How long is a sin bin at each age?
Rule- England
- RFL
- Community rugby league
- International Laws of the Game
- RFL Operational Rules
- 2026
- Referees
- Under 6-Open age
The International Laws allow a 10-minute temporary suspension, but in 2026 the RFL varies sin bin lengths for the community game by age:
| Age group | Sin bin |
|---|---|
| Under 12 to Under 16 (boys and girls) | 5 minutes |
| School Years 7 to 11 (education matches) | 5 minutes |
| Under 17, Under 18 and Under 19 | 10 minutes |
| Colleges | 10 minutes |
| Open age (men's and women's) | 10 minutes |
A suspended player comes back on only when you allow it. Use the timekeeper's timing if there is one; otherwise you decide when the suspension ends.
There are no sin bins in Primary Rugby League (Under 6 to Under 11).
Added 21 Oct 2026