Information for Players and Parents
Welcome to Mini Rugby at Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Football Club!
What is mini rugby about
Mini rugby is a way of introducing children to the game of rugby and the rugby ethos. Our objectives are to provide an enjoyable sport for children (both boys and girls), to develop individual and team skills to their maximum potential, and to develop knowledge of and respect for the laws of the game. We encourage a philosophy within the Club of ensuring our Minis:
- Have FUN
- Are SAFE
- Learn some rugby SKILLS
We do not put undue emphasis on winning.
Mini rugby is played at Amersham & Chiltern in accordance with the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) Continuum. It starts as a non-contact sport at Under 6, and at Under 9 tackling is added. The complexities such as scrums and line-outs are added progressively with the objective of preparing children to play the adult game from Under 13. We accommodate children of all shapes and sizes and states of physical development, beginning at Under 6 (calculated according to the individual’s age on 1st September).
What we do
At Chiltern we provide a structured framework for the coaching and playing of rugby. Each age group, in addition to having a Lead Coach and a number of coaches and a First Aider, also has an Age Group Organiser (AGO) who is the administrator for each age group and ensures that the age group operates smoothly. With the support of the Bucks RFU, the coaches, who are all parents or siblings of Minis, are required to attain at least Level 1 and are then encouraged to attend further coaching courses to develop their own skills. Indeed, our Mini Rugby section enjoys the greatest number of RFU and first aid qualified coaches in the county. Each session involves skills training and a competitive game. We periodically have joint training sessions and fixtures with other local clubs and participate in a number of Mini tournaments at other local clubs during the season. On October 14th we will be hosting our own Mini Tournament of the season in which we expect 66 teams and over 900 children to participate.
What we expect from you
Mini rugby is a sport that is only possible through the interest and commitment of the children and their parents. In fact we expect parents to get involved if only to keep warm on winter’s mornings! We are not a crèche - in fact a responsible adult should be present at the club during training. From time to time we will ask for your help with a social event or perhaps an hour in the kitchen on a Sunday morning. Sessions run from 10 until noon (Under 6s finish at 11.00) and a prompt start allows everyone to get full value from the session – please help the coaches by arriving on time. You should tell us of particular allergies, medicines or health concerns of your children. If they are not well on a particular Sunday please don’t bring them!
Kit and protective equipment
A full range of kit in club colours is available either at the Club or Real Sports in Amersham or on-line at www.therealsportsshop.co.uk . A Second hand kit sale will take place in September so that you can either dispose of unwanted items or acquire needed kit at reduced cost. Your age group Lead Coach will advise on equipment but parents are ultimately responsible. Use of a properly fitting mouth guard is strongly advisable even before contact rugby starts at Under 9 at which point it is required. Trainers are fine at the start of the season but a proper pair of boots will probably make sense once the ground becomes softer. Studs must carry the British standard kite mark. Other protective clothing should carry the International Rugby Board (IRB) approval. Please make sure that your child has warm and waterproof clothing preferably in ‘layers’. On cold mornings a woolly hat and gloves are a good idea. We always stop for a refreshment break. You should ensure that your child brings a drink and a small snack. Our experience is that non-fizzy drinks are much more effective for re-hydration.
Safety and Child Protection
We have a keen focus on safety encompassing appropriate warm up routines, the use of protective clothing, provision of first aid and the use of exercises appropriate to the age and physical development of the children. The club takes its responsibilities under the Child Protection Act seriously and has appointed a Child Protection Officer – Sue Riley - to ensure that we take a proactive approach – including appropriate background checks. If you have any questions in this regard please ask her. As long as you register your child each Sunday morning with your Age Group Organiser, your child is covered by our insurance policy which has been organised through the RFU.
Membership
Once your child has tried mini rugby for a few weeks we expect him or her to become a member of the club. This ensures that you enjoy the full benefits of club membership. Minis and parents are also encouraged to support the senior teams on Saturdays. The membership form details the fees for the season. Please help us by paying promptly: there is a discount for early payment.
Other Matters
From time to time there will be opportunities to participate in social events and fundraising activities. Sponsorship opportunities are also available particularly for the Mini tournament in October. Please contact your Age Group Organiser if you would like to know more.
Other parents and coaches are the best source of advice but please feel free to ask if you are unsure of anything.
I hope you and your children have an enjoyable season at Amersham & Chiltern RFC.
Stephen Lawrence
Chairman, Mini Rugby
Amersham & Chiltern RFC