Do U9's have to have both hands on the ball?

In relation U9's, I've read about the two hands on the ball ruling in U7 tag, Is there a similar requirement in U9's to have both hands on the ball when running etc (this was flagged up by a learned touchline parent?). Can anyone close the loop on this one for me?

Yes its vitally important that players from under 7 to under 12 learn to use two hands on the ball. Harder to drop or knock forward and easier for them to pass off either side. 

I would agree that all youngsters are encouraged to run with the ball in two hands as this increases the possibility that they will look to and actually will pass the ball before being tackled.

I am out in New Zealand just now and watched Academy players playing a game in Rotorua last night and one thing was evident - they all carried the ball in two hands. It made for a great game where passing and off loading were skillfully completed as a matter of course.

Children can't learn these skills too early!

Simon

It is also important to get them used to holding the ball neutrally in the middle of the ball not on the ends for a spin pass, as it will allow offloads to either side not just the one side that it will be by setting with the spin pass. I always coach lateral pass in every session for one drill for just a couple of minutes, i believe practice makes permanent not perfect

I agree with the above posters but the other advantage that it gives is stopping the hand off which will naturally come with only one hand on the ball.

While it is good practice to encourage a two handed carry to prevent dropping and reduce the possibility of stripping the ball and better positioning to pass off either hand and also importantly to prevent handing off there is no law that enforces it. A runner in open play may carry the ball one handed and face their team mates if they drop it.

Ball carry in both hands gives you options in that you can pass off either hand or move the ball away from the contact area should you not have the option to pass/offload. Mini/midi rugby encourages this but does not penalise a player for not running with the ball in two hands for the above reasons and to also reduce the occurances of handing off. Saying that, when they move to Junior Rugby they are then allowed to hand off which when managing the contact area can be very effective.