USA Rugby is working on a review of Youth and High School Eligibility, including age breakdowns, youth variations, as well as weight restrictions and other restrictions.

The National Governing Body is also reviewing when contact should be introduced to players.

Current USA Rugby rules include breakdowns based on school grade, rather than age. In addition, a progression of contact levels is recommended (Bronze, Silver, and Gold, although the current Youth Variations Vision do not specify what those are. 

(Update: New documents from USA Rugby do specify those levels of contact:

Bronze Variation.

Silver Variation.

Gold Variation.

But the implication is that rugby should move slowly into full 15s rugby. 5th-6th-graders should play 5-on-5 or 7-on-7 with contact being introduced in 6th grade (current recommendations) and scrums, lineouts, and kicking being introduced. The guidelines state that 7th and 8th grade should remain Rugby 7s, not 15s, and that rugby for 9th and 10th grade should be 7s or 10-a-side, saying specifically that "best practice is still smaller sided games."

Only once a player reaches 11th grade should he or she play World Rugby laws.

So if you think these types of guidelines should change, go here to add your thoughts.

In addition, USA Rugby is looking for input into Eligibility and Structure for Regional Cup Tournaments. This speaks to the controversy from this recent June, when players were forced into Varsity or JV teams based on their grade, not their age or their ability. This led to some top players, including players who had suited up for the USA U20 team, having to play JV. It also led to the number of girls teams to be disappointingly small.

For more on that topic go here - More Trouble for Age-Divisions in All-Stars and here-  It's Official - JV-Varsity Rule a Failure

The survey is overseen by USA Rugby head of Youth & High School, Kurt Weaver, who has made it very plain he has his own opinions on the topic, namely that talent and physical development are not enough of a reason for a player to play outside his-or-her age group. In addition, it is Weaver who has pushed the idea that young rugby players should be eased into contact slowly, and that they not play 15s until a player is a junior in high school.

The survey does not seem to be one that tabulates responses to specific questions, but rather solicits opinions.

Click here to participate in the survey. You can participate more than once to discuss different topics