Welcome to Harpenden Rugby Football Club (HRFC) Mini Section
How to join
We meet most Sunday mornings - either for training or matches agains other clubs. Click onto the page of the age group you are interested and get in touch with the coaches. At the start of every season we have a registration day when you can join and get all of the admin stuff out of the way. For the season 2008-2009 this will be on 7th September.
Important info for mums, dads, bill payers, taxi drivers and kit washers.
Whether you're a seasoned campaigner or the whole world of junior rugby is a complete mystery to you, you might find it useful to download our Rugby for Parents page. If it doesn't answer your question or raise several more, then please come up and talk to us.
This is a short note covering the basic information; please ask a coach if you need further information.
Most things will be similar or the same to last season but please read this information and keep it handy throughout the forthcoming months.
Coaches
All the coaches are volunteer parents, and some drills require extra help, so please don?t be surprised if you are asked to help (with the group your child is in).
We are not a creche
A parent or responsible guardian must be with your child at all times.
The main coaches are / will be CRB checked, but we cannot run sessions without help from other parents.
Please note that the best way for you to contact us all is by using the address: minis@hrfc.com
Junior Section Chairman is Mark Lewis 07939824453 (M)
Club Membership
All children must join the club (via family membership), although we are happy that you come along to a couple of sessions first to ensure they enjoy it, before you pay.
If paying after the initial session, payment should be given to a coach in a sealed envelope.
All children who take part in matches must also complete the RFU Junior registration form available from the documents section of this site. WITH TWO PASSPORT SIZED PHOTOGRAPHS.
Squads
The regulars from last year will be kept together where possible; this means that any new starters will train together as a development squad until approx. half-term, when some of the stronger players may move up into other teams.
A reminder that U8s = School year 3.
Fixtures
The fixture list for each year group is on this site; note that we have a LOT of fixtures so games should not be a problem!
Please let us know of any weekends when you might not be available.
Team selection
As mentioned, team selection is designed to field the best team possible BASED ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS, e.g. rugby skills, behaviour (especially ability to listen to the coaches and do as they ask) and attendance (regular attendees will be picked over less frequent attendees of similar or even higher ability - please ensure your child is ticked off on the register). Please note that all are taken into consideration!!! An email newsletter is sent every week, to inform parents of any training plans etc. It is vital that we have your email address.
Training Sessions
Each training session is designed to develop skills in an area of tag rugby, the normal style is: A warm up with basic stretching A number of drills, e.g. passing the ball, tackling, scoring a try, teamwork etc Then at the end a mini match - once everyone understands the basic rules!
Each session will include at least one break, so please bring water and snacks
Training may be cut short for weather or if we feel they have had enough - another reason to always stay around.
IMPORTANT ? after TAG, the next rugby format is midi/mini (starts at U9), which involves rudimentary scrummaging,
line-outs AND TACKLING.
Clothes
Rugby training continues whatever the weather. The main problem we have
is that we cannot keep the children running all the time to keep them warm, so
layers are strongly recommended as it gets colder (Vest, Rugby shirt, fleece and
windproof coat may be required). Thin waterproof trousers are also
very useful, not only when it is raining but also when the grass is wet from dew
/ frost / rain. Layers can always be taken off!
Woolly Hats and gloves will also be required.
Please ensure that your child's kit is NAMED.
Harpenden kit is required for matches and can be purchased from the clubhouse.
As soon as the ground gets wet boots (football boots with blades are OK) will be required. Trainers will not be suitable.
Basic laws of tag rugby
There are 7 players in a team
The ball must always be passed backwards (football players beware!)
To score a try you must push the ball down over the try line (while on your feet)
You are tackled when on the Velcro tags attached to your belt is removed by the opposition
If you tackle someone you must let them pass the ball and then give them their tag back
Only tackle the player with the ball!
Tag rugby is non contact, the only way to tackle somebody is to remove one of their Velcro tags
There is absolutely no kicking of the ball
Play may be stopped at anytime if a player is on the ground (you must stay on your feet at all times) - this includes no diving tries - which will always be disallowed!
Advantage will be played where it is safe / fair to keep the game flowing
Above all else at this age it is about having FUN
