Welcome to Rishworthians Junior and Mini Rugby

An Introduction to Mini/Junior rugby
Welcome to the Rishworthians Mini/Junior rugby Section. We are a friendly rugby club based in Copley Halifax and have been running a growing and successful mini and junior section for 7 years.

This page is designed to provide information for both new and existing members. If the information you are looking for does not appear here contact Dave Butler on 01422 371672 and he will either have the answer or put you in touch with the relevent person.

Mini/Junior rugby at Rishworthians covers under 5's through to under 12's for the minis and under 13's to under 18's for the juniors. Our emphasis is on enjoyable, safe rugby for all, but that has not stopped our teams winning at tournaments and festivals. We follow the RFU continuum under which the game is introduced in stages starting with under 5/6 age groups, the micros who learn the basic skillls through to the u13's who start to play 15 a side on a full size pitch and onto u18's in preparation for senior rugby. The full continuum structure can be viewed by clicking on the mini teams and junior teams tabs above.

In addition to the continuum, competitive games are introduced with cup matches from under 11 onwards and league matches are introduced at under 17. Representative rugby is also introduced with selection to represent your district eg West Yorkshire then county level and North of England level.
See the junior teams tab link above for details on the continuum and player development.

The season starts on the first Sunday in September and runs through to the last Sunday of April. For the minis training days are interspersed with competitive fixtures against local (and some not so local) clubs. This season's fixture list can be found on the website (Follow the minis teams tab link above). Training starts at 10.00 typically ends at 12.00-12.30. New players are welcomed at all age-groups. A parent or guardian must stay at the ground at all times, either pitch-side or in the warm in the club house where tea, coffee and bacon/sausage sandwiches are normally available during the morning.

For the juniors most Sundays are taken up with competitive matches and training is on a Wednesday or Friday evening 7:00 - 8:30pm.

All age groups have RFU qualified coaches, all of whom are CRB checked as are our first aiders and administrators. Some age groups run two teams, so competitive matches are possible for all players.

Mini or Junior Rugby?

Mini Rugby Under 5's - Under 12's
If your child is between 4 - 11 years old (Age on the 1st September) then they will be in the minis section and they train or play matches on a Sunday morning.

During the season (from 1st Sunday in September to last Sunday in April) come down to the club between 10:00 and Noon and one of our administration staff in the clubhouse will be pleased to welcome you. They will explain how the mini section is run. For the minis aged 4 - 11 we suggest the child has a trial period to see if they enjoy mini rugby. If your child is happy playing mini rugby there will be some registration forms to complete for the RFU and insurance purposes and most importance how we can contact you. Please note there may be some Sundays when all teams are playing away so either look on our fixtures lists ( see the tab link above ) or ring the club 01422 353919 on a Sunday morning to avoid a wasted journey. You will be directed to the playing area for your child's age group and introduced to one of the coaches or parent co-ordinators. Your child can either watch or join in, there is no pressure on the child.

During the close season ( May - August) we often run post and pre season training and recruiting sessions, the dates and times will vary due to coaches availability. Please check on the website home page if any close season sessions are running. Your always welcome to attend these sessions.

Before spending any money on kit, wait until your child has completed a trial period and see if they wish to continue playing. During the trial period we suggest the following clothing.

Boots:... If your child has some football boots that's great otherwise wear some trainers.
Tops:.....A football or rugby shirt is ideal. If you have a track suit top, fleece or a jumper bring that as well to keep warm. Also in cold weather a woolly hat.
Bottoms: Football or rugby shorts. In cold weather bring a track suit bottom to keep warm.

Junior Rugby Under 13's - Under 17's
If your son is between 12 - 17 years old then he will be in the junior section. They train on Wednesaday or Friday evenings and play matches on a Sunday morning.

During the season (from 1st Sunday in September to last Sunday in April) it is best to come down to the club on a Friday evening between 7:00pm - 8:30pm and one of our coaches or parent co-ordinators will be pleased to welcome you. They will explain how the junior section is run. Pre season training usually starts mid July and is held on a Friday evening 7:00 - 8:30pm. Please look on the website ome page when pre season training starts. Again your very welcome to join in pre season training.

Alternatively you can contact
Dave Butler via e-mail davebutler@orrufc.co.uk
or telephone 01422 371672.

There is an introductory document you can read or print which will answer many of your questions. If you still have questions after reading the document contact one of the people above.
Click here to view/print the junior handbook

After the trial period I would like to join

Mini Rugby Under 5's - Under 12's
For the minis, just come down to the club on a Sunday morning between 10:00 and 10:30am when the minis are training or have a home game and tell your coach or parent co-ordinator you would like to join. We are required to keep a record of all player's so there will be some registration forms to complete. You will need to complete a club membership form and an RFU registration form. There is a membership fee to cover our costs and we ask you to complete a standing order form. The membership fee is £5 per month and you go into our montly club draw. You will receive a junior handbook and membership card which provides you with all the procedures, contacts and fixtures. From then on have fun and enjoy rugby.

Junior rugby under 13 - under 18
For the juniors it is the same procedure you will need to complete a club membership form and an RFU registration forms if you are to play in League, Cup and Festival competitions. Membership fee is £5 per month and we ask you to complete a standing order form. See your coach preferably on a Friday evening after training and they will explain how to complete the various forms. Sunday mornings are match days and tend to be busy days.

What is expected from parents, players and coaches

Club Rules
Old Rishworthian Rugby Union Football Club is registered under the Industrial and Provident society?s Act 1965 and the Friendly and Industrial and Provident societies Act 1968. The club has a set of rules, which may be examined, or a copy obtained from the club secretary Peter Morgan. The junior section is run according to these rules.

Code of Conduct
Although the Junior section has no separate rules we do have a code of conduct for players, parents, coaches, spectators and club administrators. We all enjoy watching young players and our enthusiasm can sometimes get the better of us. Please remember Mini/Junior rugby is about enjoying and learning the skills of the game in a friendly and safe environment.

Please read the fair play and code of conduct documenmts (see tab link above).

Support your child - Get involved
As a parent you will no doubt want your son/daughter to enjoy their involvement in rugby union in a safe enjoyable environment where there are opportunities to learn and develop rugby skills and also have fun. The club also likes you to support your child by becoming involved with your child's activities as much as possible. There are many areas within the club which rely on volunteer help to make the mini/junior section a success. Without parent support it would not run. There is nearly always a job to suit you and the time you have to spare.
Please see the Parents Involvement link above to see how you can help.

Child Protection Policy and Equity
Old Rishworthian Rugby Union Football Club fully subscribes to the RFU Policy and Procedures for the Welfare of young people in Rugby Union and recognise that they have a high degree of responsibility to safeguard and promote the interests and well being of all the children with whom they are working and therefore have adopted the RFU child protection policy.

Rugby Union is an all-inclusive sport. Old Rishworthian Rugby Club fully subscribes to that ethic. Old Rishworthian Rugby Club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the England definition of sports equity:

Please read this document (see the link above)

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Training days and Match days
The Juniors train on Wednesday or Friday evenings 7:00pm till 8:30pm. See the training schedule on the home page.
There is normally a junior game every Sunday morning.

The minis training sessions are on certain Sunday mornings, which always takes place at the club from 10:30 till Noon during the season. The majority of Sundays are allocated to playing matches against other clubs either at our club or away. When there is no fixture arranged the morning is allocated to training and player development. We try to allocate a training session once a month.

The fixture list will tell you whether it's a training day or match day and who you are playing and whether it is home or away. Always check the fixture list as they can change during the season or check on the web site. The fixture list is found in the clubhouse and on the web site. NB kick off times usually is 11:00 but can sometimes vary. Again check the web site.

Parking
The club has a large car park but on some Sundays it is full. If you park on the street please park sensibly and do not block the bus turning circle. Provided the playing area is not boggy overflow parking is allowed alongside the pitch. The church car park and Copley Cricket Club is also available on very busy Sundays

Bad weather
If the weather looks bad, frost, heavy rain, snow etc please check the web site. As soon as we know the match or training is cancelled we will post the information on the web site.

Kit
Parents often ask what kit and protective clothing should be worn. Below is a guide to the kit requirements:

For Matches:
First impressions are important, especially in team games. We like all teams to wear the same kit on match days. Club shirt, black shorts and club socks. This is a standard that we want to maintain.

For Training
Rugby shirts, drill tops, shorts or tracksuits. We recommend sturdy rugby clothing; it does not have to be matching. When it gets cold or wet, please ensure your child has adequate warm clothing. eg woollen hat, gloves etc.

Clothes to avoid
Clothing containing zips, hooded tops, non-sports clothing, football shirts or football shorts (they are not strong enough)

Protective Gear:
This is an important area:
Shin pads, shoulder pads, scrum caps and grip gloves are optional.
Gum shields. When playing contact rugby we recommend wearing a gum shield.
Boots: Football / Rugby boots fitted with kite marked rugby studs are recommended. However moulded studded football boots are acceptable for mini rugby. Please no bladed boots

Finally please bring a towel and a change of clean clothes. Please do not come into the clubhouse with boots or dirty kit.
Remember there are parents and visitors who may wish to use those seats.
Please make sure your kit has your name on it.

Please no jewellery and keep valuables to a minimum.

Club shop
We stock club shirts, shorts and socks. The items are on sale on training days. To order any items go to the Club Shop quick link on the right hand column

Food and Drink
The club has fully fitted kitchen and Kitchen Ken and his volunteers cater for those hungry ones on Sundays. Please try to keep the clubhouse tidy and help Ken and his volunteers by returning items to the kitchen. Teas, bacon and sausage butties are available before during and after training/matches.
The bar is open on Friday evenings and Sunday after training/matches for parents to socialise afterwards.
Please make sure your child has a bottle of water especially on hot days. (We do get them even at Copley!!).

How do I join?

If your child is interested in playing rugby or you as a parent would like to introduce your child to the game of rugby this page will provide you with all the information you need. Just follow these steps.

1. Read the Introduction on the left.
2. If you are still interested bring your child down for a trial period. According to your childs age they will be in the mini or junior section. Please read the section on the left Mini or Junior rugby?.
3. Don't know where we are. Click on the "Directions" tab above.
4. Still interested after a trial period, read the next section on the left After the trial period I would like to join.
5. Parents can also enjoy the involvement. Read the next section on parent involement.
6. Please read our policy on Child Protection.
7. So your child is hooked. When do we train and play matches. See the section on the left.
8. What kit do I need. The final section on the left explains the kit you need.
9. Need to know more about the age group your child will play in click on the appropriate age group link below.
We hope you and you child enjoy the experience.

Quick Team Links

For more information about your team click the appropriate link to your team. Here you can find the fixtures, results, match reports, statistics and success achieved.
Under 16's
Under 15's
Under 14's
Under 13's
Under 12's
Under 11's
Under 10's
Under 9's
Under 8's
Under 7's
Under 5/6's

Club Shop

Mini and Junior kit is available. We also stock some items for adults.
Click here

Griffin Sports Supplies
25 Horton Street
Haifax HX1 1QE
01422 369600
For items such as rugby boots, protective headgear, gloves, body armour, stay warm garments etc
View Griffin Sports Supplies

Player Registration Forms

If your child is still interested in playing after a trial period you need to complete a player registration form and return it with 2 passport photographs to your coach or one of the registrars. The registration form can be downloaded and printed off from here or ask for a form at the bar.
Click here for a blank registration form

Courses

A list of all the RFU courses available. Please discuss with Glen Cockroft which courses you should attend.
Click here

Can You Help !!!!!!!!
Even though we have 40 coaches we still find we need to enlist help on the day with the odd training session, running touch and so on. If you would like to help on a more formal basis let us know. We will also provide courses for you if you would like to become a coach. In addition we are always looking for more people to help with the administration side of the section. This could be writing match reports, helping the duty manager on a Sunday, being a parent co-ordinator or helping to run the club shop. If you can help please let us know.

Referee and Coaching Courses Available
We always need coaches and referees to help run the the mini and junior sections of the club without these volunteers the minis and juniors would not survive. So if you are interested in being further involved with our mini and junior section and would like to have a go at coaching or being a referee have a look at the courses available and contact Glen Cockroft who will provide you with further details.
Click here to view courses
Click here about refereeing
The RFU aims to be a world leader in Community Rugby Coaching and Development and provides a coaching pathway from mini rugby to the elite game. As a club we encourage both parents and players to take up coaching courses. The club will pay for any parent or player who wishes to attend any coaching courses.
All of our Coach Education Courses are staffed by fully qualified RFU tutors and assessors who will always be on hand to help you develop your coaching skills no matter what level of the game you are working at.