What kit, equipment and ball checks can I make before a match?

Under the RFL Operational Rules 2026 for the community game:

• Kit and equipment: each club must make all its players available for kit and equipment checks before the match, and at any other time on match day when an appointed match official reasonably asks.
• Protective equipment: no player may wear protective equipment, footwear or any other garment in a match unless the RFL has approved it in advance.
• Match balls: the balls must be submitted to you and approved before kick-off, and must be the type and size the RFL specifies.
• Technical areas: everyone in the technical areas (licensed coaches, medical staff and interchange players) must wear a high-visibility vest and stay inside the area. The Game Day Manager is the only person allowed outside the technical areas, and must stay inside the physical barrier.

Ball sizes:

• Under 6 to Under 11 (Primary Rugby League): size 3
• Boys: size 4 at Under 12 and Under 13; size 5 from Under 14, including open age
• Girls and women: size 4 from Under 12 to Under 18; size 5 at Under 19 and open age