Which SafePlay Code infringements must I penalise in Under 13 to Under 15 matches?
Rule- New South Wales
- NSWRL
- Junior rugby league
- Under 13-Under 18
- 2026
- Referees
- International Laws
- SafePlay Code
A penalty is mandatory after any breach of the National SafePlay Code (6-15 years). The infringements are:
- Tackle zone. Contact above the armpits made intentionally, recklessly or carelessly while attempting a tackle. A defender in front of a diving or falling ball-carrier may contact the shoulder if their arm or arms extend down the shoulder and trunk, underneath the ball-carrier.
- Dangerous tackles. Using the legs to trip or throw; a crotch hold; lifting the ball-carrier (if a foot or leg is lifted, call "held" immediately; if the tackle continues or the ball-carrier is placed in a dangerous position, penalise); ankle taps; shoulder charges; slinging or swinging the ball-carrier; any forceful, dangerous or unnecessary contact involving an unacceptable risk of injury.
- Ball-carrier contact. Thrusting an arm or using an outstretched stiff arm to contact a defender's head or neck, or forceful, dangerous or unnecessary contact.
- Pushing an opponent.
- Dangerous flop. Dropping, diving or falling on a prone player; a simple hand-on can complete the tackle.
- Verbal abuse. Threatening or offensive language, including sledging.
- Scrums. All scrums are de-powered; pushing, pulling in or rotating is an infringement.
The referee, not the player, calls "held" when a ball-carrier surrenders in the tackle. The penalty should be clearly communicated to the offending player, kept brief, and does not have to be a stoppage or formal meeting. If an advantage occurs, the penalty is awarded at the breakdown immediately after the misconduct or where it occurred, whichever favours the non-offending team more.
Referees must be fully briefed on the Code, and a pre-match meeting should include the referee, coaches, ground officials and, where possible, team captains.
Source: National SafePlay Code 6-15 years, https://www.playrugbyleague.com/safety/safeplay/
Added 24 Oct 2026