Youth & Mini Rugby
  
  

bullet1 Committee

Chairman Pat Liston
Secretary Pat Monaghan
   
Munster Branch Youth Committee Vice-Chair

Mike Cunningham

Munster Branch Youth Committee Rep John O'Neill

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

  

bullet1 Structure

Teams Session Training Times Area Coaches Team Contact
U6 /7 Sunday 9.45 - 11.00 Top Area Niall O'Sullivan Des O'Malley   Niall O'Sullivan
U8 Sunday 9.45 - 11.00 Top Area Eoin Kearney Brian Toland   Eoin Kearney
U9 Sunday 9.45 - 11.00 Third Pitch Gerry Reynolds Peter McNamara   Peter McNamara
U10 Sunday 9.45 - 11.00 Third Pitch Tom Browne John McNamara John O'Neill Tom Browne
U11 Sunday 9.45 - 11.00 Second Pitch Paul Murphy Tom Maher   Paul Murphy
U12 Sunday 9.45 - 11.00 Second Pitch Dave O'Malley John Hogan John Rael Dave O'Malley
U13 Sunday 11.15 - 12.30 Third Pitch Pat Rickard Tony McMahon   Pat Rickard
U14 Sunday 11.15 - 12.30 Third Pitch Shane Gleeson Dave Nolan Neville Morgan Shane Gleeson
U15 Sunday 11.15 - 12.30 Second Pitch Bill Hanley Pat Liston Terry Browne Pat Liston
U16 Sunday 11.15 - 12.30 Second Pitch David McDonogh Pat Monaghan James Rael Pat Monaghan
U18 Friday 7.00 - 8.30 pm Second Pitch Dermot Davis John Lambe Joe Nix Jim Keane

 

  

bullet1 Coaches- 2008-09

         
Group Coach Phone Number Email
Under 7 Niall O'Sullivan 086 6006688 Niall@osullivanspharmacy.com
  Des O'Malley 086 2603648  
Under 8 Eoin Kearney 087 2586880 eoin.kearney@fas.ie
  Brian Toland 087 2675698  
Under 9 Gerry Reynolds 087 2905490 gerry@takumiprecision.com
  Peter McNamara   pmcnamara@eircom.net
Under 10 Tom Browne 086 1704540 finansp@eircom.net
  John McNamara 087 7686088 exponent@eircom.net
  John O'Neill 087 2224754 joneill@mowlamhealthcare.com
Under 11 Tom Maher 087 2841044 tmaher@loftusmaher.ie
  Paul Murphy 087 2342241 paulmurphyster@gmail.com
Under 12 Dave O'Malley 086 8312731 david.omalley@ie.pwc.com
  John Hogan 086 2579944 John_Hogan@standardlife.ie
  John Rael 086 6030965 John.Reale@arup.com
Under 13 Pat Rickard 087 2470861 patjrickard@gmail.com
  Tony McMahon    
Under 14 Shane Gleeson 086 8093239 gleesonstopshop@eircom.net
  Dave Nolan 087 7678441  
  Neville Morgan 086 3408631 nmorgan@bdosx-limerick.com
Under 15 Bill Hanley 086 8308113  whanly@gofree.indigo.ie
  Pat Liston 087 2245268 patrick.liston@atlantic-risk.com
  John Donovan   jdonovan@bizcom.ie
Under 16 David McDonogh 087 6599092  
  Pat Monaghan 086 1719618 pat.monaghan@krausnaimer.ie
  James Rael 087 2575107 raelmech@eircom.net
Under 18 Dermot Davis 086 3811023 dermot1davis@eircom.net
  John Lambe 086 2647887 lambej@eircom.net
  Jim Keane 087 2409093 Jim.keane@sfomalley.com
  Joe Nix 087 2719992 joe@pignporter.com
 
2008/9 Age Grades
U18 Born in 1990 or 1991
U16 Born in 1992
U15 Born in 1993
U14 Born in 1994
U13 Born in 1995
U12 Born in 1996
U11 Born in 1997
U10 Born in 1998
U9 Born in 1999
U8 Born in 2000
< 7 Born in 2001 & below
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.

 
  

bullet1 Fixtures

Date   U8 U9 U10 U11 U12 U13 U14 U15 U16 U18
3rd Sept               Bruff AWAY    
7th Sept               Bohs AWAY    
10th Sept             Young Mun HOME  
14th Sept                   Bruff HOME
21st Sept           Garryowen HOME     Garryowen AWAY
28th Sept         HOME Bohs HOME   NCW HOME NCW AWAY
5th Oct       HOME Shannon AWAY   Shannon AWAY   Shannon HOME
12th Oct     Shannon AWAY         Ballina HOME Ennis AWAY
19th Oct Ballina AWAY Ennis AWAY       Bohs HOME     Bohs HOME
26th Oct                   St Mary's AWAY
2nd Nov         Garryowen AWAY Thomond AWAY        
9th Nov       Shannon AWAY   Ballina HOME     Thomond HOME
16th Nov     HOME            
23rd Nov HOME Ballyhoura AWAY               Young Mun AWAY
30th Nov         Ennis AWAY Richmond HOME      
7th Dec     Bruff AWAY HOME   Ennis AWAY   Bohs HOME
14th Dec         HOME Ennis AWAY       Richmond HOME
21st Dec           Bruff HOME Bruff HOME Bruff AWAY  
28th Dec             Shannon AWAY   Kilrush HOME
4th Jan                    
11th Jan Ennis AWAY St. Senans AWAY                
18th Jan         Shannon AWAY          
25th Jan       Bruff AWAY            
1st Feb     HOME            
8th Feb HOME Ballina AWAY                
15th Feb         HOME        
22nd Feb       HOME          
1st Mar     HOME            
8th Mar St. Senans AWAY HOME              
15th Mar                    
22nd Mar         HOME        
29th Mar       Ennis AWAY            
5th Apr       Ennis AWAY              

  

bullet1 Fund Raising Events

  

bullet1 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


 

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

  

bullet1 Parents



 
  

bullet1 Handbook & Code of Conduct

 North Munster Branch

I.R.F.U.

Mini Rugby

CONTENTS

  1. Mini Rugby introduction
  1. Refereeing Mini Rugby
  1. The Laws of Mini Rugby
  1. Code of Conduct
  1. Local Committee
  1. Club Information
  1. CLUB DAY Fixtures & Contacts
  1. CLUB DAY Checklist
  1. 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