Old Colfeians RFC

Information on the Young Colfeians

Introduction

Dear Parents / Guardians and Children,

On behalf of the Old Colfeian's Rugby Football Club I would like to welcome you and your child to the Mini's section and give you some information about our club and activities.

The Young Colfeians are a growing and successful Mini's & Junior Rugby section of the senior club. We have been in existence for just four years and in that time we have learnt much. As a club we do not underestimate the importance of encouraging young players to enjoy our sport. It is important to us that our club is your club and that it can be enjoyed by the whole family.

We welcome players from 6 years of age through to under 12's (Young Colfeian's Mini's & Midi's) and thereafter into the Junior & Youth Rugby Club - under 13's and above. So, hopefully your relationship with the club will grow as you do. It's not just a club for the boys as we have regular numbers of girls attending training and playing in competition. This year we fielded a team entirely made of girls who won a place (beating boy competition!) in the final of the "Double Header" festival on the pitch at Twickenham to mark the opening day of the season.

We like to win, but, not at all costs. We do not want our players to be frightened of their coaches and so the emphasis during training is on having fun and learning new skills. Children will get the chance to play a competitive sport and meet new friends. If children learn the game as it should be played - including the sporting ethics, Team work, understanding of the rules and code of conduct then success and confidence should follow - both on and off the field.

Organisation of Junior Rugby

There is a strict structure in place for Junior Rugby. The RFU (Rugby Football Union), the governing body, maintains control over the development of the game, its players and how it is played. For example the RFU recommends certain limits on the number of fixtures to be played, provides laws and guidelines which lay down the ages at which active scrums lineouts and tackling can be introduced - at under 7's to 12's this is referred to as the "Continuum"

Mini Rugby developed out of a desire to introduce children to rugby at an early age - but without the complex rules. Mini Rugby is designed to introduce children to the basics of the game safely, and in line with their physical abilities at their own pace - letting them run, chase, throw, catch and learn teamwork. Boys and girls play together and on an equal footing through out the mini and midi age group ranges

Colfeian's runs teams based on school years - note that this relates to the child's age on the 1st September, the beginning of the season, and the child remains in that age group for the whole season even if he or she has a birthday during that period. A summary of how the age groups are structured is detailed below.

Age on Sept 1st	School Year Group	Rugby Age Group
6	2	under 7
7	3	under 8
8	4	under 9
9	5	under 10
10	6	under 11
11	7	under 12

Under 7's & Under 8's

At this age group the game is a form of non contact rugby called TAG rugby, the main aim is to develop the basic skills such as passing backwards, catching a pass, and running into space and of course, scoring tries! The players wear a belt with 2 Velcro tags. A tackle is made when the opposition pull one of the tags off the ball carriers belt and calls "Tag!" Once the ball carrier has been tagged, they must attempt to stop immediately and pass the ball to a member of their own team before reclaiming their TAG and then both players can continue with the game.

Games are usually 7 per side and last for 7 minutes. There is no contact tackling, scrums, lineouts or kicking.

At U8's the laws are identical to U7's to give the children the chance to develop their skills further. Whilst the laws are the same, the children are not, their levels of maturity, concentration and confidence are higher. Therefore each team may be restricted to 6 tackles before the ball is turned over to the opposition.

Under 9's

Under 9 rugby is where full contact tackling is introduced for the first time, together with rucks , mauls, 2 man lineouts and 3 man scrummages, although the scrums and lineouts are uncontested. There is still no kicking and usual tackle, ruck and maul laws apply, and games are 9 a side. It is at this age group that distinctions between forwards and backs may become noticeable. The games increase from 7 to 10 minutes each way.

Under 10's

As above, except that U10's sees the introduction of contested scrummages and line outs - but still no kicking.

Under 11's

The main changes in the game at this age is the introduction of second rows to the scrim, the scrum now becomes 5 players not 3.The game is now 12 per side, line outs can contain up to 4 players, tactical kicking is introduced in a limited form. The laws of the game follow nearly all those of the senior game. There are kick offs, conversions and free kicks. The games increase from 10 to 15 minutes each way.

Under 12's

As with the differences between the U7's and U8's the games for U12's are the same as for the U11's, the only difference being that players are probably more technically proficient, bigger, faster and stronger!

Youth Rugby

Age on Sept 1st	School Year Group	Rugby Age Group
12	8	under 13
13	9	under 14
14	10	under 15
15	11	under 16
16	12	under 17
17	13	under 18

Structured for the U13's to U18's, the players evolve into a15 aside full contact games, putting into practice the skills and techniques taught through the mini development programme. There are some key issues relating to scrimmaging and lineouts that are not permitted at the youngest age groups and some that remain until adult rugby only.

The Playing Season

There will be training or competition every Sunday morning between 1st September and 30th April (weather and pitch conditions permitting) except for Christmas and Easter. The Fixtures and weekend training schedules are arranged and published in advance

Short notice changes will be advised, wherever possible, by the coaches or managers by email or telephone. But if you are in any doubt, please do not hesitate to contact them.

Sunday Morning Coaching sessions

Minis Coaching is on Sunday mornings between 10 and 11.30am. Coaching involves rugby handling skills, moves, non contact games and contact games for the older groups.

Youth coaching is on Sunday mornings between 10.30 and 12.00pm

At Sunday morning coaching, age groups may occasionally combine for practice matches. This will be at the discretion of the two coaches concerned who will always bear in mind the safety of the children - Safety will always be our paramount concern.

Parents must ensure that players attendance has been entered into the managers weekly register and that either they or a suitable responsible adult is present at all times.

Sunday Fixtures

All age groups play club fixtures, Structured Development Days (SDD's) as directed by Kent RFU and rugby festivals against other Kent, South East and visiting clubs.

SDD's are normally against 2 or 3 other clubs so that the boys and girls will receive structured coaching giving coaches and players chances to share experience and knowledge. These events are not fixtures, although short games may be played towards the end of the session.

Fixtures are arranged at a county fixtures meeting and between individual clubs. There are also competitive tournaments, usually towards the end of the season, such as the Kent Festival and the "Young Colfeians Festival"

At U17's and U18's the teams compete in a league format for the first time.

Parents should ensure that they know whether there is a match or training on any given date. Also if your child has been chosen to play in a game and then becomes unavailable, you should let the coaches or managers know as soon as possible so that team selections can be made.

Playing Kit, Equipment and Leisure Wear

The Club shop has a range of club kit such as training tops, rugby shirts, shorts, socks, polo shirts, sports bags etc. There is also a range of adult sizes available so that you can show your support for your players!

Each player should have a playing shirt, boots, shorts and mouthguard.

Some of the teams have items of sponsored kit supplied for competitive fixtures.

Boots - Whilst it remains dry, trainers or "astro's" can be worn for training - especially at the U7s age group. However, if other players are wearing studded boots it is always possible that toes may get trodden on!

Older players will need proper boots with aluminium studs with a BSI kite mark. This is for safety reasons - illeagal studs can cause accidents. Bladed studs may be worn, but ONLY if they are RUBBER - PLASTIC AND METAL BLADES ARE NOT ALLOWED.

Mouthguards - There are a range of products available. We strongly recommend gumshields at all ages, the wearing is compulsory from under 9 upwards. Orthodontic mouth guards are also available where these are fitted to the wearer personally.

Winter Clothing - it is essential that parents ensure that players have proper winter clothing with them every Sunday (even our spring can be cold and wet!) There is always a degree of standing around especially on match days or at festivals.

All players should be aware that muddy kit and boots are not allowed in the club house, so, it would be a good idea to have a kit bag and some clean clothes to change in to.

Registration, Medical Consent and Subscriptions.

All players are required to be registered with both the club and RFU - the club will inform the RFU of all registered players.

Registration forms will be available from the coaches or managers of the individual age groups throughout the season. However, at the beginning of the season we hold an annual registration session on the 1st two Sundays in September, where members are also required to pay a club membership fee.

Details of up to date membership fees can be found on the website.

The subscriptions are used for the upkeep of the clubhouse and the pitches as well as the provision of equipment.

As part of the membership, all players, parents or guardians are required to complete a medical form that must be completed every season to provide the coaching staff with up to date information on the players and the consent to obtain medical assistance should the players be injured or taken ill.

RFU registration is only required once (a player must be de registered if he / she decides to leave the club) and you will need to supply 4 passport photo's.

Please note that if subscriptions are not paid then a player is not considered a member and may be refused access to the club, but, more importantly is NOT covered by the club insurance and therefore will not play as a matter of club policy.

Codes of Conducts

We would like all parents to get to know their age group coach and let him or her know if their child will be absent on Sunday, whether there is a fixture or merely coaching. Coaches cannot prepare the side properly for matches if only half the players turn up on training days.

When the team comes off the field, we want our children to be able to say" That was fun, we want to come back". Players are encouraged to support each other (even when mistakes are made), to applaud opponents and to play with passion but not aggression. This approach applies to all - players, parents, coaches and spectators alike. This is why we have codes of conduct, based on RFU guidelines and which parents can interpret as club policy. We ask that you become familiar with them and lead by example in your conduct.

Players Code of Conduct

1. Play for Fun - not just to please your parents and coach(es)
2. Play to the Rules. Don't Cheat
3. Don't argue with the referee. Referees will not change their decision and they might penalise you or your team even more. Remember that the referee is a volunteer and that the game can not happen without him!
4. Control your temper - and your mouth. Loose your head and your team looses a player.
5. Never give up. Always give your best. The game is not over until the final whistle.
6. Be a good sport. Recognise good rugby and learn from it, even if it comes from the other side.
7. Improve your skills. Work hard at training - if you play better your team will do better.
8. Don't be selfish. Co-operate with your team. Teams win, not individuals
9. Don't show off - even when you've scored
10. Be a team player - encourage your team mates, play by example DON'T put them down. Remember the opposition wear different colour shirts!

Parent & Spectators Code of Conduct

1. Never force a child to play rugby, always remember children should play for their enjoyment not yours.
2. Encourage your child to play by the rules. Make it clear that cheating is not good or acceptable.
3. Applaud good play, from both sides - children learn best by example.
4. Have respect for the decisions made by the match officials by not publicly questioning the referee.
5. Don't get into arguments with opposition parents - it can lead to bad feelings between clubs and lost fixtures.
6. Never go onto the field of play - Stay off the Pitch.
7. Never shout at a player for making a mistake. Never ridicule a player regardless of the team they play for.
8. Teach you child that victory isn't everything - playing as well as you can is the most important. There is no disgrace in defeat if you have tried your best. Rugby - "It's only a game"!
9. Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They are someone's Mum or Dad, they give their time and resources freely to provide rugby for your child. Please encourage your child to listen and follow the coaching sessions.
10. Parents must ensure that a child's presence has been entered onto the weekly attendance register with the team manager. They should also ensure that the manager is aware that the child is leaving.
11. Whilst it is not a rule, we would prefer a parent to stay for the training session or game. This is both beneficial for the child and the club officials. If you are unable to stay, you must ensure that you have nominated a suitable adult to be responsible for your child and that this has been noted on the managers register. The coach or manager is not suitable for this role as he or she may have other roles in the event of an incident.

Coaches code of Conduct

1. Coaching can be a rich and satisfying experience, it is also a tremendous responsibility. Good Coaching requires the ability to get the best out of all the players.
2. Children come first - winning come second. Keep winning and losing in perspective.
3. Treat each child as an individual.
4. As a coach be reasonable in your demands on a young players time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they may have other competing interests and education needs.
5. Remember to reward effort as well as achievement.
6. Players develop at different rates of pace, avoid over playing the talented player by using a squad system. Those less talented need and deserve equal time. The less capable player now may well be a future 1st XV player.
7. Encourage the children to play for fun and enjoyment. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a game - mistakes and losing are valuable lifetime lessons.
8. People react far better to positive feedback as opposed to criticism - always try to stress the positive.
9. Its difficult playing the game without opposition and match officials, teach respect for the other Participants.
10. We want our players to say, 'Our Coach was brilliant, he listened to what we had to say, we were taught something new, we want to come back next week'.

That's all the talk over. Now its time to come and give it a try

We look forward to seeing you.