Welcome !
You have come to a thriving club where youngsters from the age of rising 7
through to 17 are introduced to rugby in a safe, friendly and controlled
manner. Our overall aim is to teach players the basic ball and playing skills,
very much as a team; and share the enjoyment of this increasingly popular
sport. For the younger players, the over-riding objective is for players to be
able to play and develop safely, and to enjoy themselves; wanting to “Come again
next week”. As players progress into the junior section (from the age of 13),
the playing skills and competition become more important and it is hoped the
players will want to continue to play into their adult life and play for the
senior club, representing Derby.
What we do
Weekly coaching
sessions at Haslams Lane are interspersed with matches against other clubs,
roughly every two weeks, getting more often as the teams get older. In
addition, there are several tournaments each year, where we play against clubs
from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire and further afield. We
operate according to strict guidelines set by the Rugby Football Union (RFU),
and the younger “Mini” players have special rules set out in the RFU’s
“Continuum” which provides a pathway through to the adult game.
Which team?
Players join a particular team according to their age at 1st
September. For example, someone with his or her tenth birthday on 13th
March would be under ten on the previous September 1st, and so would
join the “Under 10s”. A team therefore will have players with up to one-year
age difference.
When?
Coaching sessions
are on Sundays throughout the season, begin at 10.15 and end at midday, although
for very young players the finish time can be earlier (the age group coach will
advise). Away matches and tournaments normally require an earlier start, which
is agreed at the time. Junior age groups train in mid-week too - again, please
ask your coach for details.
Clothing and Kit
The player normally provides his/her own kit. For an initial trial period, or
where there is difficulty, the club can provide a shirt. Please ask for a coach
for clarification. During colder months, it is imperative, especially for
the younger players to have several layers of warm clothing. Youngsters’
teeth are extremely vulnerable and the wearing of gum shields is recommended for
training but it is mandatory for matches. Boots need to have safe studs without
sharp edges (most ‘football’ studs are not suitable – aluminium rugby studs are
preferred). From 2006/07 season all “blade” type studs are banned at the club
on safety grounds. The club sells most of the kit a player needs.
Changing
There are showers available and players require a change of clothing following
training or playing, please encourage your child to use these facilities for
hygiene and to obtain food/drinks in the first floor clubhouse: no shower – no
service.
Playing or training clothing is not permitted after a session/game on the first
floor.
Coaches
Each age group has at least one rugby coach who has been trained by the RFU
supervising the training and matches. The coach is the key link between the
club and the player.
Registration and Medical Information
New players are
encouraged to come to several coaching sessions prior to committing for the
season. If he or she then wants to join us properly, the player must register,
through the club, with the England Rugby Football Union. This ensures the
players and club are insured and are operating within the rules of the RFU. The
registration form will also ask for details on any health aspects, which may
affect the safety and health of the player during play. This is very important
for the safety of players, as the head coach of that age group will rely upon
this information.
Family help
When enrolling children into the club, the parents/guardians also become
members. Most of our existing coaches and helpers are parents who through
watching their children play have wanted to become more a part of the coaching
and to be involved with the club. Parents are encouraged to support their child
not only on the touchline but also by helping out with minor administration,
transport, the kit and many other jobs, which need to be done by the entirely
voluntary helpers in the club. Please complete the ‘Volunteer’s Form’ in this
pack and return it with your child’s registration.
The Clubhouse
A friendly family atmosphere is encouraged and players, families and their
friends are very welcome into the clubhouse after training or matches. Hot
snacks & meals, sweets, and beverages of all kinds are sold and, of course,
Haslams is open every day and rooms can be hired for family or business events.
Club personnel
The section has the help of many people, although more help is always greatly
appreciated, for all sorts of duties. Coaches, team administration officers,
and members of the Mini and Junior section committee, would be glad to answer
any questions you may have or respond to offers of help.
Use of photographic materials for promotion purposes
It is the general
practice at Derby RFC to use video and still photography of matches and
training, involving both children and adult coaching staff, for promotional and
training purposes. This includes posters, web page content and media editorial.
Please complete the declaration on the club registration form to indicate your
acceptance of this practice.
Finally – enjoy
yourselves!
