Junior Rugby Coaches and Managers Update - May 2010

1. Score Blowouts:

The vast majority of games are being managed extremely well - keep it up. However - there have been a number of worrying score blowouts, for example last week: 102-0, 88-7, 85-0. These scores are not reflective of competitve, meaningful & enjoyable rugby and do not develop player's skills on either team. Coaches of both teams and the match referee(s) are responsible for managing score blowouts. Where a team has a significant 1/2 time points advantage it is expected that the Coaches of both teams and the referee(s) consult to implement some or all of the following measures to give the losing team some competitive advantage:

1. The winning team subs off stronger players
2. The winning team swaps key players with the losing team
3. The winning team kicks off each time they score to give the losing team more posession
4. The use of astute refereeing

2. Player, Coach and Spectator Conduct:

Junior Rugby games are generally played, coached, refereed and watched in excellent spirit and the atmosphere around the parks is very positive - Let's keep it that way. However - each week we receive reports of isolated incidents of poor conduct. Coaches and Managers it is your responsibility to manage on field and sideline behaviour by ensuring that players and spectators are aware of the NZRU's codes of conduct. If you find that standards are slipping please provide a timely reminder of the following:

Player Code of Conduct

* Play for enjoyment.
* Play hard but fair.
* Play by the laws of the game.
* Be committed to your team. Attend all practices and matches.
* Never argue with the referee. Control your temper at all times.
* Work equally hard for yourself and your team.
* Be a good sport. Applaud all good play whether by your team or your opponent.
* The goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
 
Coach Code of Conduct

* Positively reinforce the actions of players.
* Lead by example.
* Be honest with yourself and players.
* Create an enjoyable environment in which to play the game.
* Develop team respect for referees.
* Give all players the opportunity to participate in the game
* Insist on fair play and discipline.
* Be reasonable on the demand on players' time, energy, enthusiasm.
* Encourage sportsmanship.
 
Spectator / Parent Code of Conduct

* Applaud the performance of both teams.
* Be positive with the referee.
* Acknowledge the efforts of the referee.
* Let players play their game, not your game.
* Praise efforts, not results.
* Set an example for the players.

3. Cricket Blocks at Ongley Park

PNCC report that on Saturday mornings rugby players and spectators are crossing the barriers and walking on the newly sown cricket blocks. If you see this occuring please ask people to keep off.

4. Under 12 - Zone Teams

The Under 12 Zone games commence the week after Queen's Birthday weekend. The Zones and 'lead teams' are as follows. U12 Team coaches should now be liaising with each other regarding player selection.

1. Te Kawau, Bulls, Feilding
2. Kia Toa, COB
3. HSOB, Marist, Freyberg
4. Linton, Bush, Ashhurst

Draw:

All games played at Massey University Sports & Rugby Institute, Albany Drive, Fields 6 & 7.

Game One - Tuesday 8 June, 6.00pm.
Zone One v Zone Two
Zone Three v Zone Four

Game Two - Tuesday 15 June, 6.00pm.
Zone One v Zone Three
Zone Two v Zone Four

Game Two - Tuesday 22 June, 6.00pm.
Zone One v Zone Four
Zone Two v Zone Three

Finals will be: Tuesday 29 June, 6.00pm.

5. Under 12 - Ongoing Rounds

This is the last week of the Under 12 grading process. There is a clear division in ability between the top and bottom teams. Based on performance in these grading games, teams will be allocated to either the 'Green' or 'White' Pool for ongoing competition games starting 5th June. Each team will then play a double round robin of home/away games with the top placed team in each pool taking out the 2010 U12 Green and White Championships.

6. Manawatu Under 12 and Under 13 Representative Team player nominations

Club Convenors have been asked to submit on behalf of their teams player nomination for the above representative teams. Nominated players will then be observed by coaches and considered for selection. The closing date for nominations is Friday 28th May so please ensure your talented players' names have been submitted.

7. Dealing with Issues, Problems or Complaints

Where significant issues, problems or complaints arise out of Junior Rugby games that cannot be resolved by Coaches or Managers on game day, please take the issue directly to your Club Convenor. A good way of doing this is by making an initial phone call and then following up with a detailed written statement or email. This should be received by your Club Convenor no later than Monday Midday. Your Club Convenor will then deal with the issue either by contacting another Club Convenor, the Manawatu Junior Rugby Board or the Manawatu Rugby Union.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR GAMES THIS WEEKEND!