How do cards work in Rugby Canada's age-grade games (U11-U14)?
Rule- Canada
- Rugby Canada
- Community rugby
- World Rugby laws
- All ages
- 2026
- Referees
Rugby Canada's age-grade law variations (2023 editions) change the card rules:
- U11 and U12: a yellow card is a time out of 2 minutes when there is more than one match in a day, or 5 minutes when there is only one match. There are no red cards; coaches are encouraged to remove a player who is disrupting the game consistently or dangerously. A player removed with a yellow card is always replaced. Every match is controlled by a Game Manager.
- U13 and U14 (13 v 13): a yellow card is 5 minutes, and a player removed from the field is always replaced. A player sent off for foul play may be replaced. Every match should have a trained, registered and appointed match official where possible; if none is available, a coach from either team is to assume the role of referee. If a variation is not listed and there is doubt, apply the World Rugby Laws and the U19 variations where applicable.
These are the 2023 editions listed on Rugby Canada's community rugby page.
Sources: https://rugby.ca/uploads/Community/Age_Grade_Law_Variations_2023/English/Rugby_Canada_-_2022_Law_Variations_Community_Rugby_Eng_U11_U12_v3_Jan2023.pdf and https://rugby.ca/uploads/Community/Age_Grade_Law_Variations_2023/English/Rugby_Canada_-_2022_Law_Variations_Community_Rugby_Eng_U13_U14-13s_v2_Jan2023.pdf
Updated 25 Oct 2026