Waitemata Junior Rugby Club 2018 Handbook KEEP THIS SAFE FOR THE 2018 SEASON

Waitemata Junior Rugby Club 2018 Handbook KEEP THIS SAFE FOR THE 2018 SEASON

Welcome On behalf of the Executive and Junior Committee at Waitemata Rugby Football Club we would like to welcome you to the 2018 junior rugby season. Our staff and committee members are always on hand to offer assistance, so feel free to come and see us. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your season at the club and learn a lot along the way. Involvement in rugby union can be a powerful and positive influence whether it is playing or in a supporting role and playing/participating in rugby or any sport from a young age can provide the foundation for a lifetimes enjoyment. Young people are the future of Waitemata Rugby Football Club (WRFC). WRFC places the highest priority on the safety and enjoyment of all players and recognises that it has a duty of care towards young people within the sport of rugby. About us The real beginnings of the Waitemata Rugby Football Club go back more than 100 years to 1888 or thereabouts, when the first known Henderson Rugby team took the field against a team from a visiting ship. During these early years our home ground was Henderson Domain where, due to the lack of facilities players used to wash in the nearby Opanuku stream after the game. The war years almost saw the club in recess but one third grade team was maintained to keep the name of the club alive. After the war, a vigorous committee, and a great deal of hard work and toil by club members raised sufficient funds to purchase a paddock in Henderson and in 1947, Waitemata's first ground, Smythe Park named after the previous owner was officially opened. Smythe Park was home until 1951 when encroaching industrial development prompted the club to seek and purchase Waitemata Park, a magnificent 17-acre site which we still call home today.

Contacts ARU Junior Delegate & CWO Responsible for all junior coaching and rugby matters Responsible for all junior communication with ARU Vaughan Bridges 027 886 1568 jrc@waitematarugby.co.nz Waitemata Junior Club Chairperson & CWO Responsible for overseeing the Junior committee Joce Fausett 021 251 7587 jnrchair@waitematarugby.co.nz Waitemata Junior Committee Responsible for organising the WRFC Junior club jnrcommittee@waitematarugby.co.nz. Waitemata Club Chairperson Responsible for overseeing the Junior and Senior Club management Nigel Chang 027 338 3600 chairman@waitematarugby.co.nz Please do not call Auckland Rugby directly. For all ARU enquiries contact your Junior Delegate Club Secretary Hannah Hollands 021 0231 0382 Email: admin@waitematarugby.co.nz Club Office For enquires for clubroom hire, events and functions bookings@waitematarugby.co.nz Please follow our Club website & Facebook pages and download our App Waitemata RFC to stay up to date with all the latest information, events, results and more www.waitematarugby.co.nz

2018 Calendar Small Blacks Coaching Expo 8th April 9.15am - 12.45pm at Eden Park 29th April 9.15am - 12.45pm at Eden Park Small Blacks Workshop 16th April 6.00pm - 7.30pm at Waitemata Rugby Club All coaches MUST attend either the expo or workshop. Coach Collaboration Project (A series of interactive workshops using expert consultants and up to date literature on youth sport best practice) Good Sports 21st May 6.00pm - 7.30pm at Waitemata Rugby Club Coaching for Skill Acquisition 18th June 6.00pm - 7.30pm at Suburbs Rugby Club Coaching Performance 30th July 6.00pm - 7.30pm at Ponsonby Rugby Club Pre-Season - Meet the coaches and teams Waitemata Rugby Club Saturday 24th March 2018-9.00am - 1.00pm Please bring along boots/footwear as we will be running skills & drills sessions. U6 & U7 Rippa 9.00am - 10.00am U8 - U10 Half field 10:30am - 11:30am U11 - U13 Full field 12.00pm - 1.00pm Team Photos Friday 27th July 2018 5pm - 8:30pm Full schedule with dates and times will be sent closer to the time Prize Giving U11-13 Friday 7th September, 7.00pm U6-U7 Saturday 8th September, 9:30-10:30am U8 - U10 Saturday 8th September, 11am - 12pm

Family Events What Now - Live on location at Waitemata Rugby Club Sunday 11th March 2018 @ 7.30am Family fun Night Friday 13th July 2018 (more information to follow) Blues Supporters Day Saturday 2nd June Eden Park, Blues vs Red @ 5:15pm Games Each week the game draws are on the Auckland Rugby Union Website which can be accessed via a link on our website and app. All grades start on the Saturday 5th May until 25th August. Under 6, 7 & 8 Under 9 and 10 Under 11, 12 & 13 8.30am or 9.15am 9.15am or 10.15am 10.15am or 11.30am or 1pm (U13 only) ARU Weight Criteria for Age Groups The following information is important for all teams playing Tackle Players must remain under the required weight limit throughout the entire season. Restricted Grades: U8r - 31kg U9r - 35kg U10r 40kg U11r - 44kg U12r - 49kg U13r - 55kg Capped Grades: U8c- 47kg U9c - 53kg U10c 60kg U11c 65kg U12c 74kg Open Grades: U8 - open U11 open U13 open U13c 83kg www.waitematarugby.co.nz

Waitemata Park Fields and Facilities Waitemata RFC is proudly privately owned and operated. We have three fields, many training areas, changing block and expansive clubrooms. Our onsite canteen is operated by Small & Hardy and will be open every Thursday and Friday night for family meals and all day Saturday. They also cater for any onsite or off-site events, so please help us support them by hiring them for your next function! www.smallandhardy.co.nz We are a fully licensed premise, so please no BYO onsite. Our bar will be open in conjunction with the canteen. All our facilities are available to hire at discounted rates for members. Book your next function at Waitemata to help support us!! Field Layout

WRFC Uniform, Apparel and Sponsorship Waitemata Rugby has an exclusive apparel contract with Onu Sportswear and under the terms of this agreement all WRFC apparel must be purchased through Onu or directly from WRFC. NO apparel can be purchased from another supplier and branded with the WRFC logo. Teams who have apparel from previous years will be allowed to continue wearing these until 2019 - please advise the WRFC Committee if this is the case. Please also first have any sponsors approved by the executive committee to ensure they do not conflict with any current sponsor agreements. All WRFC players MUST play in our approved uniform - White Shorts, Waitemata Black/Green Socks and Waitemata Playing Jerseys. The jerseys must only be worn for team games or club events, not personal use NO EXCEPTIONS. At all times, the playing jerseys remain the property of Waitemata Rugby Club. www.onusportswear.co.nz

Registration Fees and Terms 2018 Individual Junior Membership $60.00 2018 Family Junior Membership $120.00 (MUST be immediate family) 2018 Parent (non-playing) Voting Member $50.00 TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Registering online and paying your subscription means your child and you as the parent become (non-voting) members of WRFC for the 2018 season. Players will only be allocated to a team if full payment of subscriptions is paid or an alternative payment structure is in place with our administration team. Email admin@waitematarugby.co.nz should you need to set up a time payment plan. Once you have paid online for the 2018 season you have become a member of the WRFC Club for the 2018 year and are bound by the rules and bylaws of the club. No refund of membership fees shall be given. If exceptional circumstances occur and a player can no longer participate for the season then an email can be sent to admin@waitematarugby.co.nz explaining the reason why you are requesting a refund. This will then be taken to the Junior Committee for a decision. If granted there will be a administration fee deducted from the total amount paid. If we cannot place your child in a team due to too many or lack of numbers there will be a full refund given of your subscription given. Players shall be placed into teams on a first registered basis. So it's best to get in quick.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Registering o Roles and Responsibility Whether playing, training or watching a game of rugby the way you behave reflects, YOU, YOUR TEAM and WRFC. The following Codes are designed to promote the elements of enjoyment and satisfaction, the contribution that can be made by non-players and to remind all people involved with the game that there are certain standards of fair play and conduct that should be maintained at all times. The WRFC Coaches Code Young people come into Rugby Union for a variety of reasons, it is the duty of the coach to recognise this and stimulate continued participation. Coaches have a responsibility to ensure that all youngsters are given the opportunity to fulfill their aspirations in a caring environment where the emphasis is on: FUN - ENJOYMENT - SKILL DEVELOPMENT Coaches Should: * Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching. * Appreciate the need of the players before the needs of the sport. * Be a positive role model. * Keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances. * Respect all referees and the decisions they make and ensure that all the players recognise that they must do the same. * Provide positive feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner. * Provide experiences which are matched to the young players ages and ability as well as their physical and mental development. * Ensure all youngsters are coached in a safe environment. * Avoid the overplaying of talented. * Never allow a player to train or play when injured. * Ensure good supervision of young players, both on and off the field. * Recognise that young players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold, or unacceptable risk of injury. * Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date. * Be aware of and abide by the WRFC child protection policy. A GOOD coach can change a game, A GREAT coach can change a life.

The WRFC Parent s Code In Rugby Union coaches and administrators both fully acknowledge that parents are an integral part of the partnership, which ensures that young players enjoy their involvement in the sport and experience an environment in which they can flourish. Parents are encouraged to: * Be familiar with the coaching methods and training schedule. * Be aware that the club has a duty of care and therefore, where appropriate assist coaches with the supervision of the players. * Be involved with club activities and share your expertise. * Share your concerns, if you have them with club officials. * Be familiar with the WRFC Coach s Code in particular I. Coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players. II. Coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances. III. It is important that parents support coaches in instilling these virtues. Parents should: * Be responsible for your child once coaching has finished. * Always ensure mouthguards and appropriate boots are worn. * Remember kids are involved in Rugby for their enjoyment, not yours. * Encourage young people to play do not force. * Focus on young peoples efforts, rather than winning or losing. * Applaud good play by players on both teams. * Encourage children to play to the rules and respect referees' decisions * Support the removal of verbal and physical abuse from the game. * Lead by example. * Ensure all guests conform to the good spectator s code. No child makes mistakes on purpose. AVOID the negative, APPLAUD the positive

The WRFC Players Code When playing at home or away, at festivals or on tour your behavior at all times reflects on YOU, your PARENTS, the CLUB and EVERYONE associated with you. Players are encouraged to: * Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by WRFC coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing the opportunity for you to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment. * Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to team mates. * Recognise that every young 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 young players feel that they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then you have a right to tell an adult either at the club or outside of the game. * Play because you want to, not to please coaches or parents. * Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions. * Work equally hard for yourself and your team. * Recognise good play by all players on your team and by your opponents. * Be sporting win or lose. * Play to the laws of the game and accept without question all referees decisions. * Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, or match officials is not acceptable. * Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully, retaliate or take advantage of any player. * Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game. GOOD Players inspire themselves GREAT Players inspire others

The WRFC Spectators Code Young rugby players are impressionable and their behavior will often reflect that of the adults around them. In Rugby Union we welcome spectators on our touchlines who embrace the ethos of the game as one of FUN, ENJOYMENT and SKILL DEVELOPMENT. Spectators are encouraged to: * Act as positive role models to all young players. * Remember children play sport for their enjoyment not that of the spectators. * Acknowledge good individual and team performance from ALL children irrespective of which team they play for. * Respect match officials decisions. REMEMBER, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for youngsters to play rugby. * NEVER VERBALLY ABUSE YOUNG PLAYERS, MATCH OFFICIALS, FELLOW SPECTATORS OR COACHES. * Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than the win at all costs ethic * Be positive - avoid harsh criticism or ridicule * Teach the young that an honest effort is as important as victory * Support every effort to rid children s sport of verbal and physical abuse. TEAMWORK coming together is a beginning keeping together is progress staying together is SUCCESS

Child Protection The WRFC Child Protection Policy is available on our website. www.waitematarugby.co.nz Please take the time to read and understand this policy. Dear Members/Parents/Guardians, We would like to take this opportunity to go over some basic rules that we hope will ensure that you and your child(ren) s experience at WRFC is as safe, fun and rewarding as possible. Our Junior Delegate (JRC) and Junior Chairperson are appointed as WRFC Child Welfare Officers (CWO). The role of the Child Welfare Officer is to act as a point of contact within the club with regard to all issues relating to the welfare and safeguarding of young people. This includes ensuring that we have up-to-date Policies and Codes of Conduct and that all of our volunteers have completed the necessary documentation. These Policies and Codes have been designed to protect your child(ren), yourself and our volunteers. As well as the Child Protection Policy, there are Codes of Conduct for coaches, parents, players and spectators. All of these (and more!) are available to view on the Club website. Please do take the time to familiarise yourself with them. There are also some simple rules that will help make life easier for everyone at the club if they are observed: Children should never be left alone or dropped off alone at the club. Our coaches have not volunteered to be child-minders! If you cannot be pitch-side, for however short a time, the Coach or Manager of your team must be informed and another adult must take responsibility for your child and be aware that they are doing so. This includes having an emergency contact number. It is extremely important that your child and your child s coaches are made aware of who has responsibility in your absence. Your child should be adequately dressed for the weather conditions. All children will not be able to participate without a mouth guard. It is important that your child has water available to drink at all times. Please always consider the time and dedication put in by our volunteers coaches, committee members and more. Without them we would not have a club at all. Finally, if you have any queries regarding any of the above, please feel free to contact a member of the Child Welfare Team.

WE have FREE FILTERED WATER for EVERYONE!! JUST BRING your WATER BOTTLE WILL BE LOCATED IN-FRONT OF FIELD #2 Junior team poster competition water bottles for the winning team - Coming soon!!