The Under 14 age group plays full contact 15 a-side rugby although there are some differences in accordance with the “Under 19 Variations” for youth rugby defined by the RFU. Children are eligible to play in this age group if they were under thirteen years old on 1st September each year. Matches are a maximum of 25 minutes each way on a full sized pitch, and the game is played with a size 4 match ball. The RFU strongly recommends the wearing of mouth guards and shin guards and it is the opinion of the U13 coaches that mouth guards are mandatory! Many of the children also wear of head protectors and body protectors.

We currently have over 35 players registered to play in this age group, allowing us to have two squads of players, split by ability.  We welcome new players at the beginning of each new season in September but have limited opportunity to take new players past the turn of the year. We select teams weekly and try and rotate the squads playing so that over the course of the season everyone has equal game time. In addition, it is our objective to ensure that anyone selected as a substitute gets to play at least half a game.

Coaching Approach

Our approach is to try and get the best out of everyone in the age group focusing on skill development and getting everyone to “think” rugby. On training days the players are split into small groups and concentrate on developing and refining the core skills required to play the game.  As the boys are grouped by ability, it means that each group can learn and develop at a different pace.We also encourage the boys to have a team ethos and develop sportsmanship both in defeat and victory. Bad behaviour is not tolerated with a “yellow card” system in force for unacceptable or disruptive behaviour.At this age group there is no great game plan for the boys. We simply like them to learn the game, express themselves through their skills and most importantly enjoy the game of rugby.

Parental Involvement

We encourage parents to watch and support their sons during training and on match days.  The coaching staff are always appreciative or help, even if it is setting out or collecting equipment or getting cups of tea on the colder mornings! We would encourage all parents to review the codes of conducts. Also, our parents have been keen supporters of many of the social functions held by the club throughout the year, including Burns Night and the May Ball.  These functions give the opportunity to socialise away from pitch side and are great nights out for all involved.The end of season tour is organised by the parents, not the coaches and is enjoyed in equal measure by spectators and players alike!

Contacts & Coaching Team.

We have a core team of six coaches and the luxury of a team manager who deals with much of the organization around fixtures and player registration.  The coaches work as a team, making decisions with regard to the team selections, training sessions etc.  The number of coaches also allows us to break the training sessions into smaller workgroups, keeping the coach to player ratio to a manageable level.

Nick Bailey = Squad ‘Manager’. E-mail: nick.bailey2751@ntlworld.com Tel: 0161 286 6418

John McCaffrey = Squad ‘Head Coach’ - RFU Mini/Midi Coaching Award (including Child Protection Best Practice), Mini/Midi Referee Course, Confidence in Contact Workshop, CRB Checked.E-mail: jmccaffr@ntlworld.com Telephone: 0161 969 0227

John Emerson = Coach – CRB check in progress. Roger Mardsen = Coach - RFU Level 1 Coaching Course, Scrummage 1-2-3 (Best Practice). CRB Checked. Bill Moncur = Coach – CRB Checked. Chris Smart = Coach- RFU Level 1 Coaching Course. CRB Check in progress. Martin Roberts = Coach / Referee - Nat Foundation Referee Certificate. CRB Check in progress.

Playing Variations at Under 13

Rolling Substitutions - A player who has been substituted may replace any player, whether or not that player has been injured.  Players may be exchanged at any time during the match, when the ball is dead, and with the knowledge of the referee. Sin bin Protocol - As per the adult game the player will remain in the Sin Bin for ten minutes actual playing time. The player will stand out of the field of play, in the vicinity of the half way line, at a place readily identifiable to the referee. The player must be under the control of the teachers and coaches. The player should not be isolated and should be given warm clothing to wear whilst serving the temporary suspension. Squeeze Ball - No player involved in a match at any age level from under 18 downwards shall use in training or in a match the technique known or referred to as Squeeze ball.  Line-out - Lifting/supporting is prohibited in these age groups, i.e. a player may not bind to a jumper until that player has returned to the ground. Scrum - The scrum-half not throwing the ball into the scrum must not move beyond the middle line of the scrum until the ball has emerged from the scrum or an opponent has placed his hands on the ball. In the event of a strike against the head, the scrum-half who has thrown the ball into the scrum is similarly restricted in not following the ball.

Back to Junior home page