Exmouth Junior Section
A warm welcome to you from all involved in running the Junior Section at Exmouth RFC in what is our 30th Year as a junior section. We trust that as a player you will enjoy your rugby, learn new skills and make new friends during this season. As a parent/carer we hope that you too will enjoy the rugby and become involved with the section, not just as a spectator but also at social events, through assisting with coaching, transport, and very last but by no means least in the kitchen.
Training
Training generally takes place on a Sunday morning between 10:00 and 12:00 at the club and prior to kick off at other clubs where away fixtures have been arranged. It is important for the training to be consistent and regular, this enables a strong team to be formed between the players of each age group.
The season is structured to provide a framework for players at all levels to develop through a balance of training (skills and games) and matches (mainly friendlies, though more competitive in older age groups). The overriding principle is that the needs of young players should come first. To achieve this we endeavour to make training fun and enjoyable and during matches keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging players to behave with dignity and as a team in all circumstances. Every effort is to ensure that all players are given equal opportunity.
We hope that parents will stay and watch, support and encourage their own and other children. It is noticeable how much more improvement there is in players whose parents actively support them during training and matches. We have a number of new coaching staff to assist existing coaching teams as well as actually run two of those teams that found themselves without coaches at the end of last season – I am sure they will welcome any additional support you can provide.
If your child cannot play through illness or injury please let your age group coach know as soon as possible.
Matches, Home and Away
For matches please ensure that your child is on time, especially for away matches. It is important for your child to be part of a team and support each other – it can be very disappointing to be left behind.
It is often a good idea to share transport to save on fuel costs. If you are unable to travel with your child you must consent to them being transported by somebody else or they will not be able to play. We do not charge match fees to cover transport cost so contributions to drivers’ costs will be appreciated.
Codes of Conduct
All of our coaches abide by the RFU ‘Code of Conduct’ for coaches. We expect our players and their parents to adhere to their respective ‘Codes of Conduct’. These are displayed in the club and copies are available to all. It is important that we remember that Rugby is a great sport that enjoys a strong ethical and honourable background and it is important that we all ensure our enthusiasm for the game does not manifest itself into over exuberance putting undue pressure on the players and coaching staff.
Clothing/Kit
A big thank you must go to the many generous individuals and local businesses that have donated funds the years. This has enabled the club to purchase new equipment and clothing as well as improve their changing rooms in the younger section.
You will be provided with club socks when you pay your membership. We advise all players to dress appropriately for the conditions when training, remember rugby is played throughout autumn and winter and players do get wet and cold. The club shop stocks a range of accessories. Boots should have moulded rubber or kite marked aluminium studs. All players must wear appropriate rugby clothing and approved mouth guard. For more information: IRB Law 4
Player insurance
Whilst the Rugby Football union does provide basic cover to all players this is not extremely generous and you may feel that it is worth investing in additional cover.
Off the pitch - social
Social and fundraising events are organised by both the junior section and by the club as a whole and we would wish for you to attend as many as possible. These events raise much needed funds for the section. Details of all events are advertised in the club so remember to check the notice boards.
Tours and equipment
As a section we need to raise funds for tours and new and additional equipment. Plans are already being made by a number of sides to tour next year. We were fortunate in receiving specific sponsorship for a new scrumage machine which will enable the younger players to learn safe and effective ways to perform a key discipline in rugby.
Kitchen
For many years we have been providing players with a drink and light snack after training and matches. We have also sold many teas, coffees, hot dogs, bacon baps and burgers. For this to continue we must have help from parents. Without your help the kitchen will almost certainly close on Sundays. We are keen to promote a healthier eating regime at the club and have recently introduced a pasta meal in replacement of traditional chips and sausages.
A Note from the Chairman
I am delighted to be given the honour of leading the Junior Section of Exmouth Cockles and to do so in our 30th Year only reinforces the responsibility that we have to ensure we maintain and develop a caring and exciting atmosphere so that the players, their parents/carers and coaches all enjoy the experience.
I am keen to build on recent successes and indeed maintain the momentum of improvements in coaching and development that has been recognised by the RFU in the recent granting of the Seal of Approval – this is a progressive award and reflects the hard work to date and expects continued development over the years.
I shall be looking to the players, parents and coaches to provide feedback, support and commitment to ensure our great club goes from strength to strength.
Steve Opie
Junior Chairman