Marlow RUFC: Youth Section Manual 2015/16
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27 May 2015
Marlow RUFC Youth Manual
Contents
1.
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 2
2.
Application and Maintenance of this Procedure Document (Director of Youth Rugby) ....................... 2
3.
Vision ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Policy and DBS (Child Protection Officer) (Updated Feb
2013) ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
5.
Fixtures and Youth Structured Season (Youth Fixtures Sec) ................................................................. 6
6.
Outgoing Tours ...................................................................................................................................... 8
7.
Incoming Tours .................................................................................................................................... 13
8.
Financial Transparency ........................................................................................................................ 14
9.
Player Registration, Subscriptions and Rugby First (Membership Sec) ............................................... 16
10.
Behaviour for players, coaches and supporters ................................................................................ 17
11.
Disciplinary procedures (Hon Secretary) ........................................................................................... 19
12.
Coach development (Club Coach Coordinator) ................................................................................. 21
13.
Allocation of Pitches (Director of Rugby) .......................................................................................... 28
14.
Appointment of Referees: (Club Referee Coordinator) .................................................................... 30
15.
Mid- Week Training (2015-16 Season) (Director of Youth Rugby) .................................................... 32
16.
Equipment (Director Youth Rugby) ................................................................................................... 33
17.
First Aid .............................................................................................................................................. 35
Marlow RUFC Mini to Youth Rugby FAQ................................................................................................ 37
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1. Introduction



The Youth Section Manual describes the vision, structure, contacts, policies and procedures
used by Marlow RUFC Youth Section. The aim of this document is to aid those involved with
Youth Rugby to comply the necessary regulations, principles and guidelines. Whilst every effort
is made to maintain this document up-to-date, it is the responsibility of the individual to ensure
they comply with all requirements.
The policies and procedures are written and should be shared widely, within and without the
Club, so that there is clarity, transparency, consistency and continuity of activities and purpose.
The Youth Section is part of the “Rugby Family” that is Marlow RUFC. All involved in Youth
Rugby are encouraged to make use of all the facilities and opportunities provided and to
support both the Mini and Senior sections of the Club. All Youth age groups are expected to
organise and hold at least one function per season at the Club. They are encouraged to
participate in more.
2. Application and Maintenance of this Procedure Document (Director of
Youth Rugby)
Policy
1. Marlow RUFC Youth Section conforms with all RFU Regulations in particularly Regulation 15 for Age
Grade Rugby and the RFU’s Guidance Notes. Nothing contained in this document is intended to
conflict with RFU guidance.
2. Youth Section policies and procedures must not conflict with Club policies as provided by the
Management Committee. The Director of Youth Rugby is an officer of the club and a member of the
Management Committee. He or she both represents Youth Rugby issues and provides leadership to
the Youth Section ensuring that Club policies are adhered to and that the Youth Section’s activities
enhance the good standing of the Club.
3. The “owner” of this Youth Section Manual is the Director of Youth Rugby (DoYR). Proposals for
changes should be made via the Youth Section Committee.
4. Just as the New Rules of Play changed the approach to Mini Rugby, the Age Grade Competition
Review (AGCR) is being implemented to Youth Rugby at Clubs. The AGCR will affect U13 Club rugby
nationally from Sept 2016 (although some CBs may adopt in Sept 2015) and at
Representative/County level from Sep 2015. Some schools may not adopt the AGCR at U13 and
therefore coaches should be aware that differences might exist. All Youth Rugby Matches conform
to the IRB Laws of Rugby Union including U19 Variations and RFU U19 Variations.
Procedure
1. Either the Youth Section Committee or an individual identifies a need or gap in policies or
procedures.
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2. The Youth Section Committee agrees general principles and the DoYR confirms they align with Club
policies; an author is appointed.
3. The author writes the procedure, obtaining input from stakeholders.
a. Write the policy and procedure on one side of paper.
b. Keep it simple.
c. Use hyperlinks to reference other documents.
4. The author presents the new policy and procedure for discussion and agreement at the Youth
Section Committee.
5. The DoYR ensures the Youth Section Manual is updated.
3. Vision
The Marlow RUFC Mission Statement is:
“To provide enjoyment and challenge for all people in the Marlow and surrounding areas through Rugby
Football”.
Marlow RUFC Youth Section’s vision is to provide the best youth rugby playing and coaching experience
in the UK so that boys will:




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
Develop a life-long passion for the game
Develop pride and passion for Marlow RUFC
Understand and uphold the values and spirit of the game:
o Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship for teammates,
opponents and the referee
Achieve their own playing and development goals
Foster excellent relationships with other Clubs, Schools and County.
Have fun
This enjoyment and challenge will come from:

Learning and developing the individual and team skills of the game

Learning to play with both commitment to win and respect for opponents

Through social activities and tours
The Mission of Marlow RUFC Youth Section is to maximise the number of boys actively participating in
club rugby at each age group operating in, and supporting, the other sections of Marlow RUFC. Our
aspiration is to have sufficient participation to routinely field at least 2 sides at each of U13-U16 age
groups and at least two Academy sides able to participate in both U17 and U18 Cup competitions as well
as OBB leagues and ultimately to provide Colts players representing the Club’s senior men’s teams
(within the RFU’s Regulations).
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4. Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Policy and DBS (Child
Protection Officer) (Updated Feb 2013)
Policy
1. Marlow RUFC confirms that it adheres to the Rugby Football Union’s Safeguarding Policy and the
procedures, practices and guidelines and endorse and adopt the Policy Statement contained in that
document. Specifically Managers/AGOs are responsible for ensuring the application and
compliance with this Policy and all related regulations.
2. The RFU Safeguarding Policy sets out the key principles as well as providing best practice guidance.
Everyone shares the responsibility for safeguarding and, therefore, this policy and guidance will be
both relevant and useful for all those involved in creating safe environments in rugby union whether
as a parent, coach, spectator or club official.
3. Marlow RUFC expects all adults who routinely come into contact with children through Club rugby
(incl Coaches, Managers/AGOs, First Aiders, helpers etc) hold an in-date Disclosure & Baring Service
(DBS) certificate issued for the RFU. Where this is not the case (for example a ‘guest’ coach or a
coach awaiting a DBS renewal) that individual’s interaction with children should be supervised by
someone holding an in-date DBS certificate.
Procedure
1. Marlow RUFC will implement and comply with the RFU Code of Conduct and the Codes of Conduct
for Coaches, Spectators and Officials as appropriate. We will follow the Club’s Safeguarding
Children & Vulnerable Adults Policy.
2. Marlow RUFC will endeavour to comply with the Guidance for Websites as set out on the RFU
website.
3. If you witness or are aware of an incident where the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult has been
put at risk you must in the first instance inform the Club Safeguarding Officer. They will then inform
the CB Safeguarding Manager and the RFU Safeguarding Executive. If an incident involves the Club
Safeguarding Officer you should inform the Club Chairman or Secretary and either the CB
Safeguarding Manager or the RFU Safeguarding Executive.
4. All members of Marlow RUFC who have a regular supervisory contact with children or a
management responsibility for those working with children must undertake an RFU Enhanced
Criminal Records Bureau disclosure (now called DBS) and must also be ISA-registered in accordance
with the RFU ISA-registration Policy.
5. Marlow RUFC will ensure that all its members, whether they are coaches, parents, players or
officials will comply with the Best Practice Guidance as issued by the RFU. In summary, the
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following are NOT acceptable and will be treated seriously by the Club and may result in disciplinary
action being taken by the Club, the CB or the RFU:

Working alone with a child, children, vulnerable adult, or adults.

Consuming alcohol whilst responsible for children or vulnerable adults.

Providing alcohol to children or allowing its supply.

Smoking in the presence of children.

Humiliating children or vulnerable adults.

Inappropriate or unnecessary physical contact with a child or vulnerable adult.

Participating in, or allowing, contact or physical games with children or vulnerable adults.

Having an intimate or sexual relationship with any child or vulnerable adult developed as a
result of being in a ‘position of trust.’

Making sexually explicit comments or sharing sexually explicit material.
6. Marlow RUFC manages the changing facilities and the age group is to ensure supervision by two
adults (RFU DBS (formerly CRB) checked) of the appropriate gender for the players using the
facilities. Head Coach/AGO must ensure that all its coaches, parents, officials and spectators are
aware that adults must not change at the same time, using the same facilities as children or
vulnerable adults.
7. Marlow RUFC will ensure that its coaches and team managers will receive the support and training
considered appropriate to their position and role. The RFU “Managing Challenging Behaviour”
Policy has been adopted and circulated amongst the Club workforce both, voluntary and paid.
8. Any events held on Marlow RUFC premises must comply with this Policy and if appropriate a
Safeguarding Plan should be discussed and circulated to those affected. Any tours, overseas or
domestic, undertaken by Marlow RUFC must comply with the relevant RFU Regulations and
Guidance relating to tours.
9. Finally, age group coaches are to ensure that they, and all parents comply with the Game’s
Touchline Behaviour Requirements particularly the Spectator Code.
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5. Fixtures and Youth Structured Season (Youth Fixtures Sec)
Policy
1.
Aim: To ensure that all youth teams have both friendly and competition matches booked into their
respective schedules for the upcoming season, that are appropriate and competitive.
2.
All Youth fixtures will be arranged in accordance with the RFU’s Youth Structured Season. The
structured season provides a framework for young players at all levels in clubs and schools, to
develop their involvement in the sport through a balance of matches and skills/training
development. The overriding principle is that the needs of young players should come first.
3.
The purpose of the Youth Structured Season is to enable training, fixtures and competitions to be
planned by the Constituent Body Rugby Development Partnership (CBRDP) {in our case Bucks RFU
(incl OBB)} within the context of all the participants’ requirements. The RFU’s YSS is adapted by
Bucks RFU and therefore is not necessarily an accurate representation of CB/County or
Development Player Pathway (DPP) dates.
Procedure for Youth Fixtures Secretary
1. In the preceding January prepare a blank fixtures document – the template is located in the
Documents section of the Club website. Update all the dates and input bank holidays, school
holidays, etc. It is essential to obtain and include the Minis Section planned fixtures at this stage as
the club’s capacity to host Youth fixtures is driven by the activities of the Mini Section.
2. At the same time it is helpful to send a note to all youth age group AGOs asking for their “wish list”
for the next season. The coaches then send the Fixtures Secretary a list of clubs they would like to
play and the names of any clubs they definitely don’t want to play, striking a balance between
competitiveness and enjoyment. This takes into account how far they are willing to travel as this
does differ from age group to age group.
3. In January, the Fixtures Secretary should receive from Bucks RFU the County YSS for the following
season indicating the dates of County League/Cup fixtures for U13-U16 as well as any County
activities (eg Developing Player Programme (DPP)). The fixtures document should be updated with
this info so that clashes can be avoided. It is essential to assume all Competition matches are
‘Home’ fixtures until the draw is finally published. If the YSS is not provided it should be assumed
the matches will be scheduled in the same week as in the preceding season.
4. On the last Friday in January the Fixture Exchange (www.fixex.com) meeting takes place at
Twickenham. Clubs from all over the South East gather to arrange as many Youth fixtures as they
can for the following season. It is advisable to take the fixtures document on an A3 sheet. The
arranging of fixtures needs to be done in accordance with the Pitch Allocation Policy located later in
this Manual.
5. It is also advisable to take fixtures appointments cards so that these can be given out to any club
that you make an arrangement with. They then have a record of the details of the fixture and the
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relevant contacts. The Fixtures Secretary should ensure that they record contact details of the
person the arrangement has been made with, so that the AGO can contact them prior to the match.
FIXTURE
CONFIRMATION.doc
Attached shows the fixtures confirmation appointment card.
6. Whilst at the meeting at Twickenham the Fixtures Secretary should aim to make contact with those
clubs that have featured on each age groups “wish list”. Some clubs have a Fixtures Secretary who
arranges matches for all age groups whilst others require age groups to make these arrangements
individually.
7. Once the fixtures list has been updated from this meeting the Fixtures Secretary can identify “gaps”
additional fixtures can then be added through contact with local clubs. Details can usually be found
on their various websites, or by using The Fixture Exchange website.
8. NOTE: The younger age groups should not be overplayed. A number of players will have an
additional diet of School rugby and some may have DPP/County rugby too. In addition, the club has
a responsibility to balance match play with development and quality coaching. As a rule the
following number of matches should not be exceeded: U13&14 – 15-17 matches + Cup; U15&U16 –
11-14 matches + League + Cup. Whilst the Academy may require matches most weeks it is worth
bearing in mind that on friendly weekends stronger players will be encouraged to gain experience of
adult rugby (subject to the playing up regulations).
9. The Fixtures Secretary should also liaise with the Ladies’ Captain/Admin to identify any potential
conflicts between Ladies’ matches and Academy on Sunday afternoons, as there may be a conflict of
changing room space.
10. Between May - July details of the Cup and League draws are received and the fixtures list updated.
At this point, it maybe necessary to re-arrange some of the planned friendly fixtures because of lack
of pitches/space at the Club. It is only now you know if Marlow has drawn home or away fixtures
for the Cup and League.
11. The fixtures list is then issued to all age groups.
12. Any further changes or liaison becomes the responsibility of the individual age groups. Although no
additional “Home” fixtures should be added without approval of the Fixtures Sec/Pitch Allocations.
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6. Outgoing Tours
Policy
Junior & Mini tours will abide by the RFU Tour Guidelines – see
http://www.englandrugby.com/governance/game-support/rugby-tours/
For all tours the Youth/Mini Director should be consulted at the earliest opportunity. For overseas tours
(incl Wales, Scotland and Ireland – see Cross Union Match Approval Guidelines), the Youth/Mini Director
will advise Hon. Secretary of the intention to tour. They will be responsible for compliance with this
policy and ensuring that RFU approval forms are prepared in good time to get Club, County and RFU
approval.
Procedure
1. Tours are a long-standing tradition of rugby and the best tours are usually the result of good
planning. This checklist will help you get started.
2. Appoint Tour Committee officials and agree tour objectives:

Tour Manager

Treasurer (essential)

Coach(es)

Players Rep / Tour Captain
3. Tour Manager to call meetings and minute all agreed actions relating to:
8

Speak to prospective host Clubs

Arrange for travelling officials, (and parents if they are to be sleeping in same
accommodation as players), to all be in possession of CRB checks

Clarify and formally confirm tour agreement with hosts including financial arrangements

Agree within Tour Committee:

Destination

Dates

Numbers in party

Mode of travel and transfer arrangements
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Type of accommodation (hotel, motel, B&B, billets, etc)
4. Once these details are confirmed it is important to begin the process of obtaining permission to tour
from the Club (all tours1) and then the RFU via Bucks RFU, through the Club Hon Secretary (for
overseas / cross-Union tours (eg Wales, Ireland etc). This is done by completing both the
Application Form and the checklists contained in the RFU’s Touring with Children Guide.
5. In planning your tour the following considerations apply:

Set Tour Budget including consideration as to Cash Flow requirements in relation to
purchase of flights etc as appropriate

Agree Fund Raising Target

Seek sponsors

Arrange Fund Raising events to hit target

Arrange tour meeting with squad and parents, obtain commitment and financial
deposits. (see attached example)

Identify tour apparel requirements, and place order with supplier to ensure delivery in
good time prior to departure.

Confirm with Host Club precise age range of players, recognising differences between
UK and Italy and France

Confirm with Host Club colour of shirts

Take out RFU recommended insurance with Marsh (see attached example)
Insurance
100309.doc
1

Decide on appropriate gifts to exchange

Book coach transfers in UK and abroad as necessary

Produce a tour party roll with addresses, telephone numbers, emergency contacts, One
copy to be taken on tour, one left with Home Emergency Contact
Note for these purposes a Tour is defined as any training activity and/or match/series of
matches away from Marlow RUFC where it is planned for a group of players to stay away from
home overnight.
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Arrange for all players and their parents to fill in and sign Health Declaration, Dietary
HEALTH
DECLARATION CONSENT FORM.doc
Needs and Consent Form (see example attached

)
Arrange for all players and their parents to fill in and sign Good Behaviour Bond (see
example attached
Good Behaviour
Bond (U16).doc
)

Identify non travelling Home Emergency contact

Establish and agree all duties required of officials, players and baggage master
Duty rota.doc

Draw up a Tour Officials duty roster (see example
)
Risk Assessment.doc

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Under take Tour Risk Assessment (see example attached)
Tour information
pack FINAL.doc

Produce Tour Information Pack (see example attached

Tour objectives

Tour Itinerary including details of games, training sessions and free time

Confirm squad

Confirm Tour Management Team

Addresses and phone numbers for tour locations

Obtain photocopies of all passports two months ahead of departure to ensure that
passports are valid and for use in the event of loss of passport when abroad – one copy
on tour, the other to remain with Home Emergency Contract

Obtain copy of European Health Insurance Card [EHIC] from each tourist (previously was
E111)
) to include:
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
Arrange currency and how it will be securely distributed amongst the Tour Management
team

Arrange rooming allocations prior to departure so as to ensure that cliques are avoided
– undertake a draw for room sharing.

Arrange tour kit (usually two large kit bags reqd)
i. Medical kit
ii. Water bottles
iii. Full set of shirts
iv. Cones
v. Training balls
vi. Tackle shields (as appropriate)
vii. Club shields or pennants for exchange
viii. Gifts

Arrange final Tour meeting for players and parents to:

Issue of items of kit, bags etc

Confirm discipline requirements with parents

Code of Conduct

Dress Code

Necessity of possession of both Passports and EHIC for players to board coach for
departure
6. On return from tour:
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
Send letters of thanks to host clubs (example attached

Reconcile accounts
Thank you letter
200409.doc
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Formally report to Club, RFU and sponsors (see example attached
27 May 2015
Tour Report
Form.doc
See also the following link:
http://www.englandrugby.com/governance/game-support/rugby-tours/resources-and-forms
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7. Incoming Tours
Policy
1. For tours by clubs from other unions (incl Ireland, Scotland and Wales) it is essential to comply with
the RFU regulations on incoming tours. RFU Incoming Tour guidelines can be found at:
http://www.englandrugby.com/governance/game-support/rugby-tours/
Procedure
1. For all Incoming Tours and before committing to any visiting team, confirm:
a. Pitch availability.
b. Changing room availability.
c. Catering and bar availability.
d. Match official availability.
2. AGO is to:
a. Advise Youth Director and Hon. Secretary of the intention to receive an incoming tour
(club names, age group, dates etc),
b. Ensure that RFU approval forms (if reqd) are prepared in good time to get Club, County
and RFU approval
c. Be responsible for compliance, and
d. Let Hon Sec have a copy of Tour Documentation as authorised by Youth Director in
advance of the tour.
3. It is important to note club, county and RFU approval takes time and it is strongly advised to present
application forms and tour details to the Club at least 3 months prior to receiving the incoming tour.
4. Application forms need to be submitted to the RFU Constituent Body via the Club’s Hon Sec.
Application forms need to be with the RFU at least one month prior to the arrival of the incoming
tour and be found at:
http://www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/Governance/ClubSupport/01/30/44/68/Incoming_T
our_Form_Neutral.pdf
5. Hosting Age Group is to ensure correct behaviour of all players and spectators during the tourists’
visit to the Club’s grounds and premises. Hosts should be alert to tourists seeking to obtain
unauthorized mementoes of their visit.
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8. Financial Transparency
Policy
1. It is recognised that for each Youth team to operate it needs to generate, control and be able to spend
its own funds. This is both for the purpose of running the section on an annual basis (team kit, prizes,
gifts, laundry, training coaches and referees, shirts, etc) and for touring. Significant sums of money
are involved and so it is vital that all transactions are conducted in an open and equitable manner.
2. The basic principles to apply are Transparency, Equity and Openness.
3. Financial controls for each Youth team must be consistent with the RFU guidelines to be found at:
http://www.englandrugby.com/governance/club-support/financial-management/accounts/
Procedure
1. Each age group to nominate a responsible adult as their treasurer. That individual to be responsible
for ensuring correct collection, control, expenditure and accounting for all age-group funds.
2. No expense should be incurred on behalf of an age group without prior approval by the treasurer. If it
is the treasurer intending to spend the age group’s funds then the treasurer should obtain prior
approval from the age-group head-coach or manager.
3. All sections will need to maintain at least one bank or building society account. There may be a
separate account for tour funds, but no age group should have more than 2 accounts. Funds should
not be held in an individual’s or company’s account.
4. Each account should require 2 out of 2 or 3 signatories, with the treasurer’s signature always being
required. For the purpose of control it is not recommended that more than 3 signatories are enacted.
For electronic transfers a separate record, eg an approval form, should be used.
5. Each age-group treasurer to produce a set of accounts on at least on an annual/rugby season basis to
be shared with all parents and if requested by the Club Treasurer, Chairman or the Youth Director.
Accounts do not have to be in a particular format, but do need to be easily understandable and to
clearly show income, expenditure and funds available in cash or in all accounts. These accounts should
be reviewed and agreed by an independent person of sound financial management capabilities. This
set of accounts to be made available to all parents in the age-group and preferably formally agreed at
a meeting to which all are invited. The treasurer should also prepare a financial forecast for the next
year / season.
6. The age-group funds belong to that peer group as it progresses through youth rugby rather than to
individual members therein. Thus there is no right of withdrawal. Marlow RUFC will not be liable for
any creditors of an individual age group. At the end of an age group’s time in youth rugby, either
through progressing into adult rugby or due to disbandment of an age group, a decision needs to be
made as to what should happen with the remaining funds. The treasurer, age-group head-coach and
manager should consult with players and parents and then recommend how these funds should be
used. This recommendation should be agreed by a majority of eligible parents either in a meeting or
by some form of ballot. Each player in an age group creates the right to one vote in any such ballot.
Funds may be used to fund a tour, kit, gifts / mementoes, donated to other youth age groups, given to
a recognised rugby charity or donated to the main club. All age groups are encouraged to use any such
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funds for rugby related purposes and are strongly recommended to discuss any such plans with the
Youth Director.
7. In the event of any disputes or disagreements these should initially be raised with the age-group
treasurer. If not resolved at age-group level they should be escalated to the Youth Director, and if not
resolved by the Youth Director, should ultimately be escalated to the Management Committee of
Marlow RUFC.
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9. Player Registration, Subscriptions and Rugby First (Membership Sec)
Policy
1. Youth Rugby is part of the Marlow RUFC “Family” and is not in any way a separate club. All involved in
Youth Rugby (Parents/Guardians and Players) are required to be members of Marlow RUFC. This is
achieved through the vehicle of Family Membership.
2. The avoidance or evasion of paying subscriptions essentially creates a “tax” on other members of the
Club. Whilst the Club has a responsibility to administer subs effectively, each member also has a
responsibility to pay their subs where they are aware they are due.
Procedure
1. Membership of the Club is annual with an annual subscription that should be paid as outlined on the
Membership Form.
2. During each membership year, members’ subscriptions are payable even if they do not play for a
period due to personal reasons, including illness or injury.
3. Annual membership runs from 1st Sept to 31st Aug respectively.
4. Players under 18 must be part of a Family Membership.
5. Membership by age is defined as on the 31st August, at the start of the season.
6. New members may be permitted to train or play for a maximum of four weeks before they must
become a paying member of the Club, with subscriptions falling due immediately.
7. Playing members with a paid up subscription will be subject to the Club’s provided insurance cover in
accordance with RFU guidelines; however, the Club recommends that individuals consider whether
personal accident insurance might be appropriate to their circumstances.
8. Before the start of each season all players recorded on the RFU Membership database will be deregistered and their RFU playing number suspended by the Membership Secretary. Upon receipt of
payment they will be re-registered and then become eligible to participate in organized competitions.
9. If a parent is deemed to have evaded payment then their continued membership of the Club will
come under review. In all cases, except genuine hardship, parents will need to settle any “arrears” and
pay all due subs before they and their children are able to be members next season.
10. Each season genuine hardship cases should be brought to the Club Management Committee by the
AGO (via Membership Sec/Director of Youth) for consideration having thought for the individual
circumstances and the sensitivity. There must be no presumption and cases should be reviewed at
least annually. In the first instance alternative mechanisms such as staged payments (eg pre-dated
cheques) and age group sponsorship should be considered.
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Behaviour for players, coaches and supporters
Policy
1. Rugby is a game of long traditions, which have developed over time into a number of values that
guide the way the game is played and how players, coaches, officials and supporters conduct
themselves.
2. At its core, rugby is a physical game and a fundamental value is one of respect - for opponents,
teammates and officials. It is expected that all parents and spectators comply with the Game’s
Touchline Behaviour Requirements particularly the Spectator Code. Rugby for the vast majority
remains a sport played for enjoyment. As such, other core values we aspire to are firm and inclusive.
Those values embedded in the codes of conduct below.
Procedure
Parents’ Code

Do not force an unwilling child to participate - its supposed to be for them, and you may put them off
rugby forever.

Encourage your child to understand and play within the rules.

Teach your child that taking part and trying your best are more important than winning.

Focus your child on practicing their skills, sportsmanship and being part of a team. Winning isn't
everything and not everyone can score the winning try.

Support and encourage your child - never criticize them for making mistakes. Console them for losing,
but encourage them to try harder next time.

Set an example for sportsmanship - applaud good play by all.

Never publicly criticize a referee or linesman - there is no place for 'touchline rage' in Youth rugby.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sport. Report anything to the
Child Protection Officer or Chairman.

Help the Club function properly by turning up on time with the appropriate kit. Be prepared to help
out if asked.

Support your coaches - they are giving up their time to train your child. If you have any issues with the
way a coach is performing, talk to them first. Refer any issues to an Officer of the Club.
Coaches’ Code

Don't overload young players with demands, technical information and tactics - remember they are
children and they are playing rugby for fun.

Don't over play the better players - include everyone.
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
Players develop at different times and in different ways - make allowances for their physical,
emotional and mental maturity and development.

Winning isn't everything - teach your players to enjoy taking part and performing to the best of their
ability. Encourage each player to reach his or her potential.

Never abuse, yell, criticize or ridicule children for making mistakes or losing a game.

Be organised - establish a structure for the season, prepare a coaching plan for each session, have the
appropriate kit. Above all, communicate to players parents and fellow coaches to set expectations.

Make sure players develop an understanding of the rules and laws of the game, that they respect
opponents, teammates, coaches and officials.

Never question an official's judgement or honesty.

Ensure players and parents behaviour is appropriate and in keeping with the spirit of the game and
the expectations of the Club.
Players’ Code

Play to enjoy rugby - always try your best to improve your skills and play well.

Play within the rules and laws of the game.

Never argue with referees or coaches - their decision is final, (even if you think that they are wrong).

Rugby is a team game - do your best for your teammates and don't try to grab all that glory for
yourself.

Don't show off, lose your cool, pick on other players or generally misbehave - it's not part of rugby.

If you lose, accept it with good grace and try harder next time.

Respect good play - from opponents or your team.

Help teammates, opponents, coaches and officials - you can't play rugby on your own.

Do not play if you are carrying an injury.
The codes of conduct above set out the values and behaviours we aspire to. We also have Terms and
Conditions that formalise some aspects of the codes and several other points that help to ensure the
smooth and safe operation of Marlow Rugby Club Youth Section.
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Disciplinary procedures (Hon Secretary)
Policy
The procedure below applies to a boy who has either been sent off or cited while playing for Marlow
RUFC. In line with the RFU Age Grade Rugby – Disciplinary Procedures the procedures below are to be
followed in the case of players up to and including U18 teams. If a player is aged 17 or over and is playing
for an U19 or adult team then he will be subject to the RFU adult disciplinary rules and procedures. The
full RFU Age Grade Procedure can be found at RFU Regulation 19 Appendix 6
Procedure
1. In the event of a sending off, the relevant AGO should obtain a copy of the referees report into the
incident within 48 hours (but preferably before the referee leaves the ground).
2. The Referee will also be expected to send a copy of his report to the relevant Constituent Body (and if
appropriate his Society Secretary).
3. The report should be forwarded by the Age Group to the Director of Youth Rugby who (supported by
the Hon Secretary) should after due consideration convene a hearing at the earliest convenience –
ideally within 72 hours.
4. The hearing panel should consist of at least 3 officers: the Director of Youth, the Child Welfare Officer
and ideally a club Society Referee – at least one being considered independent of the player/age
group. ALL panel members MUST be DBS checked. The CB Schools & Youth Disciplinary Secretary
(Bob Hardman) should be informed in advance and, ideally, will oversee all hearings for consistency
but will not form part of the panel.
5. Whilst the Referee is the sole judge of fact during a game, in disciplinary proceedings his decision
may be challenged.
6. The player must be heard and can be represented (e.g. parent accompanying)
7. The panel will decide whether they find the case proven (on balance of probabilities) and provide the
player with the reasons for their findings.
8. The player has the right to appeal but the appeal must be made within 7 days (see 13 below).
9. Any sanctions deemed appropriate by the Panel should apply to all matches (school and club)2
10. Any sanctions applied should be in line with the RFU guidelines for disciplinary matters (see link
above) and in particular take into account

2
The player’s age and experience
The Age Group is responsible for communicating any sanction to the player’s school. Similarly,
the age group should recognise any sanction, which it learns has been gained through school
rugby.
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 The player’s disciplinary record
 The circumstances of the offence
 Any mitigation and remorse shown
11. The sanction should not be so severe as to discourage players from continuing in the sport.
12. Any suspension relates to matches but does not stop a player from training (indeed they should be
encouraged to do so)
13. If the player wishes to appeal the decision they must do so in writing to the National Schools and
Youth Disciplinary Secretary at the RFU.
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Coach development (Club Coach Coordinator)
Policy
1. Each Youth age group must have at least one 15-a-side qualified (currently minimum of Rugby Ready +
Scrum Factory CPD) Coach per 15 registered players (or part thereof).
2. It is highly desirable that in Youth Rugby each age group should have at least one Level 2 qualified
Coach.
3. The Club will appoint a Club Coach Coordinator (CCC). The CCC will provide a one-stop source for
Coaches to better understand what courses, programmes and events are promoted, and/or delivered
by either the Club or the RFU Coaching Development Department.
Procedure
1. Coaching is a valuable and rewarding way to get or stay involved in rugby union it is also one of the
most crucial factors in developing, sustaining and increasing participation in the game. To be an
effective coach, requires individuals to fulfil a number of different roles, covering the technical,
tactical, physical and mental aspects demanded by the game. Volunteers new to coaching should
refer to the My Rugby Academy tool to assess the courses most appropriate to their needs. will need
to undertake a foundation course such as the Rugby Ready Course, which should be supplemented by
regular CPD.
2. The absolute minimum requirement to coach Youth Rugby (ie the XV-a-Side game) is attendance at
both a Rugby Ready course AND Scrum Factory CPD and it is preferable to also have attended the
Safeguarding “Play it Safe” Workshop. Alternatively, successful completion of the Level 1 Coaching
Certificate prior to 2012 is acceptable.
3. Continuous Personal Development (CPD) exists in almost every occupation. The RFU offers a range of
CPD courses to help develop Coaches' knowledge and understanding of factors that affect a player’s
performance. Most of the courses are 2- 3 hours in duration and involve some physical participation.
The courses are designed to support Coaches with training appropriate to the type of player they are
working with. The My Rugby Academy Coaching Development Matrix (see below) is a valuable tool to
help you pinpointing your current level of coaching proficiency and identifying the next steps in your
training path, through focussed courses, to fulfil your coaching potential. The CPD Courses currently
available can be found at: Course Booking
4. Player retention is vital to any club. One of the major reasons for players leaving a club, or even
worse the game, is a poor standard of coaching. The Marlow RUFC Coach Development Model will
help meet the needs of Coaches relative to their coaching role and level of expertise. This means that
irrespective of qualification level, ALL coaches can still continue to develop their knowledge and skills.
As well as the formal CPD courses, Coaches at Marlow RUFC can develop through activity such as:
 Gaining coaching experience with other teams eg County, Schools or other age groups.
 Attending Marlow RUFC Coach Development Sessions. (The RFU CRC/Senior club will run 2 events per
season for Mini/Youth Coaches).
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
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Mentoring. Age group Coaches will be available and willing to offer advice and guidance to the
Coaches operating 2 Age Groups below. This will ensure transfer of experience and best practice
throughout the Mini/Youth structure. Not only should they offer advice and guidance to Coaches at
the junior age groups, they should provide opportunities for these Coaches to gain experience
coaching at older age groups.
Coach Licence
5. Coach Licence All coaches who attend and achieve either a Level 1, 2, 3 or 4 qualification will be
granted a coach licence – subject to a satisfactory Disclosure & Baring Service (DBS) check and their
agreement to comply with the Coach Licence Terms and Conditions. Existing qualified coaches are
invited to apply, free of charge, for a coach licence provided they meet the licence requirements.
Maintenance of a Coach Licence will require periodic attendance at CPD events.
6. Level 2 Courses – Entry Requirements: As illustrated on the pathway coaches can further develop by
undertaking the UKCC Level 2 (Coaching the XV a Side game).


Applicants should have current experience of coaching (or about to coach) the XV-a-Side game.
Candidates must have attended (minimum) the Rugby Ready course and Scrum Factory CPD.
7. Funding of Coach Development
Both mentoring and Senior Club sessions represent no cost sources of Coach development. However, RFU
Courses and CPD events do attract a charge. The “Parachute Payment” for Age Groups entering the Youth
Section should be sufficient to allow that age groups to ensure the minimum number of qualified coaches
required including a Level 2 qualification. Additional courses and funding of CPD activities will need to be
met from age group resources.
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Children’s Coach (U7 – U12)
Expert
Director of Rugby
Divisional Coaching
Conferences
Launching October
2013
These are Coach
Education and
information events
organised by the
RFU Game
Development team,
using expert
presenters to
deliver a wide range
of rugby related
themes.
Coach Developer
Coaches who are innovative,
showing leadership in developing
and managing whole rugby
programmes
CPD - Scrum Factory
Advanced
Consolidating and extending your
coaching capabilities into leading
other coaches
Coach
Courses which builds on existing
knowledge and experience to
give a broad range of coaching
expertise
Developing
Coach
Acquiring skills and knowledge to
shape your coaching
New to
Coaching
Courses which will develop the
Foundation skills behind
coaching Rugby Union
23
The course is
designed to help
coaches and players
to understand
individual and
collective
techniques, as well
as position specific
conditioning.
CPD - Mini Goal
Setting
To reach a desired
outcome with
accuracy requires
goal setting, a
method of planning,
committing and
delivering actions
rather than wishes.
Coaching Children
Rugby Union - UKCC
Level 1
This qualification
course offers
guidance on
developing the
whole child through
the game.
Tag
Tag Rugby offers an
ideal medium for
introducing you to
coaching sport and
more specifically to
coaching rugby in an
enjoyable, simple
and safe way. Tag
Rugby is a fastmoving, noncontact invasion
game suitable for
boys and girls to
play together.
Mentoring in Rugby
Union
A course to help you
use your knowledge
and expertise to
develop other
coaches.
A course giving you
the skills to support
other coaches.
CPD - Mini The
Lineout Game
CPD - Mini
Understanding the
Kicking Game
CPD - Mini Maul
and Ruck
The mechanics of
the kick can be
introduced by the
coach using limited
or no pressure to
ensure that players
understand the
specific key factors.
The Maul and Ruck
module focuses on
players’ lack of
game
understanding at
the break down.
Tag to Tackle
Tag 2 Tackle is a
video resource
available on the RFU
Coaching Academy
website which
provides practical
advice to coaches
on ensuring young
players retain their
evasion skills
learned through
Tag, and integrate
those evasion skills
into playing contact
rugby.
Safeguarding "Play
it safe"
The aim of the
three-hour Play It
Safe workshop is to
provide a rugbyspecific basic
awareness of
safeguarding and
protecting children,
vulnerable adults
and those involved
in organising and
coaching rugby.
The mini-rugby
lineout is frequently
limited by a lack of
understanding and
technique,
consisting of players
standing side by
side, arms stretched
to the sky.
IRB Online Laws
CPD - Mini
Continuity in Attack
Young players need
to understand the
game before skill
development
coaching improves
them.
Test your
knowledge of the
laws of rugby by
taking the IRB's
online exam
How to Coach
An introduction to
the basic tools of
coaching to be
launched in 2013
Rugby Ready
The IRB Rugby
Ready programme
focuses on the
importance of
sufficient
preparation for
training and playing
in order for rugby to
be played and
enjoyed while
reducing the risk of
serious injury.
Marlow RUFC: Youth Section Manual 2015/16
Version 12
27 May 2015
Youth Coach (U13 – U18)
Expert
Director of Rugby
Divisional Coaching
Conferences
Launching October
2013
These are Coach
Education and
information events
organised by the
RFU Game
Development team,
using expert
presenters to
deliver a wide range
of rugby related
themes.
Coach
Developer
A course to help you
use your knowledge
and expertise to
develop other
coaches.
Coaches who are innovative,
showing leadership in developing
and managing whole rugby
programmes
Advanced
Consolidating and extending your
coaching capabilities into leading
other coaches
Coach
Acquiring skills and knowledge to
shape your coaching in the 15-aside game.
24
CPD - Performance
Profiling, 15-a-side
game
Performance
Profiling is the most
accurate, objective
way to analyse
ability. Coaches
should be aware of
the benefits of
effective profiling
and devise
templates to gather
accurate
information.
Inaccurate profiling
affects the coachplayer relationship,
so this course
highlights the need
for objective data,
from evidence, not
opinion or
assumption
CPD - Planning and
Periodisation, 15-aside game
This course will
assist coaches in
their season long
planning, taking into
account the needs
and demands on
players, so that they
are able to produce
a coherent
programme.
Mentoring in Rugby
Union
A course giving you
the skills to support
other coaches.
CPD - Boxing for Rugby Conditioning
(Also appropriate for ‘Coach’
A one day course to train coaches in the use
of non-contact, Olympic-style boxing skills
tailored to meet the needs of rugby union
players.
The course is not in itself a coaching
qualification and is intended to augment
existing coaching knowledge and
experience.
On completion of the course, students will
be able to: give instruction on the basics of
safety in the use of boxing equipment and
drills; give instruction on the basics of
boxing technique; explain and demonstrate
the use of a variety of boxing equipment;
and plan and supervise non-contact sparring
sessions for groups of rugby players.
CPD - Game
Planning, 15-a-side
game
By the end of this
module, the coach
should be able to
plan a basic game
plan, building upon
your coaching &
playing philosophy
& the strength and
weaknesses of your
players and the
team.
CPD - Goal Setting,
15-a-side game
A vital goal for
coaches is to ensure
all young players
enjoy the
experience,
environment and
ethos of the game.
They also need to
set goals around
their academic
demands. What are
a player's
aspirations, or
whose aspirations
are they? This
module highlights
and discusses some
of the things that
motivate people
and influence their
goals
CPD - Strength and
Conditioning L2
A qualification
giving specialist
knowledge on
coaching strength
and conditioning for
rugby union players.
CPD - Coaching
Sevens
This course
introduces coaches
to the principles of
coaching seven-aside rugby and
develops their
understanding of
attacking and
defensive
frameworks from
phase play and setpiece. It will be of
use for devising
practices and by
offering coaching
models that help to
use these practices
with players.
Marlow RUFC: Youth Section Manual 2015/16
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27 May 2015
Youth Coach (U13 – U18) Continued
Developing
Coach
Acquiring skills and knowledge to
shape your coaching in the 15-aside game.
Coaching the XV a
side game - UKCC
Level 2
This course has
been specifically
designed to advance
those coaches who
may have been
working with
children in rugby
union and now
begin the transition
to the 15-a-side
game.
The course also acts
as an entry to the
qualification
programme for
those coaches who
are currently
coaching 15-a-side
rugby
New to
Coaching
Courses which will develop the
Foundation skills behind coaching
the 15-a-side game in Rugby
Union
Rugby Ready
The IRB Rugby
Ready programme
focuses on the
importance of
sufficient
preparation for
training and playing
in order for rugby to
be played and
enjoyed while
reducing the risk of
serious injury.
CPD - Back Play
Attack from Set
Piece, 15-a-side
game
When coaches
devise the strategic
and tactical
approach to the
backline play of
their teams, it is
important to apply
strategies that
reflect the skill
development of
their players. This
course will help
coaches to work on
practicing strike
moves and also
condition practice
sessions to develop
decision making in
the face of varying
scenarios.
CPD Understanding the
Kicking Game, 15-aside
Traditionally, the
coach tells the
players when to kick
and the player kicks.
However, will this
impact on the
player’s decisionmaking skills? By
working in a game
format the players
have multiple
opportunities to
explore tactically
and technically
through discovery
learning.
How to Coach
An introduction to
the basic tools of
coaching to be
launched in 2013
CPD - Scrum Factory
The Scrum Factory
aims to increase the
number of players
able to play in the
scrum, particularly
the front row. The
course is designed
to help coaches and
players to
understand
individual and
collective
techniques, as well
as position specific
conditioning.
IRB Online Laws
Test your
knowledge of the
laws of rugby by
taking the IRB's
online exam
CPD - Coaching
Teenage Boys/Girls
Launching in
Autumn 2013
CPD - The Lineout
Game, 15-a-side
game
This module looks
at the longer-term
development of
players and the
acceptance of
process and
performance
targets, not just
outcome. It explores
innovative and
active practices
maximising player
involvement in the
lineout.
CPD - Maul and
Ruck, 15-a-side
game
This module
focuses on lack of
game understanding
at the breakdown,
partly due to the
conditioning
embedded by the
traditional drill
format
CPD - Continuity in
Attack, 15-a-side
game
The continuity
module explores
effective support
play and the skills
required to maintain
an attack with the
ball in hand.
Coaches have a
huge responsibility
when working with
players in their
formative years
CPD - Defence in
phase play, 15-aside game
The target audience
for the Defence in
Phase Play course is
under-16 age group
and above. Younger
players should focus
on tackle technique
and scoring tries.
This course is based
on a set of
philosophies and is
not a system in
itself. If players lack
tackle skills, a
defence system may
have limited
success. The system
designed should not
be complex, as
players need to
switch constantly
from attack to
defence during a
game and adopt the
shape when tired
Safeguarding "Play
it safe"
The aim of the
three-hour Play It
Safe workshop is to
provide a rugbyspecific basic
awareness of
safeguarding and
protecting children,
vulnerable adults
and those involved
in organising and
coaching rugby.
How to fully achieve this level?
The full range of recommended courses available to those developing their skills
25
Marlow RUFC: Youth Section Manual 2015/16
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27 May 2015
Adult (Participation)
Expert
Director of Rugby
Divisional Coaching
Conferences
Launching October
2013
These are Coach
Education and
information events
organised by the
RFU Game
Development team,
using expert
presenters to
deliver a wide range
of rugby related
themes.
UKCC - Level 3
Coaches who are innovative,
showing leadership in developing
and managing whole rugby
programmes
Advanced
Consolidating and extending your
coaching capabilities into leading
other coaches
Coach
Acquiring skills and knowledge to
shape your coaching in the 15-aside game.
Divisional Coaching
Conferences
(Also appropriate
for ‘Coach’)
These are Coach
Education and
information events
organised by the
RFU Game
Development team,
using expert
presenters to
deliver a wide range
of rugby related
themes.
CPD - Planning and
Periodisation, 15-aside game
This course will
assist coaches in
their season long
planning, taking into
account the needs
and demands on
players, so that they
are able to produce
a coherent
programme.
CPD - Strength and
Conditioning L2
A qualification
giving specialist
knowledge on
coaching strength
and conditioning for
rugby union players.
26
This course is for
coaches who are, or
have the potential
to become Head
Coaches. The course
will develop their
ability to plan,
deliver and review
rugby programmes,
leading a team of
other coaches.
CPD - Game
Planning, 15-a-side
game
By the end of this
module, the coach
should be able to
plan a basic game
plan, building upon
your coaching &
playing philosophy
& the strength and
weaknesses of your
players and the
team.
Coach
Developer
A course to help
you use your
knowledge and
expertise to develop
other coaches.
Mentoring in Rugby
Union
A course giving you
the skills to support
other coaches.
CPD - Goal Setting,
15-a-side game
A vital goal for
coaches is to ensure
all young players
enjoy the
experience,
environment and
ethos of the game.
They also need to
set goals around
their academic
demands. What are
a player's
aspirations, or
whose aspirations
are they? This
module highlights
and discusses some
of the things that
motivate people
and influence their
goals
CPD - Boxing for Rugby Conditioning
(Also appropriate for ‘Coach’
A one day course to train coaches in the use
of non-contact, Olympic-style boxing skills
tailored to meet the needs of rugby union
players.
The course is not in itself a coaching
qualification and is intended to augment
existing coaching knowledge and
experience.
On completion of the course, students will
be able to: give instruction on the basics of
safety in the use of boxing equipment and
drills; give instruction on the basics of
boxing technique; explain and demonstrate
the use of a variety of boxing equipment;
and plan and supervise non-contact sparring
sessions for groups of rugby players.
CPD - Performance
CPD - Coaching
Profiling, 15-a-side
Sevens
game
This course
Performance
introduces coaches
Profiling is the most
to the principles of
accurate, objective
coaching seven-away to analyse
side rugby and
ability. Coaches
develops their
should be aware of
understanding of
the benefits of
attacking and
effective profiling
defensive
and devise
frameworks from
templates to gather
phase play and setaccurate
piece. It will be of
information.
use for devising
Inaccurate profiling
practices and by
affects the coachoffering coaching
player relationship,
models that help to
so this course
use these practices
highlights the need
with players.
for objective data,
from evidence, not
opinion or
assumption
Marlow RUFC: Youth Section Manual 2015/16
Version 12
27 May 2015
Adult (Participation)
Developing
Coach
Acquiring skills and knowledge to
shape your coaching in the 15-aside game.
Coaching the XV a
side game - UKCC
Level 2
This course has
been specifically
designed to advance
those coaches who
may have been
working with
children in rugby
union and now
begin the transition
to the 15-a-side
game.
The course also acts
as an entry to the
qualification
programme for
those coaches who
are currently
coaching 15-a-side
rugby
New to
Coaching
Courses which will develop the
Foundation skills behind coaching
the 15-a-side game in Rugby
Union
Rugby Ready
The IRB Rugby
Ready programme
focuses on the
importance of
sufficient
preparation for
training and playing
in order for rugby to
be played and
enjoyed while
reducing the risk of
serious injury.
CPD - Back Play
Attack from Set
Piece, 15-a-side
game
When coaches
devise the strategic
and tactical
approach to the
backline play of
their teams, it is
important to apply
strategies that
reflect the skill
development of
their players. This
course will help
coaches to work on
practicing strike
moves and also
condition practice
sessions to develop
decision making in
the face of varying
scenarios.
How to Coach
An introduction to
the basic tools of
coaching to be
launched in 2013
IRB Online Laws
Test your
knowledge of the
laws of rugby by
taking the IRB's
online exam
CPD Understanding the
Kicking Game, 15a-side
Traditionally, the
coach tells the
players when to
kick and the player
kicks. However, will
this impact on the
player’s decisionmaking skills? By
working in a game
format the players
have multiple
opportunities to
explore tactically
and technically
through discovery
learning.
CPD - Team
Selection, 15-a-side
game
The process of
team selection in
clubs is often based
on subjective
judgment, or a gut
feeling on how a
player is performing
or may perform.
Team selection is
one of the most
regular activities
carried out on a
weekly basis
CPD - Scrum
Factory
The Scrum Factory
aims to increase the
number of players
able to play in the
scrum, particularly
the front row. The
course is designed
to help coaches and
players to
understand
individual and
collective
techniques, as well
as position specific
conditioning.
CPD - The Lineout
Game, 15-a-side
game
This module looks at
the longer-term
development of
players and the
acceptance of
process and
performance
targets, not just
outcome. It explores
innovative and
active practices
maximising player
involvement in the
lineout.
CPD - Maul and
Ruck, 15-a-side
game
This module focuses
on lack of game
understanding at the
breakdown, partly
due to the
conditioning
embedded by the
traditional drill
format
CPD - Continuity in
Attack, 15-a-side
game
The continuity
module explores
effective support
play and the skills
required to maintain
an attack with the
ball in hand. Coaches
have a huge
responsibility when
working with players
in their formative
years
CPD - Defence in
phase play, 15-aside game
The target audience
for the Defence in
Phase Play course is
under-16 age group
and above. Younger
players should focus
on tackle technique
and scoring tries.
This course is based
on a set of
philosophies and is
not a system in
itself. If players lack
tackle skills, a
defence system may
have limited
success. The system
designed should not
be complex, as
players need to
switch constantly
from attack to
defence during a
game and adopt the
shape when tired
Understanding the
Role of the Adult
Coach
Launching in
Autumn 2013
How to fully achieve this level?
The full range of recommended courses available to those developing their skills
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Allocation of Pitches (Director of Rugby)
Policy
Whilst the best endeavours will be made to allow all pre-arrange fixtures to be played, at times pitch
congestion will occur due to unforeseen circumstances. In this case the pitches will be allocated to teams
under the following priorities;
a.
b.
c.
d.
Cup matches
League matches
Friendlies.
Amongst Youth Section, older age groups will be given priority over younger age groups
(subject to above priorities) ie U13 cup match has priority over U17 friendly.
Every effort will be made to not disrupt Minis matches or training.
Procedure
1. Pitch Allocation
a. There are a number of areas available for Youth training on Sundays. Generally Pitch 1
can be shared (Under 16 and Under 14 ages groups), whilst Pitch 2 can be shared between
the Under 15 and Under 13 age groups. The training area is generally available to the
Academy should they elect to train in the mornings and are not restricted to any given
area when they train/play in the afternoon (in consultation with Ladies’ team). In addition
the bottom half of Pitch 5 is available as an overflow area.
b. There are three scenarios that need to be considered with reference to the number of
matches that can be played on any given Sunday morning, these are;
i. Minis away
ii. Minis at home (training); and
iii. Minis at home (hosting).
2. Minis Away
This is the least restrictive scenario for Youth Rugby as it allows pitches 1, 2, & 3 to be used for
matches and possibly 5 (if marked up) to be used for matches or at least training; in this instance
the number of changing rooms available becomes the restricting factor and careful coordination is
required if we are to have more than 2 age groups hosting matches.
3. Mini’s Training
In this case a maximum of two age groups can have home matches (Pitches 1 & 2) with one
training (training area) or one match (Pitch 2) and three groups training (Pitch 1 and training area).
(Away games should be arranged for the remaining age groups on these days).
4. Mini’s Home and Hosting
In this case Pitch 2 is allocated to the Mini’s unless they are hosting a club, which has particularly
low numbers. This means that only one pitch (Pitch 1) can be used for a Youth match and one age
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group can train (Training area); alternatively 3 Youth groups can train (Pitch 1 and training area).
(Away games should be arranged for the remaining age groups on these days).
5. A & B teams of the same age group having home games on the same day
a. This situation will probably require the two games to be played back-to-back with one
starting at 10:30 and the other at 11:45 (approx). It will normally not be possible for an
age group to host 2 different opposition clubs due to the limited changing facilities.
b. In the case of League or Cup matches where the referees are appointed by the Bucks
Referee Society, the appointed referees should be contacted in good time by the
Manager/AGO of the individual age group to ensure that the referees are agreeable to
those start times.
6. Academy
With Academy matches being played in the afternoon generally there are no problems with pitch
allocation although the Manager/AGO is responsible for ensuring there is no conflict with Ladies’
matches, which are also played on Sunday afternoons.
7. Cup and League Games
For all Cup and League matches it is a requirement of the Bucks Referee Society that the sides of the
pitch are roped off at a suitable distance back from each touchline. The ropes and stakes are kept in
the equipment shed. All supporters are required to remain behind the ropes during the match.
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Appointment of Referees: (Club Referee Coordinator)
Procedure
1
The Buckinghamshire Referees Society aspires to appoint referees for senior and school/club
Academy-level matches as well as U16 Representative and competition matches. In practice this is
likely to include all U15/U16 League and Cup games and U13/U14 Cup games from Semi-Final stage.
More information about the Society can be found here: http://www.bucksreferees.com
2
The Appointments Secretary is Paul Stanley, who can be contacted at:
[email protected]
3
The main competitive matches in the County are the Bucks Cup and Bucks Plate (u13 upwards) and the
Bucks leagues (u15 upwards). The draws, dates, and arrangements for these are made by the relevant
County committee and broadcast in advance of the season.
4
Paul Stanley will receive the schedules of the draw and thus should be aware of the intended match
dates. He will normally post on above website, about the 12th of the preceding month, the
appointments schedule of referees for the following month. If the referee’s name shows an asterisk
(*), that is an indication that they have not yet accepted the appointment. If by checking the website
it becomes clear that a referee has not been appointed when one is expected the age group should
consult with the Club Ref Coordinator and agree how best to liaise with Paul Stanley.
5
Each Age Group should have an individual who performs the role of “Manager/AGO”. The
responsibilities of this individual will include confirming with the opposition the fixture, location and
KO time. Once these are confirmed he then needs to contact the appointed referee, to confirm that
these details are also acceptable to him/her. Most referees will expect this call by the preceding
Wednesday. If it is left later than this, then the referee could make alternative social plans, or seek
another appointment - leaving you without a referee. They will not turn up without a call!
6
Despite the County fixing dates for their competitive matches, circumstances (eg weather) sometimes
dictate that they get changed. It is very important that the AGO keeps Paul Stanley informed of all and
any changes, as well as the appointed referee.
7
If a late change is made – from one weekend to another – then it is highly likely that a new
appointment will be made; rather than the original referee keeping the match.
8
Friendly Matches: These will have been arranged by either the Youth Fixture Secretary in advance of
the season or occasionally by the Age Group as circumstances dictate during the season. For Academy
matches the Society should be the first approach for a referee. Always assume that Paul Stanley will
be unaware of these matches and give as much notice as to increase the likelihood of such an
appointment. For Youth friendlies at and below U16 it is highly unlikely that a Society referee would
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be appointed and you should contact the Club Referee Coordinator to request a club referee (a
qualified referee from a different age group).
9
31
In order for the Club to be able to supply referees, each age group must be prepared to provide
individuals who are willing to referee other age groups on an occasional basis. This has the advantage
of allowing them to see different players and develop their own understanding of how Youth Rugby
progresses which can then be fed back to their own age group.
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Mid- Week Training (2015-16 Season) (Director of Youth Rugby)
Policy
1. Mid-week training can be positive if it concentrates on player skill development, rather than on
preparation to win the next game, or training for the sake of training. Marlow RUFC Coaches must be
respectful of other community activities and players’ academic commitments and not put pressure on
mid-week attendance that conflicts with these and then contributes to the issue of an overcommitment to rugby – a reason that turns many away from sports, especially 15-18 year olds.
2. All Youth age groups are allocated a weekly “slot” for mid-week training however this may be
temporarily suspended at any time in favour of higher priorities eg, Senior XV training, Club functions
or pitch/facilities conditions.
Procedure
1. Each season the new U13s will be allocated the slot previously used by the previous season’s U16s. It
is normal for an age group to retain the same slot U13s through to U16s. Below are the allocated slots
for the 2015/16 Season; requests for changes should be made to DoYR/DoR.
1930-2100 Ladies (Trg
Monday
Area
Tuesday
1800-1915 U13s (Trg
Area)
1830-1930 U14s (Trg
Area)
1930-2100 Seniors (All)
Wednesday
1800-1900 U15s (Trg
Area)
1800-1930 Academy
(Trg Area)
1930-2100 O2 Touch
(All)
1830-1930 U16s (Trg
Area)
1930- 2100 Seniors (All)
Thursday
Friday
N/A
Trg Area avail to Youth
by prior arrangement
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Equipment (Director Youth Rugby)
Policy
1. Marlow RUFC provides the RFU approved pitch markers (roping and flags) and post protectors at its
premises in Riverwoods for all age groups to utilise.
2. Marlow RUFC also provides additional training equipment (stored in the equipment shed) available for
all age groups to use at the Club. The Club has made a significant recent investment in new
equipment and this is not to be removed from the Club premises.
3. Marlow RUFC requires that each Youth Age Group maintains the necessary rugby consumables
provided during Minis to carry out team, and individual, skills and drills training under the guidance of
age group coaches. Safe storage and replacement is the responsibility of the age group as is the
provision of any additional equipment deemed necessary. Age groups may wish to consider fundraising activities to support such provision.
4. Each Youth Age Group is to be equipped with at least one complete medical bag per each team at
both organized training and scheduled match fixtures.
Procedure
1. Pre-Season Preparation:
a. At the end of the season the U12s should identify all the kit they wish to retain into Youth
and recycle any remaining kit back into the Mini Section. They should contact older Youth
age groups to ascertain whether they can benefit from any kit no longer required (eg U14s
for Size 4 balls).
b. Age Groups within the Youth Section retain their own equipment throughout their time at
MRUFC.
c. At the end of the season a representative from each Age Group must submit a brief report
on the equipment and supplies held within that Age Group.
d. Any shortcomings need to be made up from age group funds.
e. Priority should be given to making sure each Age Group has a complete Medical Bag for
each competing team prior to the new season commencing.
2. Training: Each Youth Age Group should have access to and retain (with the appointed Coach) the
following training equipment for each team;
a. Rugby balls
b. Cones
c. Bibs
d. Water Bottles
e. Medical Bag (during pre-season training and at other times the Clubhouse might not be
open, therefore each Age Group must carry First Aid Medical Bag.)
f. SAQ (Speed, Agility & Quickness) set which includes: ladder & hurdles (OPTIONAL).
3. Youth Matches: Each Youth Age Group will need to allocate a responsible member of the Coaching
party to provide match kit which typically would include:
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a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
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1 x Match Ball & 4 x Training Rugby Balls – and a pump and adaptor!
Medical Bag (**refer to First Aid section**)
Water Bottles – typically 8 per team
Kicking tee
Training cones
Numbered Match shirts – 22 squad members (OPTIONAL but desirable).
4. Marlow RUFC provides an outside equipment store which houses the following:
a. Pitch marker flags, post protectors and poles/rope for marking out the pitch for Cup and
League fixtures, as required by the RFU.
b. Tackle shields (handheld), Jumbo tackle bags & Body tackle suits.
c. Kit is to be returned neatly to the shed upon completion. Coaches are responsible for
supervising its return to ensure it is correctly stacked on the shelves provided.
d. NOTE: This kit is expensive and experience shows that it quickly becomes unusable if
young players are given the responsibility of collecting/returning it to the Equipment
Shed. It is imperative therefore that this activity is undertaken only by adults.
5. Marlow RUFC also provides a rudimentary gymnasium, which is primarily for the use of senior players
but may also be used by Academy players. For safety reasons the use by age grade (U16 and below)
players is prohibited; Club membership offers Discounted Membership of various local gyms. Marlow
RUFC decrees that all members using the facility do so responsibly and understand how to use the
equipment provided.
a. Rule 1: No one of U16 and below is permitted to use the gymnasium equipment.
b. Rule 2: Anyone under the age of 18 will not be permitted into the gymnasium unless
supervised by an adult.
c. Rule 3: Academy players wishing to use the gymnasium must seek permission from a
member of the Coaching staff who is responsible for ensuring that they are adequately
briefed on the correct use of any equipment.
d. Rule 4: Academy players must not obstruct or hinder senior players who may require use
of the equipment. On occasion Academy players may be asked to vacate the facility.
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First Aid
Policy
1. The Youth Director shall complete and regularly update a risk assessment, following the RFU
guidelines Risk Assessments. The policies, procedures and related regulations and guidance contained
or referenced in this Manual represent measures to control and reduce identified risks. All personnel
involved in the delivery of Youth Rugby at Marlow RUFC are to comply.
2. Each Age Group shall ensure that qualified first aiders are available for each activity session.
Procedure
1. Notwithstanding the findings of the risk assessment Marlow RUFC shall:
a. make available and maintain a fully stocked first aid kit that will be held in the Clubhouse as a
back-up for individual age groups kits.
b. facilitate and possibly financially support as necessary, the qualification of a minimum of 1
first aider for each age group.
2. Age Group Responsibilities. Each age group:
a. shall have a sufficient number of qualified first aiders to ensure that first aid coverage is
available for each activity session.
b. shall have a sufficient number of first aid kits available and maintained to ensure that each
activity session has first aid coverage
c. maintain a list of registered medical conditions for all members.
d. is encouraged to have each registered coach qualified in first aid.
e. shall ensure that when first aiders are not available from their respective age group pool, that
prior to commencement of activities knowledge of the availability of qualified first aiders is
established.
3. Equipment. – (Minimum requirement)
a. Guidance card
b. Assorted adhesive dressings (plasters) x 20
c. Sterile eye pads (No. 16) x 2
d. Medium sterile wound dressings (No. 8) x 6
e. Large sterile wound dressings (No. 9) x 2
f. Short life triangular bandages x 4
g. Disposable gloves (pair) x 3
h. Antiseptic wipes x 6
i. Emergency foil blanket x 1
j. Disposable resuscitation aid x 1
4. Medical Bag: attached is an overview of a pre-prepared medical bag with a typical list of supplies – use
K356RAM for reference. Note: it is the Youth Age Group responsibility to keep the Medical Bag up to
date with supplies throughout the season.
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5. Buying First Aid Equipment
Supplies of first aid equipment can be obtained from http://www.firstaid4sport.co.uk/
Promotional offers are often advertised on our Pitchero website. Have items for your age group
delivered to your home address, not the Club. In Youth, each age group is responsible for funding its
own purchases. It is advisable not order “instant cool sachets”. An ice bag or cling film with ice from
the bar is a far better and cheaper alternative.
All Coaches will know that there is always a need for surplus equipment and each Youth Age Group
will need the following extras at match times and during the season:
o Electrical tape
o Deep Heat / Ice Spray
o White EAB Tape
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Marlow RUFC Mini to Youth Rugby FAQ
1. Introduction
1.1. Why have FAQs? The purpose of these FAQs is to provide AGO and Coaches of the
age group about to make the transition from Minis to Youth a source of helpful
guidance to some of the main issues they need to be aware of. It is not authoritative
and is based largely on the experience of those who have made the transition recently.
This FAQ is a supplement only to the Youth Manual which can be accessed from the
Club website. In all cases the Youth Manual is the authoritative document.
1.2. What are the main differences from Minis? The Youth structure at Marlow is
more federated than the Minis. Age groups are largely self-sufficient on a day-to-day
basis but with specific sources of advice and support. For example fixtures are
arranged specific to the age group but within an overall structure for pitch allocation.
Youth age groups are financially and administratively independent.
2. Fixtures
2.1. How can I get a fixture? Youth Fixtures Sec will attend The Youth Fixture Event [@
Twickenham] (Usually in Jan prior) and organize fixtures for all Youth age groups for
the following season. They will contact you to discuss and provide you with the
fixtures calendar before commencement of the season. Once the season has begun it
is for the individual age group organizer to contact the club specified to confirm details
of the fixture and to add any additional fixtures required through individual club
contacts and / or the Fixex Website. However, you need to check pitch availability
before arranging additional Home fixtures.
2.2. Which pitch do I play on? Pitches are allocated on week-by-week basis (see Youth
Manual).
2.3. Which changing room do I use? Again as allocated.
2.4. Who will tell me if my match is cancelled? Usually host club although in event of
an unplayable pitch, the Director of Youth / Director of Rugby / Groundsman may make
this call in advance. NOTE: If Senior matches have to be called off on a Saturday, this
can impact what is permitted on the following day. In the event of bad weather it is
advisable to check the pitch yourself early in sufficient time to contact your visitors.
2.5. What is the Fixex Website? The Fixture Exchange A website to set up last minute
fixtures when yours is cancelled. (There is an Annual subscription charge; Password
needed – see Fixtures Sec).
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2.6. How do I find out if there are pitches available at Marlow? Check with the
Pitch allocations. Two of the four age groups U13/U14/U15/U16 will ideally be away,
the other two at home. Generally if an age group is hosting A and B fixtures they have
to be played sequentially as only one pitch will be available. However notification of
league and cup match venues tends to be several months after the fixtures are
arranged, and so flexibility may be required. If Minis are away, then pitch 3 (Hill 90) is
available by prior arrangement. If Minis are hosting a visiting Club then normally only
Pitch 1 is available to Youth.
2.7. Who has priority for pitches? Games have priority over training. Cup games over
league games. League games over Friendlies. Older sides over younger sides. Queries
over pitch priority/availability can be addressed to Director of Youth.
2.8.
How long are youth matches? 25 to 35 mins each way depending upon age.
2.9. What differences are there in the Laws for Youth Rugby? The continuum does
not apply at Youth. All matches are conducted iaw the IRB Laws of the game modified
by the IRB + RFU U19 Variations. In addition the RFU Variations specific to your age
group are also applied. Management of Youth Rugby is conducted iaw the RFU
Regulations for Schools and Youth, specifically Regulation 15 (see RFU website).
2.10. What time do matches kick off? Normally 11AM (or 1030 if planning sequential A
& B games) although Academy play later. When two teams from the same age group
have matches, they will usually need to play sequentially as only one pitch is normally
allocated. This has the benefit of the coaches being able to watch all their boys, which
aids selection.
2.11. What dress code does the Club have for matches? Players are expected to
change (and wash off mud) before their post-match meals. Generally they are
expected to change out of sports kit and the preference is that they wear Club tie with
shirt and trousers.
2.12. Match Etiquette. Age Groups should change and wait for your guests, ensure they
are fed first and sit with them to eat your match meal. We appreciate that this is
difficult on occasions due to space. You should wait at the club until the last of your
guests has left.
3. Training
3.1. When can we train at Marlow? U13-U16 Sunday morning 10AM – 12PM as per
your fixtures schedule.
3.2. Where do I train on Sunday? On the area allocated to you that week. Depending
on the number of matches a pitch may not be available and you may have to use the
Training Area or occasionally go off-site (occasionally Borlaise has been used).
Flexibility is required. Many age groups have put in place arrangements to access an
alternative facility (eg local hall/school gym) particularly in the event of sustained bad
weather. Any costs are borne by the age group.
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3.3. Why is flexibility required? Pitches 1 and 2 are the primary pitches for Youth
matches and are therefore not available for training if matches are played. Each
week’s pitch allocation includes allocation of space for age groups who are training.
Normally this is either the Training Area or the bottom of Pitch 5 which is the overflow
area (needs coordination with Minis) however, occasionally age groups may be
required to train off-site (eg Borlaise). If an age group has one side training and
another playing a match on the same day only one pitch will be allocated and you need
to time the training to fit around the match.
3.4. How do I get a midweek training slot? A midweek training is allocated to each
Youth age group by Director of Youth. Generally Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
are busy with senior sides although 6.00 – 7:15pm is normally available for Youth and
a slot will be identified which de-conflicts with other activity. Mondays and Fridays are
generally quieter although they are less popular and the Clubhouse may not be open.
On the “busier” nights age groups may be required to “share”. Slot availability can be
checked by contacting the Director of Youth. A squad will usually retain the same slot
as they move up the age groups to Academy. Academy will train simultaneous to
senior training as players may be identified to join senior sides.
3.5. Where can I train midweek? The training area is the only area available to Youth
for midweek training.
3.6. How do I use the floodlights? Contact Linda Gillespie for briefing.
3.7. Can I use the 1st XV pitch? NO! This pitch gets over twice the use of any other
pitch. Advanced permission needs to be sought from the DoR.
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4. Equipment
4.1. What size balls do I use? At U13 and U14 Size 4 balls are used. At U15 upwards
Size 5 is used.
4.2. How do I get essential equipment e.g. balls, training cones, first aid kit? You
bring with you from Minis the age group equipment you wish to keep; anything that is
no longer required should be recycled through Minis. U13s should speak to U15s prior
to start of the season to recycle unrequired Size 4 balls. Unlike Minis, Youth does not
have a single funding structure. Additional equipment needs to be funded by the age
group itself. Generally equipment should be sourced from the Club supplier (see
Director of Youth).
4.3. Can I use anything in the Equipment shed? Yes so long as it is returned as you
would like to find it. The return of equipment MUST be undertaken by an adult as the
equipment can be easily damaged and as it is expensive to replace will be unavailable
for a considerable period. Director of Youth will advise how you can access the
equipment shed.
4.4. What is the Club strip? See club shop (Black with narrow White & Gold hoops).
Youth age groups are required to play in the standard Club strip.
4.5. Who pays for match shirts? Individual age groups through either parents, or
sponsorship.
4.6. Where can we get age group shirts? Playing shirts should be in the standard Club
colours. Playing kit should be sourced through the Club’s suppliers who have exclusive
license to use the Club’s badge (registered as a trade mark). Please discuss with
Director of Youth.
4.7. Can we have our own shirt design/have an alternative strip? In short No. Age
Groups can design an alternative shirt for touring which can also be used during the
season for training. However, the Club’s registered colours are as 4.4 and all teams
are required to play in theses colours during the season. The only exception is the 1st
XV and Academy where their league regulations require an “alternate” shirt in case of a
colour clash. The official alternate is the same design but with white as the primary
colour.
4.8. What are the rules about protective gear/body armour? Per RFU and IRB
rulings + referees’ bulletins from time to time.
5. Referees
5.1. Who is responsible for getting a referee? U13/14 friendly – Club DIY! The Club
Referee Coordinator and will try and facilitate referees from outside your age group so
the players get used to “strange” voices. The quid pro quo is that each age group
should have some qualified Refs who are willing to referee other age groups on
occasions. For Bucks Cup Matches the Home side normally has to arrange the Ref
(there are a good number of qualified refs within the club – again speak to the CRC;
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although Bucks Referees Society may allocate referees for Semi-final/Final. For U15
upwards Paul Stanley (Bucks Society Appointments Officer) receives a copy of the
Bucks RFU fixtures schedule and assigns refs to that schedule (not for friendly
matches). He should be notified of all changes/cancellations and can be approached
for refs for additional matches at Academy level.
5.2. What Qualification must a referee have? ELRA Level 2 and preferably be Bucks
Referee Society registered. See Youth Manual and contact Club Referee Coord for
more details.
5.3. What do we have to do for the referee? If you have a referee appointed (whether
by the club or the Society) the age group is responsible for ensuring that the referee is
contacted well in advance and advised of the timings and location etc – if this does not
happen they may not turn up! On the day the age group is responsible for meeting &
greeting the referee and ensuring that they are provided with the match ball and
touch-judge flags. After the game the referee should be hosted in the clubhouse and
coaches should use the opportunity to gain feedback on the performance of their team.
5.4. How is discipline applied? Referees can (and do) award yellow and red cards
during Youth matches. The Youth manual has clear procedures for the application of
sanctions following a red card offence. Director of Youth is to be advised of all cases of
players sent off so that Club disciplinary procedures can be put in place.
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6. Catering
6.1. Who arranges meals for the players? The Club receives a copy of the fixtures
schedule before the beginning of the season. However the Office/Administration
Manager (Linda Gillespie) should be notified of all requirements before Wednesday of
each week and the AGO should contact Linda with the approx numbers of players (both
clubs) to be fed. Cancellations should be advised asap to avoid unnecessary waste.
On the Sunday morning the AGO should, on arrival at the club, confirm with Linda the
previous information and agree where the meals are to be served. If there has been a
late change this is the last opportunity to stop the cooking of lots of food which then
becomes wasted. The AGO should arrange setting up the tables in advance, serving
the meals and clearing away afterwards.
6.2. What do they get? Minis = Hot dog. Youth = a carbohydrate-based match meal.
6.3. How is this paid for? Club provides as part of the membership fee.
6.4. Who do I tell if I want to arrange a match to ensure a pitch / catering? Firstly
consult (Fixtures Sec) on pitch availability as per Youth Manual, then arrange Catering
via Office/Administration (Linda Gillespie).
7. First Aid
7.1. What should be included in a first aid kit? Recommended list in Youth Manual.
Contact Dr Jim Kennedy if more info required.
7.2. How do I find out about first aid courses? Director of Youth.
7.3. Who are the first aiders? Every team must have at least one first aider who has
been on the First Aid for Sport course. This may need to be paid for by the age group.
7.4. First Aiders Authority. If there is an incident on the pitch the first aider becomes
the authority on the pitch with decisions upon whether to play on deferring to the first
aider.
7.5. How does the first aider know about existing medical conditions? AGO should
compile and maintain age group lists as close to the beginning of the season as
possible. The age group list will include name, parent name, contact number, medical
condition if stated, and a player’s RFU number.
7.6. Which are reportable injuries. As per the RFU website but generally all injuries
requiring an overnight hospital stay or follow up treatment should be reported to the
RFU. This includes serious concussion.
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8. School Rugby
8.1. How does Club and School rugby co-exist? The RFU’s view is that School takes
priority, then County, then Club; and Marlow has generally followed this as it normally
only becomes an issue for boys attending Berks Private Schools or the RGS.
8.2. Can boys play both? Yes, though some schools prefer the boys not to, particularly if
they play on a Saturday afternoon and then again on a Sunday morning. This is
particularly relevant when the player may be needed to represent his school in the
NatWest Cup (U15s and U18s). It is ultimately the decision of the boy and his parent
but the RFU regulates that players should not play more than 90 minutes rugby in any
48 hour period. Thus if a boy has played for School on a Saturday he is unlikely to be
able to play a full game for the Club on the Sunday. Coaches should take this into
consideration and common sense must prevail. As the boys get older and the games
become harder, two games in a weekend is challenging for all and particularly for
forwards. Coaches however, should endeavour to ensure that these players continue
to be part of the club/squad and maintain their involvement with Marlow RUFC.
Coaches can often find themselves short of players on a Sunday as a result of their
Schoolboy players getting injured on a Saturday.
8.3. How many games should a young player play? RFU Regulations state the
maximum is 35 matches per season. This includes School, County and Club.
Depending on their school, some players can easily reach this limit. Coaches should
exercise judgment to avoid the overplaying of players however they cannot be
accountable for knowing exactly how many matches a boy plays away from the club.
9. Bucks Cup
9.1. How does this competition work? A knock-out, County-wide competition includes
some clubs affiliated to Bucks. Only one side per Club is entered. Early dismissals are
allocated into the Plate competition. Each Club will get at least 2 matches in the
competition.
9.2. When is the draw made? Only drawn once, in Summer. You will be advised by the
Fixtures Secretary.
9.3. Who will tell me who I am to play? County will publish the draw, normally through
the Director of Youth or the Fixtures Secretary.
9.4. What are the competition rules? Published on Bucks RFU website. Home side is
responsible for reporting the result to the County organizers.
9.5. What is the League Competition? Bucks run a League competition from U15s;
currently combined with Berkshire at U16s. Clubs can enter more than one side and
County rules apply in relation to which players can represent the B side. Although
there is no League in Bucks below U15s, in adjacent regions (eg Berks, Surrey,
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Herts/Middex) leagues exist from U13; it is therefore common to arrange fixtures
against these clubs for the Autumn term before their leagues commence.
10.
Coaching
10.1. What qualifications should coaches have? Every age group should have at least
two RFU qualified coaches or be overseen by someone RFU qualified. The minimum
qualifications are Rugby Ready + CPD incl Scrum Factory as listed in the Youth Manual.
Ideally every coach will have undertaken a recent CPD course and each age group will
have at least one Level 2 coach.
10.2. How can I get help with coaching? Ask. There are a large number of experienced
coaches in the Club who have been through the age groups, are specialists in coaching
particular aspects of the game, and could be available to assist on an occasional basis.
Director of Youth can advise.
11. Rugby Courses
11.1. What coaching courses are available? The formal award courses are available for
coaches (see Youth Manual). Additionally, coaches are expected to undertake nonaward continuous personal development (CPD). CPD events are arranged by RFU
Southern Region / Bucks RDO (Alan Lane).
11.2. How can I find out about coaching courses? Check the RFU website or if you
need advice on which course, contact Club Coach Coordinator (James McKillop).
11.3. What refereeing courses are available? Generally the ELRA Level 1 and 2. DoYR
will provide further advice.
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Development Player Pathway (DPP)
12.1. What is the DPP? Development Player Pathway) is an elite development programme
run by the RFU. Prior to the U13 season, Clubs will be contacted by County to
nominate exceptionally talented individuals for the DPP trials. The County rep will
advise coaches of the nomination criteria. Selectors may consider particularly talented
athletes for inclusion in DPP even if they are not outstanding rugby players. These
boys will be trialled on their skills and attitude and some will be invited for further
testing including strength/fitness using a rigorous points system. Only those who meet
the exacting standard will be admitted to the DPP. The Bucks DPP is run by County,
the continued involvement of Wasps’ Academy is unclear following their relocation to
Coventry. The emphasis of DPP is on skills and athletic development. DPP is not a
team and does not play matches; the boys’ match time will be gained for their School,
Club or potentially County when not attending the DPP. Development Player Pathway
participants will be drawn from clubs and schools. Selection or otherwise for DPP is not
an indication of a player’s suitability for selection for the County squad. DPP normally
occurs on a Sunday morning so players are often not available for Club matches.
12.2. What is the Youth Structured Season (YSS)? An RFU initiative implemented by
County, the YSS identifies for each age group the dates of County training & matches,
Development Player Pathway activity together with dates for Cup and League matches.
This forms the base around which clubs can build their fixtures/training programme.
12.3. What is the Wasps Academy EPDG? Again for elite players normally U15 and
above; there are a number of Academies or Elite Player Development Groups (EPDG)
around the country run by Premiership Clubs as a way of identifying and sourcing
potentially talented young players. Access is by invitation (usually DPP or County
players).
13.
County Rugby
13.1. What is the County squad system? County run representative sides (normally)
from U14 upwards. 1 squad per age group. Involvement is via selection at Trials.
County Training can be at anywhere in Bucks and matches are usually against
neighbouring counties. Selection occurs each season and it is quite normal that the
make up of the County squad changes year-on-year as players develop at different
rates. County and DPP, provide players with a broader rugby network, but do leave
club squads short of players on occasions. This requires careful management by age
groups. The key seasons for County activity are U16 and U18 as these ages compete
for selection to play at representative level.
13.2. How do players get selected for County? Coaches get the opportunity to
nominate talented players for the annual selection sessions. County will contact the
Director of Youth and the club will be advised of dates to put forward their nominees.
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Lead coaches return their nominations. County selectors will also occasionally come
and watch matches between local clubs and approach the coaches if they see lads they
would like to trial.
13.3. Who organises it? Bucks RFU who will appoint coaches to each age group. County
training is normally on Sunday afternoons and matches can be on Sundays or midweek
evenings.
14.
Administration
14.1. What is the Game Management System (GMS)? It is the RFU’s Rugby Database.
Access is via login/password (obtainable from the Club Secretary). Until the RFU have
your DBS registration logged you will not be able to access the junior section. Most of
the youth players will already be registered and will have a unique RFU number. Any
new members who have not played before will need to be registered to get their
unique number. Any new Marlow members who have played and been registered
through other clubs will need their file amended to show they have transferred clubs.
AGOs need to ensure that all their players are registered on GMS.
14.2. What additional administration is required in Youth? Each age group is
required to confirm match arrangements with opponents, inform catering requirements
and confirm arrangements for/with nominated referees in addition to maintaining its
attendance records. Cup/League results also need to be sent to the organisers. There
is frequently a requirement to give the players’ RFU number for competition entry.
Therefore it is a good idea to ensure you keep a record of your squad’s player
numbers, along with the other essential squad information.
14.3. How do I post information on the club website? Become a “Team Admin”.
15.
Child Protection
15.1. What must we do to conform to the child protection act? Every coach, and
parent volunteer will be expected to submit a form with personal details for DBS
checking plus attend a DBS course. (See Child Protection Officer for further info).
16.
Insurance
16.1. When am I insured? For the duration of the season when your signed form is
returned to the club office.
16.2. What insurance cover is provided through club membership? Copy available
from Club Secretary.
17.
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17.1. How much is the club subscription? This depends on the type of membership.
Each age group will need to arrange to collect registration forms and subscriptions
from all their players at the beginning of the season. It is important for the club that
subscriptions are collected (and handed in) promptly as the club incurs a lot of
expenses in September.
17.2. Where do I send completed registration forms and subs? Hand in to the Club
office or Membership Secretary.
17.3. Where does the subscription go? Subscriptions go to the Main Club who then
cover catering, clubhouse and pitch marking & upkeep etc. Players can have access to
the Club physio and (when old enough) the weights gym. Annual subscriptions cover
only 60% of the costs of running the Club.
17.4. What will the Club pay for? Certain Equipment (available to all), match meals &
potentially first aid training.
17.5. How can people Sponsor the club? Contact Director of Youth or the Club
Chairman.
17.6. How else can we help? Each youth age group should conduct at least 1 event per
season at the club. The club will benefit from the bar takings.
18.
Tours
18.1. How do I arrange a tour? See RFU Guidelines on tours and Marlow Youth Manual.
NB all overseas tours must be approved by Chairman of Marlow and the RFU with
submissions reaching the RFU at least one month before the departure date. UK tours
must be signed off by the Director of Youth.
18.2. Where have Marlow teams toured in the past? Wales, Ireland, Scandinavia,
South Africa, Argentina, Croatia, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Holland… you
name it.
19.
Use of Club Facilities
19.1. How do I organize a Social Event? Contact the Events Director (Linda Gillespie).
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