Lowestoft & Yarmouth Rugby Football Club

Founded 1879

Members

'Welcome Pack'

Season 2007/2008

Affiliated to:

Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Norfolk Rugby Football Union

www.lowestoftandyarmouthrfc.com

Welcome to Lowestoft & Yarmouth Rugby Club.

The Minis/Youth Section of the club was introduced in 2002. We currently have approximately 125

children aged 5 to 17 attending training sessions. Training sessions and fixtures are arranged for girls

and boys up to the age of 12 with boys continuing up to the age of 17.

Players of all abilities are welcome and there is no waiting list to join.

We would like to welcome you to Lowestoft & Yarmouth RFC and hope you will find us a warm

and friendly Club.

Match shirts sponsored by :

Tredwell Developments

Specsavers

R & G Cooper Engineering

Gt. Yarmouth Forwarding

PSL Energy Services

Introduction

Young players are introduced to rugby in 3 clearly defined stages (referred to as Mini-Midi Rugby), so

that by U13, players have acquired the skills and knowledge required to participate in the full 15-a-side

game.

Each stage has its own rules distinguishing it from the adult game and should not be considered as

being merely a shortened version of senior rugby. This progression has been structured to

accommodate the changing developmental abilities of children as they mature with the emphasis being

on the improvement of individual skills through purposeful and enjoyable activity. Provision is made

for testing these skills in match situations during a limited number of competitive fixtures and

festivals/tournaments each season.

The three stages are:

and U8 age grades.

U10 age grades.

U12 age grades.

with variations for each age group, distinguishing it from the adult game.

We encourage children to play sporting rugby and do not support or encourage a 'win at all costs attitude'

taking part in a team game is of the utmost importance.

L&Y RUFC recognizes the need to ensure the welfare and safety of all young people in rugby

union. As part of our commitment to ensure the safety of young people we will not permit

photographs, video or other images of young people to be taken or used without the consent of the

parents/carers and the young person.

L&Y RUFC will follow the RFU guidance for the use of images of young people and will take all steps to

ensure these images are used solely for the purpose they are intended, which is the coaching of rugby

union and the promotion of the Club.

The RFU Best Practice Guidelines have been developed to provide clubs, schools and Constituent

Bodies with advice and guidance on the use of images of young people. L&Y RUFC has adopted

these guidelines and all Team Managers, Coaches and Volunteers should observe the following 'Eight

Golden Rules' as recommended by the RFU. It is the responsibility of the individual Team Managers to

make these guidelines known to their respective coaches and volunteers.

While the RFU recognizes that publicity and pictures of young people enjoying rugby are essential to

promote the sport and a healthy lifestyle, the following rules should be observed:

1. Ensure parents/guardians/young people have granted their consent for the taking and publication

of photographic images and have signed and returned the Parent/Guardian and Young Person

Permission Form.

2. All young people must be appropriately dressed for the activity taking place.

3. Photography or recording should focus on the activity rather than a particular young person and

personal details which might make a young person vulnerable, such as their exact address, should

never be revealed.

4. Where an individual has achieved success in the game (e.g. when selected for representative side

or showing triumph over adversity), permission must be gained from a parent/guardian and the young

person to use photographs/ recordings and relevant details.

5. Where possible, to reflect the RFU equity policy, photographs/recordings should represent the

diverse range of young people participating in rugby.

6. Anyone taking photographs or recordings at any rugby event must have a valid reason for doing

so and seek the permission of the organizers/persons in charge.

7. They should make themselves known to the event organizers/persons in charge and be able to

identify themselves if requested during the course of the event.

8. All concerns regarding inappropriate or intrusive photography should be reported in

confidence to the L&Y RUFC Child Protection Officer who may in turn report to the RFU Equity and Ethics

Manager.

How do I register?

All members must register with the Club to be able to play.

You will be given a registration form to complete either on your first day or after your tasters sessions.

Once you have completed the form you can give it, along with payment, to your Team Manager, your

Coach or hand it in to a Senior Member.

How much does it cost to join?

New members are entitled to three taster sessions before being asked to pay.

Cheques are made payable to L&Y RUFC.

Please put the age group of the young person on the back of the cheque.

Any problems with paying or queries regarding subscriptions, please speak to the Team Manager in

confidence.

Completed forms and subscriptions should be handed to your team manager, failing that they can

be posted to :

L&Y RUFC

c/o 11 Loxley Road

Oulton Broad

Lowestoft

Suffolk

NR33 9PG

The Clubhouse

The Clubhouse is open every Sunday, and all Parents, family and friends are welcome to drop into

the Clubhouse for a warm by the fire. Or why not get yourself a nice hot drink and something to eat, such

as a bacon roll. At midday the bar is also open.

When are the training times?

Minis: Sundays 10:00 – 11:30am (On

Match Days arrive at Clubhouse for

10:00, away games possibly earlier).

Sundays 10:00 – 11:30am (On Match

Days arrive at Clubhouse for 10:00,

away games possibly earlier).

U15-17's: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6:00 –

7:30pm, Sundays 10:00 – 11:30am (On

Match Days arrive at Clubhouse for

10:00, away games possibly earlier).

Please Note:

Coaches are not responsible for youngsters who arrive earlier than requested, unless the

parent/guardian has agreed it with the relevant Coach.

Are the Coaches qualified?

We have a growing number of experienced and trained Coaches, all of whom are understanding

and aware of the needs of developing children. All Coaches also have the opportunity to further their

coaching qualifications. They may also be assisted by some members of our U17 section as required.

Are the Coaches and Volunteers cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)?

The RFU now insists that all Coaches and relevant volunteers are CRB cleared to enable them

to work with children.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Parents/Guardians and spectators will AGREE to:

1. Always encourage and applaud good play to BOTH teams;

2. Never ridicule or shout at players and show respect for Coaches and Referees;

3. Remember that players are taking part for enjoyment. Rugby should be FUN.

Parents/Guardians will AGREE to:

1. Help players to achieve their objectives;

2. Ensure that the Club has your emergency contact number;

3. Ensure that the Club Registration form is completed, signed and returned;

4. Share concerns, if you have them, with Club Officials;

5. Be aware that the Club has a duty of care and therefore, where appropriate, assist Coaches with

supervision of players particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport youngsters

to away games.

Violation of the Code of Conduct and action to be taken:

If as a parent/guardian, player, coach or observer, you feel that part of the Code of Conduct is being

broken, it is essential that this is raised with a Coach, or the Child Protection Officer, or any other Club

Official. They will then deal with the matter in the appropriate manner. It is essential that this is done

quickly so that action can be taken to address the concern.

In cases of inappropriate player behaviour, each instance will be noted with the Coach. If this

behaviour is disruptive to the enjoyment of the session, or other players and Coaches, action will be

taken.

Action for cases of inappropriate player behaviour:

Players will AGREE to:

1. Abide by the Rules and spirit of the game;

2. Not use deliberate or dangerous play, poor sportsmanship or foul language;

3. Behave in a manner which will not put another person at risk;

4. Respect the directions of Coaches at all times, both for their safety and the safety of others;

5. Show respect and courtesy at all times to Coaches, Referees, team mates, opponents and

parents / guardians;

6. Be gracious in victory and defeat. Fun, enjoyment and skill development, are the most important parts

of the game;

7. Be punctual at all times;

8. Let Coaches know of your availability for matches/training;

9. Treat equipment with respect, and respect thefacilities provided by the Club;

10. Understand that you as an individual have the right to share your concerns, if you have them, with a

Coach, Club Official or another adult.

Coaches will AGREE to:

1. Encourage a sense of fair play and sportsmanship and set a good example of sportsmanlike conduct;

2. Use appropriate language and refrain from inappropriate or foul language;

3. Show respect and courtesy to players, referees, opponents, parents/ guardians and fellow coaches at

ALL times;

4. Respect the long term development of players and respect that winning is not the ultimate goal;

5. Never employ methods or practices that could involve risks to the health or development of the

players or fellow coaches and volunteers;

6. Not to manipulate rules in order to take advantage of opponents;

7. Adhere to the Child Protection Policy;

8. Respect players' confidentiality.

What Kit do I need?

Players should come adequately equipped to cope with the likely weather conditions. Shirt and shorts

are fine for warm weather. When it is cold and wet, layers of warm and waterproof clothing are essential

(waterproof top/tracksuit bottoms or similar, hat and gloves). Boots with studs that are kite marked and

recommended for rugby. A gum-shield is advisable for older children. Protective clothing, e.g.

headguards or shoulder pads, maybe worn if they conform to IRB(International Rugby Board)

Regulations.

Where can I get my kit?

Training shirts, shorts, socks, etc. can be purchased in our kit store which is open on most Sunday

mornings during the season.

When are fixtures played?

Fixtures are played on Sunday mornings. The fixture list is arranged in accordance with the RFU Youth

Structured Season by our Fixtures Secretary. The fixture list is posted on the Notice Board and on the

website.

Fixtures are added to the list throughout the season, or due to unforeseen circumstances cancelled at

short notice, so check with your Coach for the latest information.

Health and Safety

The objective of playing rugby is to have FUN and that means being warm, safe and properly

kitted out. Here are some key points regarding safety:

1. We strongly recommend that gum shields or mouth guards are worn for training and matches

(preferably prepared by your dentist);

2. No jewelry to be worn;

3. No chewing gum;

4. Wear kite marked studs recommended for rugby;

5. Regularly examine boots and replace any worn or missing studs;

gloves), to cope with the weather conditions that can occur during the winter months. If players are cold

and wet they are unlikely to enjoy themselves and may be put off rugby;

should be able to advise;

the site and the parent/ guardian notified. If, in the opinion of the person giving first aid, the child needs

hospital treatment, appropriate arrangements will be made. If a parent/guardian is unavailable, the Club

will ensure the child is accompanied and the parent/guardian notified as soon as possible;

9. Where concussion is sustained, the player will be removed from the field and irrespective of age, will

have a compulsory 21 days off rugby;

or diabetes, which may affect a player during a session;

11. Under NO circumstances will a Club member or coach accept responsibility for securing or

administrating a child's medication;

12. No dogs are allowed on the grassed areas on Sunday mornings or at any other time.

Youth Section Committee

Youth Chairman Colin Page 07906075042

Secretary Michele Caldwell 01502733527

Child Protection Officer Keith Nelson 01493440071

Managers:

U16/17 Shaun Thacker 01502517838

U15 Martin Hoyes 01502732825

U14 Michael Massey 01502587292

U13 Paul Walpole 07789778306

U12 Alan Walker 01502731625

Other Committee Members:

Fixtures Secretary Derek Easey 07710589078

Press Officer Martin Hoyes 07813078908

Equipment Officer Antony Norman 07949055999

Youth Liaison Officer Brian Garbutt 01502733527

If you are interested in sitting in on a committee meeting, please talk to Colin Page

Where to find us

Tesco's is on right as is Pleasurewood Hills ). The road dips where Gunton Hall ( Warners Holiday Camp ) is on

right. At top of dip indicate right and take next right turn into Corton Long Lane. Continue for 300 metres and take

first right turn into Old Lane. At end of Old Lane you will see the entrance to the Rugby Club on the right.

Go straight across roundabout at Hopton and also straight across next roundabout. At end of dual

carriageway indicate left and take next left turn into Corton Long Lane. Continue for 300 metres and take first

right turn into Old Lane. At end of Old Lane you will see entrance to the Rugby Club on the right.

Orange road between A12(T) and Corton is Corton

Long Lane.

Grounds Address :

Gunton Park

Old Lane

off Corton Long Lane

Lowestoft

Suffolk

NR32 5HE

Tel : 01502 730350

Can parents help at the Club?

L&Y RUFC is run entirely by volunteers. It survives because club members devote time and energy

towards making it enjoyable and successful. The youth and Mini sections are always grateful for

any help you may be able to offer.

Please ask a Club Official if you are able to help and especially if you have any skills or special knowledge

which could be an asset to the Club.

Does the Club have a Child Protection Policy?

The care and supervision of youngsters taking part in our training sessions is paramount. Under RFU

guidelines we have adopted a Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policy [CPP]. The Codes of

Conduct and photo/video images policy are printed in the back of this booklet. The CPP encompasses

various policies, as well as guidelines and procedures relating to disclosure, suspicions and

allegations of abuse within or outside the Rugby Club.

The policies are posted on the Clubhouse Notice Board.

Please do not hesitate to contact a member of the senior coaching staff or the CPO if you have any

questions.

Does L&Y RUFC have senior teams?

In addition to the mini and youth sections, we also have a senior section that plays on Saturdays.

Players range in age from 17 through to 60 and abilities range from the complete novice to County

representatives. New players are always welcome and if you are interested ask a team coach and they

will point you in the right direction.

Can people come and support?

There is a thriving throng of supporters and enthusiasts and you do not have to play the game to

enjoy the entertainment.

Why not come along with the whole family to cheer on the teams and stay for refreshments afterwards.

How do we find out about what's happening?

Each Season there are regular events and YOU can attend any of them with friends and family. Usually

we hold the following:

A Marquee Ball held on the first Saturday in September.

grounds.

There will also be posters in the Clubhouse about other events: Quiz night, Horseracing Night etc.

(Contact the Youth Chairman for further information) Don't forget to check out our website that is regularly

updated with Club news, weekly fixtures and match

reports at:

www.lowestoftandyarmouthrfc.com.