- MINI & JUNIOR SECTION

Just come along

The best way to understand how mini-rugby works is to come along and see. You will be very welcome on either match or training days.  If you have other children too small for rugby, the club is on one side of a park with a play area, and public areas with river frontage to walk the dog.

Rugby rules for kids

Rugby for children is not the same physical game you see on the Six Nations tournament. Instead the rules are set out so that up to under 8's play a non-contact version with the emphasis on ball skills and passing. As the children get older, so additional elements from the adult game are introduced gradually, matching the physical development of the players. As an example, pushing scrums are not allowed until under 14. The size of the pitch and the number of players is gradually increased as they get older. By the age of under 14 the usual adult rules apply.

This approach allows children to enjoy competitive sport, learn skills and develop team spirit within a simpler and less physical game than the adults play, but nonetheless enjoyable to play and exciting to watch.

The Referee helps

A second important factor is that the referees act as both coach and referee during the matches. It is typical to hear a mini-rugby referee firstly congratulate the two sides on the play, then announce and explain what went wrong before explaining how play will restart. The referees are of course well aware that safety is paramount.

Coming from outside Wales

The Welsh Rugby Union's approach to bringing children into the sport is similar but not exactly the same as in England. Ruthin regularly plays matches against clubs from England. If the match is at home, Welsh rules apply; if away, the English rules will be followed. The players get to know both systems.

What kit is needed?

For training, your child needs a rugby style shirt and shorts, long socks and boots. Ideally the shirt and shorts are cotton, rather than the synthetic fabric typically used for soccer. Boots with screw-in studs are best, as you can get special rugby-studs. For matches, team shirts are provided by the club.

Please note, your child will get muddy! There are showers at the club but many children seem to prefer cleaning up at home, especially after training days.

Match days

Parents' cars are relied on, but come along, participate with your child's sport.  Help encourage and enjoy watching them and team mates develop and make new friends.

There is always a warm-up before the match which often takes the form of a short training session. The matches are shorter than the adult game and many substitutions are allowed. The team coaches do their best to make sure that everyone gets some time on the pitch.

Sometimes three clubs arrange to play at one venue. In this case, the children will play two shorter matches.

Good news: It is a tradition that after matches, the home club provides free food for the players (and coaches). This generally makes the children happy!

Good Practice

It is absolutely vital particularly during the development phases of young players in the playing of the game, that Acknowledged Standards of Sportsmanship are encouraged and maintained. The following elements are therefore to be regarded as the minimum standards necessary to ensure that rugby football in Wales is played by young players in a manner befitting the National heritage and traditions of the Welsh Game. Coaches, players and spectators should therefore:

· Display courtesy, friendliness and sportsmanship to the opposing team and the referee before and after the game.

· Applaud the opposition for good play.

· Deplore foul play.

 

Young players value highly the fun and enjoyment of the game and their membership of a team. While they should always be encouraged to play with a strong, competitive spirit, they must also be coached to play within the laws and rules of the game and always with respect for their opponents. Coaches of young players should encourage and concentrate on good performance. Results are of secondary importance.

Young players only enjoy competition on their terms and when it becomes too serious, or intense, the outcomes can diminish their enthusiasm for the game.

Player Responsibilities

· Play Rugby within the Laws and the Sporting Spirit of the Game.

· Support and co-operate with fellow team members to ensure the team plays to its maximum capability.

· Respect the opposition without whom the match would not take place.

· Respect the referee and accept all decisions without dissension.

Coach Responsibilities

· Develop in all players a love of, and interest in, Rugby.

· Develop each player's maximum potential.

· Encourage and deliberately boost the confidence of all players.

· DO NOT ridicule or over criticise.

· Ensure each coaching session is well prepared with the coaching emphasis being placed on the development and acquisition of skill, decision making and an understanding of the game.

· Maintain the highest standards of personal discipline and courtesy during matches irrespective of the result.

Parent Responsibilities

· Do not force an unwilling child to participate in rugby.

· Encourage your child to play by the Laws / Rules, and the Code of Conduct as set down by the Rugby Club.

· Teach your child the importance of effort and teamwork.

· Help your child to improve skills and to learn a positive attitude to the game.

· Set an example to your child:

· Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.

· Be friendly to parents of the opposition.

· Do not question publicly the referee's decision.

· Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse.

· Recognise and value the importance of coaches.

Advice to Parents