ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT RUGBY CLUB – SINCE 1971
Welcome to Minis and Juniors Rugby
WelcomePack
Rev 2 August 2014
MESSAGE FROM OUR CHA IRMAN
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Royal Wootton Bassett RFC.
This welcome pack intends to give you all the information you require to understand what
you can expect as a member of Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club and what we expect of
members of the club.
We pride ourselves in being a family orientated, all inclusive club that welcomes everybody
and encourages involvement. We are completely run by volunteers and this ‘get stuck in and
help’ ethos is what makes this club the great place it is.
We are here for one reason – to enable people to play the great game of Rugby in a
welcoming environment.
There is a great deal of information contained within this welcome pack which I encourage
you to read, but perhaps most important of all is our Code of Conduct – adherence to this is
a key part of being a member of our club, as is challenging any behaviour that goes against
it.
Our aim is to maintain a level of excellence at club that is respected and admired at local,
county and national level and we do this by:
• Offering access to the game for all, regardless of age, gender and ability.
• Being a focal point in the local community for players and their families.
• Providing continuing quality development for all players, coaches and volunteers.
• Promoting the ideals of rugby in accordance with the constituent body and the RFU.
• Managing our club efficiently and professionally.
Respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship are at the heart of everything that we do
and by being generous with our time, stepping up and volunteering to help, I think we can
continue to achieve great things as a club.
Chris Elias
M I N I S
A N D
J U N I O R S
This Handbook is intended to ‘signpost’ you in all aspects of being a player,
parent, spectator member etc. However, this is not intended to replace the ‘just
ask’ philosophy upon which the club was founded!
Table of Contents
SUBJECT
Volunteering
Membership & RFU Registration
Child Welfare
Photos / authorisation
Safeguarding
Training & Fixtures
Coaching & Coaches
Facilities
Kit requirements
Shop
Festival & Tournaments
Tours
Key Contacts
Accessing the club website
Membership Form
Photo Consent Form
RFU Registration Form
PAGE NUMBER
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Volunteering
“Those who can,
do. Those who can
do more, volunteer”
– Author
unknown.
We make no apology for making this the first page of our
‘Welcome’ handbook.
Without volunteers, this club would cease to exist – it’s really that
simple.
Because of this we ask all parents, grandparents, guardians and
carers to get involved and do their bit to help.
Everyone involved in RWBRFC Minis and Juniors section is an
unpaid volunteer.
Please do not wait to be asked.
Your Team Manager and/or your coaches will be only too happy
to let you know what your age-group needs help with and/or what
the club needs help with. As a minimum, you will be asked to
help out in the kitchen and with car-parking duties a couple of
times a year – your Team Manager will notify of the rota.
Don’t worry - very little of what needs to be done here requires a
rocket-science degree…….actually none of it does!
Don’t know anything or much about rugby? Unless you’d like to
be a coach or a referee (no jokes please!), that doesn’t matter
either!
I can no other answer make, but, thanks and
thanks. ~William Shakespeare
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Club Membership & RFU
Registration
“Coming together
is a beginning.
Keeping together is
progress. Working
together is success.”
~Henry Ford~
Please remember that RWBRFC is a members-only club and it is
mandatory that all those playing are members of the club. We
strongly encourage parents and other family members to become club
members too. There are financial and voting rights benefits, depending
on which membership you choose.
All players must also be RFU registered. There is no charge for
registration, which involves submitting a registration form and two
passport photographs. Once registered a player will only need to reregister if any of their details change or if the photo on the ID Card
needs up dating. The RFU ID Cards are used to prove Date of Birth at
fixtures & festivals.
Your Team Manager will provide you with both forms. For the safety of
your child/children it is important that all information on both forms is
correct and up to date.
A player’s age grade is determined by their age at midnight on the 31st
August at the beginning of the season. No exceptions.
Your Team Manager will assist you with completing the forms which
must be handed to him/her with your payment and photos. You will
receive a receipt for this. Please ensure photos are firmly attached to
the RFU form.
Players may train but not play until all the necessary paperwork, money
and photos are handed in.*
*If after 4 weeks (of first joining) you have failed to hand in all the
necessary paperwork, money, & photos, then you and/or your child will
not be allowed to attend training until this is completed.
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Full membership details and club rules are available upon request.
Child Welfare
– Your responsibilities
It's the child's
desire to play
that matters,
not the parent's
desire to have
the child play.
Fun. Keep it
fun.
Tiger
Woods
It is your responsibility to make arrangements for your child to travel to
and from training sessions and matches.
In the Minis section we do NOT recommend that you leave the club
grounds while your child is training or playing for the following reasons:
 The nature of the sport means that sometime injuries occur
and you may need to be on hand to help.
 You will gain a great deal of enjoyment from watching your child
participate and make new friends.
 We pride ourselves on being a friendly & welcoming club socially
and we hope that both you and your child will become life-long
members.
 There is usually something going on that requires a volunteer!
If you do, for any reason, have to leave the grounds for any period of
time in ANY AGE GROUP, it is your responsibility to ensure that: Another adult has agreed to assume responsibility for your child
during your absence – someone other than the Coach or Team
Manager
 That your mobile phone number is known by this person and that the
Team Manager/Coach also knows this so that you may be contacted
in an emergency.
 That you return promptly by the end of the session to collect your
child. Please remember that there are occasions when a
session/match may finish early – have a plan to be notified in this
circumstance.
The coaches appreciate it if children arrive on time, fed and fully
hydrated so they can ensure they are fully warmed up for the
session/match.
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PHOTOS / AUTHORISATION
Parents please note: photos of your child may be used for press
releases. Please ensure that you have submitted the club’s
Photography Consent form with this Membership application clearly
indicating your wishes. For further information please contact the club’s
Safeguarding Officer.
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CHILD SAFEGUARDING
“Safeguarding” is a broad term that is not just about the protection of
children and vulnerable adults from harm and the security of their
personal data; it is also a positive approach, or a mind-set held by all
club members to help children enjoy sport and achieve to their fullest
potential.
All persons associated with RWBRFC such as volunteers, members,
committee members and parents must be aware of their responsibilities
in relation to safeguarding and familiarise themselves with the RWBRFC
Safeguarding Policy (on the club website under documents) to ensure
they respond appropriately to any indication of poor practice or abuse.
Those adults who meet the criteria of ‘regulated activity’ such as team
managers, coaches and first aiders must undertake an Enhanced
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and this must be processed
within four weeks of appointment. In addition those volunteers will be
required to attend the RFU ‘Play it Safe’ course and this will be
updated/repeated every three years.
Further information can also be obtained from the Club
Welfare/Safeguarding Officers.
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Training & Fixtures
Training:
MINIS: Training takes place at the club on Sundays between 10am
and 12noon. Players are asked to arrive at 9:45am so that training can
start at 10:00am prompt. The kiosk is normally open for tea, coffee,
soft drinks and snacks at this time.
Training is only cancelled if the coaches feel the pitch is unplayable or
dangerous. In extreme conditions training may be shortened – if in
doubt ask.
JUNIORS: Your coaches and team manager will notify you of the
training schedule and location, as some teams choose to train midweek and / or indoors for fitness training etc. This information should
also be found on the club’s website in your age-group section.
Fixtures
MINIS: There is a competitive programme of fixtures during the season
both at home and away. In addition to these ‘friendly’ fixtures there are a
number of tournaments – these are normally all day events. Away
fixtures and tournaments are usually no more than c.50 miles away.
JUNIORS: Your coaches and team manager will notify you of the
fixtures schedule for the season. These can also be found on the club
website in your age-group section. As the players get older, generally
the number of fixtures will increase as will the distance to be travelled. If
you have any concerns about getting to an away fixture please speak to
the Team Manager or another parent who may be able assist
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Coaches / Coaching
All RWBRFC coaches are CRB checked.
Coaching at RWBRFC develops young players in a safe, friendly and
fun environment.
If you are interested in training to be a coach, the club periodically
organizes RFU courses at the club or advertises those being held
elsewhere. Please discuss your interest, in the first instance with either
an existing coach or your Team Manager.
The club has policies and procedures (in line with RFU guidance) in
respect to Selection, Code of Conduct (Players and Parents) and
Disciplinary matters. Your Team Manager will either have a copy or be
able to direct you to where they can be found (in clubhouse and / or on
website).
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Facilities
We are in an enviable position of having a stunning new clubhouse,
which needs to be respected and protected for many years to come.
Everyone should therefore adhere to the following general guidelines
and the clubhouse policies as published on the website or in the
clubhouse.
MINIS
It is usual to provide a light snack after a match for both visitors and our
Mini’s and therefore use of the clubhouse is encouraged by all. When
possible, showers and a changing room will be made available, if
required. However, regardless, all players should bring a change of
clothes or ‘over’ kit to cover muddy clothes. All muddy boots / shoes are
to be removed before entering the clubhouse – away from the patio
areas.
JUNIORS
It is the club’s policy that all U13’s & older, after playing a match, will shower
and change into ‘Number 1’s’ (black trousers, dress shoes, white shirt and
club tie). All kit bags & muddy boots are to remain outside the clubhouse at
all times. They also sit down and eat a meal with their opponents.
Producing this requires organisation and volunteers – your Team
Manager will let you know what you can do to help out.
.
To repeat: muddy kit / children are not allowed in the clubhouse!
The clubhouse is for use by its members and their guests and should be
treated with due respect. The clubhouse can, at times, become crowded &
noisy so please ensure that younger children are kept under your control for
their own safety.
No child should enter the kitchen or kiosk area unless under the direct
supervision of a responsible adult.
CAR PARKING
Until the club has finished its developments and the football/cricket/tennis
clubs have moved into their new site, it is anticipated that car-parking will,
on occasion, be challenging. We ask, where possible on these occasions,
that club members car-share, cycle or walk if living within the vicinity. When
not possible, please park considerately and as close to other cars as
possible – or per the instructions of the on-duty parking attendants.
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Kit
MINIS
Please make sure your child has the following:
Cold weather:
 Wind/water proof jacket & over trousers. No: loose hoods, uncovered
zips, metal toggles etc…
 Think layers – 2/3 layers thin layers are warmer than one thick layer
 Hat
 Drinks bottle
 Bag for muddy clothing
 Change of clothes when muddy / wet
Hot weather:
 Boots and trainers
 Extra drinks bottle
Boots:
 Try to avoid blades especially the aluminium tipped blades –
boots with removable studs should ideally be fitted with
aluminium kite marker rugby studs. If this is not possible studs
should be safe to play in with no sharp edges or burring.
Gum Shields:
It is strongly recommend that all players wear fitted Dentist provided
Gum Shields. The club usually holds a fitting session early in the season
– check with your team manager for details.
Your team manager will let you know what other kit needs to be worn
and when (training vs matches).
JUNIORS
(In addition to the above…..)
Training: club socks, black shorts and training tops and/or polo shirts
Matches:
pre match - club socks, black shorts and training tops
and/or polo shirts and/or No1’s.
match club-provided age-group shirts
post match - No1’s (white shirt, club tie, dark trousers,
dress shoes)
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SHOP
Kit can be purchased either via the kit ordering form (Minis) or via our
supplier’s website. Your Team Manager will give you more details.
Your Team Manager will advise you of any subsidies in effect and
where available to your specific age group and the process to be
followed.
Most years, a collection of ‘previously loved’ kit is made and there may
be a selection of items for you to choose from (for a small donation)
which might be useful if your child is still trying out rugby for the first
time.
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FESTIVALS / TOURNAMENTS
Minis Festival
The club traditionally hosts a ‘Minis Festival’ early in the season (Sept
/Oct) to which a number of local opponents are invited.
This is a full day event, where each of the age groups play in a
points/table competition usually ending in a plate and cup winner.
However, the focus is on ensuring the children have fun as, for some,
this will be their first experience of such a competition. All players
receive a medal and they are formally presented by a local dignitary.
This event requires a great deal of organisation and volunteer support to
ensure it is a success.
Your Team Manager and Coaches will give you more details nearer to
the time and what help is needed.
Juniors Sevens Festival
This is an annual event, which will again require help and participation.
Your coaches and Team Manager will brief you closer to the time.
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TOURS
Minis Tour
All the Minis age groups are invited to go on ‘tour’ once per year,
towards the end of the season. This has traditionally involved travelling
to a caravan park in Dorset, Devon or Cornwall for 2-4days and
attending either a local rugby festival or arranging a couple of matches
against local clubs in the area.
The over-riding feature of a tour is for the children to have fun and have
an opportunity to make new friends from other age groups and form
stronger bonds within their age groups – in a ‘off pitch’ environment.
This is also an opportunity for parents and siblings to also have fun ‘off
pitch’ and get to know each other better than a 2hour slot at the side of
a pitch on a Sunday will allow.
The cost of a tour is usually part-funded by specific tour fund-raising
activities during the season. Your Team Manager will let you know when
a Tour is being organised and what you can do to help or where/when to
get involved.
Juniors Tour
The Juniors usually tour with just their own age group, mainly due to the
differences in the game rules /levels that start to come into force.
Apart from that, the features pretty much stay the same except the older
groups can, if they wish, ‘tour’ further afield and even abroad – if the
fund-raising monies allow!
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Key Contacts:
Here are a few key contacts for your information as a starter. Your
Team Manager will have more and you may also check the web site
in the case of any changes.
AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY
Chairman M&J Committee
M&J Secretary
Kit /Shop
Pitch Allocation /Fixtures
Treasurer
Treasurer
Membership Secretary
Schools Liaison
Catering Coordinator
Junior Representative
Junior Representative
Minis Representative
Coaching Coordinator
Child Safeguarding Officer
Child Safeguarding Officer
NAME
Justin Cliff
Karen Wilkinson
Marie Humphries
Keith Humphries
Teresa Smith
Trish Williams
Steve Cameron
Steve Higginson
Liz Floyd
Ian Midson
Deanna Paul
Neil Tovey
Stuart Fulling
TBC
Vicky Higginson
U7’s Team Manager
U8’s Team Manager
U9’s Team Manager
U10’s Team Manager
U11’s Team Manager
U12’s Team Manager
U13’s Team Manager
Zoe Spurgeon
Lorna Dickson
Neil Tovey
Gareth Butt
Sarah Nichols
Sara Manners Bell
Caroline Hughes
Miles
Michelle Pocock
tbc
Pierre Huby
David Wookey
U14’s Team Manager
U15’s Team Manager
U16’s Team Manager
Wilts Safeguarding Manager
RFU Safeguarding Team
Clubhouse Manager
NUMBER
07870213714
07870264892
07876147487
07875581595
01793 705508
EMAIL
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
01980 625018
0208 831 7479
0208 831 6655
Les Birch
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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Accessing the website.
www.pitchero.com/clubs/woottonbassett/
POCKET GUIDE
The website is a key
communication tool for the
club, so becoming familiar
with it is essential.
You will find most of the
information you need to
ensure that you are up-todate with what’s going on,
where your team is playing,
events etc, etc.
Everyone must apply to be a
member of the website. Only
signed-up/paid-up members
will be approved.
If you do not already have access, you will need to apply.
Please make it clear ion your application whether you are a
player, parent or other and which age-group you are a
member of.
Once you have access to the website, if you have any
problems navigating around, another parent or your Team
Manager will be able to assist. Remember to check the site
regularly as things do change and you might miss an important
notice.
RWBRFC is a very socially active club and you will find a
variety of events listed on the website, including who to contact.
For those of your with smart phones, there is an ‘app’ that you
can download to use the site on your phone – great for getting
directions to another club or checking for team selection etc.
The club has a Website Access and Acceptable Use policy
available on the website (see Documents) which you should take a
few moments to familiarize yourself with as soon as possible.
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Membership Form
This is a copy –
please refer to the
original/latest
version found on
the website under
‘Club
Info/Documents’
or as supplied to
you by the Team
Manager.
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Photo Authorisation Form
This is a copy –
please refer to the
original/latest version
found on the website
under ‘Club
Info/Documents’ or
as supplied to you by
the Team Manager.
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RFU Registration Form
This is a copy –
please refer to the
original/latest version
found on the website
under ‘Club
Info/Documents’ or
as supplied to you by
the Team Manager.
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