Ashbourne Rugby Union Football Club. Junior Section. Handbook. Season 2009/10

Transcription

1 Ashbourne Rugby Union Football Club Handbook Season 2009/10

2 Contents Introduction...5 Welcome...5 Club Details...6 Officers...7 Coaches...8 Under Under Under Under Under Under Under 9/ Under Under Under Girls Tag...10 Coaching Volunteers...10 Annual Player Registration...11 Subscriptions & Fees...12 Training & Match Days...13 Signing In/Out Procedure...13 Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 2

3 Duty Officer...13 Meal Tickets...14 Cancellations & Postponements...14 Fixture List...15 Under 7 s Under 12 s Fixtures...15 Under 13 s Under 16 s Fixtures...16 Diary Dates...18 Laws of the Game...19 Child Protection & Welfare Policy Statement...20 Introduction...20 Policy Statement...21 Codes of Conduct...23 Players Code of Conduct...23 Parents Code of Conduct...24 Spectators Code of Conduct...25 Coaches Code of Conduct...26 Match Officials Code of Conduct...27 Equity Policy Statement...29 Health & Safety Policy...30 Frequently Asked Questions...31 When is Training?...31 What is Mini Rugby?...31 Is Rugby Too Rough For Children?...31 Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 3

4 What Do Children Learn?...31 Safety...32 Child Protection...32 What Gear Does My Child Need?...32 Where Can I Get Kit?...33 How Can I Help Out?...33 Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 4

5 Introduction Welcome We would like to welcome you to the 2009/10 season at Ashbourne Rugby Union Football Club. Whether you are a new recruit or returning player, this handbook is designed to help you settle into the new season and to allow you to do what we all want to do - play rugby and enjoy yourself. This handbook is for parents and players alike. We would ask you to spend a few minutes browsing through it and to keep it handy throughout the season as a useful and point of reference for any questions you might have. You can view this handbook (and print it) on the Junior section of the Ashbourne RUFC website at: The website will also be regularly updated throughout the season with news items, match reports and photos, so please remember to pay us a regular visit. You can also view and be actively updated by text of club news bulletins by following our Twitter site at: Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 5

6 Club Details Name: Ashbourne Rugby Union Football Club Year Founded: 1932 Ground: Headquarters: Club Colours: President: Chairman: Vice-Chairman: Website: The Recreation Ground Cockayne Avenue Ashbourne Derbyshire DE6 1EJ Tel: (01335) Ashbourne Ex-Servicemen s Club Market Place Ashbourne Derbyshire Tel: (01335) Royal blue and gold hoops Blue shorts Blue and gold socks David (Sam) Heath Martin Fryer Andy Bailey Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 6

7 Officers Rugby Co-ordinator: ANDY BAILEY Yeldersley Hall, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 T: M: E: Rugby Co-ordinator / Secretary: PETER HARRISON Leys Mount, 31 North Leys, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1DQ T: M: E: peter.harrison@ashbournerufc.co.uk Fixture Secretary: DAVID COACKLEY 2 Meynell Rise, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 T: M: E: david.coackley@ashbournerufc.co.uk Treasurer / Club Child Welfare Officer: JO WOOD 3 Premier Avenue, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 T: M: E: jo.wood@ashbournerufc.co.uk Registration Secretary: ANNE GOULD 7 Birchwood View, Manor Green, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1RZ T: M: E: anne.gould@ashbournerufc.co.uk Catering Manager: SALLY MASSEY New House Farm, Belper Road, Bradley, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1LP T: E: sally.massey@ashbournerufc.co.uk Merchandise: SAM HOWSON 11 Boothby Avenue, Ashbourne, DE6 1EL T: E: sam.howson@ashbournerufc.co.uk Club Volunteer Co-ordinator: MICK PEPPER Queen Elizabeth s Grammar School, Green Road, Ashbourne, DE6 1EP T: M: E: mick.pepper@ashbournerufc.co.uk Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 7

8 Coaches Director of Rugby: Andy Bailey T: M: E: Under 16 Team Manager / Coach: Ian John T: M: E: ian.john@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coach: Shaun Kellow M: Under 15 Team Manager / Coach: Martin Farr T: M: E: martin.farr@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coach: Pete Holland T: M: Under 14 Team Manager / Coach: Brian Allen T: M: E: brian.allen@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coach: Phil Bates M: Under 13 Team Manager / Coach: Andy Bailey T: M: E: andy.bailey@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coach: Steve Lynam M: Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 8

9 Under 12 Team Manager / Coach: Richard Brud Shaw T: M: E: brud.shaw@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coach: Steve Jones T: M: E: steve.jones@ashbournerufc.co.uk Under 11 Team Manager / Coach: Sean Turner T: M: E: sean.turner@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coach: Martin Shaw T: M: Under 9/10 Team Manager / Coach: Peter Harrison T: M: E: peter.harrison@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coach: David Brown M: Coach: Paul Doran M: Coach: Roger Palmer-Clark T: Under 8 Team Manager / Coach: David Coackley T: M: E: david.coackley@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coach: Colin Smith T: Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 9

10 Under 7 Team Manager / Coach: Chris Massey T: M: E: chris.massey@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coach: Rich Wheeldon T: Under 6 Coach: Tracey Clarke-Kellow M: E: tracey.clarke-kellow@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coach: Niki Shaw T: M: E: niki.shaw@ashbournerufc.co.uk Girls Tag Coach: Carolyn Bointon M: E: carolyn.bointon@ashbournerufc.co.uk Coaching Volunteers We are always looking to expand our coaching staff with new volunteers. If you would like to help out as a coaching assistant in any of the age groups listed above, please speak to our Club Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mick Pepper) for more information. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 10

11 Annual Player Registration Registration is an important part of joining the Club. Registration gives the coaches the information they require to look after your child, ensures the player is covered by the Club s insurance and allows the RFU to issue a Player Registration Card. These cards are now essential for many of the festivals and tournaments we enter. Each year we ask you to complete a form, which is the RFU Registration Form. This can be obtained from the Registration Secretary (Anne Gould) and should be returned with two photos. Every year the Club issues Club Registration Forms, for existing players, which we ask you to update with any information that has changed from the previous year. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 11

12 Subscriptions & Fees Unlike the majority of rugby clubs, we do not ask for an annual subscription from our players. We only charge a 2 fee for each training session or match attended by a player. This money goes into the Junior Rugby Club funds and helps us to pay for the hire of the Recreation Ground, playing kit, training equipment, balls, etc. Session fees are payable at the registration desk at the start of training sessions. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 12

13 Training & Match Days Throughout the season teams will meet on Sunday either to train or to play a match. The number of matches will depend on the age group and the RFU recommendation for the match/training ratio. Training is as important as match days, as players will be learning the skills and laws of the game, as well as learning how to play as a team. Match days can be away or at home. If the match is away your team manager / coach will arrange for the team to meet at a given time and at an appropriate place. If the match is at home your team will meet on the Recreation Ground at 10:30am in order to prepare for an 11am kick off. Signing In/Out Procedure The procedure that should be followed on a Sunday morning for training sessions and home matches is for the children to sign themselves in at the registration desk. We expect parents/guardians to stay on the recreation ground during the training sessions and home matches. Cups of coffee and tea and hot food can be purchased in order to keep the cold at bay and we re sure that the kids would welcome your support, especially during matches. Coaches are responsible for the signing out procedure at the end of a session. The club expects that a responsible adult remains on the recreation ground for children that are under 13 years of age, and that they are present at the end of the session to resume responsibility for their child(ren) from the coaches. Duty Officer The Duty Officer will be the main point of contact for parents and guardians of children for home training sessions and matches with regard to any enquiries or issues. The name of the Duty Officer for the session will be displayed on the board at the Pavilion. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 13

14 Meal Tickets For home matches, hot food will be provided to all Ashbourne and opposition players. The provision of this food is controlled by using meal tickets. These are distributed to Ashbourne players at the end of a session by the coaches. Away team coaches will be provided with a batch of tickets to give to for distribution to their players. Cancellations & Postponements The club website and Twitter site will be updated as soon as we are aware of a postponement or cancellation. If you have any questions that are not answered on the club website regarding training sessions or matches, e.g. with regard to cancellations or postponements due to pitches being unfit, then please call your team manager / coach or one of the Rugby Coordinators to get more information. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 14

15 Fixture List The fixture list is subject to change throughout the season with new fixtures likely to be added at quite short notice. An up-to-date copy of the fixture list will always be available on the club website, therefore this should always be the best place to check. Under 7 s Under 12 s Fixtures Date U7 s U8 s U9 s U10 s U11 s U12 s 6 Sep Registration Registration Registration Registration Registration Registration 13 Sep Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run 20 Sep 27 Sep 4 Oct Ashby A Ashby A Ashby A 11 Oct 18 Oct Melbourne A 25 Oct 1 Nov Belper & Buxton A Belper & Buxton A Belper & Buxton A Belper & Buxton A Belper & Buxton A Belper & Buxton A 8 Nov Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday 15 Nov Leek H Leek H Leek H Leek H Leek H Leek H 22 Nov Buxton H Buxton H Buxton H Buxton H Buxton H Buxton H 29 Nov 6 Dec Uttoxeter H Utoxeter H Melbourne H Uttoxeter H 13 Dec 20 Dec 27 Dec Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan Matlock A Matlock A Matlock A Matlock A Matlock A Matlock A 24 Jan Bakewell & Glossop A Bakewell & Glossop A Bakewell & Glossop A Bakewell & Glossop A Bakewell & Glossop A Bakewell & Glossop A 31 Jan 7 Feb 14 Feb Buxton A Buxton A Buxton A Buxton A Buxton A Buxton A 21 Feb Belper H Belper H Belper H Belper H Belper H Belper H 28 Feb Leek A Leek A Leek A Leek A Leek A Leek A Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 15

16 Date U7 s U8 s U9 s U10 s U11 s U12 s 7 Mar Ashby H Ashby H Ashby H 14 Mar Mothers day Mothers day Mothers day Mothers day Mothers day Mothers day 21 Mar Burton A Burton A Burton A Burton A Burton A Burton A 28 Mar 4 Apr Easter Easter Easter Easter Easter Easter 11 Apr Uttoxeter A Uttoxeter A Uttoxeter A 18 Apr 25 Apr Under 13 s Under 16 s Fixtures Date U 13s U 14s U 15s U 16s 6 Sep Registration Registration Registration Registration 13 Sep Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run 20 Sep 27 Sep 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25 Oct Belper A Belper A 1 Nov Chesterfield H 8 Nov Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday 15 Nov Leek H Leek H Leek H 22 Nov Buxton H 29 Nov 6 Dec Uttoxeter H 13 Dec 20 Dec Buxton H Buxton H 27 Dec Christmas Christmas Christmas 3 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 31 Jan Bakewell A 7 Feb 14 Feb Buxton A 21 Feb Belper H Belper H Belper H 28 Feb Leek H Leek H Leek H 7 Mar Bakewell H 14 Mar Chesterfield A Buxton A Buxton A 21 Mar 28 Mar Bakewell H Uttoxeter A 4 Apr Easter Easter Easter 11 Apr Matlock H Matlock H Matlock A Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 16

17 18 Apr 25 Apr Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 17

18 Diary Dates 13 th September 2009 Club participation in Ashbourne Fun Run (Ashbourne Rec 10am) 11 th October 2009 Junior Club General Meeting (Ex-Servicemen s Club 1:30pm) 14 th November 2009 Trip to watch England vs Argentina (Twickenham) January 2010 Speaker Dinner (Green Man 7pm) 7 th May 2010 Club Annual Dinner Dance (TBA 7pm) 16 th May 2010 End of Season Fun Day (Ashbourne Rec 10:30am) May 2010 Club AGM (Ex-Servicemen s Club 7:30pm) Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 18

19 Laws of the Game The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union are the laws by which all of the games of rugby are played throughout the world. Tag Rugby (U7 & U8), Mini Rugby (U9 & U10) and Midi Rugby (U11 & U12) are all played to the Continuum which is modified laws of the Laws of the Game of Rugby Union making the transition of rugby from U7 to the full 15 a side game, a logical progression of skill and practice. The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union and the Continuum can be viewed (and printed) online at: Laws of the Game Continuum If you would like a copy of the Continuum, a copy is available to view at a training session or you can download a copy from the club website at the link specified above. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 19

20 Child Protection & Welfare Policy Statement Introduction The junior section of Ashbourne RUFC runs as an independent unit within the club with its own officers responsible for running rugby for all age groups. This child protection policy has been drawn up and approved by the committee as a responsible body within Ashbourne RUFC. Ashbourne RUFC, its officers and coaches believe that children have the right to be a child and the playing and coaching of rugby should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all those involved, including players, parents/carers, spectators and volunteers. The positive experience for young people is enhanced when they feel safe and are protected from any form of harm, discrimination, or exploitation. For that reason protecting the welfare of young people is about putting in place the best possible practices and procedures; this will protect not only young people but also the adults in rugby. Everyone who is involved in the game of rugby must therefore develop a shared responsibility to enrich and develop the future of the sport by encouraging and keep children and young people to play and enjoy the game. Ashbourne RUFC s aim, together with the RFU/W, is to provide an environment where all children and young people regardless of age, gender, ability, race, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, social status or sexual orientation should be able to enjoy the game in a safe environment free from abuse of any kind. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 20

21 Policy Statement Ashbourne RUFC (ARUFC) will abide by the RFU/W child protection policy as published. All details can be found on the RFU website. ARUFC expects players, parents, spectators, coaches and match officials to promote fair play. All people who have regular contact with children or young people will undergo CRB checks. ARUFC has appointed a child protection/welfare officer, Jo Wood, to whom any observations concerning child protection and welfare should be made known. ARUFC will not tolerate bullying of any person in the rugby environment especially within the junior section. ARUFC promotes a telling culture and anyone who knows or suspects that bullying is happening will be expected to tell the child protection/welfare officer. Any reports of bullying will be taken seriously and responded to promptly. Players and parents will be supported by ARUFC if bullying is reported. Parents/carers of either sex are welcome and encouraged to assist with coaching and volunteering after undergoing a CRB check. All players must complete a registration form before entering matches. This is necessary for the RFU insurance cover. Ashbourne RUFC expects parents/carers to be responsible for the supervision of their children while attending rugby events. ARUFC will keep records of attendance, parental consent forms and any accidents that may occur. ARUFC JUNIOR SECTION REQUESTS THAT PARENTS/CARERS ARE TO REMAIN AT JUNIOR TRAINING SESSIONS AND MATCHES IF THEIR CHILDREN ARE UNDER TWELVE YEARS OLD. IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THEN ANOTHER PERSON MUST BE APPOINTED IN THEIR ABSENCE. Parents/carers of children over twelve years of age not wishing to be present for the whole training session must ensure they return in good time before the end of the training session or match. It is the parents/carers responsibility to check finishing times with the coaches. All children over twelve years of age should leave an up-to-date contact number at the registration desk. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 21

22 Rugby is a contact sport, Ashbourne RUFC therefore wish to remind players that they should wear a mouth guard at all times during training and matches. Head protection should also be considered. Rugby is a winter sport and players must be adequately clothed. It is advisable to wear several layers of clothing. Ashbourne RUFC will not permit any young person to play or train without appropriate clothing. Players should inform coaches of any permanent or temporary medical conditions, which may affect their fitness level or recovery from injury. Players who suffer with asthma should bring with them any self administered medication or ventilators. Players should advise coaches if they are recovering from any recent illness such as flu or measles. Lead coaches for each age group should know which first aiders are present, and all coaches will be aware of the emergency first aid procedure. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 22

23 Codes of Conduct Players Code of Conduct The Club encourages Players to: Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators 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 School 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 sportsman - win with dignity, lose with grace. Play to the IRB Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees decisions 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. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 23

24 Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player. Parents Code of Conduct The Club encourages Parents to: 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 or School 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 games. Be involved with Club and School activities and share their expertise. Share concerns, if they have them, with Club or School officials. Be familiar with the Good Coaches Code contained in the Rugby Continuum. In particular be aware that: o o coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players; and coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging players to behave with dignity in all circumstances. Support coaches in instilling these virtues. Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents. Encourage young people to play - do not force them. Focus on the players efforts, rather than winning or losing. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 24

25 Be realistic about the players abilities; do not push them towards a level that they are not capable of achieving. Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game. Remember that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the players and referee s performance and attitude. Always support the Club and School in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game. Remember young people learn much by example. Always show appreciation of good play by all players both from their own Club or School and the opposition. Respect decisions made by the match officials, even if they appear to make a mistake, and encourage the players to do likewise. Spectators Code of Conduct The Club encourages Spectators to: Act as positive role models to all players. Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance in relation to verbal and emotional abuse. Respect guidance from the Club or School with regard to spectator behaviour. Remember children play sport primarily for their own enjoyment, not for that of the spectators. 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 make a mistake remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play rugby. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 25

26 Never verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators: such behaviour can create a negative environment for players and their behaviour will often reflect this. Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than to win at all costs. 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. Coaches Code of Conduct The Club encourages Coaches to: 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 experience 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. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 26

27 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. Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management. Recognise that it is illegal for players under 18 to drink alcohol and those under 16 to smoke. Coaches should actively discourage both. 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. Match Officials Code of Conduct The Club encourages Match Officials to: Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games. Emphasise the spirit of the game. Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport. Understand the physical and behavioural development of players. Be a positive role model. Set an example, and as such, comments should be positive and supportive. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 27

28 Look to self-improvement e.g. participation in training courses. Recognise that the safety of players is paramount. Explain decisions - all players are still learning and parents will understand the game better. Always penalise foul play. Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow. Show empathy for the age and ability of players. Be consistent and objective. Be familiar with the Good Spectators Code and ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately. Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance policies and procedures. Officiate to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated on rule changes. Check that the home Club or School has provided a qualified first aider, ambulance access has not been obstructed and that appropriate equipment is available along with someone trained in its use before starting play. Before training sessions and matches check that studs and other clothing are in accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 28

29 Equity Policy Statement This club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equity: Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society. The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status. The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse. All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity. The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 29

30 Health & Safety Policy Our statement of general policy is: To provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our activities To provide and maintain safe plant and equipment To maintain a safe site To provide information, instruction and guidance to members To ensure that all coaches are competent to train others and to give them the opportunity to become adequately trained To review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 30

31 Frequently Asked Questions When is Training? Training starts promptly at 10:30am each Sunday morning and lasts until 12pm. We expect that a parent or guardian of a child aged 12 or younger stays to support your child during training and matches. All coaches are volunteers, so please provide as much support to them as is possible. What is Mini Rugby? Mini rugby is the form of rugby played by children under twelve. At Ashbourne it is played according to the Rugby Continuum established by the RFU. This can be viewed as a coaching pathway along which each youngster acquires, by gradual degrees, those skills required to participate in the full 15- a- side game by the age of 13. Further details about the Continuum can be found at or on the club website. Is Rugby Too Rough For Children? Children in the U7 and U8 age groups will learn to enjoy the game through tag rugby where there is no physical contact and no tackling. The emphasis is on having fun and developing running and passing skills, all of which are the foundation of the game. Beyond this, children, both boys and girls, are not exposed to a level of physical pressure that they cannot understand or cope with, e.g. at all levels of mini rugby the hand off is strictly prohibited. What Do Children Learn? PHYSICALLY Sports skills, improving physical conditioning, good health habits. PSYCHOLOGICALLY Control of emotions, development of self confidence and assurance. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 31

32 SOCIALLY Co-operation within a team and appropriate standards of behaviour. Safety Please ensure that you sign your child in at the registration desk at the start of a training session. Arriving and departing please take care when arriving and leaving as there are many vehicles as well as children in the car park. Warm up and punctuality it is important that all players warm up before exercise. This will be done at the start of each session, so please ensure that your child is on time. Child Protection Jo Wood is the nominated Safeguarding Officer for the Club. The Club is very keen to ensure that our players enjoy the sessions within a safe environment. In August 1998 the RFU set up a Child Protection working party and advised clubs of conduct that should be followed. Three years ago CRB police checks were bought in and all current coaching staff, assistants and volunteers either hold a disclosure certificate or are undergoing the process. A copy of our child protection policy is on the website. Should you not have access to this and wish to see a copy please see one of the Rugby Co-ordinators. What Gear Does My Child Need? There are strict Guidelines on Safety specifications, e.g. padding, shin shields and stud type, etc. Please discuss with your coach. Studs will be checked at the beginning of a match by the referee and any player with studs with sharp edges will not be allowed to play. Players need club shorts and socks and a gum shield (the RFU recommends that you discuss this with your dentist). Players should buy themselves a club shirt (see below) for match play. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 32

33 Where Can I Get Kit? The following kit is available for purchase from the Club and additional items may be made available during the season. Club rugby shirts Club socks Shorts Club water bottles Hoodies Coats Balls Hats Speak to your team manager / coach or Sam Howson on the registration desk for information about buying these items of kit. How Can I Help Out? There are many ways in which you can help the players and coaches. If you feel that you would like to help, speak to your team manager / coach; any help will be much appreciated. Under our Child Protection Policy all of the duties require you to register with the club as a helper. This involves the completion of a simple form, which can be obtained from the coach or the Child Protection Officer. If you wish to discuss any aspect of the Child Protection Policy, your Child Protection Officer is Jo Wood. Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 33