The player pathway: U10 → U12
The game is deliberately simplified at U10 and layers on complexity year by year so players build confidence before they build contest. Here's what changes, summarised for parents and coaches — full detail is in the official documents linked below.
U10 / P5 — "Refine the Core Skills"
- Format
- 6v6 mixed, size 3 ball, 40m x 30m pitch
- Scoring
- 3-2-1 — a player's 1st try is worth 3 points, 2nd worth 2, then 1 each after, to reward involving everyone
- Tackle
- Waist & below only, "Tackle Hold" rewards a slowed/stopped carrier even without a grounded tackle, 1v1 only, no targeting the ball
- After the tackle
- No breakdown — carrier presents or offloads from the floor
- Scrum / lineout
- None — free pass instead
- Kicking
- Not permitted in open play
U11 / P6 — "Developing the Contest"
- Format
- 8v8 mixed, size 3 ball, 60m x 40m pitch (with 5m in-goals)
- Scoring
- 3-2-1 or 1 point per try
- Tackle
- Waist & below, no targeting the ball
- After the tackle
- New: a breakdown is introduced — up to 1 supporting player per team can contest
- Scrum
- New: 3v3, uncontested
- Kicking
- New: attacking kicks from hand are allowed
U12 Girls — "Development of the Girls Game"
- Format
- 8v8, size 3 ball, half pitch (60m x 40m), 1 point per try
- Tackle
- Waist & below, no targeting the ball
- Breakdown
- Up to 1 supporting player per team
- Scrum
- 3v3, uncontested with resisted lean
- Lineout
- None yet — pass from touch
- Kicking / hand-off
- Not yet permitted
Why it's laid out this way
Scottish Rugby's Age Grade Law Variations exist to give players a fun, inclusive game that layers on core skills in line with their physical and social development — not to hold anyone back. The strapline for U10 is "Refine the Core Skills"; for U11, "Developing the Contest". Training at U10 is deliberately built to make that next step, when it comes, feel natural rather than sudden — which is why Block 1 already introduces the language ("Tackle Hold", presenting the ball) that becomes the breakdown at U11.
Source: Scottish Rugby, Age Grade Law Variations 24/25 (U10/P5, U11/P6, U12 Girls). Summarised here for quick reference — see the linked PDFs above for the full, authoritative rules and referee guidance.