INDUCTION AND

WELCOME PACK

SEASON 2017/18

“PROMOTING THE SPIRIT OF RUGBY”

WELCOME TO BRIXHAM YOUTH RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

MISSION STATEMENT To provide the opportunity for fun, enjoyment and skill development in the right environment, free of fear and

harassment, where everyone has the opportunity to play the game and always putting the welfare of each individual player first – which is far more important than winning a game.

OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE of YOUTH RUGBY.... Since 1979 Brixham RFC has attracted a growing number of Mini and Junior players, both boys and girls to the facilities you see today.

Brixham Rugby Football Club’s Youth Section is one of Devon’s most active and progressive children's

sports clubs, our achievements on the pitch speak for themselves. Every Sunday during the season we host

both boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 16, giving them the opportunity to enjoy learning individual and

team skills in a positive and safe outdoor environment.

The Club is run entirely by volunteers, and parents are actively encouraged to participate in the further

development of the club. The Youth Section is run by a committee that meets on a monthly basis. Each age

group is led by a coaching team and a team manager.

The Youth Section plays an active part in the community and through the Active Sport scheme we have

developed close links with schools in the area.

Achievements over 150 girls and boys are playing in Brixham shirts, a record number of County and

Divisional players are regularly selected from our ranks, all ten age groups enjoy successful results both home

and away, and most importantly. . . we are seeing a children enjoying themselves and giving their best efforts

on the pitch.

How Your Child Benefits Our aim is to encourage children to fulfil their individual potential as part of a team. We can offer your son or

daughter the opportunity to:

Train with qualified and experienced coaches

Participate in matches throughout the season

Participate in local and regional rugby tournaments

Participate in tours within the UK and abroad

Attend County assessment centres held locally

But most importantly the opportunity to have fun.

How Parents Benefit Our aim is to encourage every parent to actively participate in the running of the Youth Section during the

season. Brixham RFC does not provide a crèche for parents to simply drop off their children. The club offers

family membership and this reflects our desire to have whole family involvement. Many parents have

untapped skills which they do not use at work or in the home. Brixham RFC offers a host of opportunities for

parents to get involved in organising social events, teams and tournaments. As well as organisers we need a

host of people to contribute to the effective running of the club. Roles include: -

Coach – Brixham RFC will fund the coaching courses of those prepared to make the ongoing

commitment of coaching a team.

Team Manager – a job description is available for this role. The main function is to ensure that parents

and players are fully aware of what is going on in terms of matches, and to encourage parents’ active

support of events at the club.

Match Reporter– Each age group is encouraged to get its match reports or articles of general interest

published in the local press, Brixham News or Herald Express or even the Rugby Football Union’s

newspaper Touchline.

First Aider – Rugby is a contact sport and players do get injured. Every age group has a first aid kit;

our aim is to have at least one qualified first aider per age group. Brixham RFC will run and fund first

aid courses for parents. We are also supported by the local St Johns Ambulance during match days.

There are many smaller jobs that need to be done in preparing for tournaments and social events, these

include: -

Marketing of the events to potential sponsors and advertisers

After match catering

Design and publishing of programmes and certificates.

Newsletters

Purchasing of trophies, medals and support equipment for the event

Staffing of BBQs and Tea & Coffee stalls, and the Club Shop.

Parents have the opportunity to develop new skills, but most of all we want parents to have as much fun as

their children, by playing an active role in the Club.

The Game We Play Coaching at Brixham follows the 'Rugby Continuum' established by the RFU. This is a structured approach

for gradually acquiring those skills required to participate in the full 15-a-side game by the age of 13. As a

child progresses through the age groups the amount of physical contact, number of players, pitch sizes and

skills required increases.

The continuum starts at the younger age groups with a non-contact version of the game aimed at improving

ball handling skills and team play. A different game format is then introduced at each subsequent age group

level in order that youngsters can progress towards the 15-a-side game through stages that are compatible with

their own physical and conceptual development.

An experienced coaching and administrative backroom provides the necessary support to the boys and girls

on the field. Qualified and knowledgeable coaches supervise all the squads.

What does it cost? There is a membership fee payable at the beginning of the season at a cost of £40 (£35 if paid before 30

September). There are no match fees. Suitable clothing and footwear is required but you can start with what

you've got initially. The Club does have a kit shop (Footprint-Direct.co.uk or Phil Jackson on 07970 054626)

and also sells second hand kit when available. We also operate a swop shop so that out grown boots can be

handed down to other players. Safety is an issue and children should not wear watches or other jewellery, and

clothing should not have zips, studs or buckles. Rugby is a great social game, so come into the clubhouse

during the training sessions or afterwards and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

There is a major emphasis upon safety in rugby union and players are encouraged to wear fitted gum shields.

This can be done through your local dentist. Alternatively you can be buy gum shields from sport shops that

you mould yourselves. We also encourage players to wear shin pads for training and matches.

Brixham RFC does not sell rugby boots, protective padding or gloves. However these can be obtained from

Lovell-Rugby or other local sports shops.

PLAYING KIT. The club will provide rugby shirts on match days which will be laundered by the club.

Parents are requested to provide black shorts, black and white socks and boots. The shorts and socks can be

purchased from the club shop.

Our home, Astley Park The Club enjoys the use of some of the best pitches in the South West of England, including a floodlit training

pitch. This allows the club ample space for all age groups, and the opportunity to host the Devon Festival and

The Fishermans Cup Final.

The Club House, which has recently been refurbished, offers well-stocked bars, as well as large screen TVs,

giving parents the opportunity to socialise after training, on match days or when there are televised

international matches. (Please note that you need to be a member to use the clubs facilities) Other social

events will include quiz nights, race nights, age group dinners and Club barbecues. The Club also organises an

annual Rugby Camp over 3 days in August for local children aged 6 to 14. This event has grown in reputation

each year and now attracts over 100 children.

The Club House is available for hire and is a particularly popular venue for parties and wedding receptions. If

you wish to hire the facility contact the Club Steward.

Away Matches Our fixture list for the Mini & Junior age groups (Under 7s to the Under 16s tends to over twenty different

clubs from all around South West and including cup and regular friendly fixtures. As you would expect

approximately half our matches are away each season. A conscious effort has been made to reduce the amount

of travelling involved to away matches. In particular for the under 7s to under 12s, this means that most

matches are now within South Devon.

At older age groups where teams are particularly successful it has sometimes been difficult to find meaningful

competition within Devon. In these cases teams do travel further to play in towns such as Barnstaple,

Okehampton, Crediton and other teams further afield.

What To Do Next If you would like your child to play rugby at Brixham, or simply to find out more:

See our Club Website at www.brixhamrfc.co.uk

Just turn up at Astley Park any Sunday between September and April at 10.00 (when we don't have an away

fixture) or contact our Chairman Lee Harris.

Our Playing Policy The playing policy addresses our responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of experience or ability,

has an opportunity to be coached and play in match situations as regularly as possible. Players who take up

rugby union later than most will be gradually introduced into match situations to ensure that they are safe to

play. The policy aims to offer children a balance between 'playing to win' and 'playing for fun'.

Inter-Club matches These are the most common form of match played. Our aim is to give as many players as possible

the opportunity to participate. Team selection is at the discretion of the Coach.

Tournaments / Cup Matches Brixham enter tournaments for the enjoyment of taking part, though we do enjoy winning trophies. The

number of players is always limited by the Tournament rules. However we do enter several tournaments/ Cup

Matches during the season and coaches are encouraged to rotate their squads to ensure every player

participates in at least one tournament. Every club does try to field its strongest squad for the County

Tournament.

League matches The under 16s team will participate in the Fishermens Cup in the 2017/2018 season.

Tours These are an integral part of the rugby world. They are regarded as 'rugby holidays' and as such are open to

all players. Tours are organised by individual age groups at present.

By striking a balance between playing and winning, the aim of the Club's policy is that all children

understand and appreciate the true spirit of the game, ensuring enjoyment for all involved. Today's less-able

players may be the stars of the Brixham 1ST XV in years to come.

Players should not play beyond the permitted number of matches in any one season, though it is left to

the Coaches' judgement as to how best utilise a squad within his own fixture list.

Our Child Protection Policy

We take the safety of the boys and girls who play for us very seriously. We have a Safeguarding Officer, and

a policy adopted for the Youth Section to ensure, as far as possible, a safe and enjoyable environment in

which to play Rugby.

The Junior Section fully supports the Codes of Conduct for Players, Coaches, Parents and Spectators, issued

by the Rugby Football Union. These are available from the coaches and are displayed in the Clubhouse.

Failure to comply with any of the codes may make a child or adult liable to suspension or expulsion from the

Junior Section and Brixham R.F.C.

For further information, please contact the Safeguarding Officer, Julie Sparkes.

Communications The Team Fixture List includes all the details of fixtures, and general information

about the Club. The List is distributed at the start of the season on receipt of membership fees.

Our web site www.brixhamrfc.co.uk is being increasingly used to display match reports, inform people

of social events, and provides a list of contacts at the club.

General queries about the Youth Section can be e-mailed to our Chairman, Lee Harris.

Every team manager is encouraged to have a distribution list for their age group to communicate with players

and parents. If you do not have e-mail make sure your team manager has your phone number. If you want to

keep in touch with our results read the Brixham News or Herald Express.

SPONSORSHIP AND ADVERTISING

Brixham Youth RFC plays host to several high profile events such as the Brixham RFC Devon Festival,

Fishermens Cup Finals and the highly successful Summer Rugby Camp. These events provide the opportunity

for sponsors to raise their profile in the Brixham area and beyond.

Most of these sponsorship opportunities have been secured with the help of parents, if you know of a potential

sponsor please contact the Youth Chairman or your Team Manager.

CLUB SHOP

The Youth Section operates an online Club Shop, Footprint-Direct.co.uk and a Sunday morning kit shop (Phil

Jackson 07970 054626). They sell a variety of clothing and other branded items.

INSURANCE

Details of a scheme run by Combined Insurance is now available to all Youth players. This is in addition to

the RFU Scheme (included in the membership|) but is much better and also covers children for other accidents

not relating to rugby. For further details please pick up a form or contact a Combined Insurance

representative.

The Partnership between Team Management and Parents

In Rugby Union the partnership between team management and parents is positively encouraged through:

• Providing a seasonal diary of the times and dates of training, matches and competitions.

• Providing information on possible financial issues.

• Agreeing issues relating to duty of care (e.g. responsibility for travelling to and from games).

• Encouraging parents to attend coaching sessions and games and making them aware that the "win at

all costs" ethos is not accepted in Rugby Union.

• Ensuring that parents have realistic aspirations for their child and are aware of his/her strengths and

weaknesses.

• Informing parents about specialist equipment that is required (e.g. gum shields), and from where it can

be purchased.

• Ensuring parents are aware of what is acceptable touchline behaviour.

AND ABOVE ALL:

Encouraging parents to get involved in club activities, especially where the expertise is not rugby related e.g.:

• Helping at tournaments, in the club shop, or kitchen. o Organising and/or participating in social events

• Administration

• Fund raising and sponsorship.

The Good Parent’s code

In Rugby Union coaches and administrators both fully acknowledge that parents are an integral part of the

partnership, which ensures that young players enjoy their involvement in the sport and experience an

environment in which they can flourish.

In Rugby Union parents are encouraged to:

• Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that they can ensure that their child is

fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability.

• Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the sessions in which your

child participates.

• Be aware that the club has a duty of care and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the

supervision of the young players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport

youngsters to away games.

• Be involved with club activities and share your expertise.

• Share concerns, if you have them, with club officials.

• Be familiar with the "Good Coach's code".

In particular:

• Coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players.

• Coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging young players to behave with

dignity in all circumstances.

It is important that parents support coaches in instilling these virtues.

In Rugby Union parents should:

• Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents.

• Encourage young people to play - do not force them.

The Good Player’s code

Young players should recognise that many people in Rugby Union are working to provide a safe and

enjoyable game in which they can develop both as a player and as an individual.

In Rugby Union young players are encouraged to:

• Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in

providing them with the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.

• Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and teammates.

• Recognise that every young player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free

from all types of abuse.

• Understand that if an individual or group of young players feel that they are not being treated in a

manner that is acceptable, then they have a right to tell an adult either at the rugby club or outside of

the game.

In Rugby Union, as a young player, you should:

• Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.

• Remember skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.

• Be attentive at all training/coaching sessions. • Work equally hard for yourself and your team and both

will then benefit.

• Recognise good play by ALL players on your team and by your opponents.

• Be a sportsman - win or lose.

• Play to the laws of the game and accept, without question, all the referee's decisions.

• Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team-mates, opponents, or match officials IS NOT

ACCEPTABLE

• Treat all players, as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage

of any player.

The Good Spectator’s code

Young rugby players are impressionable and their behaviour will often reflect that of adults around them. In

Rugby Union we welcome spectators on our touchlines who embrace the ethos of the game as one of FUN,

ENJOYMENT and SKILL DEVELOPMENT.

In Rugby Union spectators are encouraged to:

• Act as positive role models to all young players.

• Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU child protection guidance in relation to verbal and emotional

abuse.

• Respect the rugby club policy with regard to spectator behaviour.

In Rugby Union spectators should:

• Remember children play sport for their enjoyment not yours.

• Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all youngsters irrespective of which team

they play for.

• Respect match official's decisions. Remember, they are volunteers providing an opportunity for

youngsters to play rugby.

• NEVER VERBALLY ABUSE YOUNG PLAYERS, MATCH OFFICIALS, FELLOW

SPECTATORS OR COACHES.

• Such behaviour can create a negative environment for young players and their behaviour will often

reflect this.

• Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than the "win at all costs" ethic.

• Verbally encourage all youngsters in a positive way. If you do want to shout make sure it is 'for', not

'at', the players.

• Condemn bad language, rude behaviour and violence.

• Encourage all youngsters irrespective of their ability – never ridicule any individual player, regardless

of the team they play for.

• Remember - It's only a game!

The Good Coach’s code

Young people come into Rugby Union for a variety of reasons; it is the duty of the coach to recognise this and

stimulate continued participation. Coaches have a responsibility to ensure that all youngsters are given the

opportunity to fulfil their aspirations in a caring environment. All sessions should be:

• A – Active • P – Purposeful

• E – Enjoyable

• S – Safe

In Rugby Union coaches should:

• Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players. Most learning is

achieved through "doing."

• Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.

• Be a positive role model - think what this implies.

• Keep winning and losing in perspective - encourage young players to behave with dignity in all

circumstances.

• Respect all referees and the decisions they make (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and

ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.

• Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner, to all young players both

during coaching sessions and games.

In Rugby Union coaches of young players must:

• Provide experiences which are matched to the young players' age and ability, as well as their physical

and mental development.

• Ensure all youngsters are coached in a safe environment - is there adequate first aid readily to hand?

• Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system, which gives everybody a

satisfactory amount of playing time.

• Never allow a player to train or play when injured.

• Ensure good supervision of young players, both on and off the field.

• Recognise that young players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold, or unacceptable risk

of injury.

• Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.

• Recognise that it is illegal for young players under 18 to purchase alcohol.

• Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.

Equity Policy Statement

Brixham Youth RFC is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its

development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of

sports equity:

Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognizing inequalities and

taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure

it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.

The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone

equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity,

religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.

The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment

free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.

All club members have the responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote

equality of opportunity.

The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to

club disciplinary procedures

Child Protection Policy

At Brixham Youth RFC we believe that taking part in our sport should be a positive

and enjoyable part of children’s lives.

We want to make sure that children are protected and kept safe from physical, sexual

and emotional harm while they are with the clubs coaches, helpers and other volunteers.

To achieve this aim we will apply the following guidelines:

1. All coaches and volunteers who have contact with our children will complete an RFU

enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check. We will maintain records to keep these

checks up to date.

2. All coaches will be encouraged to complete RFU coaching courses at an appropriate

level. The club will support coaches by keeping them informed of courses available

within our region and paying course fees.

3. We will encourage at least one coach per age group to attend the Sports Coach UK

Good Practice and Child Protection Course.

4. We will expect each coach to stay up to date with rugby, coaching and child protection

issues.

5. Our Youth Registration Officer, working alongside Team Managers, will ensure all our

players are registered with Devon RFU.

6. Our Child Protection Officer will be the initial point of contact to deal with any

concerns regarding physical, sexual or emotional abuse within the club.

7. All coaches and volunteers will abide by RFU policies and the club’s constitution and

rules, including our Good Coaches Code of Conduct (see attached).

8. As a club we will promote fair play and always play within the spirit of the laws and the

letter of the Continuum.

BRIXHAM RFC ANTI-BULLYING POLICY It is the policy of the Club to protect children and young people under the age of 18 playing youth rugby from possible bullying. The Club takes the problem of bullying seriously.

Bullying is not always easy to define, can take many forms and is usually repeated over a period of time. Bullying is not limited to

an adult bullying a young person; it is often the case that the bully is a young person. There are three main types of bullying:

• Physical (eg hitting, kicking, theft) • Verbal (eg racist or homophobic remarks, threats, name calling)

• Emotional (eg persistent negative feedback, isolating an individual from activities).

All of these will include:

• Deliberate hostility and aggression towards a victim • A victim who is weaker and less powerful than the bully or bullies

• An outcome which is always painful and distressing to the victim.

Bullying behaviour may also include:

• Other forms of violence • Sarcasm, spreading rumours, persistent teasing or theft

• Tormenting, ridiculing, humiliation • Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures

• Unwanted physical contact or abusive or offensive comments of a sexual nature.

The competitive nature of rugby union makes it a potential environment for the bully. This may manifest it self in some of the

following ways:

• A parent who pushes too hard

• A coach who adopts a “win at all costs” philosophy • A player who intimidates others

• An official who is over officious.

In the first instance, incidents of bullying should be reported to the Club via its Child Protection/Welfare Officer. Club members

must be alert to the signs of bullying and refer cases promptly. Failure to respond to incidents may be interpreted as condoning the

behaviour – the Club wishes to avoid giving this impression to bullies and victims alike. In the event of an incident of bullying being reported to the Club, the Club will

• Investigate the incident • Talk separately to the those accused of bullying and their alleged victims.

On completion of the investigation the Club will decide on appropriate action, such as (but not limited to):

• Obtaining an apology from the bully(ies) to the victim(s)

• Informing the parents of the bully(ies) • Insisting on the return of items “borrowed” or stolen

• Insisting the bully(ies) compensate the victim(s) • Holding Club or age group discussions about bullying

• Provide support for the lead coach of the victim(s).