Welcome to Banbury Rugby Union Football Club Youth Section

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1 Welcome to Banbury Rugby Union Football Club Youth Section You are about to join a thriving club where players from the age of U6 through to U12 are introduced to rugby in a safe, friendly and controlled manner through the Mini section before entering the Junior section for players from U13 through to U17. Our overall aim is to teach players the basic ball and playing skills, working very much as a team and sharing the enjoyment of this increasingly popular sport. For the younger players, the over-riding objective is for them to be able to play and develop safely, enjoy themselves and want to come again next week. As players progress into the junior section, the playing skills and competition become more important and it is hoped the players will want to continue to play into their adult life. This is a great time to be joining Banbury Rugby Club, with our fabulous new clubhouse recently opened, and the senior teams enjoying playing success as Oxfordshire cup winners and league winners last season. Please take the time to read through this pack as it contains important information relevant to the safety and enjoyment of your child. What we do Weekly coaching sessions at Bodicote Park are interspersed with matches against other clubs, roughly every two weeks. Matches are arranged with teams in the surrounding area & the rest of Oxfordshire although we do travel further (Worcester, for example) for the occasional fixture. In addition, there are several tournaments each year, where we play not only against clubs from Oxfordshire, but also much further afield. Players do not play in matches until they join the U7 age group, before that they will take part in training & development sessions only. The U7 & U8 age groups play tag rugby while contact rugby starts in the U9 age group. The New Rules of Play recently introduced by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) allow and encourage a gradual build-up of contact intensity from Under 9 to under 14 ages. Which team? Players join a particular team according to their age at midnight on the 31 st August. For example, someone with their tenth birthday on 13th March would be under ten on the previous September 1st, and so would join the Under 10s. A team therefore will have players with up to one year age difference. These age group definitions are laid down by the Rugby Football Union and are mandatory unless there are exceptional circumstances. Please speak to your coach in the first instance if you have any questions about this. When? Coaching sessions & matches are on Sundays throughout the season, beginning at a.m. and ending at around midday. Children should be in their rugby kit ready to start sessions on time, especially on match days. Away matches and tournaments normally require an earlier start but you will be notified of timings & travel arrangements as they occur. Some mini & most junior age groups train in mid week too, but these sessions are not compulsory as we are aware that players (& parents) may have other commitments. Parents and guardians remain responsible for their children at training /matches and are encouraged to stay, especially if their children are in the Mini section.

2 Fees The annual fees for 2016/17 are as follows: 67 Mini - U6 to U12 77 Junior - U13 to U16 77 Junior Colts (U17 & U18) 47 Non-Playing Members 160 Family - 3 or more parents/children living at the same address There are no additional weekly match fees for mini and junior players. Why not take advantage of the discount that the Family membership provides & become a Non-Playing Member of Banbury RUFC to help support the Club? The above fees assume that a parent will carry out various duties as requested over the course of the season (please see section below on Volunteering for details of what these duties entail). If you are unable to fit volunteering into your busy lifestyle then the annual fee will be 250 irrespective of age this fee will cover all Mini/Junior players in the family. The preferred method of payment is through the Club website but cash & cheques made payable to Banbury RUFC & marked with your child s name & age group on the reverse are also accepted. A credit/debit card facility is available at the beginning of the season. Manager /Age Group Administrator These will be your main points of contact for your age group. There may be two people or the roles may be combined. They will keep you informed on fixtures, festivals, Match Day Management (see section on Volunteering), tours and anything else they feel like! If you have questions on anything not covered in this pack then they will be the person to speak to. Coaches Each age group has at least one trained rugby coach supervising the training and matches. If you are interested in becoming a coach please contact your age group coach or administrator for details. Administration New players are encouraged to come to several coaching sessions without any commitment. If he or she then wants to join us properly; the player must register, through the club, with the England Rugby Football Union. This ensures the players and club are insured and are operating within the rules of the RFU. The registration form will also ask for details on any health aspects, which may affect the safety and health of the player during play. No player may play representative rugby for Banbury until this has been completed and subscriptions have been paid. When you are ready to join Banbury Rugby Club you will need to complete the RFU registration form found in this pack. If you wish to become a Non-Playing member of the Club then there is an additional form to complete which is available from your age group administrator. The forms should then be passed on to your age group administrator together with two recent passport photos (marked on the back with the players name & age group). Payment can be made through the Club website but cash & cheques made payable to Banbury RUFC & marked with your child s name & age group on the reverse are also accepted. A credit/debit card facility is available at the beginning of the season. In subsequent years you will be asked to renew your subscription online apart from the transfer from Mini to Junior rugby at Under 13 when a new RFU registration form & new photos will be required.

3 Clothing and changing The club kit is a blue/white hooped shirt, navy blue shorts & blue/white hooped socks. The player normally provides his/her own kit in the Mini section, although where this may be a problem please advise your age group coach or administrator. Some items of previously owned kit may be found in the Club Shop (see below under Club Shop for opening times etc). At Junior level, playing shirts are provided by the Club before each game & then laundered. There are many other items of protective clothing that you can buy; if you are unsure about what is necessary for your child then it is probably best to chat to other parents to see what they recommend. During colder months, it is imperative - especially for the younger players - to have several layers of warm clothing. The wearing of mouthguards is recommended for training but is mandatory for matches where contact rugby is played. The Club arranges for a company to visit on the first Sunday of the season to fit your child for a mouthguard if required & they can also supply a kit to enable you to take an impression of your child s teeth yourself & order by post. Your dentist will also be able to arrange a mouthguard and you can buy boil in the bag mouthguards but these are only recommended for emergency use. Players should wear studded boots for all training & matches; for younger players existing football boots are acceptable. Studs should be smooth & have no rough or sharp edges (walking on tarmac or concrete is the quickest way to roughen studs). Please note that referees may choose to inspect studs before matches & refuse to allow you to play with unsuitable studs. The most sensible allround stud is the 15mm rounded aluminium rugby stud which can be fitted to any boot with screw in studs. Boots must be removed before entering the Clubhouse (see below). Junior players are expected to shower & change into a Club shirt & tie before eating or entering the Bar. No players, Mini or Junior, are allowed in the bar in their playing kit at any time. NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN THE CHANGING ROOM AT ANY TIME. Club Shop Raging Bull is the Club s official kit supplier. As well as playing kit there is an enhanced off-field range for both players and supporters. Raging Bull also provide an Online Shop for a 24 hour, 7 day service that includes home delivery. Please take a look at the Online Shop by going to Samples of popular items will be kept in the Club Shop at Bodicote Park for sizing purposes and some items of kit will be available to buy. The Club Shop will be open on Sunday mornings when the Minis are playing or training at home. Club Personnel The Youth Section has the help of many people, although more help is always greatly appreciated, for all sorts of duties. Coaches, team administration officers, and members of the Mini and Junior section committee would be glad to answer any questions you may have or respond to offers of help. Their contact details can be found on the Club website.

4 Information All up to date information can be found on the Club s website You can also follow the Club on Twitter follow or use Insurance All children playing rugby for an RFU club are covered by the RFU s personal accident policy, details of which can be found at Medical expenses are not covered by the RFU and you may therefore like to consider adding your child to any private medical insurance you may have. Selection Banbury RUFC will aim to maximise playing opportunities for all, with selection for particular matches the responsibility of the team coaches and managers. Transport In most instances it is the responsibility of parents, not the Club, to transport their child to and from the club or nominated meeting point. If parents make arrangements between themselves this is a private arrangement and at the parents discretion. Volunteering This is an essential part of keeping the Mini & Junior Section of the club running smoothly. As a parent you will be expected to help out on about four or five occasions throughout the season on training or match days, the Banbury Mini Festival or any other festivals that the Club may host. Duties should only last for about an hour or two (Festival duties may be longer) & can include acting as a car park steward & serving refreshments in the kitchen or the bar. A rota is drawn up to ensure all age groups take an equal share of the duties. Don t worry, it s not as bad as it sounds & you will always share with someone who has done the job before! The Clubhouse & the Bar A friendly family atmosphere is encouraged and players, families and their friends are very welcome into the clubhouse & bar after training or matches. Hot snacks, sweets, and beverages of all kinds are sold. Use of photographic materials for promotion purposes It is the general practice at Banbury RFC to use video and still photography of matches and training, involving both children and adult coaching staff, for promotional and training purposes. This includes posters, web page content and media editorial. The RFU Registration form includes a section indicating your acceptance of this practice.

5 EQUITY POLICY STATEMENT Banbury Rugby Union Football 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.

6 CHILD WELFARE POLICY At Banbury Rugby Union Football Club we believe that participating in our sport should be an enjoyable part of a young person's life. To ensure this we follow guidelines set out by the Rugby Football Union for the protection and involvement of children under 18 in our teams. All coaches, parent helpers, officers and volunteers involved in the rugby club who have regular contact with young people will be DBS checked by the RFU. All coaches will be made aware of how to spot possible Child Protection issues and the reporting procedure as part of their Coaching training. A copy of the RFU guidelines for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union is available at and on the club website. Banbury RUFC has an appointed Child Welfare Officer. If parents have any child protection issues or concerns they are advised to take them directly to the Club s Welfare Officer rather than your child s coach. The Club Welfare Officer is: Rebecca Warner. Mobile: The club s policy with regards to video or photo images. Banbury RFUC recognises the need to ensure the welfare and safety of all young people in rugby union. As part of our commitment to ensure the safety of young people, we will not permit photographs, video or other images of young people to be taken without the consent of their parent or guardian and that of the young person. We will follow the RFU guidance for the use of images of young people and will take steps to ensure these images are used for the purpose they are intended, which is the promotion and celebration of the activities of the club. If you become aware that these images are being used inappropriately you should inform the Club Welfare Officer. Anti-Bullying Policy Banbury RUFC believes the club should be committed to providing a work and sport environment free from bullying and harassment, and one in which bullying and harassment is not tolerated in any of its forms. Any harassment of a member of the club, by another player, member or official is not acceptable and should be dealt with in accordance with the RFU Anti-Bullying policy. The Club encourages the reporting of all incidents of bullying and harassment to the Club Welfare Officer.

7 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR COACHES All rugby coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every child and young person with whom they work and treat them equally. All rugby coaches must place the physical and emotional wellbeing of all young players above all other considerations, including the development of performance. The relationship that a rugby coach develops with the players with whom they work must be based on mutual trust and respect. All rugby coaches must ensure that all activities undertaken are appropriate to the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players. All rugby coaches will encourage young players to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance. All rugby coaches should clarify with the young players (and their parents/carers) what is expected of them both on and off the rugby field and also what they are entitled to expect from the coach. All rugby coaches should work in partnership with others within the game (officials, doctors, physiotherapists, sports scientists) to ensure the wellbeing, safety and enjoyment of all young players. All rugby coaches must promote the positive aspects of the sport e.g. Fair Play. Violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant regulations or the use of prohibited techniques or substances must never be condoned. PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH YOUNG PEOPLE IN RUGBY UNION Guidance There are a number of principles that should be followed within the sport of rugby union when the activity involves physical contact. Physical contact in rugby should always be intended to meet the child's needs, NOT the adult's. The adult should only use physical contact if their aim is to: develop sports skills or techniques to treat an injury to prevent an injury or accident from occurring to meet the requirements of the game The adult should seek to explain the nature and reason for the physical contact to the child reinforcing the teaching or coaching skill. Unless the situation is an emergency, the adult should ask the child for permission. It is good practice for Rugby Clubs, as part of an induction process or pack for new members, to explain to parents/carers and their child or give written guidance about any physical contact that will be required as part of that activity. Young people should be encouraged to voice concerns they have if any physical contact makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened. Contact should not involve touching genital areas, buttocks, breasts or any other part of the body that might cause a child distress or embarrassment. Physical contact should always take place in an open or public environment and not take place in secret or out of sight of others.

8 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS As a player you should: Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents and carers, match officials, and administrators in providing you the opportunity to play and enjoy the game of Rugby Union in a safe and fun filled environment; Understand the values of loyalty to other team mates; Recognise that every player has the right to expect that their involvement in Rugby Union to be safe and free from all forms of abuse; If you feel that you are not being treated in an acceptable manner please tell your Team Coach or Manager or your parent or carer; Play because you want to, not to please your coaches or parents or carers; Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important part of the game; Be attentive during all coach and training sessions; Work equally hard for yourself and your team as you will both benefit; Recognise good play by your team mates and opponents; Be a sportsman, win with dignity and lose with grace; Play to the Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees decisions even if they appear to make a mistake; Ensure you do not verbally or physically abuse your team mates, opponents, coaches/managers, match officials or spectators; Treat all players as you would like to be treated yourself. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of another player. The use of social media such as Twitter or Facebook to publicise matches, training sessions or other club events, or to convey results is highly encouraged. However, social media must NOT be used in an inappropriate way such as to hype a match or to goad the opposition.

9 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS AND CARERS As a parent you should: Be familiar with the coaching and training programme to ensure that your child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability. Be familiar with the teaching & coaching methods used by observing sessions in which your child participates. Be aware that the club has a duty of care and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the young players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport to away games. Be involved with club activities and share your expertise. Share concerns, if you have them, with match officials. Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents. Encourage your child to play do not force them. Focus on your child s efforts rather than winning or losing. Be realistic about your child s ability; 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 PLAYER S 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 by example. Always show appreciation of good play by ALL young players both from your own club and the opposition. Respect decisions made by the match officials and encourage your child to do likewise.

10 CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating young players. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games. Emphasise the spirit of the game. Appreciate the needs of the young player before the needs of the sport. Understand the physical, social and psychological development of young players. Be a positive role model. Look for self improvement by taking one of the RFU referee courses. Recognise that the safety of the players is paramount. Consider the well-being and safety of participants before the development of performance. Explain decisions all young players are still learning. Always penalise foul play. Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow. Show empathy for the age and ability of young players. Be consistent and objective. 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.

11 HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY Banbury RUFC is a club run by unpaid volunteers, and certain part-time employees to whom it has a statutory responsibility as an employer as defined by the Health & Safety at Work Act Banbury RUFC aims to emulate the standards demanded by Health & Safety Legislation for volunteers as well as paid employees. Exercise is essential for a growing child. Children who take regular exercise are physically healthier. In addition to the physical benefits, mini & junior rugby aims to provide an environment in which children can learn and advance their social development. It is our goal to make that sporting environment as safe as possible. There are two types of risk playing Rugby Union. They are: 1. Inherent Risks which are those considered to be part and parcel of the game. They are inevitable and acceptable, resulting from a player s decision to participate in a contact sport. 2. Unacceptable Risks which are those not inherent to the sport! All those who take part in Rugby Union, including officers, referees, coaches and administrators, must be able to recognise and understand their legal responsibilities, and young players too must recognise their responsibilities to safeguard the well-being of those with whom they are taking part. The fundamental aim of Banbury RUFC is to reduce the risk of injury as far as is possible. Accepting that not all injuries can be avoided, those that are preventable, the unacceptable risks, must be eliminated. Fortunately the vast majority of injuries are minor bruises and abrasions, but the risk of more serious injuries is a concern to all parents. Coaches/Match Officials The risk of injury is less when children learn the skills in a structured way. Banbury RUFC will therefore ensure that there is at least one RFU qualified and CRB checked referee and/or coach available at each age group training session or match. The referee s decision (or lead coach s if training) is final! Playing Prior to playing or training ALL jewellery and watches should be removed and players/coaches should not wear any items of clothing that may pose a risk of injury to themselves or others. Appropriate protective clothing should be worn and conform to the recommendations of the IRB. Banbury RUFC strongly advises parents/guardians to ensure that their child wears a mouth guard at all times when playing/training. Glass lenses in spectacles should not be worn.

12 Pitch Safety The referee will ensure that the pitch is marked and flags positioned correctly before commencing play. The referee will, if applicable, ensure that the posts are secure in the ground before commencing play. The referee will, if applicable, ensure that the post protectors will be fitted securely and in a good state of repair before commencing play. The referee will determine whether the ground is playable (e.g. not frozen or hard-baked, no potholes, not waterlogged etc.) and may impose such restrictions as necessary to facilitate play. The referee will ensure that the ground is free of foreign objects such as glass, concrete, large stones and dog waste before commencing play. Playing The lead coach should ensure that players have an appropriate warm-up before and after play or training to reduce the risk of injury. The lead coach will ensure that players are sufficiently hydrated prior to participating and that there is sufficient water to be made freely available to all participants during and after the match or training session. Alcohol is strictly forbidden and therefore should not be consumed before or during any event. All players and teams have a responsibility to know and understand the laws of the game together with the skills and tactics to ensure safe play any action which places either yourself or others at unacceptable risk of injury may be subject to disciplinary procedure as defined by the RFU Continuum.

13 First Aid ALL team coaches/officials should be aware of the location of the nearest emergency telephone and first aid kit. First aid trained personnel are generally available on site but this should be checked before play commences by the head coaches. Visiting teams must be prepared to supply and use their own first aid kit. Any blow to the head may lead to a concussion injury. All Players, parents and coaches should familiarise themselves with the signs and symptoms of concussion and are advised to take the interactive course on the RFU website: This outlines the correct protocols for return to play after concussion. Equipment Playing areas and 'fixed' and moveable equipment should be checked by the relevant lead coach before play commences and any concerns raised prior to play No club equipment should be used without an appropriately trained coach being present. Motor Vehicles There is an inherent danger wherever cars are manoeuvring such as the car park or along the side of Bodicote Park ground. Whenever people are required to be involved in car parking duty, the relevant match day manager will ensure that those people are wearing high visibility jackets and are appropriately chosen. No motor vehicles will be permitted to drive onto the playing area or areas immediately adjacent to the playing areas whilst a match or training session is under way. The referee or lead coach as appropriate will immediately stop play in the event of an emergency vehicle needing to drive onto those areas

14 Accident Reports ANY notifiable accident, as defined by the RFU, must be recorded on the RFU Reportable Injury Event Form (available on the BRUFC website) and passed to the BRUFC Child Protection Officer by the relevant Lead Coach as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours. No young person will leave the training session/match to attend hospital without an appropriate parent or guardian. It is the responsibility of the relevant lead coach to nominate someone if the parent/guardian cannot be located, and to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the injured player s parent/guardian is notified as soon as possible. Clubhouse Kitchen On match days the young children of volunteers who are assisting in the kitchen facility are not allowed to enter the kitchen area due to the hazardous nature of hot equipment and the confined space in that area. And finally. Please remember that the youth section only functions due to many hours of effort by volunteers. Please do consider offering a little of your time to help out, be it with administration, coaching, first aid or many other areas. If you have any questions or wish to offer your time, please let your age group admin, manager or head coach know, or contact the Youth Chair, Keith Oakes, at keithoakes@aol.com or on Please scan this QR code to access RFU Headcase concussion information