Golden Oldies Rules

The spirit of "Golden Oldies" is epitomised in the motto of "Fun, Friendship, Fraternity".
This international motto is the central theme of every Golden Oldies game.

These rules do not permit offside play, over-vigorous play, unsportsmanlike behaviour and have been designed to increase the enjoyment of the game while minimising the chances of injury.

The normal laws of rugby as per the International Rugby Board (IRB) shall apply with the following law variations (unless varied by mutual agreement between teams and officials):

• All 8 forwards must remain bound in the scrum until the ball has been cleared.
• The half back must not follow the ball around the scrum.
• There must be NO pressure scrummaging.
• There shall be NO striking against the head by the hookers.
• Players may kick the ball only in their own 22.
• In line-outs all 8 forwards must take part.
• Teams scoring a try shall restart the game by kicking the ball to the non-scoring team.
• Substitution of any player is permitted at any time and a player substituted may return to the game at any time.
• Players must observe the offside rule, particularly that of remaining behind the hindmost foot at rucks, mauls and scrums, line-outs to a minimum of 10 metres.
• The game shall be 3 x 20 minute periods.
• All players are to observe the restrictions on tackling "older" players. These are identified by coloured shorts:

• Up to 59 years: Club shorts
• 60-64 years: Red shorts** - not to be tackled
• 65-69 years: Gold shorts - not to be tackled
• 70-84 years: Purple shorts - not to be tackled
• 85+ years: Special shorts (will be provided by the club) - not to be tackled

** or any player, who through medical or physical conditions, does not want to be tackled. Can be claimed, but NOT tackled