Under 6s Policy at Bakewell Mannerians
This is our Under 6s policy based on the
RFU Guidance on Rugby for children too young to participate in the
Continuum.
RFU
statement on the participation of very young players in Rugby Union
The Rugby Continuum, published by the
Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football Union for Women, regulates
and provides guidance on the playing and coaching of children in the age
grades Under 7 to Under 12. Children may enter the Under 7 Continuum
age grade on their 6th birthday, but not beforehand.
1. Introduction. In providing rugby
activity for children under the age of six, we are aware of both the
emotional and physical characteristics of this age group. In education
terms these youngsters are at Key Stage 1 and good practice would
suggest that at this age group we will be seeking to provide a broad
foundation of basic movement skills. Youngsters at this age are not
generally equipped to deal with too much complexity and their perceptual
and social development means that much of the work done with them will
be on individual skills gradually progressing to small group activity
both co-operative and competitive. Youngsters of this age tend to be
preoccupied with their own achievements and some will find the concept
of team play quite difficult. Therefore we pay due regard to this.
2. Content of activity:
2.1 We will provide children with rugby
related activities in a safe, enjoyable and unpressurised environment.
The format will be designed to give these children confidence in
carrying out basic movement skills, in the context of fair play, sharing
and co-operation.
2.2 Children will be taught to:
a) Develop a broad range of skills in
preparation for rugby, including evasion and invasion running, jumping,
passing and receiving. These should improve their agility, balance,
coordination and communication.
b) Take part in simple activities
involving individual and co-operative play;
c) Listen to and respond readily to
instructions and signals within established routines;
d) Recognise and follow both the relevant
rules and the safety procedures for rugby related activity;
2.3 Children will be given specific
guidance on the skills they need to use and how to use them correctly,
as well as positive feedback and praise. We will make sure the children
have an opportunity to watch others and copy them.
2.4 Children will be given an early
introduction to Tag Rugby in preparation for Continuum age grade Under 7
Mini Tag. The Children will need to spend time learning how the game
works and its laws, so they become familiar and confident with the game
before joining those who are more experienced. If we feel a child is
not ready to move up to the U7s on their 6th birthday we will
discuss this with the child’s parents/guardians.
3. Requirements:
3.1 All participating children must be
pre-registered with Bakewell Mannerians RUFC (Ltd). Attendance records will
be kept including those adults delivering and collecting the children.
We will require consent if these are by different people.
3.2 The group will be functionally
separate from all other age groups and no matches will be played between
the children and those of different clubs.
3.3 All adults who come into regular
contact with these children will be CRB checked and familiar with both
the RFU Fair Play Codes and the RFU Child Protection Guidance leaflet.
3.4 The club has close regard to health
and safety issues and carries out a risk assessment.
3.5 We will work on a ratio of a maximum
of 1 adult to 8 children.
4. Recommendations:
4.1 Parents/guardians are strongly
encouraged to remain on the premises throughout. Activities will be
located within easy reach of shelter and toilets.
4.2 Sessions will not exceed one hour and
there will be at least one break for refreshments, which the children
should bring. Adults will be alert to the mental and physical
capabilities of the individual children involved and be prepared to
adapt/curtail sessions in the event that the children become tired or
lose concentration. Whilst all children will normally start activities
at the same time, their parents/guardians may withdraw them at any time
during the session.
4.3 Where there is a wide range of
children they will be matched to activities according to age and
development. Not all the children will necessarily do the same activity
at the same time.
4.4 The activity leader will either have
experience of working with children of this age or ensure that such a
person is present. The activity leader will also attend an RFU tag or
mini/midi coaching course and encourage their assistants to also do so.
No-one will be directly responsible for the activities of more than 8
children on a regular basis.
4.5 Bakewell Mannerians are working
towards the RFU's Seal of Approval.
IT IS IMPORTANT FROM THE OUTSET to
promote the “spirit of rugby” with both children and their
parents/guardians. These wider values of the game include enjoyment,
teamwork and respect for the efforts of others. All activities will be
directed to encouraging all children to participate and progress. The
club will also encourage adults to become involved and provide those
that volunteer with practical support.
