What is mini rugby about?
Mini rugby is a way of introducing children to the game of rugby and the rugby ethos. Our objectives are to provide an enjoyable sport for children (both boys and girls), to develop individual and team skills to their maximum potential, and to develop knowledge of and respect for the laws of the game.
We are committed to the RFU code of conduct and to ensure that every training session is: -
Active
Purposeful
Enjoyable
Safe

We are committed to developing the highest possible rugby skills and techniques but do not put undue emphasis on winning - instead, the focus is on Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship (TREDS). Those values apply not only to players, but also to spectators on the sidelines.

Mini rugby is played at Amersham & Chiltern RFC in accordance with the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) Regulations New Rules: Under 11s

At Under 11 tackling is developed to include competition for the ball at the ruck and maul. The ruck and maul is a skill which requires a good deal of coaching, encouragement and confidence building and is restricted to the ball carrier and tackler plus 2 player from each side. Non-competitive 3 man scrums will continue at this age group, with kicking from the hands added for the first time.

The complexities such as competitive scrums and line-outs are added progressively with the objective of preparing children to play the adult game from Under 13. We accommodate children of all shapes and sizes and states of physical development. U11 is calculated according to the individual’s age on 1st September and relates to school year 6.

What we do
At Amersham & Chiltern we provide a structured framework for the coaching and playing of rugby. Each age group, in addition to having a Lead Coach (Level 2 RFU), a number of coaches and a First Aider, also has an Age Group Organiser (AGO) who is the administrator for the age group and ensures that the age group operates smoothly. Each session involves game zones and skill zones to develop the players skills in an enjoyable environment. The intention is to develop players who can contest possession, go forward, create pressure, support team mates and play with flow and continuity. I recognition of the fact that rugby is a "late development" sport, in this age group we don't pigeonhole players into certain positions. Instead aiming to develop the full range of skills in each player which will stand them in good stead, whatever position they play later in life!

We periodically have joint training sessions and fixtures with other local clubs, and participate in a number of Mini tournaments at local clubs during the season - some of these are streamed, but the majority are aimed at mixed ability teams. These are a great opportunity for players to try out their skills - we aim to be inclusive, and all players will get the opportunity to play in some of these festivals. In October, we will be hosting our own Mini Tournament of the season, in which we expect 66 teams and over 900 children to participate.

What we expect from you
Mini rugby is a sport that is only possible through the interest and commitment of the children and their parents. We are not a crèche - in fact, a responsible adult should be present at the club during training. Sessions run from 10:30am until 12:00noon on Sundays; a prompt start allows everyone to get full value from the session so please help the coaches by arriving on time. You should tell us of particular allergies, medicines or health concerns of your children.

Kit and protective equipment
A full range of kit in club colours is available at the Club. A Second hand kit sale will take place in September so that you can either dispose of unwanted items or acquire needed kit at reduced cost. Your age group Lead Coach will advise on equipment but parents are ultimately responsible. Use of a properly fitting mouth guard is strongly advisable even before contact rugby starts at U9, at which point it is required. Other protective clothing should carry the International Rugby Board (IRB) approval. Please make sure that your child has warm and waterproof clothing preferably in ‘layers’ (please note that clothing with zips or cords should not be worn for contact sessions). On cold mornings a woolly hat and gloves (which allow the player to handle the ball) are a good idea. We always stop for a refreshment break. You should ensure that your child brings at least a drink, and a small snack if they desire.

Safety and Child Protection
We have a keen focus on safety encompassing appropriate warm up routines, the use of protective clothing, provision of first aid and the use of exercises appropriate to the age and physical development of the children. The Club takes its responsibilities in this area very seriously and has appointed three Child Welfare Officers to ensure that we take a proactive approach including appropriate background checks. As long as you register your child each Sunday morning with your Age Group Organiser or the Lead Coach, your child is covered by our insurance policy which has been organised through the RFU.

Membership
Once your child has tried mini rugby for a few weeks we expect him or her to become a member of the Club. This ensures that you enjoy the full benefits of Club membership. The membership form details the fees for the season. Please help us by paying promptly.

I hope you and your children have an enjoyable season at Amersham & Chiltern RFC.

To join the U11s at A&C please contact our Age Group Organiser: Rob Gaskell on rwgaskell@gmail.com.

Contact

Officials