STATEMENT OF PURPOSE To provide a structure for our club members, stakeholders and the wider community of Melksham District, in which they can pursue their interest (at any level - beginner, enthusiast, player, coach, volunteer, parent, official, spectator or social) in the recreational sport of Rugby Union. Focusing primarily on playing amateur, competitive, representative rugby, the club aims to foster enjoyment, comradeship, pride and community in an open, progressive non-discriminatory environment. Presidents Welcome : Welcome to Melksham Rugby Football Club Ltd. We start our second full season as an independent club that is continuing its development journey, looking forward to its next major step relocation. Our current landlords Wiltshire Council have recently confirmed that their Plan A is for our Club to be relocated, to the North Fields site of the former George Ward School, and for our new facilities and pitches to be ready for the start of next season 2014-15. A bold plan and commitment, that has a number of qualifications attached to it, including the sale of the George Ward Site itself to developers, none the less it is an achievable plan and has outline planning permission in place. Regardless of whether the new facilities are in place, we have been given tentative notice that we will have to vacate our current location at Melksham House during the Summer of 2014 and negotiations regarding a short term transitional period ( Should Plan A slip in time) have begun as a pure contingency. So that s a quick glimpse of the future, for those who didn t attend the AGM, I m pleased to reannounce that during the last season the Club managed to achieve the RFU full accreditation, recognising our Club as being correctly managed and run we are Accredited for Seniors, Youth and Women s rugby, one of the first clubs in the Dorset & Wilts County Board Area and a pre-qualification requirement for future RFU funding! Regarding the coming season I hope to see an increased recognition and profile of the many Volunteers that are the backbone of the Club, and call on all members to support this goal. Page 1
I ll end this years welcome with a repeat from last year, and as we promised the Dorset & Wilts Disciplinary Panel - ask you all to take on board the bit about the RFU Core values, particularly with reference to Discipline The club is rooted in a young tradition of local loyal player / volunteers that because of their tenacious attitude could do nothing but grow into the diverse family club we have become. The spirit that affirms Our Club is defined in our Statement of Purpose- The club aims to foster an ethos of enjoyment, comradeship, pride and a sense of community and The English RFU Core Values Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship ; I, on behalf of Melksham Rugby Football Club, welcome you to our family as a member, I hope you enjoy our community and thank you for your support. Joey Hirst (M Jozef Hreczuk-Hirst) president@melkshamrfc.co.uk President & Director MRFC 2013-14 Youth Chairmans Welcome Welcome to Melksham RFC, whether for the first time or returning for another season. Our Youth section, including Minis, Midis, Juniors and Girls, started in 1982 and continues to provide opportunities for young boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 18 to be coached and compete in local rugby matches. We always encourage children of all abilities to take part and enjoy the game of Rugby Union. Our rugby sessions are delivered by qualified coaches, trained to RFU standards and screened for their suitability to work with young people. We want you to enjoy your rugby and help you fulfil your potential. Rugby is a great game that will help you develop confidence, team spirit and friendships that will last for years. A rugby club is a very social group. Parents and families are warmly invited to support training sessions, matches, competitions and social events as this is invaluable to your children and the club. We are very keen to involve parents and spectators in all sections of the club and welcome your participation whether undertaking a one off task, helping in the kitchen, as a committee member or if you would simply like to join the club as a social member. This is destined to be our last season at Melksham House whilst we work closely with Wiltshire Council to build a brand new rugby club. Melksham RFC has a great future, you are part of these exciting times. This membership pack will help you get to know how your club works and what is expected of you. Keep it safe as it is full of contact details. If you need further help, there is your team administrator and coach as well as any of the committee. Mike Dodge, Youth Chairman August 2013 Page 2
CLUB OBJECTIVES Our objectives are to: 1. Enable the sport of Rugby Union to be played in the local community of Melksham. 2. Teach rugby in accordance with the laws laid down in the RFU Continuum (www.rfu.com/regulations). 3. Provide a safe environment in which to learn new skills. 4. Develop players co-ordination, stamina, strength and speed. 5. Encourage players to support each other and build strong team spirit. 6. Teach fair play and sportsmanship, and respect for coaches and referees. 7. Foster a family friendly environment and encourage parents/guardians/carers, past players and spectators to participate more widely in the club. TRAINING, MATCH DAYS, FESTIVALS & COMPETITIONS Minis / Midis under 7 s to under 12 s All training and match days start at 10.00 am every Sunday. Players should be on the field ready to start at this time. During the season we will learn and practice new skills, techniques and rules added to the game as your child progresses toward the full 15-a-side game. The fixture sheet includes all of the training sessions and matches planned for the season. At Festivals a player must be aged at least six years old in order to play. Players must also play within their own age groups. Juniors / Girls under 13 s to under 18 s All training and match days are every Sunday, and when at home will be at the club or Melksham Oak Community School. Each team will have their own fixture list, including League, Cup and friendly matches. Your coach or team administrator will confirm location, meet time and start time each week. Players will have the opportunity to participate in competitions and local rugby fixtures during the season; those players who have attended training sessions on a regular basis will receive priority when coaches select teams to play. The onus is on the player/parents to contact their team administrator if they are unable to play in a match so we know in advance how many players are available. The administrators are not expected to telephone parents/players to find out if they will be there. If there are any changes to the fixture list or match day start times your team administrator and or coaches will let you know in advance. Please ensure they have your home and mobile contact numbers as well as your email address. You need to make your own travel arrangements to and from all training sessions and matches - help is often on hand from other parents. Page 3
KIT Playing and training kit with the club name and badge can be purchased from Sportsbug, in Bank Street, Melksham. Minimum kit required is a club rugby shirt, shorts and socks and a pair of rugby or football boots. The club shirt is dark and light blue hoops, shorts are dark blue and socks are dark and light blue hoops. Some players may also like to wear t-shirts, skins and or body armour under their shirt and shorts. Gloves can be worn, but must not cover the finger tips and must meet RFU Continuum specifications. From under 9 s upwards teams will learn tackling, rucks, mauls and lineouts and each player must wear a gum shield and their boots must have aluminium or aluminium tipped studs. The Club recommends that you consider buying a gum-shield or mouth-guard through your dentist so as it is custom-made for the player s requirements. Boots with blades are not permitted and should not be worn for any rugby training session or match. As a result, any players wearing boots with blades may be asked to change their boots or leave the field of play. The Club has a selection of new rugby shirts available at a discounted price following a bulk purchase when new shirts were introduced. To check availability and pricing please speak to Mike Dodge (Youth Chairman). MEMBERSHIP FEES Youth annual playing membership fees for the 2013/14 season have been kept at 50.00 per player. Your annual membership fee includes club membership for the player and includes the cost of training, match fees, competitions/festivals entry fees, equipment and players insurance. Membership runs from 1 August to 31 July. Membership fees can be paid in full or 2 instalments;- Full payment by 30 September 2012 1 st payment of half the Annual Fee by 30 September 2012 and the 2 nd payment for the outstanding balance by 30 January 2013 Please make Cheques payable to Melksham RFC Ltd For new members joining after 31 December 2013 the membership fee will be 50% of the annual fee. Social annual membership of the rugby club is also available, the fee is 20.00. A Player Registration Form and full membership fee is required for every player. Page 4
COMMITTEES Melksham Rugby Club is run by an Executive Committee and 2 section committees for the Senior and Youth sections. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Joey Hirst president@melkshamrfc.co.uk Honorary Vice President Bruce Sanders 07706 059365 bruce@autoliness.co.uk Club / Senior Section Chairman Pat Holtom 01249 730087 chairman@melkshamrfc.co.uk Club / Senior Section Secretary Andy Cadwallader 07768 342928 secretary@melkshamrfc.co.uk Club Treasurer Annette Partt 07505 150434 treasurer@melkshamrfc.co.uk Club Coaching Co-Ordinator Mark Simmons 07894 246428 coaching.co-ordinator@melkshamrfc.co.uk Youth Section Chairman Mike Dodge 07806 591743 youth.chairman@melkshamrfc.co.uk Youth Section Secretary Karen Law 07843 087825 karen.law@blueyonder.co.uk YOUTH SECTION COMMITTEE Youth Section Chairman Mike Dodge 01225 703790 / 07806 591743 youth.chairman@melkshamrfc.co.uk Youth Section Secretary Karen Law 07843 087825 karen.law@blueyonder.co.uk Club Treasurer Annette Partt 07505 150434 treasurer@melkshamrfc.co.uk Coaching Co-Ordinator Andy Evans evansandy4@gmail.com Junior Fixtures Secretary Alison Bull 01225 344296 alisonbull32@hotmail.com Girls Fixtures Secretary Sally Julian 07791 625613 sallyjulian84@hotmail.com Minis Fixtures Secretary Lisa Carter 07990 666264 lisa.carter1@sky.com Welfare & Safeguarding Heather Osak 07854 608444 Welfare.officer@melkshamrfc.co.uk Catering Vickie Pedwell 01225 704484 vickiepedwell@hotmail.com Schools Liaison Sally Julian 07791 625613 sallyjulian84@hotmail.com Marketing & Media Tracey Hanman 01225 899063 / 07917 273510 tracey@soundm.com Youth Tour Carol Wilkins 01225 705840 / 07894 873129 volunteer.co-ordinator@melkshamrfc.co.uk First Aid and Kit Paul Satchell 07976 000185 Page 5
psatchell@fsmail.net Club Trophies Dave Williams 01225 706967 Committee Members Nick John 07790 473710 nickj39@hotmail.com Sharon Thayer 07970 295873 jlthayer@virginmedia.com Rachel Glover 07808 931208 rachel-glover@hotmail.co.uk THE YOUTH SECTION COMMITTEE The Committees organise and support many events throughout the season to both fundraise and increase opportunities for the children to play rugby in wider competitions and tours. Towards the end of the season we host an annual rugby festival for the Minis Section (U7-U12) with visiting clubs competing with us in a challenging but fun environment. The final event is the End of Season Presentation Evening where players and families get together to celebrate the year s successes and have a well earned party. All of the Committee are volunteers as well as being parents of players. Collectively the Committee ensure that: The Club is run efficiently and effectively Appropriate accounts are maintained Coaches are provided with relevant training Reliable fixtures are agreed Good quality and safe serviceable equipment is used Page 6
CODE OF CONDUCT The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarised as: Club officials, coaches and volunteers must: Consider the well being and safety of participants before the development of performance Develop an appropriate working relationship with players, based on mutual trust and respect Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part Promote the positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance Follow the guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the club Hold the appropriate, valid qualifications and insurance cover Never exert undue influence over players to obtain personal benefit or reward Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibitive substances Parents/Carers and friends must: Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results Never force your child to take part in sport Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes Publicly accept officials judgements Support your child s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport Use correct and proper language at all times We would appreciate a parent staying at the club to support their child during training and match days. If this is not possible you must ensure that another adult present at the club will be responsible for your child and that your teams administrator knows this - it is rare but sometimes a player needs to go home early. You are responsible for ensuring that your child arrives at the rugby club whether for training or match day with the appropriate clothing/kit for the day and weather conditions. If a child is considered to be inappropriately prepared for rugby we reserve the right to not include them in training or matches. Players must: Play fairly and by the Laws of the game Not argue with their coach, referee or team mates Be a good sport, control temper and never show off Encourage team mates and never blame them when things go wrong Play to win as a team Respect the opposition Never give up - enjoy the game Page 7
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. MEDICATION If any player is taking medication on a training or match day it is the parents responsibility to ensure the coaches and team administrator are made aware of this. The coaches and team administrators are not authorised to administer medication. The coach and or team administrator may determine that a player is not well enough to take part in or continue training or matches and will advise the parent or authorised deputy of this, and can remove the player from further participation. Asthmatic players must have their own inhaler with them at both training sessions and matches or they won t be able to play. Inhalers should be placed in a named bag and handed to the coach at the start of the session - it will be kept with the first aid kit. For an up to date list of all trained club First Aiders please see the notice board in the Clubhouse. MORE INFORMATION Please use our website for information, team reviews and changes to fixtures which can be found at the following address: www.melkshamrfc.co.uk We do hope you have an enjoyable, successful and rewarding season with Melksham RFC. Page 8
COACHES AND ADMINISTRATORS GIRLS U18 Coach : Dave Coward Admin : Karen Law GIRLS U15 Coach : Hannah Berrelly Richy Siekiera Admin : Karen Law U17/18/19 Coach : Josh Partridge Joe Hargreaves Glen Blacker Admin : Mark Simmons U15 Coach : Jon Partt Phil Williams Andy Northam Admin : Rachel Fletcher U14 Coach : Mark Simmons Paul Satchell Chris Bull Admin : Alison Bull U13 Coach : Bruce Sanders Admin : Amanda Nunn CONTACT DETAILS 07779 926762 07843 087825 07740 087643 07706 937733 07843 087825 07709 623493 07889 752744 07870 884679 07894 246428 01225 899343 07973 987596 07767 254713 07929 584169 07894 246428 07976 000185 01225 344296 01225 344296 07706 059365 07740 822863 EMAIL dave.coward@royalmail.com karen.law@blueyonder.co.uk Hannah.berrelly@avon-rubber.com karen.law@blueyonder.co.uk joshua237@hotmail.co.uk gblacker@sky.com marksimmons@talktalk.net partt.family@blueyonder.co.uk Rachelfletcher75@live.co.uk marksimmons@talktalk.net psatchell@fsmail.net chris.bull@medequip-uk.com alisonbull32@hotmail.com bruce@autoliness.co.uk amanda.nunn@flyingvisitltd.com Page 9
COACHES AND ADMINISTRATORS U12 Coach : Lester Humphries Terry Case Dave Williams Raph Brown Admin : Nick John U11 Coach : Martin Clyde Mark Hanman Derek Everden Admin : Tracey Hanman U10 Coach : Jeremy Flower Gary Cooke Paul Hayden Admin : Della Iles U9 Coach : Quentin Cowley Admin : Kate Honeybone U8 Coach : Sean Randall Ryan Evans CONTACT DETAILS 01225 707611 07501 022033 07815 782595 01225 706967 07840 733432 07990 473710 07976 896799 07717 467560 07967 501796 07917 273510 07552 160647 07546 428822 07760 296977 07813 516279 07828 191817 07941 832261 07865 993542 EMAIL lisa.carter1@sky.com casetribe@blueyonder.co,uk raph.n.brown@gmail.com nickj39@hotmail.com mtclyde@yahoo.co.uk mhanman@me.com derekeverden@sky.com tracey@soundm.com Jez-jvs@hotmail.co.uk garyc@boomeranguk.co.uk pdhroofing@hotmail.co.uk dellailes@btinternet.com qacowley@gmail.com kevinhoneybone@hotmail.com Admin : Sharon Thayer 07970 295873 jlthayer@virginmedia.com U7 Coach : Matt Glover Tony Greenslade Admin : Rachel Glover 07738 357526 07447 450902 07808 931208 mjglover75@gmail.com tonygreenslade@blueyonder.co.uk rachel-glover@hotmail.co.uk RUG RATS Caroline Williams Tom Coleman-Winter 07795 692862 07917 771892 tomcolemanwinter@hotmail.com AUGUST 2013 Page 10