Committee

Chairman	Pat Liston
Secretary	Pat Monaghan
Munster Branch Youth Committee Vice-Chair	Mike Cunningham
Munster Branch Youth Committee Rep	Neville Morgan

 

Coaches- 2007-08

Colours: Jersey – Blue/Navy/White stripes, Shorts – Black, Hose – Blue/White

Youth Rugby Coaches
Under 18	Johnny Lamb	Jim Keane	Dermot Davis	Jody O’ Sullivan
Under 16	Pat Monaghan	Dave McDonogh
Under 15	Bill Hanly	Pat Liston	John Donovan
Under 14	Shane Gleeson	Neville Morgan	Dave Nolan
Under 13	John O’Neill	Charlie O’Neill
Mini Rugby Coaches
Under 12	Pat Rickard	Dave O’Malley	John Hogan	Donal Ryan	John Reale
Under 11	Nick O ‘Mara	John Harrison	Brian Hogan
Under 10	Tom Browne	Tom Maher	Paul Murphy
Under 9	Peter McNamara	John McNamara	Pat O’Neill
Under 8	Gerry Reynolds
Under 6-7	Eoin Kearney	Niall O’Sullivan	Des O’Malley

2007/8 Age Grades U18 01/07/1989 30/06/1991 U16 01/07/1991 30/06/1992 U15 01/07/1992 01/07/1993 U14 02/07/1993 01/07/1994 U13 02/07/1994 01/07/1995 U12 02/07/1995 01/07/1996 U11 02/07/1996 01/07/1997 U10 02/07/1997 01/07/1998 U9 02/07/1998 01/07/1999 U8 02/07/1999 01/07/2000

Members List (This spreadsheet is password protected and is only available to  Old Crescent Coaches.) 2007-8 Members.xls The attached booklets (available to everyone) were taken from the Australian RU web-site and give some valuable hints on developing and progressing the rugby competencies of younger players. Rugby Coaching Ages 5 - 8.pdf Rugby Coaching Ages 9 - 12.pdf The files are between 2.5 mb and 3 mb and will take sometime to download on a 56.6k connection.

 

Calendar Mini Blitz Dates

23 September 2007	Under 12 away
30 September 2007	Under 11 home
07 October 2007	Under 10 away
14 October 2007	Under 9 away ; Under 8 away
21 October 2007	Under 12 away
28 October 2007	Bank holiday weekend
04 November 2007	Under 11 home
11 November 2007	Under 10 away
18 November 2007	Under 9 away: Under 8 home
25 November 2007	Under 12 away
02 December 2007	Under 11 away
09 December 2007	Under 10 home
06 January 2008	Under 9 home : Under 8 away
13 January 2008	Under 12 away
20 January 2008	Under 11 away
27 January 2008	Under 10 away
03 February 2008	Under 9 home: Under 8 away
10 February 2008	Under 12 home
17 February 2008	Under 11 away
24 February 2008	Under 10 home
02 March 2008	Under 9 away: Under 8 home
09 March 2008	Under 12 away
16 March 2008	Bank holiday weekend
23 March 2008	Easter Weekend - Under 11 home
30 March 2008	Under 10 away
06 April 2008	Under 12 away

Tours & Fund Raising

Fund Raising Events

Photo Gallery

Under 12 Team members who participated in the recent Munster v Harlequins interval mini-rugby display game.

(L-R) Patrick Keane, Eoin Lombard, Peter Liston, Larry Hanly, Conor Kerins

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Some of the 46 Old Crescent players who attended the recent Munster match

Parents

 

Handbook & Code of Conduct

 North Munster Branch

I.R.F.U.

Mini Rugby

CONTENTS

1. Mini Rugby introduction

2. Refereeing Mini Rugby

3. The Laws of Mini Rugby

4. Code of Conduct

5. Local Committee

6. Club Information

7. CLUB DAY Fixtures & Contacts

8. CLUB DAY Checklist

9. Additional Information

Note – This booklet is only intended to offer a brief outline of what Mini Rugby is all about and also to provide local underage contact information between clubs. For the complete coaching guide you need to study the I.R.F.U.’s Official Mini rugby Handbook [Team Ireland Mini Rugby], copies of which are available from the Union’s office at Thomond Park Ph. 061-451877.

1. Mini Rugby

Most Governing bodies of sport now recognise the advantage of introducing their game to young players through a modified version of their adult game. Mini Rugby pioneered this child centred approach in the early seventies, aiming to meet the needs of the young player without losing essential skills and characteristics of Rugby Union Football. Prior to its development, young players had found it difficult to cope with the demands of the 15-a-side game; the pressures of a full scrum, the variety of skills to refine, the complexity of the laws and fifteen opponents to contend with. The I.R.F.U. were therefore concerned that children should learn through a game that they could actually play and enjoy without struggling to overcome such demands.

Mini Rugby facilitates this in the following ways:

• Young players can sample the thrills of rugby in a game specially adjusted to their age and size.
• As the Laws are fewer and simpler, coach and player more easily understand the game and its concepts.
• Refereeing is simpler as there are fewer Laws to know and apply
• As there are fewer skills to learn, the coach can concentrate on teaching and developing the basic individual skills of handling, running and tackling
• Due to the shorter duration of matches, more time is allowed for full participation for all abilities and also for teaching coaching.
• Play area and equipment are smaller allowing for a more natural skill development scenario.
• The game comprises all aspects of the full 15-a-side game.
• Mini Rugby is taught and played in a safe and friendly environment.

 2. Refereeing Mini Rugby

The Referee is an important element in the development of young players. A positive attitude and approach by a sympathetic and encouraging referee will reinforce in match situations, the skills and laws taught by their coaches. On the other hand an over strict disciplinarian type of referee will only discourage players, undo the good work of the coaches and may ultimately lead to the players [and even coaches] considering the referee as an adversary rather than an ally.

 SOME GUIDELINES ON THE APPROACH TO REFEREEING YOUNG PLAYERS:

 A. BEFORE THE GAME

• Arrive in good time
• Look the part – tog out in clean kit and boots
• Check you have the tools of the trade – whistle(s), watch, notebook etc
• Check the pitch – make sure it safe to play on and also it is clearly marked
• Check what first aid facilities are available
• Ensure you have a touch judge on both touchlines
• Check the player’s boot studs to ensure that they are safe
• Relax the players – call both teams to the centre for the toss, introduce yourself and show a friendly appearance. Ensure both teams know the pitch layout.

B. DURING THE GAME:

• Know the laws of mini rugby and referee fairly and safely to all concerned
• Attitude – have a pleasant, relaxed but firm manner. Remember the referee is an adjudicator not a dictator. Compliment both teams on good play.
• Continue the coaching process on the field of play in so far as the laws apply – explain your decisions
• Play the specified time set for games
• If any situation looks dangerous- STOP IT

C. AFTER THE GAME

• Ensure that all participants and coaches shake hands and thank each other for the match
• Be prepared to answers questions on decisions you have made
• Do not get involved in arguments with players, parents or coaches.

3. The Laws of Mini Rugby

Mini Rugby has been broken down into 4 distinct stages which progressively introduce and develop the fundamental skills of Rugby Football. Presently in North Munster we are only taking Mini Rugby as far as Stage 3. The regulations are as follows:

REGULATION	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3
Age Groups	Under 8’s	Under 9’s & 10’s	Under 11’s & 12’s
Pitch Size	35m x 25m	60m x 35m	60m x 45m
Ball size	3	3	4
Time per half – single match	10 min	15 min	20 min
Time per half – blitz days	7 min	7 min	7 min
Time per half – club days	8 min	10 min	12 min
Time allowed for half time	1 min	1 min	1 min
No. of players in team	8	8	10
No. of forwards	3	3	5
No. of backs	5	5	5
Safety zone between pitches	6m	6m	6m
Hand Off	Not allowed	Not Allowed	Below shoulder only
Tackle height	Waist only	Waist only	Waist only
Scrums & Line Outs	NO	YES	YES
Time allowed for Rucks & Mauls	5 sec.	5 sec.	5 sec.
No. of players in R/M per side	3	3	5
Kicking Allowed	NO	NO	Defence Zone ONLY
Start Match	Pass off	Pass off	kick off or drop off
Method of scoring	Tries only	Tries only	Tries only
Min.no. of players on panel for Blitzs	12	12	14
Scrums Note: opposing scrum half must stand behind second rows	N/A	3 man (No movement allowed)	5 man (1 metre push only allowed)
Scrum is over when ball is in the hands of the scrum half (2nd rows not allowed to pick ball)	N/A	Applies	Applies
When applicable scrum to be formed 10m from touchline & 5m from try line	N/A	Applies	Applies
Line-outs Must be formed 2 metres from sideline. The ball must go over no. 1 and not beyond last player in the LO	N/A	2 or 3 man (Winger or hooker throws - optional)	4 or 5 man (Winger or Hooker throws - optional )
For line-outs & scrums both sets of backs must retreat 5 METRES	N/A	YES	YES
For penalties, kick-offs etc opposition must retreat 10 METRES	YES	YES	YES

NO LIFTING ALLOWED IN MINI RUGBY

  4.                                      CODE OF CONDUCT

  Code for Players

• Play for enjoyment and be part of the rugby family
• Respect the ‘Game of Rugby’ and play within the laws of the game
• Accept the referee’s decision and let your captain or coach ask any relevant questions
• Play with control. Do  not lose your temper
• Always do your best and be committed to the game, your team and your club
• Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not ‘bully’ or take advantage of any player
• Rugby is a team sport and make sure you co-operate with your coach, team mates and members of your club
• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good
• At the end of each match thank your opponents and referee for the match
• Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent
• Winning and losing is part of sport: Win with humanity – lose with dignity
• As part of the team it is important that you attend training regularly and listen to your coach and help your team
• Remember you are representing your team, club, family and the Game of Rugby Football.

Code for Parents

• Remember, young people play rugby for their enjoyment and not only yours
• Encourage your child always to play by the Laws of the Game
• Teach young children that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment
• Help young people to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship
• Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides
• Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match
• DO NOT PLACE EMPHASIS ON WINNING AT ALL COSTS
• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in playing the game of rugby. If the child is to play, he/she will do so in good time through your encouragement
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from rugby
• As a spectator do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or players
• Do not publicly question the referees’ judgement and never their honesty
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer referees and coaches
• Identify and acknowledge the good qualities of the Game of Rugby Football and uphold these values
• Remember you and your child’s contribution to the game is very important to the I.R.F.U. and be proud of your contribution
• Understand the value of team sport and the importance there of.

Code for Coaches

• Remember as a coach of an ‘age grade team’ you can act in ‘loco parentis’ and to that extent your duty of care is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team
• Lead by example – young people need a coach whom they respect
• Be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or losing a match
• Teach your players that the Laws of the Game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break
• Be reasonable in your demands on the players’ time, energy and enthusiasm
• Ensure that all players participate in matches. The ‘average’ players require and deserve equal time
• Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment and that skill learning and playing for fun have priority over highly structured competition. WINNING IS NOT THE ONLY OBJECTIVE
• Develop player and team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches
• Insist on fair and disciplined play. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player
• Encourage young players to develop basic skills and sportsmanship. Avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years
• Set realistic goals for the team and individual players and do not push young players into adult-like competition
• Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play
• Do not over burden young players with too much information
• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and methods, and on the principles of growth and development of young people
• Be aware of the effect you have on growing children
• Never criticise the referees and touch judges during or after a match in front of the players or spectators
• Always thank the match officials and if they have made decisions which require clarification, discuss the problems after everyone has changed
• Seek and follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again
• Ensure that proper equipment and facilities are available at all times
• Support the Code of Ethics and all policies regarding Children in Sport
• Ensure you and your players are proud of your team, club and it’s officers

Code for Spectators

• Remember that although young people play organised rugby they are not ‘ miniature Internationals’
• Be on your best behaviour and lead by example. Do not use profane language or harass referees, players or coaches
• Applaud good play by visiting teams as well as your own
• Show respect for your team’s opponents and remember without them there would not be a match
• Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity
• Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape or form
• Players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour
• Encourage young players to play the Laws of the Game
• Spectators can contribute to the enjoyment of games and all involved
• Be proud of your club and the Game of Rugby Football