Can my child play up or down an age group?

These are the Primary Rugby League rules (Under 6 to Under 11).

Playing down: not permitted under any circumstances, except through the RFL's formal player dispensation process.

Playing up (Under 9 to Under 11): a child may play up one age group if all of these apply:

• they fall within the permitted extra age range (for example, a Year 4 child can play Under 10s, and a Year 5 child can play Under 11s)
• parents or carers agree
• the clubs and coaches agree
• it supports the child's development and wellbeing

Under 6 to Under 8 (tag): Under 6s may join Under 7s, and Under 7s may join Under 8s, where it helps inclusion, team numbers or festival delivery. The RFL's strong preference is that children play in their true age group, and this should be used sparingly, never for selection or competitive advantage. It does not let a child move early into contact: an Under 7 who plays with Under 8s must return to their true age group the next season and cannot move into Under 9s.

Under 12 and above: the RFL age range table also lists an extra age range covering children one school year below each age group from Under 12 to Under 18.