Youth Rugby for those aged between 6 and 17
Youth Rugby for those aged between 6 and 17In accordance with RFU regluations and codes of practice, Bletchley RUFC is able to offer mini/midi and Junior rugby for those aged between 6 and 17 on 1/9/2011 (Male players over 17 can play in our Seniors section.) Youth rugby generally takes place on Sunday mornings starting at 10 or 10:30 (depending on age group).
In the U7 to U12 age groups, boys and girls play together. Beginning with Mini Tag - a non contact version of the game for U7s and U8s, introducing contact at U9 and gradually bringing in other elements of the game ready for the transition into junior rugby at U13.
Mini/Midi teams normally play all fixtures at the same venue giving a large community feel to the events and simplifying arrangements for parents who have more than one child in the age group.
At U13, boys and girls play in single sex teams on full size pitches. (Bletchley is currentlyunable to offer girls rugby from U13 to U17 but the club is keen to develop this and our ladies team is working with Milton Keynes College to promote the game locally and girls interested in playing rugby should contact the ladies section (contact details on this website.)).
Matches are played to IRB U19 regulations with some modifications for younger age groups are required by the RFU/RFUW. (No lifting in the lineout & scrum half offside line is the scrum tunnel for U15 and below. Match times are reduced. Some other minor differences for girls rugby.)
Junior teams usually train during the week (day depending on the squad), and like the minis, have matches on Sunday mornings.
Our Coaches
Bletchley require Coaches to hold the RFU qualifications that are appropriate for their position. Involvement with constituent bodies is encouraged, and Bletchley have historically provided a number of the Buckinghamshire and East Midlands/Northampton Alliance squad coaches. (Our coaches hold at least the RFU Level 1 coaching qualification or are working towards it. Several of our coaches hold higher level qualifications).
Safety First
As Rugby is a contact sport, the players' safety is of paramount concern. RFU-recognised First Aid qualifications are held by club officials, and a physiotherapist is available. All registered playing members are covered by the RFU Insurance Scheme (although separate, individual insurance is also recommended). For the Minis and Juniors, all volunteers are CRB checked and the club has a Child Protection Officer whose role is to ensure that statutory, RFU, MK Council, and Club guidelines are all followed.
Playing Kit
As part of the membership package, the Club provides a playing shirt (handed out to the team and returned on match days).
Parents/guardians provide:
- Boots (with aluminium rugby, or rubber moulded studs)
- Training trousers/playing shorts
- Training Top (club tops are available for purchase)
- Playing socks (maroon. Club socks may be purchased.)
- Mouthguard/gum shield (RFU recommendation)
Additional protective clothing (e.g. a scrum cap) may be worn. If purchased then parents should ensure that it carries the IRB (International Rugby Board) label.
Watches/jewellery, any clothing with metal zips, buckles or buttons cannot be worn while playing/training.
Youth Membership
The combined membership and subscription fee for 2010/11 is £65. This covers the basic RFU insurance cover and food for home matches.
