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Copyright 2019 ©Trust Rugby International. All rights reserved

What is Unified Rugby™?

2

Contents

Are you Unified Rugby™ ready? Page 4

Summary Quiz Page 6

Roots of Unified Rugby™ Page 7

A Scottish Model Page 8

Law Variations Page 11

FAQs Page 19

Bibliography Page 23

Copyright 2019 ©Trust Rugby International. All rights reserved 3

Are you Unified Rugby™ Ready?Rugby offers many benefits to those who take part over a wide range of areas. Unified Rugby™ is where there is a particular effort is made to include players with an intellectual disability. With a unique set of law variations and adaptations, people with an intellectual disability can be given opportunities to play rugby.

An intellectual disability, according to the NHS “A learning disability affects the way a person understands information and how they communicate” (NHS, 2018). This can make learning difficult and there are sometimes associated conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Downs Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy. There may also be some physical disability which might affect mobility. There is a wide range of degrees of learning disability and some people diagnosed as having an intellectual disability can and do play rugby unsupported.People with an intellectual disability also tend to face social exclusion and isolation, prejudice and have an increased chance of mental health problems. Therefore, some the lifestyle benefits of rugby are especially important. This includes the social side and feeling part of a team along with building confidence and of course improving health and fitness. Unified Rugby™ is in line with Social Role Valorisation and other similar theories. Social Role Valorisation is “defined as the use of culturally valued means to enable, establish, enhance, maintain, and/or defend valued social roles for people at value risk (Wolfensberger, 1985, 1998, 2000)” (Aubry et al, 2013). Unified Rugby™ aims to break down barriers for any individual who wants to play rugby. At Trust Rugby International, rugby is used as a vehicle for enhancing the lives of its participants, fostering confidence and social skills, and splintering any philosophical barriers that still persist around illnesses that are not always visually apparent.

There are several unified rugby clubs (also referred to as mixed ability clubs) in existence. They actively try to recruit players with intellectual disabilities alongside non-disabled players. Typically, about half of the squad and team will be registered as having a disability. Often sporting opportunities for people with an intellectual difficulty will be through individual sports such as swimming and athletics. Many events are heavily segregated with the athletes only competing against other disabled athletes. Unified teams offer their players the chance to demonstrate their abilities against non-disabled players.The team nature of rugby means that different players have specialised and valued roles within the team. This means that all players must support and rely on each other. In unified teams, this builds trust and respect and so by having non-disabled players and by playing against non-disabled team’s prejudice and stereotypes are broken down. Unified Rugby™ clubs hope that players will be seen as individuals. The social element to rugby is especially important to unified clubs and so there is an emphasis on meeting the opposition after the


game, presentation nights and other such events.

We have designed a unique set of law variations which allow each player to play to their full potential within a structured unified environment. For example, a change from mainstream rugby union is the use of passive/uncontested scrums, this means that teams do not have to recruit specialist players for scrums, allowing non experienced players a chance to play. There is also a safety aspect to this as one of the possible symptoms of Downs Syndrome is Atlantoaxial instability (AAI) which affects 10–20% of individuals with Down syndrome and denotes increased mobility of C2 in relation to C1neck vertebraes.

In terms of numbers, match day squads and number of substitutions are unlimited. This means that more players can have a chance to experience a game situation and that players can be on the field for a shorter amount of time if appropriate. Due to both lack of experience and learning difficulties, coaching needs to be especially tailored, clear and specific to individuals. Players may never have played the game before and so a thought should be given to the speed of introduction to various elements in training and to an actual match situation.Advice from all unified teams is that there should be a discussion with the opposition team and the referee prior to matches so that any specific issues can be addressed.

The Start-up guide adopted by the RFU and IMAS suggests that with uncontested scrums, novice players may find the less structured play of the forwards initially easier although some experience should be included. Playing on the wing requires less involvement than other back positions and there may be more time for adjacent players to offer advice and support. However, all players should be assessed individually.Unified Rugby™ is a way of including more players in the game from a section of society for home sport and social opportunities can be very limited.


An intellectual disability is:A. An inability to understand new or complex information and to learn and apply

new skills (impaired intelligence).B. A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to

learn and apply new skills (impaired intelligence).C. Someone who is autistic or has Down’s syndrome.D. An illness that affects someone’s ability to learn and process complex

information.

Unified Rugby™ teams play:A. Only other similar teamsB. Exclusively with disabled athletes but against non-disabled teamsC. Both unified (mixed ability) teams and teams without players with disabilitiesD. In separate competitions

Players with an intellectual disability:A. May lack social opportunitiesB. Are more likely to have mental health issuesC. Don’t like to play full contact rugbyD. May face prejudice

Unified teams should:A. Have coaches who are able to be especially clearB. Talk to opposition teams before gamesC. Make sure they are fully insured and registeredD. Only play league or cup matchesE. Emphasise the social aspect of the game


Summary Quiz

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Roots of Unified Rugby™ Unified Rugby™ teams are those that actively look to include players with learning difficulties. The first such team originated in Bridgend but are no longer running. They were followed by the Swansea Gladiators and then the Llanelli Warriors. In England, the Bumble Bee Barbarians, with RFU and WEA support are rolling out the concept. Since 2012 in Scotland, tri rugby are building on the success of The Clan in a similar manner.

These sides play other local teams so players with learning difficulties play alongside and against non disabled athletes. The nature of rugby is such that a variety of players and skills are needed so that all have a vital role, the physicality breeds respect, the social aspect is the perfect place for general integration and the process builds confidence and social skills in addition to the usual benefits of sport.


A Scottish Model7

Trust Rugby International is Scottish based and a registered charity with a national, international and intercultural remit. Founded in 2010, Trust Rugby International is a proactive organisation whose goal is to bring diverse individuals and communities together by using the game of rugby in all its forms.

Since June 2012, we have: - Pioneered Unified Rugby™ in Scotland in partnership with NHS Ayrshire and Arran

and the Scottish Government- Inspired, encouraged and supported a unified team in Valencia, Spain in partnership

with Espurna and Cullera Rugby Club- Pioneered a new identification system to enhance player safeguarding- Developed and delivered a series of workshops and courses to inspire and encourage

players, coaches and clubs to get involved with unified rugby- Won World Rugby’s Spirit of Rugby Award 2018

Risk Management Strategies:


The welfare of players within unified rugby is of paramount importance. Unlike fully able union players, players of mixed ability present with a spectrum of disabilities that throw up increased challenges for maintaining safety at all levels. We have seen the safety of players in rugby union come under particular scrutiny globally as of late and this is a trend that is likely to continue. The risk to players in contact sport cannot be fully negated by its very nature; however, risks to individuals that are more vulnerable can be through the proper use of and introduction of law variations and structured visual identification of players with mixed abilities. Through improved management of the risks players in unified rugby will be enabled to adhere to the spirit of rugby in which it was intended in the playing charter. Unified rugby allows those players of “every, shape, size and ability” to compete and participate in the game of rugby union regardless of disability.

Visual Identification of Players: Each player who plays in Unified Rugby™ regardless of ability is categorised visually based on a combination of vulnerability and where appropriate skill level. Within this each player who has a prescribed condition, such as Downs Syndrome and therefore has increased inherent risk on the pitch needs to visually identified to reduce the risk of significant injury.

Whilst there are other views that do not support the visual identification of players with vulnerabilities or specifically disabilities, these are chiefly aimed at not inflaming societal prejudices. The fear that being visually identified would lead to stigma both on and off the pitch.

This is not our experience, or indeed that of others. It is our experience that not visually identifying players makes it harder for all on the pitch to maintain the safety of the more vulnerable players. Gradient visual identification allows for players who are able to take greater contact and participation in the contact areas to be involved and allows the opposition greater licence to play more closely to the original laws of union.

In Scotland we have adopted a red and yellow Scrum Cap System for use during both competitive games and the training environment. Further too this we have instituted a tackle line being incorporated into the team’s kit which is below the nipples. In players who have red or yellow caps this will bring the tackle height down to those used in current age grade law variations domestically within Scotland.

Of critical importance to the game is the referee, by adopting the use of a visual identification system in combination with the law variations this will allow better and more fluent officiating of the games. This can only improve player safety. Non-verbal


communication on the pitch is extremely effective in changing player behaviour and visual identification of players is an important aspect of this. Without a visual identification system in place the game would be much harder to officiate safely, and would require a small group of officials to be familiar with each player. This is impractical, and in particular impractical for cross border competition. Through a combination of law variations and visual identification of players with vulnerabilities, Unified Rugby™ will evolve in a much safer and more robust manner. It will also more closely mirror both the full laws of rugby union and the playing charter. The spread of the game can only be hampered by multiple teams developing in isolation, adoption of the above will enable teams to move forward together.



Law Variations

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Unified Rugby™ is unique in its balance of inclusivity and competitive edge. It provides opportunity for individuals with mixed abilities to play under one banner in a meaningful way. It is unquestionably identifiable as rugby, and must remain as such, but the full laws of Rugby Union can be adapted to maintain the safety of each player regardless of impairment. With proper adoption of specified law variations players can be medically safeguarded whilst enjoying full, or as full participation as possible.

Thus far, it has been established that with simple measures such as the identification of vulnerabilities through different coloured scrum caps, uncontested scrums and lineouts can help protect players on the pitch without detracting from the competitive environment.

All the laws require careful evaluation and assessment to look at how adapting them can both improve player safety by protecting those players with vulnerabilities, but also improve enjoyment. This will be done systematically and only trialled in conjunction with the participating teams. Similarly, domestic guidelines on how to apply these laws need to be produced for match officials. This will allow a feedback process to evolve so that the variations can be adapted as necessary.


1 The Ground -as per WR2- Ball- as per WR3- Team 15 players +/- non-playing individuals as enablers low level4- Players Clothing5- Time as per WRN.B. Term ‘vulnerable player’ means players with Red or Yellow caps

Law variation/ Consideration Penalty Why1.1, Captain, to be player with red cap will make decision on

the pitch pre-game at coin toss, during the game with penalties,

line outs

This will help with the players knowledge of the game and give then the responsibly of decision making which can help

them in day to life1.2, Vice-Captain – To be an

enabler,This is to support the

captain on the pitch and help him with his

decisions. Also, it is a person on the pitch for opposition to speak to regarding any on pitch questions discussion

around law variations or player welfare.

2.1, Restart of kick off – from half way line must go over the

10m line, teams to promote kick to be a drop kick but not

penalties if it is not

Kick again We want to promote and play our game as close to full WR laws as possible,

many players do not have the capacity to drop kick and should be practiced

with coaches but not penalized if they cannot

kick yet2.2 Failure to Kick 10m after

reattempt FK from place of restart Speed of game

3.1 Scrums – Are to be uncontested with the team-

putting ball into scrum gets it back.

PK 1 in 15 people with down Syndrome may have atlantoaxial instability

instability if they are put under any pressure this could cause them to be

paralyzed. Also, front row


is a highly trained position; this may limit the

opportunity for some players to play this

position. Playing in the front row may well be the only contact some players like to have in the game

3.2 Defending team scrum half must stay on putting in side and

not go beyond tunnel

FK Space

3.3 If a red cap player carries out a pick up from the back of a

scrum, they must be allowed to reach the gain line of the tunnel

or 5m in any direction before they take contact

FK Space

4.1 If At a lineout the thrower is a red cap player,

They may stand 2m infield on the line of touch

Throwing into the line out is a way of having a player with red cap getting more involved in the game. For

some players their throwing ability may not get them from the touch

line over the 5 m line, allowing them to come

closer to the 5 m line can help with this.

4.2 If the attacking team intend to form maul using red cap

players, they must communicate this to the defending team and

not drive

FK Reduces Risk

4.3 When in air players must contest for the ball with no

contact from each other

PK This is for the safety of all players involved in the line out. We have seen some

players with a red cap when they jump for the

ball, they sometimes grab opposition. 90% of the

time this is not to gain an advantage over the

opposition it is to keep


balanced in the air.4.4 Any player lifted in a lineout must be immediately brought

back down safely.

PK Safety

5.1 Mauls – may not be driven when a player with a red cap or

yellow cap involved

PK For the same reason as Scrums are uncontested.

For example, where pressure could be put on

players necks

5,2 Unsuccessful mauls where a red cap player takes the ball in results with the attacking team

retains the possession

Scrum Discourages foul play and hold up tackles

6.1 Breakdown – When a player with red cap is involved in rucks,

they are non-contested and cannot be countered.

PK This is for the safety of the players similar to scrums and mauls with possible

driving against player with red cap.

6.2 A tackled isolated red cap player is liable to lose possession

to the defence subject to 23.7. Neither team may form a ruck in this instance, a player is deemed to be isolated if they are on the

floor and there is no support player in place before a legal

opposition player arrives

PK This is in place to keep the game flowing as it is the

responsibility of teammates to be in

support, essentially this is the same as holding on

6.3 If a player with Red cap is involuntarily brought into the

ruck by their team mate

PK If a player is forced in to the ruck by a team mate his can be dangerous for the player with red cap.

15.4 A Yellow Cap player can be countered but must not be

brought to the floor from a ruck

PK Remains competitive but reduces risk from body

rolls15.5 Players with a Yellow Cap may not jackal for the ball in a

ruck

FK Reduce Injury Risk from clear-outs

15.6 If no player with a red cap involved normal ruck laws apply.

This gives another opportunity to compete for the ball and keep the game as close to regular


laws as possible.8.1 Conversions – Must be taken by a vulnerable player. It may be taken from in front of the posts regardless of where the try was

scored

No score awarded This give some players with a red cap the

opportunity to be more involved in the game and having the kick in front of the posts give them more

opportunity to score points.

8.2 If a red cap player takes the conversion, they may take it

from anywhere along the goal line

8.3 If a conversion is taken by a player with a yellow cap it is there choice to take it from

where the try was scored or no wider than the 15m line. (Vice-

captain to advise)

Players with Yellow cap are often more physically developed and taking the

ball out to the 15 gives them more of a challenge

22 Attacking against a ‘vulnerable player’

22.1 If attacking player beats a player with red cap they must look to pass, if no pass is on go

to deck/ set up maul

FK This make sure that players do not exploit

players with Red cap on the pitch

22.2 If an attacking player is within 2m of a red cap player they must attack that player

FK Encourage fair play use of space

22.3 If player with red cap attempts to tackle the attacking player must offload/ go to deck/

set up maul

FK This make sure that players do not exploit red cap players on the pitch

22.4 Attacking player to be responsible for controlling their

level of level of dominance when coming into contact with a player with red cap player.

PK This will keep the player with the player with a red

cap safe, as if a player goes in without control and a high dominance

level it can cause injury to cap player

22.5 Red Cap players who do not go to ground or stop reasonably when tackled or in contact with

FK Fair Play


a defending player are liable to sanction

23. Defending against a vulnerable player

23.1 Red Cap players may not have the ball ripped from them

FK Fair Play

23.2 If a red cap player knocks the ball on and it travels 1m or less forward they are able to

immediately regather once per possession set, following this normal knock on rule applies

Scrum Speed/fluency

23.3 If ball is lost forward by a red cap player within 5m of the defending try line it may not be

regathered

Fair Play

23.4 Players may not compete with or make contact with a red cap player attempting to gather the ball.

PK Dangerous Play

23.5 tackling - All tackles must be below chest. Nipple line of

the body.

PK This keeps all players safe in the game and promotes

lower tackling it also follows new laws world rugby have in place for

u20 world championships.23.6 players with Red cap to be stopped and held up or brought to ground with minimal force. If held up a maul can be formed,

but this cannot be driven

PK If a player with a red cap is forced to the ground with more force than needed

can cause injury

23.7 When bringing a vulnerable player to ground the

tackler may only compete for the ball if they too have gone to

ground and got back to their feet. They may only compete for

the ball from a legal position

FK Allows time for vulnerable player to recycle

possession, but isolated red cap players are liable

to lose possession

23.8 Players with a Yellow cap can be tackled using minimal force (no dominant tackles).

PK Player with a Yellow cap are capable of being

tackled and the yellow cap system lets opposition


know that they still have to be aware that this is

vulnerable player.23.9 No vulnerable player may be lifted in the tackle

PK Safety

23.10 If a vulnerable player is lifted in a tackle this is an immediate YC regardless of how the player lands.

PK YC Safety

23.11 If a vulnerable player is lifted and lands dangerously, this is an immediate RC

PK RC Safety


FAQs18

What is Unified Rugby™/integrated/mixed ability Rugby? Unified Rugby™ is where players with and without disabilities train, play and socialise together. More experienced players support, or ‘enable’, less experienced players to take part.

Is it just for disabled players? Unified Rugby™ welcomes players of all abilities who can hold and move with the ball, therefore it is suitable for players with disabilities. It is also suitable for players who cannot play full contact rugby anymore due to injury. For Unified Rugby™ teams to be successful, there is a requirement for enablers who have a good playing knowledge of the game and can support our disabled players play. Enablers can be current players or veteran players who still want to have a game and to give something back to the sport.

Is it full contact? Players of Unified Rugby™ can play different levels of contact - full, partial or limited. More vulnerable players who cannot participate in a full contact game wear coloured scrum caps to visually identify themselves. Those wearing a red scrum cap will run into the defence take a little resistance before going to ground and presenting the ball. Yellow scrum cap players can take more resistance in the tackle.

Why do you coach / play it? The experience of Unified Rugby™ is very heart-warming. Whether I am coaching a session, training or playing, I always come away with an amazing feeling of satisfaction having engaged with the players and being a part of the development of their physical, social and mental wellbeing.

What are the law variations / changes? Scrums are uncontested in Unified Rugby. Rucks and mauls are uncontested if a player with a red cap is involved.

How many disabled/non-disabled players are in a team? Typically, this will be balanced depending on player need. As our players can have varying levels of experience and support need on the pitch, this will determine the player: enabler ratio.


How do you select the team? We use player profiling to identify our players’ strengths and areas for development. We look at the team as a whole and consider where our players will be best placed to make the greatest unified impact to the whole team.

Who do you play? Typically, we have played veterans and social rugby teams and we have played demonstration games at local festivals. We have also played Unified Teams from Spain and Wales.

Are there other similar sides? There are Unified (or mixed ability) Rugby teams Worldwide, from Argentina, Canada, New Zealand, Spain, Ireland, Wales and England as a small sample.

Are you in a competition? We play in International tournaments in Spain and IMART.

Do you keep scores? Scoring is similar to mainstream rugby.

What age do you have to be? Unified Rugby ™can be played at any age, but tri currently has provision for Under-18 (16-18 year olds) and senior male and female teams.

When do you play? Games generally take place on Saturdays or Sundays.

How often do you play? Optimally games will be organised on a fortnightly basis.


Do you have a drink / socialise afterwards? Like any other rugby team, the socialisation aspect after the game is just as important as the physical game on the pitch. This allows our players to develop their life and social skills as well as their confidence and physical fitness.

Do you go on tour? tri have travelled to play in International tournaments in Spain, England, as well as to Wales and Ireland for festivals.

Can anyone play? There are a small number of medical reasons why it would be dangerous to play Unified Rugby™, but generally if players can hold and run with the ball, they can play Unified Rugby™.

How much does it cost to run your team? A regional Unified Rugby™ team could typically cost from £10k - £35k per year to run.

Do you charge? Similar to mainstream rugby teams, we are looking into charging a nominal yearly subscription fee to cover running costs. Weekly training sessions would be covered by this cost, but there is the opportunity to attend chargeable additional development sessions and/or holiday camps.

Do you mark/indicate which players are disabled? Players who are more vulnerable are easily identified on the pitch by wearing red and yellow scrum caps if they can only participate in limited resistance in tackles. Players with yellow scrum caps are more experienced and able to take more resistance.

How do you safeguard vulnerable players? As well as the coloured scrum caps, we have Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policies and Procedures and a registered Child Protection Officer. All of our coaches and enablers are also PVG’d.


How would you describe the term ‘meaningful risk’? Meaningful risk balances the risk to health & safety against the potential benefit to the individual. This is a term which can be universally applied and influences decisions made in society in general.

How do you qualify and quantify meaningful risk for players with intellectual and / or physical disabilities and autism? Unified Rugby™ is made safe by the implementation of player profiling, qualified coaches and enablers and a visual identification system which allows our more vulnerable players to be visible and safe depending on their ability to manage physical contact and tackling. Medical screening ensures that our players’ safety is paramount and liaison with medical professionals, parents and carers and the individuals themselves will determine what level they would like to play their rugby.

How do you mitigate against risk? A formal suite of policies and procedures regarding risk assessment player profiling, information gathering and storage, coach and enabler training and visual representation of risk and rugby law variation and referee knowledge and training as well as liaison with health professionals allows tri to minimise the risk of playing unified rugby. Player insurance is also in place.

Bibliography


NHS, ‘Learning Disabilities’, 2018, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/ [last accessed 26/08/19]

‘Social Role Valorization in Community Health Housing: Does It Contribute To The Community Integration and Life Satisfaction Of People With Psychiatric Disabilities?’, Aubry et al, J Community Psychol. 2013 Mar; 41(2): 218–235.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3644172/


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3644172/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3644172/

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/learning-disabilities/

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