What's different when I referee Primary Rugby League (Under 6 to Under 11)?

Primary Rugby League has its own 2026 rules and sits outside the RFL Operational Rules. The main differences:

• No sin bins, disciplinary sanctions or match official reports. When there is foul play under the Safe Play Code, the game is stopped and the offence is explained to all the players, then play continues. Coaches are encouraged to give a player a timeout instead.
• Match officials are optional. Coaches often officiate, and at younger ages coaches may be on the pitch to guide players. Where match officials are used, they must be treated with respect.
• Safe Play Code tackling rules: contact above the armpits on an upright ball carrier, trips, crotch holds, vertical lifting, lifting and driving for two or more steps, shoulder charges, falling on a prone player, slinging, and hand-offs above the shoulder are all infringements.
• Modified game: size 3 ball, no scrums and no ball stealing. Errors restart with a play-the-ball. Under 6 to Under 8 is tag only.
• Safety: games must be paused or cancelled if the surface becomes unsafe, the weather poses a risk, visibility is significantly reduced or there is lightning.

Results are not recorded or published at these ages.