MINI RUGBY

The Mini and Junior section of the club provides an introduction to rugby for boys and girls on Sunday morning from 10.30 a.m. until 12 noon.

The Minis start at 7 years of age up to 12 years, playing 9-a-side with the various skills being introduced progressively as they get older.

Chairman:                                Mark Berriman                          

Treasurer:                                Derek Best                   

Secretary:                               Sarah Pearson          

Social:                                     Sue Blackbourne    
      

Fund Raising:                        

Fixture Secretary Mini:            Mark Berriman              

Coaching Co-ordinator:           Paul Baty                                                         

Click here for the Young Player Registration Form

Coaches                                               

U12 - Mark Davison
U11 - Alex Rae
U10 - Paul McGoay
U9 - Clare Harding
U8 - Tim Pearson
U7 - Neville Smith

COACHING

Basic Coaching Philosophy:

At mini-midi rugby level, we are coaching children and young people, not primarily rugby football, as each coaching session will have a focus upon the needs of our players rather than purely the needs of the sport. Examples of this are as follows:

• team selection policy (we will always try to ensure that everybody gets a game, rather than just the “elite” players), and,
•  we will ensure that our players keep winning and losing competitive games in perspective…the priority is on teaching to play before teaching to winDuty of Care:

Each coach has a duty of care towards all youngsters involved in mini midi rugby at DCRFC.  This responsibility manifests itself in many forms.  The safety of young players is of paramount importance.  As rugby is a contact sport, the development and application of correct technique is by far the most important preventative measure at the coach’s disposal. (read Safety and Medical section).    In addition, coaches recognise that they are in a position of considerable trust, and will avoid all situations were this could be compromised.  Therefore, parents will be consulted on travel arrangements to away games and coaches will never work alone and unobserved with young players.

RFU Certification:

At DCRFC, all mini midi coaches either are RFU certified to coach their age level OR they are in the process of achieving the appropriate RFU qualification.  To achieve this accreditation, coaches must undertake 1-2 day RFU-run practical training courses, and pass both written exams and practical coaching assessments.

Interested in getting involved?

We are always keen to encourage parents to take an active involvement in coaching the minis.  For those parents who want to coach, but perhaps have played but not coached before, Durham City RFC will assist by providing subsidised RFU Coaches training courses.  For those parents who are simply willing to lend a hand every once in a while, then we are happy to see you too and we will provide practical instruction to help you get involved and enjoy the drill sessions.

 Continuous Skill Development:

At DCRFC, at any point in time you will be able to talk to a coach and gain an insight into the progress your child has made towards improving his/her technical rugby skills.  At each age level our coaches have established a simple rating system to record the continuous improvement of skill levels both for the group as a whole and on an individual player level.  Your child’s coaches will be happy to guide you through the appropriate Skill Matrix (see example below) for your child, and to give you a preview of the areas of technical skill development which the group will be focussing upon within the upcoming four week period of training.

COMPETITIONS

Throughout the season the Mini-Midi Rugby section will be involved in competitive fixtures.  The fixture lists are designed to allow sufficient training time to develop individual and team unit skills, and test the young players against other teams from local clubs.  Each age grade has its own restrictions on the maximum number of games permitted each season.  Typically, in addition to these fixtures the club will enter teams into the following tournament

• County 7s
• County Cup
• Darlington Festival

Where there are sufficient numbers the club will enter more than one team in each age grade and endeavour to give every child a game.

Team selection for these competitions will be made on the basis of regular attendance at training sessions.

CONTINUUM

The game of rugby is introduced to young players via the Rugby Continuum which provides playing and coaching guidelines in three incremental steps.  In summary, by adhering to these three steps (known as Mini-Midi Rugby), young players will be developed to a physical and technical level, to allow them to safely participate in a full 15-a-side game at Under 13 age group.

The three incremental steps are as follows:

·         Mini Tag Rugby is played by Under 7 and Under 8 age grades.  Both grades play to the same rules with regard to pitch size and ball size etc, with the exception that Under 8s can only be tagged a maximum number of times.

·         Mini Rugby is played by Under 9 and Under 10 age grades.  Contact is introduced, as well as scrums and line-outs at this stage.  Both play to the same rules, except that with Under 9s scrums & line-outs are uncontested, whereas Under 10s have contested set pieces.

·         Midi Rugby is played by Under 11 and Under 12 age grades.

SPIRIT OF RUGBY

The Continuum places great emphasis on encouraging the correct attitude to enjoyment of the sport as well as teamwork and respect for the efforts of others.  Whilst everybody likes to win, it is important that the rugby club and specifically the coaches of young people, ensure that the wider values of the game are wholeheartedly adopted by all young players.  The RFU and Durham City RFC are committed to promoting a positive rugby culture. 

PLAYER SAFETY

The playing rules which govern each stage of the Continuum, are specifically designed to protect young players whilst at the same time encourage technical skill development.  Players will be governed by various modifications to the laws of the game.  As they progress through the age grades these modifications are gradually reduced.  In the wider context, all those involved in the Mini-Midi Rugby ensure that risks are minimized.  For example, Durham City regularly arrange RFU Coach Education Courses to allow all DCRFC coaches to gain an understanding of coaching young players safely

EQUIPMENT/KIT NEEDED

PLAYING KIT:

Shirt: All players will require a shirt to wear at training and on match days.  Club shirts are blue/gold and can be purchased from the Canterbury of Durham store.  Alternatively, representatives from the store will regularly be available with displays of products, in the clubhouse after training.

Boots: Boots are recommended as once the summer ends and wetter weather prevails, training shoes will become dangerous and uncomfortable in the slippery conditions.  Whilst it is acceptable for players to wear soccer boots, they must be fitted with rugby studs (kitemarked) or moulded studs.

Shorts:  preferably blue, but as long as they are sturdy, the colour really does not matter.

Socks: Official club socks are blue with gold bands around the top.  Again they can be purchased from the Canterbury of Durham store.

SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT:

Gumshields: Mouthguards are highly recommended for Under 7 and Under 8 players and compulsory for Under 9s and above when playing in representative fixtures.  Players may opt for either “dentist fitted” or the less expensive standard guards that can be moulded to fit at home.  Mouthguards are available from the club shop.  As youngsters teeth are constantly changing the home moulded guard is usually the most sensible option.

Scrum cap: An optional accessory, particularly for young players regularly playing in a scrum position.

Upper body padding: Padding, if worn, should be RFU approved.  Parents please be aware that although on paper body padding may reduce the risk of injury upon contact, in young children it can encourage something of a “Superman” attitude whereby children throw themselves into the game more recklessly.  This can be to the detriment of the majority of the players who do not have it, and may induce a more serious injury on the wearer than in normal circumstances.

FAIRPLAY IN RUGBY

Excerpt from the IRB Playing Charter

Everyone concerned with the Mini-Midi Rugby section at DCRFC is committed to the idea of “Fair Play for All”.  The codes that appear on the next few pages have been produced by the RFU and are our reference points.  Whether we be coaches, players, parents/guardians or spectators, these guidelines help remind us all why we give up our Sunday mornings, and enjoy being part of this great game.

GOOD PLAYERS CODE

At Durham City we encourage all young players to recognise the efforts made by coaches, parents/guardians and match officials to provide them with an opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment, as well as supporting their development as players and young people.

IN RUGBY UNION, AS A YOUNG PLAYER YOU SHOULD:

·         REMEMBER THAT IMPROVING YOUR SKILL AND HAVING FUN ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE GAME

·         BE ATTENTIVE AT ALL TRAINING SESSIONS.  REMEMBER THAT YOUR COACH IS WORKING HARD TO:

o        DEVELOP YOUR SKILL

o        ENSURE SAFE TECHNIQUE

o        IMPROVE TEAM PLAY

·         WORK EQUALLY HARD FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR TEAM MATES, AND EVERYBODY WILL THEN BENEFIT

·         RECOGNISE GOOD PLAY BY OTHERS, INCLUDING YOUR OPPONENTS

·         BE A SPORTSMAN- WHETHER YOU HAVE WON OR LOST

·         PLAY BY THE RULES OF THE GAME, AND ACCEPT THE REFEREE’S DECISION…WITHOUT QUESTION

·         TREAT YOUR FELLOW PLAYERS THE WAY THAT YOU YOURSELF WOULD EXPECT TO BE TREATED

·         KEEP YOUR EMOTIONS UNDER CONTROL.  DO NOT ABUSE YOUR TEAM-MATES, THE REFEREE OR YOUR OPPONENTS

GOOD PARENTS/GUARDIANS CODE

At Durham City we fully appreciate that if young players are to get the most out of their mini rugby experiences, then our coaches and parents/guardians of players must be “partners” in creating an environment in which they will thrive.  We cannot achieve our goals for our individual players, our teams or our club as a whole without you.

At Durham, as a minimum, you will be required to abide by the RFU good parent/guardians guidelines as laid out below, but in addition you will have every opportunity to contribute and support the team(s) both on and off the field.  Your involvement may range from spectating, to helping out with transport to and from games, assisting with coaching to lending expertise to the management of the minis section.

IN RUGBY UNION PARENTS/GUARDIANS SHOULD:

• 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 YOUNG PLAYERS’ EFFORTS RATHER THAN WINNING OR LOSING
• BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUNG PLAYERS EFFORTS RATHER THAN WINNING OR LOSING
• BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUNG PLAYERS’ ABILITY, DO NOT PUSH THEM TOWARDS A LEVEL THAT THEY ARE NOT CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING
• PROVIDE POSITIVE VERBAL FEEDBACK BOTH IN TRAINING & DURING THE GAME.  REMEMBER THAT PERSISTENT, NEGATIVE MESSAGES WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT THE PLAYERS AND REFEREE’S PERFORMANCE & ATTITUDE
• ALWAYS SUPPORT THE RUGBY CLUB 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 YOUNG PLAYERS BOTH FROM YOUR OWN CLUB AND THE OPPOSITION
• RESPECT DECISIONS MADE BY THE MATCH OFFICIALS AND ENCOURAGE YOUNG PLAYERS TO DO LIKEWISE

FUN

Whilst we take our rugby and the development of all of our young players very seriously, we try to create an enjoyable experience for all taking part.  These are some of the specific ways in which we make our training fun…

MUSICAL WARM-UPS

Stretching muscles, to loud rock music

ASSAULT COURSES

Beat the other team (and the coach) around the course

SPOT PRIZES

Chocolate bars to the Best Tackler, Best Support Player, Muddiest Player etc

FANCY DRESS

Themed fancy dress one session per season.

INSURANCE

All registered Mini Midi Rugby players are covered by the appropriate RFU master policy to which Durham City RFC subscribe.  THIS IS COMPULSORY.

The policy provides compensation for accidental death or permanent disability covering youngsters when they are training, playing matches, or travelling to or from matches by coach or train.

In order that the club can apply for cover accurately…it is essential that you submit your child’s registration details to your coach in an accurate and timely manner.

SAFETY & MEDICAL

Rugby is a contact sport and therefore at all times coaches will ensure that the risks of injury to youngsters are minimised.  The whole emphasis of the Continuum is to allow incremental skill development whilst protecting youngsters from the full contact status of the 15 a side game until they are sufficiently experienced and physically mature to participate.  Here are a few of the measures that we take at DCDFC:

Sensible Partnering:

• when organising a coaching session or individual drill, the skill to be taught will be appropriate to the experience of the players involved
• when initially coaching contact skills, partners and groups will be organised by physique
• new starters to under 9s and above, will be “assessed” for contact skills (eg in tackling, mauling & scrum) before being introduced to full contact situation in training or game situations.  Youngsters new to all or any of these techniques will be given separate coaching alongside more experienced players for an appropriate time period

Safe Technique:

Warm-up : Before practising contact skills, a pre-session warm up of all participants will take place.  This is essential to avoid injury to muscles and joints, and also to prepare the youngsters mentally for the session ahead.

Technical Preparation :   Practising the correct technique will dramatically enhance player safety, therefore we make no apology for continuously practice of tackling, scrum, ruck and maul.

Safe Playing Environment:

Grounds and Surrounds:  Pitches, posts, playing surfaces & perimeters are all checked prior to play.

Playing Kit:  No child should play wearing personal jewellery, and they should never take to the field chewing gum.  Studs will be checked on a regular basis.  (see section on Equipment/Kit Needed)

Contact Pads & Tackle Bags:  We will often use contact pads and/or tackle bags in training.  All players will be taught how to correctly handle the bags to ensure their own safety and that of the other participants

Medical Support:

In the unlikely event any player requires immediate first aid treatment, there are at least two qualified First Aiders within the coaching team available every Sunday morning.  Please help us by notifying any of the coaching team of any relevant specialist medical conditions via the contact details sheet given to you at the beginning of each season.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

TRAINING:

Training is usually on Sunday mornings starting at 10.30 (please get players there and ready for 10.15)  until 12noon, followed by the opportunity to socialise in the clubhouse afterwards.  Tea, coffee and other refreshments together with bacon sandwiches and burgers are available at lunchtime.

All parents/guardians are welcome to use the bar after training but, make sure your children have a shower and put on clean clothes before entering the bar area.

MATCHES:

At the beginning of the season a fixture list is produced and circulated to all subscribing players and parents/guardians.  Generally speaking, where a HOME fixture is indicated all players will be expected to arrive at Hollow Drift, no later than 45 minutes prior to kick-off.  In the case of AWAY fixtures, dependant upon the location of the host club, players will be asked to meet at an appropriate time prior to travel.  In both cases, meal tickets will be distributed to all players after the game(s) to provide them with a hot snack (hot dogs, burgers etc) in the clubhouse.  Parents/guardians are more than welcome to join players and coaches after the game in the home or host clubhouse.

CHRISTMAS PARTY:

All children who play (and their siblings) are entitled to come along to our Christmas party, which is held at the clubhouse usually on the last Sunday afternoon before Xmas.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS/COACHES RACE NIGHT:

At least one fund-raising night is organised each season. Specifically, intended for parents/guardians and coaches this usually takes the form of a race night format or a quiz night with prizes.

END OF SEASON BARBECUE:

At the end of each season, the club hosts a Sunday afternoon barbecue to celebrate the successes of the various Mini-Midi Rugby teams.  Informal presentations are made by the coaches of each age grade to recognise individual and team, achievements and improvements.

SUBSCRIPTIONS & FUND-RAISING

Fund-raising:

In a typical season it costs £100,000 to provide the pitches, facilities,

referees, and equipment to enable circa ?? fixtures to take place at the club.  You have already helped to support this effort by paying your subscription for the season, so thank you.  However, in order to balance the books, and to provide finance for new projects (eg new showers) DCRFC need to raise more funds.  You can help in THREE WAYS:

(1)   Use the club bar after training and matches.

(2)  When in the club bar… we encourage everybody to participate in the regular raffles, meat draws, Xmas Raffle etc, as every penny counts!

(3)  Anyone who would like to help by organising a Disco, Quiz Night, or indeed any form of money-raising effort, is invited to contact Derek Best (Executive Manager) or any member of the Executive Committee.

TOURS

A short tour is usually organised prior to the Easter break to allow the entire Mini-Midi Rugby section to play at least two competitive games against teams based outside of the North East region.  This involves a two hour coach journey and an overnight stay.  All players are encouraged to participate, together with one parent/guardian.  As well as the games themselves, this is an excellent opportunity for players, coaches and parents/guardians to socialise.

Speak to your coach for more details.