North Kildare RFC Match Day Protocols NK Minis at Blessington RFC Sat 23rd Oct 2021

The direction of Mini rugby in NK springs from our ethos which is “Fun Friends and Rugby....in that order”.

Note – from our ethos of “Fun Friends & Rugby” children, coaches and parents should realise that our intention is that everyone plays an equal amount of rugby. This means on match day children and coaches need to be flexible, i.e. some children will play with opposition and/or, some teams will play an internal match amongst each other.

The home team normally nominates the referee, failing that we may be asked to ref/volunteer if home team are unable to field a ref.

Under 6, 7, 8 one coach per team allowed on pitch, coach must stay behind players.

Under 9s to 12s please discuss/agree with your counterpart on opposing team regarding coaches on pitches behind players.

Under 6s and Under 7s non-contact/tackling – “soft contact” typically tag or touch. Rugby Prime (Leprechaun Rugby)

Under 8s (Mini Rugby 1), U9s/U10s (Mini Rugby 2), U11s/U12s (Mini Rugby 3) - tackling allowed and must be no more than waist high with penalty for tackles above the waist, hand off not allowed (only at Rugby 4 see IRFU Minis Regulations)

Numbers at each age grade have/will be relayed to my opposite number in Blessington.

More specific age grade guidelines have been issued to all coaches.

First aid kits will be available just ask a coach to direct you to the nearest.

Covid health questionnaire issued on ClubZap must be filled out.

Blessington have advised that Teas/coffees/refreshments will not be served on this occasion.

Some points of note which do not meet our club ethos

Coaching point of view

·Coaches selecting match / practise teams on the basis of:- maximising the rugby capability of one team at the expense of another gender of player – girls are always welcome to play (and play prop) ·Coaches harshly criticising a child for rugby capability at training or match.

Parents on the sideline:-

·Parents harshly commenting to any party from pitch sideline. ·Parents requesting unequal game time for their child.

Remember to bring gumshields and water.

Please Note:

I am away this weekend and Steven Maguire has kindly offered to be available in my absence

Steven (0862050711) will be coaching the U11s if you are unsure of anything or if any issue arises on match day,

Regards,

Jerry Bradley NKRFC Minis Coordinator

Blessington RFC grounds are located at Russborough House. Eircode is W91 W284.

Please be advised that there is a €3 gate fee which is charged by Russborough House (not Blessington RFC)

GPS co-ordinates: 53.1417 N, 6.5695 W.

Google Maps

https://goo.gl/maps/aWxDnj6yDzFgqa219