Dear parent,
Welcome to Bangor RFC mini rugby 2017-18 season. Firstly, a few introductions and useful numbers.
Mini Rugby Convenor- Liam Foley 07738460873
Bangor RFC mini welfare officer – Helen 07929 870739

We at Bangor Rugby Club have codes of conducts for referees, coaches, parents, spectators and players, here are some key points for mini rugby.

1. Although we are keen to be competitive and it is great to win, as a club we believe that the most important thing about rugby and sport in general is having fun. Our intention is to create a positive and enjoyable, team focused environment within which all players can grow personally and develop the skills to be the best team players they can be. This in turn will enable us to be competitive but with a smile on our face and the ability to lose gracefully when necessary. (Hopefully not too often!!)
The mini rugby section is run by volunteers all of who have been police checked and approved and some are IRFU qualified coaches and referees.

2. Teamwork:
Remember there is no 'I' in the word rugby
Being a good team player is essential to rugby success
You cannot do it alone
Everyone has a part to play
There is a position for everyone!

3. Respect:
The officials, your opponents, coaches and teammates
Treat all as you would expect/like to be treated yourself
This code of respect forms the basis of our sport

4. Enjoyment:
To have FUN is the reason we play
Many teammates will become lifelong friends
Learn to value losing especially when you do your best
Understand that training leads to development, leads to more enjoyment

5. Discipline:
The vital ingredient that separates the good from the great players
Do what needs to be done, when it needs to be done
Always train hard and play hard
Discipline underpins the game of rugby

6. Sportsmanship:
To win with grace is easy, to lose with grace is much harder
There is always tomorrow and always another chance
Sportsmanship takes courage and maturity
It will earn respect and is the foundation upon which rugby was built

Training sessions
The season runs from September through to April/May each year with training sessions each Sunday excluding those days that fall over a public holiday. Training sessions are organised and structured and we ask that you try to keep us advised of your Childs attendance so we can plan accordingly. Sessions start at 14:00 prompt and we ask you to have your child ready to start on time with boots laced up etc. We do aim to finish at 15:00 for P1-4 and up to 15:30 for P5-7 Changes will be advised by the Coaches/Team managers. Occasionally, extreme bad weather will result in the session concluding earlier if the players are too cold or wet to play on! Please make sure that you are nearby to collect your child promptly at the end of the session. Fixture lists are available on the club website and also on our mini rugby page.

Communication
We aim to keep all parents well informed and in the majority of cases this is most effectively done by text message/email from Your head coach. Please assist us by ensuring that your details are kept up to date. Please also “like” and “follow” the Bangor Rugby Mini’s facebook page to keep up to date.
We are always looking for experienced coaches or volunteers that can help us make Bangor RFC a success. So don’t be shy let us know if you would like to be more involved.

Equipment, Kit & Safety
All training equipment will be provided. Players in year group P4 and upwards are required to bring a gum shield to training. Without one your child may not be able to participate. Kit is available from in-sport in Ards who regularly have a pop up shop in the clubhouse.
We strongly recommend players wear studded boots, as these will enable your child to keep their footing in damp conditions. It is important studs comply with the British Kite regulations. These studs may be obtained from most quality sports shops but are different to the standard plastic ones fitted to most football boots. Please check studs regularly to ensure that they have not become sharp or that any are missing.

Protective padding and head guards may be worn but only if they have a World Rugby approved label. We do however stress there is very little evidence to prove that scrum caps prevent injuries such as concussion. We prefer to teach proper safe tackle techniques and safety in contact situations. The are called ‘SCRUM’ caps for a reason.

Please also ensure that during the cold winter month’s players come warmly dressed with enough layers to keep them warm and a waterproof top for when it is wet.
We cannot guarantee that drinks will be available at all training sessions and matches so please ensure that all players come with their own water bottle and a snack for the break half way through each session.

Transport to matches and bad weather

We ask parents to take their children to away fixtures and collect them afterwards. The club does not organise transport to and from matches.
Please do not assume that a game your child has been selected for is off because there has been bad weather. The ground may well be fit for play. The Coach or Team Manager will let you know if the game is called off and Facebook will constantly be updated with developments.

Parents

We welcome parents to training sessions and matches, and our strong preference is that you stay to watch at both. If you have to leave for some reason, please appoint another parent to be responsible for your child and notify the Manager/Coach and identify the parent who has agreed to be responsible for your child.

Thank you for your assistance in ensuring your child is learning the Core Values of Rugby Union.

Liam Foley
Mini Rugby Convenor
Bangor Rugby Football Club