Safety

Gumshields/Mouthguards

• Gumshields/mouthguards are highly advisable for U7 & U8 players and compulsory for U9 upwards.

Boot Studs

• Studs with jagged edges pose a serious danger to other players, particularly in the older age groups where there is more likelihood of players lying on the ground. Unless boots have moulded plastic soles, it is important that studs are examined regularly to ensure missing studs are replaced and rough edges smoothed. Studs must also comply to the British Kite Regulations. Plastic studs should not be used.

Severe Weather Clothing

• All players should come adequately equipped to cope with the weather conditions that can occur during the winter months. If players are freezing, they are unlikely to enjoy themselves and may be put off mini rugby.

Concussion

• If any player suffers a knock which results in momentary unconsciousness, confusion, memory loss or unsteadiness, then there is evidence of definite concussion injuries. The player in question should be taken from the field of play.
  
  
• Please note that in any event, irrespective of their age, the player has a compulsory twenty one days off rugby.

Tetanus Injection

• If not already done so mini rugby players should have a preventative course of tetanus injections. General Practitioners should be able to advise.

Responsibilities of Parents, Coaches and Managers

• Coaches and managers cannot take legal responsibility for those players whose parents leave them during training sessions, tournaments and games.
  
  
• If parents have to leave the ground for any reason during a training session, tournament or game, they should appoint a fellow parent to be responsible for their child.

Medical or Other Conditions

• If players have any particular condition such as asthma or diabetes which may affect their playing, please inform your respective team manager.

Code of Conduct

Parent's Code

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sport.
  
  
• Remember, children are involved in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
  
  
• Encourage your child to play by the rules.
  
  
• Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
  
  
• Turn defeat into victory by helping your child to work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a game.
  
  
• Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.
  
  
• Do not publicly question the referee's judgement and never their honesty. If you do you will be asked to leave the 'field of play'.
  
  
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sport.
  
  
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give up their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.

Coaches' Code

• Be reasonable in your demands on the young players' time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember they have other interests.
  
  
• Teach your players that the rules and laws of the game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.
  
  
• In contact games, group players according to age, height, skill and physical maturity.
  
  
• Avoid overplaying talented players. "Average" players need and deserve equal time.
  
  
• Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a game.
  
  
• Ensure that all equipment and facilities are appropriate to the age and abilities of the players.
  
  
• The scheduling and length of practice times and games should take into consideration the child's maturity level.
  
  
• Develop team respect for the ability of the opponents, as well as for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches. Never publicly question a referees judgement or honesty.
  
  
• Make sure the team conduct themselves appropriately at the end of a game, even practice games, with 3 cheers and forming a tunnel for the opposition.

Players' Code

• Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
  
  
• Play by the rules and the laws of the game.
  
  
• Never argue with the referee's decision.
  
  
• Control your temper.
  
  
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team, thus your team's performance will benefit, and so will your own.
  
  
• Be a good sport. Applaud all good play, whether by your own team or the opponents.
  
  
• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Don't interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any players.
  
  
• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good. Don't be a show off.
  
  
• Co-operate with coaches, team mates, opponents and referees; without them you don't have a game.

Most of all - Have Fun!!