head prop’s jersey with the right hand only on the back or side.

· The props must not grip the opponent’s chest, arm, sleeve, or collar.

· Following a pause the referee will then call “set” when the front rows are ready.

· The front rows may then engage. (The “set” call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready.)

How To Build A Front Row

· The hooker should stand on the mark, slightly bent at the knees and hips. (Weight is on the balls of their feet).

· The loosehead prop should approach the hooker from the rear, they should reach behind the hooker and bind on the hip area at the top of shorts, slightly in front. They should then move forward so their shoulders, hips and feet are parallel (square) with the hookers.

· The tighthead prop should also approach the hooker from the rear, they too should reach behind the hooker and bind on the hip area at the top of shorts, slightly in front. They should then move forward so their shoulders, hips and feet are parallel (square) with the hooker and loosehead prop.

· Together they should crouch with their weight on the balls of their feet, head up, waiting for the locks to enter. (Note: the hooker should be in the same position as his props on engagement and not move his feet to the hooking position until after the scrum has engaged.)

Building The Complete Scrum

Once the front row has been built as suggested, add the balance of the forwards in following order:

· The locks should bind firmly together, generally the taller lock will bind over the top of the shorter lock, if one lock is substantially taller than the other, and it is uncomfortable for the taller lock to bind over the shorter lock, then the taller lock should bind underneath. They should then squat down together on their haunches, put their heads between the props and the hooker. At the same time the locks should bind around the waist of their respective props and grip at the top of the shorts. Ensure the locks’ feet are parallel, their heads up (chin off chest), they are looking forward and have a straight back (see front row assembly).

· Next the flankers should bind, with one arm, over the back of their lock and squat down on their haunches, placing their shoulder under the buttock of their prop. Their feet should be parallel and on engagement they should be in the pushing position with their heads up, back straight and looking forward.

· The number 8 should squat down on their haunches, at the same time bind around each of the locks on the outside of the top of the shorts area. Then place their head between the locks hips so both of their shoulders are under the two locks buttocks. Again the feet should be parallel, and on engagement they should be in the pushing position with their head up, eyes looking forward and their back straight.

Note:

· It is important to have the right mental frame of mind as it is to be technically correct.

· Safe technique is the most effective technique.

· Build up progressively to allow the player to gain confidence.

The referee will call “crouch” then “bind”. The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop must bind. A loose head prop must bind on the opposing tight head prop by placing the left arm inside the right arm of the tight head and gripping the tight head prop’s jersey on the back or side. A tight head prop must bind on the opposing loose head prop by placing the right arm outside the left upper arm of the opposing loose head prop and gripping the loose head prop’s jersey with the right hand only on the back or side. The props must not grip the opponent’s chest, arm, sleeve, or collar. Following a pause the referee will then call “set” when the front rows are ready. The front rows may then engage. The “set” call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready.