U6 U9 MINIS COACHES and MANAGERS HANDBOOK

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1 U6 U9 MINIS COACHES and MANAGERS HANDBOOK

2 Welcome to Mosman Rugby 2016 Welcome Coaches, Managers and Parents/Guardians to Mosman Junior Rugby Club one of the largest junior rugby clubs in NSW. Without your support and contribution, Mosman Rugby would not be possible so thank you in advance for your efforts for the upcoming season. We hope you are looking forward to a great season of Minis rugby in There are a lot of exciting changes in store for the 2016 season. We hope you embrace the changes as they are all designed to enhance the kids fun and enjoyment of rugby. Our aim in the Minis is to introduce the game of Rugby to U6 U9 in an environment that is fun whilst developing core skills, fostering strong friendships and gaining rugby experience. Your roles as Coaches, Managers and Parents/Guardians are pivotal to this. Contacts for Minis Rugby Minis Coordinator Anthony Hunt anthony.hunt@mjrc.com.au Minis Registrar Sarah Allsopp sarah.allsopp@mjrc.com.au U6 Age Coordinator Eamonn English eamon.english@mjrc.com.au U7 Age Coordinator Ed Abbott edward.abbott@mjrc.com.au U8 Age Coordinator Nikki Warburton nikki.warburton@mjrc.com.au U9 Age Coordinator Sean Wiles sean.wiles@mjrc.com.au PAGE 2

3 Key Dates for Feb Registration Day at LJ Hooker House 25 Feb, 3 & 10 Mar Minis Pre-Season Training (U7-U9 only) at Rawson 14 Mar Minis Teams notified 17 Mar Gear Handout and BBQ at Rawson U6: 5.00pm 5.30pm U7 U9: 5.30pm 6.30pm 20 Mar Norths Village Trials at Balmoral 22 Mar Coaches and Managers Rawson 23 Mar Coaching Kids Rugby course at Rawson 24 Mar Regular Training commences at Balmoral 30 Mar Refereeing Kids Rugby course at Rawson 2 Apr Gordon Gala Day, hosted by Lindfield, Rounds 1 & 2 23 Apr ANZAC weekend no games 30 Apr Regular Saturday games commence, Round 3 6 May Jeans and Jersey Night 14 May Sydney Juniors Club March Tahs v Bulls 3 Jun CUDAs Lunch 13 Aug MJRC Ball, Noble Room, SCG?? Aug Harbord Harlequins Gala Day (U8s and U9s)?? Aug Dufficy Cup (U9s) PAGE 3

4 Coaching Minis Teams Role of Coaches Develop and encourage players in the spirit of Minis Rugby Prepare for and run training sessions Coach team during games o U6, U7 and U8 on field o U9 on field for first six (?) rounds Provide encouragement awards on rotational basis Requirements for Coaching MJRC recommends highly that all coaches complete the Coaching Kids Rugby course. Please register at Regardless, all coaches MUST be Smart Rugby accredited. To check all rugby accreditations and to complete Smart Rugby, login via the Rugby Learning Portal at: MJRC will also support coaches who wish to go on to do Foundation, Level 1 and 2 courses. Please contact the Minis Coordinator to discuss this further. Note that if your child is not in the team you coach, you must complete a Working With Children Check (see below for details.) Tips for Coaches 1. This is not Super Rugby! Our focus is on kids enjoying the game and playing with their mates. Every kid should participate equally, regardless of ability. 2. Keep it simple, free flowing and enjoyable 3. Be clear and concise 4. Young kids learn best by DOING, not listening 5. Let the players develop skills, with safety being a priority 6. Discourage any dangerous action or unsafe practice 7. Adopt an educative, positive re-enforcement approach 8. Don t be afraid to discipline players who misbehave remember as a Coach, you are there primarily to educate them 9. Consider setting some team behaviour ground rules PAGE 4

5 Managers Role of Managers Managers are the primary communication point for parents/guardians (e.g. game details, training details, weather updates). They also distribute information from Age Group Coordinators and the Minis Coordinator to parents/guardians. Team managers should be the first point of contact for all questions/queries of parents. Of course, queries and questions should always be elevated to Age Group Coordinators or the Minis Coordinator where appropriate Managers must also assist the coach on game day, including managing substitutes so all players get equal game time (regardless of ability). They are also responsible for rostering Parent jobs refs / oranges / etc Tips for Managers 1. Team Manager is the primary point of contact for teams 2. Team Manager should ensure parents are aware of game time and location as early as possible (e.g. reminders to parents of upcoming week s training and game details every Wednesday) 3. Ensure that all team members arrive to game at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled start for warm up. It is unsettling for your child and the rest of the team to arrive just as the game is scheduled to commence 4. Responsible for team substitutions and ensuring ALL players receive equal game time 5. Advise parents of cancellation of games due to wet weather 6. Team Manager to set a roster for parents to bring half time oranges, drinks 7. Foster support for social activities within the Club 8. You will receive parents addresses during the course of the season under the Clubs privacy policy these must NOT be used under ANY circumstances other than for Club purposes (recommend using Bcc - Blind Copy option) PAGE 5

6 Team Support Each team must have a COACH and a MANAGER Where applicable, appointing an Assistant Coach might be prudent Get as many parents involved as possible in all aspects of the team operation Each team needs a REFEREE (preferably two) who is at a minimum Smart Rugby certified and preferably has completed the Refereeing Kids Rugby course. For U8s and U9s, where possible referees will be supplied from the pool of junior referees in the Gordon district but this cannot be relied upon, so each team should still be able to provide a referee at home games. U9s parents should be encouraged to become qualified as Assistant Referees (formerly known as touch judges). These are required in U10s so it s good to start in U9s. Every child should have someone at training / matches with responsibility for them - we are not a babysitting service. Also important that parents are around in case of a serious injury Don t be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for help from parents. In most cases parents are keen to help out and often just want to be asked Behaviour Guidelines and Code of Conduct Mosman Junior Rugby Club is steeped in tradition and has a reputation for good sportsmanship. Under no circumstances will the Club condone any verbal abuse of opposition players or supports. Please remember, the referee s decision is final! The NSW Junior Rugby Union have prepared a Code of Conduct designed to ensure that rugby must be administered, taught and provided, for the good use of those young people who wish to play the game. Every participant is bound by the NSWRU Code of Conduct, found at For these purposes Participants include: Players Officials (Coaches, Managers, Referees) Parents and spectators MJRC expects that every coach and manager will adhere to the code of conduct and ensure that our parents and spectators support the game in a positive fashion. If you find it difficult to have a conversation with a spectator about their behaviour, please engage the ground marshall, AGC or Minis Coordinator to do so. Any incident of negative play (including but not limited to yellow or red cards) or support is to be reported to the Minis Coordinator. PAGE 6

7 Code of Conduct Player Be a good sport. Shake hands with, and thank the opposition, players and referees after the game win, lose or draw. Participate for your own enjoyment/benefit. Except when acting as a Captain of a Team, never question a referee s decision. Never become involved in acts of foul play. Honour both the spirit and letter of the competition rules. Never engage in disrespectful conduct of any sort including profanity, sledging, obscene gestures, offensive remarks, trash taunting or other actions. Care for and respect the facilities made available to you during training and competition. Recognise that officials, coaches and referees are volunteers. Code of Conduct Coach Game Day seek out opposing Coach/Manager, introduce yourself and discuss the parameters of the game in advance. This is important so as to avoid any inadvertent misunderstanding developing Actively discourage foul play, unsportsmanlike behaviour, dissent. Seek to maximize the participation and enjoyment for all players regardless of ability; avoid the tendency to over-use a talented player; treat all players as equals, regardless of their talent. Show concern and caution towards all sick and injured players. Teach players that an honest effort and competing to the best of their ability is as important as victory. Maintain a thorough knowledge of the laws of the game and keep abreast of current coaching methods; maintain or improve your current accreditation level. Always consider the health, safety and welfare for the players. Do not be a winner at all costs coach. As coach, show leadership, respect for the game of Rugby Union and respect for those that are involved in the game the players, officials, fans, parents, referees and the media. Seek to shake hands with the referee and opposition coach at the conclusion of every game. Code of Conduct Referee/Assistant Referee/Officials Apply all the laws fairly and to both teams. Be consistent, objective and courteous. Place the safety and welfare of the players above all else; be alert to minimize dangerous play. Do not debate any issues of law with coaches, team officials, parents and spectators during play. Deal firmly and decisively with foul play. Set a good example by the way you dress, speak and act. Officiate to the age and/or experience of the players. PAGE 7

8 Code of Conduct Spectator/Parent Condemn all violent or illegal acts, whether they are by players, coaches, officials, parents or spectators. Respect the referee s decisions don t complain or argue about calls or decisions during or after a game. Behave! Unsporstman-like language, harassment, or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated. Never ridicule or scorn a player for making a mistake respect their efforts. Participate in positive cheering that encourages the players. Remember that children participate in Rugby Union for their own enjoyment not yours! Training and Game Day Training U6 train on Thursday nights from 5.00pm 5.30pm at BALMORAL U7 U9 train on Thursday nights from 5.30pm 6.30pm at BALMORAL Please refer to the training field layout diagrams in this document for team locations. Game Day Games are played on a Saturday morning from 8.00am against other teams in the Gordon Junior Rugby District at various destinations around the North Shore. No scores are reported for Minis games and there is no competition table. Mosman homes games for U6/U7 play at BALMORAL. Mosman home games for U8/U9 play generally play at RAWSON OVAL but may on occasion be at Balmoral. Ground Set Up and Modified Ground Marshalls In 2016 ground set-up and pack away procedures will be modified from previous years. All clubs playing in the Gordon Minis competition are required to fully rope off all playing areas. Each Mosman Minis team will be responsible for at least one set-up/pack away for a home game in A copy of the procedure will be sent to each team manager in the week that the team has ground responsibility. This will involve the cooperation of every parent in each team. Although the team manager will be responsible to the Minis Coordinator for each set up/pack away/time keeping, it is not the team manager or coach that will be expected or required to perform these tasks. Rather, the team manager/coach should coordinate all parents in the team to perform these tasks. PAGE 8

9 It is essential that the manager ensures enough people are at the ground for setup, to adjust the setup as required (eg transitioning from U6 to U8), and at the conclusion of play to put all gear away. For home matches, grounds are to be set up by 7.40am with ropes, club cones, main oval goal post protectors, A-frame signs, flags along with the Minis goal posts. Once cones marking fields have been set they should not be moved by parents/coaches/managers of any team under any circumstances. Cones should only be moved by Ground Marshalls. For home matches, please also ensure that all items are promptly put away after the final siren has sounded. Games will be timed. Sirens/horns will go at the start and finish of games. Monitoring half times will remain the responsibility of referees/managers. It is expected that Ground Marshall bibs are to be worn. Working With Children There are legal obligations that apply regarding Working With Children (WWC). The technical requirements of the policy state volunteers only need a WWC Check if they are coaching a team which does not contain one of their own children. However Mosman Junior Rugby Club strongly recommends that ALL volunteers complete the WWC checks, ie including those who coach their child s team. More details are available at The process is quite simple: 1. Register online as a volunteer. There is no charge for volunteers. 2. Go to Services NSW/RMS with your registration details and appropriate identification 3. Once the check is complete you will be sent a Clearance Letter which is valid for five years. Send a copy of this to secretary@mjrc.com.au. Concussion Management World Rugby (formerly the IRB) has released new Concussion Guidance protocols. These will be discussed in more detail at the Coaches and Managers training night but further information is available at In summary: Recognise Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion so you understand when an athlete might have a suspected concussion. Remove PAGE 9

10 If an athlete has a concussion or even a suspected concussion he or she must be removed from play immediately. Refer Once removed from play, the player should be referred immediately to a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in evaluating and treating concussions. Rest Players must rest from exercise until symptom-free and then start a Graduated Return to Play. The IRB recommends a more conservative return to play for children and adolescents. Recover Full recovery from the concussion is required before return to play is authorized. This includes being symptom-free. Rest and specific treatment options are critical for the health of the injured participant. Return In order for safe return to play in Rugby, the athlete must be symptom-free and cleared in writing by a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in evaluating and treating concussions. The athlete completes the GRTP (Graduated Return to Play) protocol. Absolute Health Solutions will coordinate qualified first aid staff being in attendance at all MJRC home games. Any injury concerns, including especially possible concussions, are to be referred to them for immediate assessment. Insurance The ARU Sports Injury and Liability Insurance Scheme provides a basic level of insurance for players, members and officials associated with the Club All participants Coaches, players, officials must be registered with the ARU in order to obtain coverage Managers must confirm that every player is properly registered. The benefits through this plan are not comprehensive and as such the ARU encourage all players and officials to take out their own private health insurance and top up coverage Team Gear Balls mark them clearly with permanent marker. These balls will be required for training and games for the entire season Cones the cones belong to the Club but training cones are allocated per team in team bags. Training cones shall NOT be used on game day. ONLY Match Day Cones are to be used on Game Day PAGE 10

11 First aid kit Ice packs also recommended for training and game days Gear will normally be required to be returned at end of season, so please look after it Jerseys Minis are not playing set positions so numbers do not reflect field positions Mouth Guards and football boots are compulsory requirements for all players As a general safety measure, players are encouraged to wear headgear and shoulder pads only if they feel more comfortable doing so. Club Gear Regular playing gear (shirt, shorts, socks) is issued by the club to all players Coaches and Managers will be issued with a club polo shirt. It is mandatory to wear the club shirt on game days, and preferable to wear it to training. AGCs will contact you to confirm sizes so yours can be issued to you. Addition MJRC gear, including caps and hoodies, is available at or by clicking the Shop link on the club website. Please encourage your parents to buy club gear it looks great and supports the club. Olympus Sports at Neutral Bay are the official gear provider and will also carry surplus Club shorts, socks and polar fleeces which will be available for sale Referees There must be a referee for every game (!) and they are an important part of all participants enjoying their rugby. In U6 and U7 games the referee will usually be a parent. For U8 and U9 Gordon will try to appoint refs but for home games we still require parents in case no appointed refs are available. MJRC strongly recommends that each team arrange for at least two parents to attend Refereeing Kids Rugby (for example the course on 30 March at Rawson). (strongly recommended). You must be 13 years or older this is a good option for older siblings! In any case the mandatory minimum requirement for any referee (including parents) is Smart Rugby. MJRC supports the development of junior refs and will often have them refereeing our U8 and U9 games. In all cases the Code of Conduct applies. We will not tolerate negative comments about referees from any participant (player, coach, manager, spectator). Any constructive feedback about refs can be provided to Rob McKay at rob.mckay@mjrc.com.au. Assistant Referees (touchies) are not officially required for Minis but are still a good idea, especially in U8s and U9s in preparation for U10s+. PAGE 11

12 Laws Summary for U6 to U12 PAGE 12

13 Training Field Layouts U6 ( pm) Training Layout at Balmoral PAGE 13

14 U7 to U9 ( pm) Training Layout at Balmoral PAGE 14

15 Match Day Field Layouts Balmoral West (Field 1) Layout: U6 and U7 PAGE 15

16 Balmoral West (Field 1) Layout: U8 and U9 PAGE 16

17 Rawson Oval Field Layout: U8 and U9 PAGE 17

18 KEY MJRC CONTACT DETAILS PAGE 18

U6 U9 MINIS COACHES & MANAGER HANDBOOK 2013

U6 U9 MINIS COACHES & MANAGER HANDBOOK 2013 PAGE 2 WELCOME AGE GROUP COORDINATORS MESSAGE Welcome Managers and Coaches to Mosman Junior Rugby Club one of the largest junior rugby clubs in NSW. We hope