Ashbourne Rugby Union Football Club Junior Section Handbookfiles.pitchero.com/clubs/4896/Ashbourne...

Ashbourne Rugby Union Football Club

Junior Section

HandbookSeason 2009/10

Ashbourne RUFC Junior Section

Contents

Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 5

Welcome ......................................................................................................................... 5

Club Details ....................................................................................................................... 6

Junior Section Officers ...................................................................................................... 7

Junior Section Coaches ..................................................................................................... 8

Under 16 ......................................................................................................................... 8

Under 15 ......................................................................................................................... 8

Under 14 ......................................................................................................................... 8

Under 13 ......................................................................................................................... 8

Under 12 ......................................................................................................................... 9

Under 11 ......................................................................................................................... 9

Under 9/10 ..................................................................................................................... 9

Under 8 .......................................................................................................................... 9

Under 7 ......................................................................................................................... 10

Under 6 ........................................................................................................................ 10

Girls’ Tag ...................................................................................................................... 10

Coaching Volunteers .................................................................................................... 10

Annual Player Registration .............................................................................................. 11

Subscriptions & Fees ........................................................................................................ 12

Training & Match Days .................................................................................................... 13

Signing In/Out Procedure ............................................................................................ 13

Season 2009/10 Handbook Page 2


Duty Officer .................................................................................................................. 13

Meal Tickets ................................................................................................................. 14

Cancellations & Postponements ................................................................................... 14

Fixture List ....................................................................................................................... 15

Under 7’s – Under 12’s Fixtures ................................................................................... 15

Under 13’s – Under 16’s Fixtures ................................................................................. 16

Diary Dates ...................................................................................................................... 18

Laws of the Game ............................................................................................................. 19

Child Protection & Welfare Policy Statement ................................................................. 20

Introduction ................................................................................................................. 20

Policy Statement ........................................................................................................... 21

Codes of Conduct ............................................................................................................. 23

Players’ Code of Conduct ............................................................................................. 23

Parents’ Code of Conduct ............................................................................................. 24

Spectators’ Code of Conduct ....................................................................................... 25

Coaches’ Code of Conduct ........................................................................................... 26

Match Officials’ Code of Conduct ................................................................................. 27

Equity Policy Statement .................................................................................................. 29

Health & Safety Policy ..................................................................................................... 30

Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................................ 31

When is Training? ........................................................................................................ 31

What is Mini Rugby? ................................................................................................... 31

Is Rugby Too Rough For Children? ............................................................................. 31



What Do Children Learn? ........................................................................................... 31

Safety ........................................................................................................................... 32

Child Protection .......................................................................................................... 32

What Gear Does My Child Need? ................................................................................ 32

Where Can I Get Kit? ................................................................................................... 33

How Can I Help Out? ................................................................................................... 33



Introduction

Welcome

We would like to welcome you to the 2009/10 season at Ashbourne Rugby Union

Football Club. Whether you are a new recruit or returning player, this handbook is

designed to help you settle into the new season and to allow you to do what we all want

to do - play rugby and enjoy yourself.

This handbook is for parents and players alike. We would ask you to spend a few

minutes browsing through it and to keep it handy throughout the season as a useful

and point of reference for any questions you might have.

You can view this handbook (and print it) on the Junior section of the Ashbourne

RUFC website at:

www.ashbournerufc.co.uk

The website will also be regularly updated throughout the season with news items,

match reports and photos, so please remember to pay us a regular visit.

You can also view and be actively updated by text of club news bulletins by following

our Twitter site at:

www.twitter.com/arufc


http://www.twitter.com/arufc

http://www.ashbournerufc.co.uk/


Club Details

Name: Ashbourne Rugby Union Football Club

Year Founded: 1932

Ground: The Recreation Ground

Cockayne Avenue

Ashbourne

Derbyshire

DE6 1EJ

Tel: (01335) 300323

Headquarters: Ashbourne Ex-Servicemen’s Club

Market Place

Ashbourne

Derbyshire

Tel: (01335) 342079

Club Colours: Royal blue and gold hoops

Blue shorts

Blue and gold socks

President: David (Sam) Heath

Chairman: Martin Fryer

Vice-Chairman: Andy Bailey

Website: www.ashbournerufc.co.uk



Junior Section Officers

Rugby Co-ordinator: ANDY BAILEY

Yeldersley Hall, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6

T: 01335 343432 M: 07968 492383 E: [email protected]

Rugby Co-ordinator / Secretary: PETER HARRISON

Leys Mount, 31 North Leys, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 1DQ


Fixture Secretary: DAVID COACKLEY

2 Meynell Rise, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6


Treasurer / Club Child Welfare Officer: JO WOOD

3 Premier Avenue, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6


Registration Secretary: ANNE GOULD

7 Birchwood View, Manor Green, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1RZ


Catering Manager: SALLY MASSEY

New House Farm, Belper Road, Bradley, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1LP

T: 01335 345111 E: [email protected]

Merchandise: SAM HOWSON

11 Boothby Avenue, Ashbourne, DE6 1EL

T: 01335 346886 E: [email protected]

Club Volunteer Co-ordinator: MICK PEPPER

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Green Road, Ashbourne, DE6 1EP



mailto:[email protected]









Junior Section Coaches

Director of Rugby: Andy Bailey


Under 16

Team Manager / Coach: Ian John


Coach: Shaun Kellow

M: 07929 051011

Under 15

Team Manager / Coach: Martin Farr


Coach: Pete Holland

T: 01335 361233 M: 07775 563128

Under 14

Team Manager / Coach: Brian Allen


Coach: Phil Bates

M: 07976 009911

Under 13

Team Manager / Coach: Andy Bailey


Coach: Steve Lynam

M: 07970 927440








Under 12

Team Manager / Coach: Richard ‘Brud’ Shaw


Coach: Steve Jones


Under 11

Team Manager / Coach: Sean Turner


Coach: Martin Shaw

T: 01335 342329 M: 07811 690115

Under 9/10

Team Manager / Coach: Peter Harrison


Coach: David Brown

M: 07988 161200

Coach: Paul Doran

M: 07595 779954

Coach: Roger Palmer-Clark

T: 01335 347854

Under 8

Team Manager / Coach: David Coackley


Coach: Colin Smith

T: 07785 598067








Under 7

Team Manager / Coach: Chris Massey


Coach: Rich Wheeldon

T: 01335 345979

Under 6

Coach: Tracey Clarke-Kellow

M: 07929 051011 E: [email protected]

Coach: Niki Shaw


Girls’ Tag

Coach: Carolyn Bointon

M: 07969 618812 E: [email protected]

Coaching Volunteers

We are always looking to expand our coaching staff with new volunteers. If you would

like to help out as a coaching assistant in any of the age groups listed above, please

speak to our Club Volunteer Co-ordinator (Mick Pepper) for more information.







Annual Player Registration

Registration is an important part of joining the Club. Registration gives the coaches the

information they require to look after your child, ensures the player is covered by the

Club’s insurance and allows the RFU to issue a Player Registration Card. These cards

are now essential for many of the festivals and tournaments we enter.

Each year we ask you to complete a form, which is the RFU Registration Form. This

can be obtained from the Registration Secretary (Anne Gould) and should be returned

with two photos.

Every year the Club issues Club Registration Forms, for existing players, which we ask

you to update with any information that has changed from the previous year.



Subscriptions & Fees

Unlike the majority of rugby clubs, we do not ask for an annual subscription from our

players.

We only charge a £2 fee for each training session or match attended by a player. This

money goes into the Junior Rugby Club funds and helps us to pay for the hire of the

Recreation Ground, playing kit, training equipment, balls, etc.

Session fees are payable at the registration desk at the start of training sessions.



Training & Match Days

Throughout the season teams will meet on Sunday either to train or to play a match.

The number of matches will depend on the age group and the RFU recommendation for

the match/training ratio. Training is as important as match days, as players will be

learning the skills and laws of the game, as well as learning how to play as a team.

Match days can be away or at home. If the match is away your team manager / coach

will arrange for the team to meet at a given time and at an appropriate place. If the

match is at home your team will meet on the Recreation Ground at 10:30am in order to

prepare for an 11am kick off.

Signing In/Out Procedure

The procedure that should be followed on a Sunday morning for training sessions and

home matches is for the children to sign themselves in at the registration desk.

We expect parents/guardians to stay on the recreation ground during the training

sessions and home matches. Cups of coffee and tea and hot food can be purchased in

order to keep the cold at bay and we’re sure that the kids would welcome your support,

especially during matches.

Coaches are responsible for the signing out procedure at the end of a session. The club

expects that a responsible adult remains on the recreation ground for children that are

under 13 years of age, and that they are present at the end of the session to resume

responsibility for their child(ren) from the coaches.

Duty Officer

The Duty Officer will be the main point of contact for parents and guardians of children

for home training sessions and matches with regard to any enquiries or issues. The

name of the Duty Officer for the session will be displayed on the board at the Pavilion.



Meal Tickets

For home matches, hot food will be provided to all Ashbourne and opposition players.

The provision of this food is controlled by using meal tickets. These are distributed to

Ashbourne players at the end of a session by the coaches. Away team coaches will be

provided with a batch of tickets to give to for distribution to their players.

Cancellations & Postponements

The club website and Twitter site will be updated as soon as we are aware of a

postponement or cancellation.

If you have any questions that are not answered on the club website regarding training

sessions or matches, e.g. with regard to cancellations or postponements due to pitches

being unfit, then please call your team manager / coach or one of the Rugby Co-

ordinators to get more information.



Fixture List

The fixture list is subject to change throughout the season with new fixtures likely to be

added at quite short notice.

An up-to-date copy of the fixture list will always be available on the club website,

therefore this should always be the best place to check.

Under 7’s – Under 12’s Fixtures

Date U7’s U8’s U9’s U10’s U11’s U12’s

6 Sep Registration Registration Registration Registration Registration Registration

13 Sep Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run

20 Sep

27 Sep

4 Oct Ashby A Ashby A Ashby A

11 Oct

18 Oct Melbourne A

25 Oct

1 Nov Belper & Buxton

A Belper & Buxton

A Belper & Buxton

A Belper & Buxton

A Belper & Buxton

A Belper & Buxton

A

8 Nov Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday

15 Nov Leek H Leek H Leek H Leek H Leek H Leek H

22 Nov Buxton H Buxton H Buxton H Buxton H Buxton H Buxton H

29 Nov

6 Dec Uttoxeter H Utoxeter H Melbourne H Uttoxeter H

13 Dec

20 Dec

27 Dec Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas

3 Jan

10 Jan

17 Jan Matlock A Matlock A Matlock A Matlock A Matlock A Matlock A

24 Jan Bakewell & Glossop

A Bakewell & Glossop





A

31 Jan

7 Feb

14 Feb Buxton A Buxton A Buxton A Buxton A Buxton A Buxton A

21 Feb Belper H Belper H Belper H Belper H Belper H Belper H

28 Feb Leek A Leek A Leek A Leek A Leek A Leek A



Date U7’s U8’s U9’s U10’s U11’s U12’s

7 Mar Ashby H Ashby H Ashby H

14 Mar Mothers day Mothers day Mothers day Mothers day Mothers day Mothers day

21 Mar Burton A Burton A Burton A Burton A Burton A Burton A

28 Mar

4 Apr Easter Easter Easter Easter Easter Easter

11 Apr Uttoxeter A Uttoxeter A Uttoxeter A

18 Apr

25 Apr

Under 13’s – Under 16’s Fixtures

Date U 13s U 14s U 15s U 16s

6 Sep Registration Registration Registration Registration

13 Sep Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run Fun Run

20 Sep

27 Sep

4 Oct

11 Oct

18 Oct

25 Oct Belper A Belper A

1 Nov Chesterfield H

8 Nov Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday

15 Nov Leek H Leek H Leek H

22 Nov Buxton H

29 Nov

6 Dec Uttoxeter H

13 Dec

20 Dec Buxton H Buxton H

27 Dec Christmas Christmas Christmas

3 Jan

10 Jan

17 Jan

24 Jan

31 Jan Bakewell A

7 Feb

14 Feb Buxton A

21 Feb Belper H Belper H Belper H

28 Feb Leek H Leek H Leek H

7 Mar Bakewell H

14 Mar Chesterfield A Buxton A Buxton A

21 Mar

28 Mar Bakewell H Uttoxeter A

4 Apr Easter Easter Easter

11 Apr Matlock H Matlock H Matlock A



18 Apr

25 Apr



Diary Dates

13th September 2009

Club participation in Ashbourne Fun Run (Ashbourne Rec – 10am)

11th October 2009

Junior Club General Meeting (Ex-Servicemen’s Club – 1:30pm)

14th November 2009

Trip to watch England vs Argentina (Twickenham)

January 2010

Speaker Dinner (Green Man – 7pm)

7th May 2010

Club Annual Dinner Dance (TBA – 7pm)

16th May 2010

End of Season Fun Day (Ashbourne Rec – 10:30am)

May 2010

Club AGM (Ex-Servicemen’s Club – 7:30pm)



Laws of the Game

The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union are the laws by which all of the games of rugby

are played throughout the world. Tag Rugby (U7 & U8), Mini Rugby (U9 & U10) and

Midi Rugby (U11 & U12) are all played to the Continuum which is modified laws of the

Laws of the Game of Rugby Union making the transition of rugby from U7 to the full 15

a side game, a logical progression of skill and practice.

The Laws of the Game of Rugby Union and the Continuum can be viewed (and printed)

online at:

Laws of the Game

http://www.irb.com/EN/Laws+and+Regulations/Laws/laws.htm

Continuum

http://www.ashbournerufc.co.uk/ashbournerufc/junior_continuum.htm

If you would like a copy of the Continuum, a copy is available to view at a training

session or you can download a copy from the club website at the link specified above.


http://www.ashbournerufc.co.uk/ashbournerufc/junior_continuum.htm

http://www.irb.com/EN/Laws+and+Regulations/Laws/laws.htm


Child Protection & Welfare Policy

Statement

Introduction

The junior section of Ashbourne RUFC runs as an independent unit within the club

with its own officers responsible for running rugby for all age groups. This child

protection policy has been drawn up and approved by the committee as a responsible

body within Ashbourne RUFC.

Ashbourne RUFC, its officers and coaches believe that children have the right to be a

child and the playing and coaching of rugby should be a rewarding and enjoyable

experience for all those involved, including players, parents/carers, spectators and

volunteers.

The positive experience for young people is enhanced when they feel safe and are

protected from any form of harm, discrimination, or exploitation. For that reason

protecting the welfare of young people is about putting in place the best possible

practices and procedures; this will protect not only young people but also the adults in

rugby.

Everyone who is involved in the game of rugby must therefore develop a shared

responsibility to enrich and develop the future of the sport by encouraging and keep

children and young people to play and enjoy the game.

Ashbourne RUFC’s aim, together with the RFU/W, is to provide an environment where

all children and young people regardless of age, gender, ability, race, religion, ethnic

origin, nationality, social status or sexual orientation should be able to enjoy the game

in a safe environment free from abuse of any kind.



Policy Statement

Ashbourne RUFC (ARUFC) will abide by the RFU/W child protection policy as

published. All details can be found on the RFU website.

ARUFC expects players, parents, spectators, coaches and match officials to promote

fair play. All people who have regular contact with children or young people will

undergo CRB checks.

ARUFC has appointed a child protection/welfare officer, Jo Wood, to whom any

observations concerning child protection and welfare should be made known.

ARUFC will not tolerate bullying of any person in the rugby environment especially

within the junior section. ARUFC promotes a telling culture and anyone who knows or

suspects that bullying is happening will be expected to tell the child protection/welfare

officer. Any reports of bullying will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.

Players and parents will be supported by ARUFC if bullying is reported.

Parents/carers of either sex are welcome and encouraged to assist with coaching and

volunteering after undergoing a CRB check.

All players must complete a registration form before entering matches. This is

necessary for the RFU insurance cover.

Ashbourne RUFC expects parents/carers to be responsible for the supervision of their

children while attending rugby events. ARUFC will keep records of attendance, parental

consent forms and any accidents that may occur.

ARUFC JUNIOR SECTION REQUESTS THAT PARENTS/CARERS ARE TO REMAIN

AT JUNIOR TRAINING SESSIONS AND MATCHES IF THEIR CHILDREN ARE

UNDER TWELVE YEARS OLD. IF THEY ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THEN

ANOTHER PERSON MUST BE APPOINTED IN THEIR ABSENCE.

Parents/carers of children over twelve years of age not wishing to be present for the

whole training session must ensure they return in good time before the end of the

training session or match. It is the parents/carers responsibility to check finishing

times with the coaches. All children over twelve years of age should leave an up-to-date

contact number at the registration desk.



Rugby is a contact sport, Ashbourne RUFC therefore wish to remind players that they

should wear a mouth guard at all times during training and matches. Head protection

should also be considered.

Rugby is a winter sport and players must be adequately clothed. It is advisable to wear

several layers of clothing.

Ashbourne RUFC will not permit any young person to play or train without appropriate

clothing. Players should inform coaches of any permanent or temporary medical

conditions, which may affect their fitness level or recovery from injury.

Players who suffer with asthma should bring with them any self administered

medication or ventilators.

Players should advise coaches if they are recovering from any recent illness such as flu

or measles.

Lead coaches for each age group should know which first aiders are present, and all

coaches will be aware of the emergency first aid procedure.



Codes of Conduct

Players’ Code of Conduct

The Club encourages Players to:

● Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials

and administrators in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the

rugby environment.

● Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.

● Recognise that every 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 players feel they are not being

treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they should tell an adult either at

the Club or School or outside of the game.

● Play because they want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.

● Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important

parts of the game.

● Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions.

● Work equally hard for themselves and their team - both will then benefit.

● Recognise good play by all players on their team and by their opponents.

● Be a sportsman - win with dignity, lose with grace.

● Play to the IRB Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees’

decisions even if they appear to make a mistake.

● Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents,

coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable.



● Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere

with, bully or take advantage of any player.

Parents’ Code of Conduct

The Club encourages Parents to:

● Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that they can

ensure their child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their

availability.

● Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the

coaching and training sessions in which their child participates.

● Be aware that the Club or School has a duty of care to ensure the safety of

players and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of

the players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to

transport players to away games.

● Be involved with Club and School activities and share their expertise.

● Share concerns, if they have them, with Club or School officials.

● Be familiar with the Good Coaches’ Code contained in the Rugby Continuum. In

particular be aware that:

o coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when

coaching players; and

o coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging

players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.

● Support coaches in instilling these virtues.

● Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of

their parents.

● Encourage young people to play - do not force them.

● Focus on the players’ efforts, rather than winning or losing.



● Be realistic about the players’ abilities; 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 players’

and referee’s performance and attitude.

● Always support the Club and School in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and

abusive behaviour from the game.

● Remember young people learn much by example.

● Always show appreciation of good play by all players both from their own Club

or School and the opposition.

● Respect decisions made by the match officials, even if they appear to make a

mistake, and encourage the players to do likewise.

Spectators’ Code of Conduct

The Club encourages Spectators to:

● Act as positive role models to all players.

● Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance in relation to

verbal and emotional abuse.

● Respect guidance from the Club or School with regard to spectator behaviour.

● Remember children play sport primarily for their own enjoyment, not for that of

the spectators.

● Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all players

irrespective of the team in which they play.

● Respect match officials’ decisions, even if they appear to make a mistake –

remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for players to play

rugby.



● Never verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators: such

behaviour can create a negative environment for players and their behaviour

will often reflect this.

● Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than ‘to win at all costs’.

● Verbally encourage all players in a positive manner, shouting ‘for’, not ‘at’, the

players.

● Encourage all players irrespective of their ability - never ridicule any individual

player, regardless of the team in which they play.

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

The Club encourages Coaches to:

● Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.

● Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.

● Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.

● Be a positive role model - think what this implies.

● Keep winning and losing in perspective - encourage players to behave with

dignity in all circumstances.

● Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a

mistake, (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the

players recognise that they must do the same.

● Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to

all players, both during coaching sessions and matches.

● Provide rugby experience which are matched to the players ’ages and abilities,as

well as their physical and behavioural development.

● Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid

readily to hand.

● Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system which gives

everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.



● Never allow a player to train or play when injured.

● Ensure good supervision of players, both on and off the field.

● Recognise that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or

unacceptable risk of injury.

● Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle

management.

● Recognise that it is illegal for players under 18 to drink alcohol and those under

16 to smoke. Coaches should actively discourage both.

● Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line

with RFU philosophy.

● Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking young

people on residential tours at home and abroad.

● Be aware of and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and

Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union.

● Coach to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves

updated on rule changes.

Match Officials’ Code of Conduct

The Club encourages Match Officials to:

● Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players.

● Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner

during games.

● Emphasise the spirit of the game.

● Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.

● Understand the physical and behavioural development of players.

● Be a positive role model. Set an example, and as such, comments should be

positive and supportive.



● Look to self-improvement e.g. participation in training courses.

● Recognise that the safety of players is paramount.

● Explain decisions - all players are still learning and parents will understand the

game better.

● Always penalise foul play.

● Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.

● Show empathy for the age and ability of players.

● Be consistent and objective.

● Be familiar with the Good Spectators Code and 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.

● Officiate to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves

updated on rule changes.

● Check that the home Club or School has provided a qualified first aider,

ambulance access has not been obstructed and that appropriate equipment is

available along with someone trained in its use before starting play.

● Before training sessions and matches check that studs and other clothing are in

accordance with the IRB Laws of the Game.



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.



Health & Safety Policy

Our statement of general policy is:

● To provide adequate control of the health and safety risks arising from our

activities

● To provide and maintain safe plant and equipment

● To maintain a safe site

● To provide information, instruction and guidance to members

● To ensure that all coaches are competent to train others and to give them the

opportunity to become adequately trained

● To review and revise this policy as necessary at regular intervals.



Frequently Asked Questions

When is Training?

Training starts promptly at 10:30am each Sunday morning and lasts until 12pm.

We expect that a parent or guardian of a child aged 12 or younger stays to support your

child during training and matches.

All coaches are volunteers, so please provide as much support to them as is possible.

What is Mini Rugby?

Mini rugby is the form of rugby played by children under twelve. At Ashbourne it is

played according to the Rugby Continuum established by the RFU. This can be viewed

as a coaching pathway along which each youngster acquires, by gradual degrees, those

skills required to participate in the full 15- a- side game by the age of 13. Further details

about the Continuum can be found at www.rfu.com or on the club website.

Is Rugby Too Rough For Children?

Children in the U7 and U8 age groups will learn to enjoy the game through tag rugby

where there is no physical contact and no tackling. The emphasis is on having fun and

developing running and passing skills, all of which are the foundation of the game.

Beyond this, children, both boys and girls, are not exposed to a level of physical

pressure that they cannot understand or cope with, e.g. at all levels of mini rugby the

hand off is strictly prohibited.

What Do Children Learn?

PHYSICALLY – Sports skills, improving physical conditioning, good health habits.

PSYCHOLOGICALLY – Control of emotions, development of self confidence and

assurance.


http://www.rfu.com/


SOCIALLY – Co-operation within a team and appropriate standards of behaviour.

Safety

Please ensure that you sign your child in at the registration desk at the start of a

training session.

Arriving and departing – please take care when arriving and leaving as there are many

vehicles as well as children in the car park.

Warm up and punctuality – it is important that all players warm up before exercise.

This will be done at the start of each session, so please ensure that your child is on time.

Child Protection

Jo Wood is the nominated Safeguarding Officer for the Club. The Club is very keen to

ensure that our players enjoy the sessions within a safe environment.

In August 1998 the RFU set up a Child Protection working party and advised clubs of

conduct that should be followed. Three years ago CRB police checks were bought in

and all current coaching staff, assistants and volunteers either hold a disclosure

certificate or are undergoing the process. A copy of our child protection policy is on the

website. Should you not have access to this and wish to see a copy please see one of the

Rugby Co-ordinators.

What Gear Does My Child Need?

There are strict Guidelines on Safety specifications, e.g. padding, shin shields and stud

type, etc. Please discuss with your coach.

Studs will be checked at the beginning of a match by the referee and any player with

studs with sharp edges will not be allowed to play. Players need club shorts and socks

and a gum shield (the RFU recommends that you discuss this with your dentist).

Players should buy themselves a club shirt (see below) for match play.



Where Can I Get Kit?

The following kit is available for purchase from the Club and additional items may be

made available during the season.

● Club rugby shirts

● Club socks

● Shorts

● Club water bottles

● Hoodies

● Coats

● Balls

● Hats

Speak to your team manager / coach or Sam Howson on the registration desk for

information about buying these items of kit.

How Can I Help Out?

There are many ways in which you can help the players and coaches. If you feel that

you would like to help, speak to your team manager / coach; any help will be much

appreciated.

Under our Child Protection Policy all of the duties require you to register with the club

as a helper. This involves the completion of a simple form, which can be obtained from

the coach or the Junior Section Child Protection Officer. If you wish to discuss any

aspect of the Child Protection Policy, your Child Protection Officer is Jo Wood.


Date post:	25-Aug-2020
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