Welcome to the Under 16 Age Group.

The Under 16 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 fifteen years old on 1st September each year. Matches are a maximum of 30 minutes each way on a full sized pitch and the game is played with a size 5 match ball.

The RFU strongly recommends the wearing of mouth guards and shin guards and it is the opinion of the U15 coaches that mouth guards are mandatory – most children of this age will have the majority of their adult teeth, so no second chances! Many of the children also wear of head protectors (“helmets”) and body protectors. There is some excellent equipment on the market and it can give the boys some added confidence in contact as well as the obvious protection. However, please make sure it has the IRB label.

We currently have a squad of around 25 players registered to play in this age group and new players are welcome. Please see contact details below.

We select teams on a weekly basis and based on who is available. This usually means that everyone available will get at least half a game and over the course of the season we try and ensure everyone has equal game time.

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 we concentrate on developing and refining the core skills as well game situations and how players react in different circumstances.

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 behavior.

At this age group there is no great game plan for the boys. We simply wish 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 of 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 code of conduct

Also, the parents in this age group 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.

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.

If you want to find out more about this age group, please contact either:

Nick Bailey (Squad ‘Manager’)

Email: nick.bailey2751@ntlworld.com Telephone: 0161 286 6418.

OR

John McCaffrey (Squad ‘Head Coach’) - RFU Mini/Midi Coaching Award (including Child Protection Best Practice), ELRA Referee Course, Confidence in Contact Workshop, First Aid, CRB Checked.

E-mail: jmccaffr@ntlworld.com Telephone: 0161 969 0227

John Emerson (Coach) - CRB Checked

Bill Moncur (Coach) - CRB Checked

Chris Smart (Coach) - RFU Level 1 Coaching Course. CRB Checked.

Chris Huscroft (Coach) - RFU Level 1 Coaching Course. CRB Checked.

Playing Variations at Under 15

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. The scrum may not wheel more than 45 degrees or be pushed more that 1.5m

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