Ripper rugby, also known as "rippa" rugby in some places, is an offshoot of the conventional rugby game but made safer for kids to play. There is no body contact in ripper rugby. Players wear flags hanging from belts, and defensive players must "rip" the flags off instead of tackling.
Objective
The objective of ripper rugby is the same as regular rugby: to score a try by grounding the ball in your opponent's end zone. The defensive players prevent scoring by ripping the flag from the ball carrier's belt. A ripped flag forces the ball carrier to pass the ball. If there are six rips against the offense in the same possession, the defensive team gets the ball. A game consists of two 15-minute halves with a two-minute break in between.
Players
Ripper rugby teams should have an equal number of players. The number can vary, depending on factors such as field size and available players. An ideal number is between five and 10 per side.
Free Pass
A free pass is when a member of one team starts play by holding the ball in two hands and passing it backward to a teammate. The opposing team must stay back 5 meters, or slightly more than 16 feet, until the ball leaves the passer's hands. Free passes occur to start the game, if a ball carrier leaves the field of play, or if a violation such as forward pass or offside has taken place.
Ripping
A proper rip in ripper rugby occurs when one of the two flags on the ball carrier's belt is ripped off. The ripper must stop and hold the flag above his head to yell "rip!" The ball carrier must pass the ball within three strides after being ripped. Once the ball carrier passes the ball, the ripper must hand the flag back to the ball carrier before they rejoin the play.
Offside
In ripper rigby, an offside is called only after a rip. If the ripper's teammates don't get back behind where the rip occurred, the other side gets the ball and a free pass.
Passing and Kicking
Ripper rugby's rules encourage passing. However, you can only pass the ball in a backward or sideways motion; you cannot hand or throw it forward to your teammates. Also, there is no kicking in ripper rugby.
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