MARLOW RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB MINI SECTION. 2009/2010 Season AGE GROUP TRAINING AREAS. U10 s. U9 s. 1ST XV Pitch. U8 s. U11 s. U12 s.

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1 U10 s U9 s 1ST XV Pitch U8 s U9 s MARLOW RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB U11 s U12 s Trainin g U8 ove Area rflow PITCH 2 U12 s use this pitch when we have visitors MINI SECTION 2009/2010 Season PITCH 1 Car Park U6 s/ U7 s AGE GROUP TRAINING AREAS

2 INDEX 1. Welcome 2. Our Vision 3. Our Aims 4. Why Play Rugby Union Football 5. Training Sessions 6. Club Membership 7. Volunteers 8. The Social Side 9. Age Group Structure game development 10. What to wear 11. Rugby Tours 12. Marlow Mini Tournament 13. Finances / Sponsorship 14. The Spirit of the Game 15. Codes of conduct: a. Parents/Guardians b. Players c. Coaches 16. Child Welfare 17. Useful Contacts 18. Feedback 19. Brief History of Marlow Rugby Club 20. History of Mini Rugby at Marlow Rear Cover: Pitch / Training Area Layout 19. BRIEF HISTORY OF MARLOW RUGBY CLUB Officially the Club was formed February 3rd However, a rugby match was played on February 8th 1913 on Crown Meadow against High Wycombe and (not for the first time) Marlow triumphed by 13pts to nil. For the next thirteen years the Rugby Club was a member of the Sports Club sharing facilities with the Hockey and Cricket Clubs. At first Marlow wore black shirts, because with clothing rationed, any available shirt was produced and dyed black to obtain uniformity of colour. At the 1956 AGM a black shirt with a narrow white band was adopted. In 1997, our 50th anniversary season, a gold band was added to the design. In the early 60's the club moved to Riverwoods when leases were agreed with Mr. Morris and the Marlow UDC. In March 1963 work commenced on the club house. Whilst the building work was going on the New Ground Committee worked feverishly to obtain the funds to pay for it saw Marlow realise one prime ambition - to become owners of their own ground. When Mr Morris died his sons agreed to sell the land to the Club and in September of that year, Marlow bought the freehold. Riverwoods today is the legacy of our forebears - Riverwoods tomorrow is what we leave for future generations. We trust you will cherish, honour and respect this Club of ours, remembering all the while, the efforts of those visionary members who brought us here all those years ago. 20. HISTORY OF MINI RUGBY AT MARLOW RUGBY CLUB On a mild October Sunday morning in 1972, a collection of 40 young boys between the ages of 6 and 11 assembled outside the clubhouse; Mini Rugby at Marlow Rugby Club was born. Ieuan Jones, a product of the Welsh fly half factory, had been involved with the game at Llanelli and brought the concept to Marlow when he joined the club. Ray Williams then the coaching administrator of the Welsh Rugby Union had written a book, Rugby for the beginner, which laid the foundations for the Mini Rugby game in Wales. Ieuan brought this book and his enthusiasm to Marlow, and along with Derek Cowling and Bill Nowers started the game that changed the lives of many a child forever. Soon the numbers attending had risen to over 100 and at the end of the season, the first of our annual tournaments was held at the club. Today we have in excess of 260 children learning to play rugby every Sunday. 1 19

3 17. USEFUL CONTACTS MINI SECTION ORGANISERS Role Name Mobile Director of Mini Rugby Tim Platt Mini Section Treasurer Mini Section Fixtures Secretary Marlow RUFC Child Welfare Officer Martin Capel- Smith AGE GROUP CONTACTS Name Title Phone Giles Houston U6/U7 s Head Coach ghouston@extremenetworks.com Dave Anderson U8 Head Coach davidga@mac.com Al Lewis U9 Head Coach allenlewis@btinternet.com Ian Duguid U10 Head Coach Squidthepilot@aol.com Nick Lee U11 Head Coach ivymaylee@btinternet.com Stuart Wilson U12 Head Coach mail@thewilson5.net FEEDBACK martin.cs@virgin.net Gail Truchard gail@thetruchards.com Chris Whibley chris.whibley@openwork.uk.com As a club we are always looking to provide the best possible environment for fun and learning for everyone. If you have any suggestions or comments, please don't hesitate to provide this feedback. However, please be aware that everyone involved in the Mini Section, and the club as a whole, does so as a volunteer, therefore any comments should be constructive ones. In the first instance, please feedback any comments through your age group Head Coach or AGO. Alternatively, if the issue is more club related then please contact the Director of Mini Rugby, who is the sections representative on the main club committee. WELCOME On behalf of everyone at Marlow Rugby Union Football Club a warm welcome to existing and new players, and their parents/guardians. The aim of this booklet is to provide you with details of how Mini Rugby operates at Marlow Rugby Club. We hope that you and your child will stay with us for many years to come. We cannot promise that your child will be the next Matt Dawson or Nick Kennedy (both ex Marlow players), but we do promise to provide a fun, structured environment for boys and girls up to the age of 12 and great fun for the adults as well! The success of the Mini Section is down to the help and support that parents give. We would positively encourage all to get actively involved in the ongoing success of the mini section and the club as a whole. There are several ways you can get involved: 1. Become a Coach. 2. Become an Age Group Organiser. 3. Attend our fund raising events. 4. Provide financial support through sponsorship, either in cash, equipment or in kind. We are always looking for sponsorship or donations to help fund the cost of providing the coaching for the children. If you know anyone, or any company that will either sponsor the section or provide equipment, then please contact one of the mini section committee members. 5. Help with our annual Mini Tournament. 6. Support the 1st XV. 7. Take time to read the Codes of Conduct. The 2009/2010 season starts on Sunday 6th September and our last fixture is Sunday 25th April For up to date news and details of fixtures please visit the club website: Mini Section on the left-hand menu. Tim Platt Director of Mini Rugby 18 2

4 2. OUR VISION To introduce children to the FUNdamentals of Rugby Union Football. 3. OUR AIMS 1. Have fun! 2. Provide structured training for boys and girls aged between 5 and Provide a safe and secure environment for the children. 4. Develop all players, regardless of ability. 5. Promote the values of Rugby i.e. sportsmanship and respect for others etc. 6. Help develop and support the coaching team, and encourage them to achieve at least the Level 1 RFU coaching badge. 7. Organise fund raising to pay for equipment, tourmament entry fees, coaching courses etc. 8. Support and promote the senior club. 9. Introduce children to the joy of the wider game of rugby. 10. Run at least 2 teams in each age group. 11. Run our annual Mini Tournament. 12. Build a pride in being a member of Marlow Rugby Club encourage the children to go on and play at youth, and then senior levels for the club. 13. Maintain our RFU Seal of Approval. 4. WHY PLAY RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL Rugby is a great game, and with its various formats (tag, midi, touch, sevens, ladies, wheel chair etc) it can be enjoyed by the widest possible range of people. To many the attraction of playing rugby is the values and skill sets associated with the game, which come from its rich history, traditions, camaraderie and community involvement. Participating in rugby helps to develop a number of key values and character traits: 1. Sportsmanship. 2. Teamwork. 3. Leadership. 4. Discipline. 5. Respect for others. 6. Courage. 7. Friendship. Rugby is considered to be a life-long sport with players starting as young as 5 and play well into their adult life. At the adult level, players compete in organised leagues through amateur clubs catering for all ability levels from social to professional. 3 often difficult to get this information back from the main club. As such, we would request that you provide details of any medical conditions that your child may suffer from, that we or any medical professionals need to be aware of when treating your child, in the unlikely event that they should get injured or become unwell whilst playing. Please give details of the condition, including any medication that your child is taking, or should have administered, and any emergency contact details, if appropriate. Please supply these details to the Age Group Organiser, who will place the information inside the First Aid box. Any such information supplied will be treated with the greatest level of sensitivity and will only be used in maintaining the well-being of your child. Insurance Rugby is a contact sport and as such brings the risk, albeit very slight, of injury. Marlow Rugby Club subscribes to the RFU s Accidental Death and Permanent Total Disability (ADPTD) policy on behalf of all its players. What is the basic cover and what are its limitations? The ADPTD scheme provides insurance cover for death or permanent total disability as a result of an accident whilst playing rugby. The maximum benefit for the latter is 500,000. This is a death and permanent total disability policy and the benefits in respect of the latter are for catastrophic injury only. Should you wish for your child to have greater cover than this the RFU have made additional insurances available to the individual: The Sports Injury for Amateurs short-term injury PTD Top Up policies for individual players. More details of the ADPTD scheme, and the additional insurances can be found on the RFU website, or please ask the Director of Mini Rugby. storyid/2201/storytypeid/2/ Is death by natural causes covered? No. Death by natural causes is not covered in the compulsory PTD scheme. The reason for this is that the underlying principle behind the RFU policy is to cover against accidents specifically associated with playing rugby. It is not the intent to provide cover for other risks or to supplement an individual s private insurance. 17

5 16. CHILD WELFARE The number 1 priority of the committee, coaches, parents and supporters of Marlow Rugby Union Football Club is the welfare of the children in our care. No compromises will ever be made in our care and duty to protecting each and every child. Key principals are: The well-being and safety of each player will be placed above all other considerations. All children and young people have a right to be protected from abuse regardless of their age, gender, disability, culture, language, racial origin, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. Anyone coaching the children will be CRB checked. No player should be played, or train, when injured. All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. It is the responsibility of child protection experts to determine whether abuse has taken place, but it is everyone s responsibility within rugby union to report concerns. No player will be prevented from playing rugby for financial reasons. All coaches, parents and players are expected to read and understand the coaches; parents; players code of conduct. A qualified First Aider will be in attendance at all training sessions and matches. All Marlow Rugby Club coaches will ensure that the Coaches Code of Conduct is followed. A complete copy of the Marlow Rugby Club Child and Young Player Protection Policy can be obtained from the Club Website, under Official documents. Parental Responsibility The Rugby club is not a crèche and a Parent / Guardian must supervise their own child at ALL times. It is not the coaches responsibility to look out for children who wander off, or need to go to the toilet. Mouth Guards Every player from U9's upwards is required to wear a mouth guard when training or playing in competitive matches. The coach may decide not to allow a player to train or play without suitable mouth protection. Medical Information Although there is a question on the family membership form requesting information on any medical conditions that we should be made aware of, in practical terms it is 16 Elite level athletes may not only play professionally for a club, but may even go on to represent their country. Many players at all levels travel the world and make friends for life through the game. 5. TRAINING SESSIONS / FIXTURES We hold training sessions on Sunday mornings from 10am to 12am - exact start times may vary slightly for the younger age groups, to comply with the RFU Continuum. The Head Coach for each group will advise parents within their own age group, if this is the case. As per the RFU Continuum, our season runs from the first Sunday in September, until the May Day Bank Holiday. Details of away fixtures; location; directions; timings etc will be communicated to parents by the Age Group Organiser during the week before, and will be available on the club website. All players are welcome to attend away fixtures. The only time we have to make squad selections is for Mini Festivals. In the event of poor weather the training session may be cancelled. Clearly no one likes to cancel, however for the safety and enjoyment of the children this may be necessary. We will try to give as much warning as possible to avoid wasted journeys to the club. The decision process will be as follows. If poor weather is forecast by the BBC, or we have experienced bad weather (freezing temperatures, heavy rain, water logged pitches, gale force winds), the Director of Mini Rugby will conduct a pitch inspection on Saturday morning at 11am (any Head Coach is welcome to participate in the pitch inspection process). If the training areas are unsuitable for play at that time, and if the BBC weather forecast doesn t suggest any improvement, the training session the following morning will be cancelled. Training session cancellations will be announced on the club website, under the Mini Team News section. We will also try to communicate this information via the Age Group Organisers, however we cannot guarantee to contact everyone, so please keep an eye on the club website. 6. CLUB MEMBERSHIP Players in the Mini section are covered by the club s family membership, for the 2009/2010 season this costs 110. Family membership covers all members of the same family, whether playing members or social ones. What do you receive for the annual membership fee? 4

6 Player insurance Use of the pitches and training facilities Use of the club social facilities Entry into a ballot for Twickenham tickets You must complete a membership application form before your child participates in one of our training session s, failure to do so could mean they are not covered by our insurance. We allow newcomers to participate in our training sessions on the basis that if they decide after 1 month that they do not wish to continue then the membership fee is not payable. Please inform the AGO if your child doesn t wish to continue attending training sessions. 7. VOLUNTEERS The Mini Section (as with the club as a whole) only exists because of the efforts of volunteers, mostly parents. The key roles we need for each age group are: Head Coach Ideally holds the RFU Level 1 Qualification, overall responsible for the age group, including training plans and organising the coaching team. Assistant Coach - An opportunity for parents to assist the Head Coach with training and coaching - with a view to qualifying as a RFU Level 1 Coach. Age Group Organiser (AGO) - Support role to the Head Coach - helping with the administration of the age group and providing communication between the Mini Section committee and parents. The Mini Section, and the club, support volunteers willing to participate by providing: CRB check. Equipment. Funding for RFU courses. Coach the Coaches sessions, run by the club s First XV coaching team. First Aid training. Advice and support from the Mini Section committee. How can I become a club volunteer? Please speak to a Head Coach, or one of the committee if you are interested in helping. It is a lot of fun and your contribution will be much appreciated. We do need your support so please get involved. 8. THE SOCIAL SIDE C. THE GOOD COACHES CODE Coaches' of players should: Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players. Understand that most learning is achieved through doing. Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport. Be a positive role model think what this implies. Keep winning and losing in perspective encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances. Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a mistake, (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players, both during coaching sessions and matches. Provide rugby experiences which are matched to the players ages and abilities, as well as their physical and behavioural development. Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand. Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time. Never allow a player to train or play when injured. Ensure good supervision of players, both on and off the field. Recognise that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or unacceptable risk of injury. Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy. Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad. Be aware of and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union. Coach to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated on rule changes. During training sessions the club house is open, selling food and drinks. At the end of the training session the bar will be open. 5 15

7 B. THE GOOD PLAYER S CODE Parents and guardians are encouraged to make their children aware of, and if necessary to discuss, the following code of contact: Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administration in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment. Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates. Recognise that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse. Understand that if an individual or group of players feel they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they should tell an adult either at the Club or outside of the game. Play because they want to do so, not to please coaches or parents. Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game. Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions. Work equally hard for themselves and their team both will then benefit. Recognise good play by all players on their team and by their opponents. Be a good sportsperson win with dignity, lose with grace. Play to the Laws of the Game as laid down in the RFU Continuum and accept, without question, all referees decision even if they appear to make a mistake. Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable. Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player. 14 One of the clubs great strengths is its warm and welcoming atmosphere. There is a strong social element, not just within each age group, but amongst the mini section and the club as a whole. Please get involved with the social events we, and the club, organise. The club house has a projector and subscription to Sky Sports. Most major sporting events, especially rugby ones, are available for watching. Usually the bar is open at the same time. 9. AGE GROUP STRUCTURE Game Progression and development We run six different age groups: U7 s (which also includes the U6 s), U8 s, U9 s, U10 s, U11 s and U12 s. Marlow Rugby Club is affiliated to the RFU (Rugby Union Football). The RFU have developed and published a Continuum that aims to provide a natural progression from introducing 5 year olds to the game, right up to the transition from Youth to Adult rugby. The RFU Continuum bands the age groups into 3 different stages, with minor rule differences between each age group within each stage: Stage 1 - Tag Rugby - U6/U7/U8 Introduction to the basic concepts Stage 2 - Mini Rugby - U9/U10 Introduction to contact, contesting for the ball Stage 3 - Midi Rugby - U11/U12 preparing for the 15 person game A player s age group is determined by their age at midnight on 31st August, at the beginning of each season. During the course of each season, players may only play rugby within their own age group, unless they are permitted to play in a different age group under dispensation. Please speak to the Director of Mini Rugby if you wish to apply for dispensation. STAGE 1 Tag Rugby U6's & U7 s The starting point is tag rugby. This is a non-contact form of the game, where the removal of tags is the method of tackling a player. Tag rugby teaches children to run forward with the ball into space, pass backwards, and provide support when they don t have the ball. Each team consists of 7 players. The U6 and U7 age groups are combined. This is because a child automatically enters the U7 s immediately they reach their 6th birthday. 6

8 Under the RFU Continuum the U6's are not allowed to play competitive games. This means inter club games where teams have players solely from one club. This also includes Festivals, or Tournaments. Each year we enter at least one team into the Tag Challenge event at London Wasps which is played at half time during a Wasps home game. 15. CODES OF CONDUCT Taken from the RFU Continuum. A. THE GOOD PARENT S / SPECTATOR S CODE Parents /Guardians are encouraged to: The U6/U7 training area is to the west of the 'pond', between the club car park and pitch number 1 U8 s This age group continues to play tag rugby. However, defensive skills are encouraged by providing a turnover when the defending team 'tags the attacking team more than 6 times before they score a try. The U8's training area is to the east of the clubhouse and north of the 1st XV pitch. STAGE 2 Mini Rugby U9 s Introduction to contact for the first time, and contesting for the ball. Great care is taken at this stage as it is a major step for the children. The Continuum Laws also introduce rucking, mauling and scrums and line outs (both of which are uncontested). Team sizes are increased to 9 players, 3 of whom will be forwards. Annual rugby tours start at this age level. The U9's training area is at the southern end of pitch 3, and over the bank towards the river. U10 s Played under the same Laws as the U9 s but scrums and line outs are now contested. The U10 s training area is pitch 5, to the extreme East of the club grounds, an area known as Dinghly Dell. This area can also be accessed from a railway crossing at the south east corner of the Crowne Plaza car park (PLEASE NOTE: the railway crossing at the Crowne Plaza is unmanned. Children should only use this crossing when accompanied by an adult). STAGE 3 MIDI Rugby U11 's Teams increase in size to 12 players, with 5 forwards. Kicking from hand is allowed, as are kicks for goal when a try is scored Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that they can ensure their child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability. Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the coaching and training sessions in which their child participates. Be aware that the Club has a duty of care to ensure the safety of players and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport players to away fixtures. Be involved with Club activities and share your expertise. Share concerns, if you have them, with Club officials. Be familiar with the Good Coaches Code. In particular, be aware that: Coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players; and Coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances. Support coaches in instillling these values. Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents. Encourage young people to play do not force them. Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than to win at all costs. Be realistic about a players abilities; do not push them towards a level they are not capable of achieving. Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during a game - Verbally encourage all players in a positive manner, shouting for not at the players. Encourage all players irrespective of their ability never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team in which they play. Remember that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the players and referee s performance and attitude. Always support the Club in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game. Remember young people learn much by example. Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all players irrespective of the team in which they play. Respect match officials decisions, even if they appear to be a mistake remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play rugby. Encourage players to do likewise.

9 14. The Spirit of the Game Rugby Union Football is one of the truly great team sports through which children can develop their sporting prowess as well as their character, both on and off the field. They will learn much from each other, from opposing teams and above all from the conduct of their coaches, supporters and referees. All adults concerned with the game of Mini Rugby whether as organisers or supporters have a collective responsibility to set an excellent example to the children through their conduct. The rules of the game of Rugby Union Football are known as Laws, but these Laws mean less to the game than a long established and accepted spirit in which the game is played and supported. You will not find all the following in the IRB Law book but you will find them in the hearts and minds of true rugby supporters. The referee s decision is accepted without question on the field of play. Remember, he is not paid and serves the game for your enjoyment, and so the players may enjoy the game. The training area used by the U11 s is the northern half of pitch 3. U12 's The U12 s play to the same Laws as the U11 s except the team size increases to 13 players, 6 of whom are forwards. The U12 s train on the southern half of pitch 3. YOUTH SECTION From U13 s upwards the children join the Youth Section, with the ultimate aim of transferring to one of the senior sides once they reach 17 years of age. SENIOR SQUADS The club currently runs 4 senior teams, and a ladies team. Last season the 1 st XV won promotion to the South West 1 East League and the ladies won their league. Retaliation plays no part in our game; restraint is a lesson well learnt and practised. From the touch line we treat the opposition as we would our own side at times of success and of tension. We applaud their good tries and we are silent for their place kicker. Applause for the opposition and the referee after the game is enthusiastic and genuine. It takes two sides and a referee to create an enjoyable game. A sense of humour is always useful. There is no room in the game of Mini Rugby for barracking from the touchline, unseemly language or aggressive behaviour on or off the field of play. Rugby is a game played for fun and to make friends. It is not so much the winning or losing but the playing that is important. Encourage young people to enjoy themselves, winning with modesty and losing with dignity. REMEMBER, the emphasis of Mini Rugby is on playing not winning. Marlow RUFC reserves the right to exclude any player or parent/guardian they believe does not comply with the spirit of the game. 12 9

10 10. WHAT TO WEAR As a newcomer there is no need to immediately purchase the club strip, any suitable clothing will suffice e.g. T shirt and shorts. We would recommend that you make sure your child wishes to continue before investing in our club kit. However, we are sure that at some point your child will want to feel part of the team, and our kit can be obtained from the shop in the main clubhouse. It is open on Sunday mornings from 9.30am to 1pm. Please be aware that rugby is a winter sport and the weather varies during the season from warm September mornings to cold and wet ones in December, January and February. Please make sure your child wears clothing appropriate to the conditions, so they don t get too hot when it is warm, and too wet or cold in mid winter. Make sure you bring a change of clothes in the event that it is wet. Footwear You will need to invest in a stout pair of rugby boots, although football boots are perfectly adequate if you already have them. However, all studs must be RFU approved (available from the club shop). Although 'blades' are currently allowed we would prefer that players don t wear this type of boot from U9 s upwards. The concern with blades is that sharp edges can develop on plastic or composite studs. Head coaches are encouraged to check players studs before commencement of a game, and are perfectly entitled to ask a player to change their footwear if they feel their studs have the potential to cause injury. IMPORTANT NOTICE - players must NOT wear rugby/football boots in the club house. Please don't be offended if your child is asked to go outside if they do. Mouth Guards Every player from U9's upwards is required to wear a mouth guard when training or playing in competitive matches. The coach may decide not to allow a player to participate without suitable mouth protection. The use of other protective equipment is a matter for each parent / player, but it must conform to the approriate current RFU rules and carry the IRB kite mark. Protective equipment and RFU approved studs can be obtained from the club shop. Prescription goggles are allowed to be worn up to the U12 age group. 11. RUGBY TOURS Age groups from U9 onwards go on an annual tour which involve competitive games either as friendly matches or part of organised tournaments. The organisation of such tours is left to the parents in the respective age groups. The cost of touring is often subsidised by age group fund raising activites. 10 Past tours have even involved visiting countries such as Germany and Holland etc. Permission from the club and the RFU is required for tours that go abroad. Please provide the tour itinerary to the Director of Mini Rugby as soon as it is available. Children from all age groups enjoy touring. Each tour represents an opportunity for players and parents to forge friendships, and enjoy each others company. As the U7's and U8's don t tour we enter them into the Wasps Tag Challenge, which takes place at half time during a Wasps home game, at Adams Park. 12. MARLOW MINI TOURNAMENT 28TH MARCH 2010 On Sunday 28th March we will run our annual Mini Tournament. This is one of the largest tournaments in the country, with approximately 146 teams competing across all age groups. In recent years teams have come from as far a field as Jersey and Guernsey. We try to make sure every Marlow player that wants too, has an opportunity to participate in this event (unfortunately children in the U6 section are not allowed to play, as this is contrary to the RFU Continuum). As the tournament is so large and complex to organise, we need every parent/ guardian to assist us in making it a success, whether at Age Group level, or as part of the central organisation. Details of the roles/task that need doing will be published early in the season. Please make every effort to come along and enjoy the day. We guarantee you some excellent rugby and a great day out. 13. FINANCES / SPONSORSHIP The Mini Section is wholly self funding. The annual club membership fee goes towards the central running of the club, including the club house, ground maintenance, player insurance etc. The major fund raising activity for the section is the annual Mini tournament, which currently takes place on the last Sunday in March. The purpose of the fund raising is to buy the equipment we need, provide tournament entry fees, contribute towards tour expenses, coaching training costs and Mini Section running expenses. All sponsorship is greatly appreciated. Parents and players are asked to support those businesses that have supported the Mini Section. In the event that you would be interested in sponsoring the Mini Section, please contact the Director of Mini Rugby, or the Mini Section Treasurer. There will be various other fund raising activities during the seasons, please support these. As a section we will publish our section accounts on a regular basis, and distribute them through the Age Group Managers / Head Coaches. 11

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12 Marlow Rugby Club Mini Section Fixtures October 2009-April 2010 September 2009 Registration and Training Fixture Car Park Duty Age Group October /10/09 Beaconsfield (H) U12 11/10/09 Training 18/10/09 Abbey (A) 25/10/09 Training November /11/09 Chinnor (H) U11 08/11/09 Training 15/11/09 Oxford Harlequins (A) 22/11/09 Training 29/11/09 Redingensians (A) December /12/09 Training 13/12/09 Windsor (A) 20/12/09 Training 27/12/09 XMAS No Training January /01/10 Reading (H) U10 10/01/10 Training 17/01/10 Wycombe (A) 24/01/10 Training 31/01/10 Amersham and Chiltern (H) U9 February /02/10 Training 14/02/10 Buckingham (H) U8 21/02/10 Training 28/02/10 Training March /03/10 Training 14/03/10 Henley (H) U7 21/03/10 Training 28/03/10 MARLOW TOURNAMENT(H) April /04/10 Easter Day NO TRAINING 11/04/10 Bicester & Chipping Norton (H) U12 18/04/10 Training 25/04/10 London Irish Tournament (A) (H) : Home Fixture (A): Away Fixture