Match Preview

Haywards Heath RFC Minis Festival 2016

Sunday 30th October 2016

Welcome to our minis festival at Haywards Heath RFC this year to be held at Haywards Heath RFC on Sunday the 30th October.

I am pleased to confirm there will be teams competing from U7s through to U12s. All matches will be played in accordance with the RFU regulations issued for the 2016/17 season. Details attached with this invite.

Festival and Match Format

You will all be aware that we are all operating to the new age grade structure which means that we will be running our festival in line with the RFU guidelines. For us it is all about having fun, developing players and playing competitive rugby – with teams evenly matched based on ability – something we are particular keen to achieve now.

So, in both age groups, we will have groups for ‘A’ teams and for ‘B’/’Development’ teams. We encourage clubs to enter teams and match players accordingly as this truly benefits everyone. We will manage the groups accordingly – with one group at each level for each age group.

The RFU regulations mean we have to move away from pure ‘competition’ where there is an overall winner. So, this year, looking to encourage a greater focus on participation rather than winning, we are not going to record any scores. No more issues with missing scores, incorrect scores, moving pools and pitches, etc. Instead we can focus on the playing and getting home at a reasonable time!

We will be looking to run pools of 5 teams each so that teams will stay within their group and on the same pitch at all times. This means that each team will play 4 matches– balanced with not making the festival day too long. As a team you can record your scores and clearly know how you have done on the day. Win, draw or lose – as a club/team you will be able to gauge your results – and the kids have fun! The final format will depend on how many teams we have enter.

There will be medals for all players entered.

Haywards Heath RFC has very limited parking. There will be marshals to help us maximise the space we have but can I ask that clubs strongly urge their parents to arrange car sharing? If we can have 2 or 3 players coming in one car, we can cut the number of cars by up to two-thirds.

We look forward to seeing you on the day for what should be a great day of rugby.

Kind Regards

Brian Nimmo
Haywards Heath RFC - Chairman of Juniors and Minis sections
brian.nimmo@hymans.co.uk 07590 049836

We look forward to welcoming you, your players, parents & supporters to Haywards Heath RFC for our minis Festival. The following information is provided to help things run smoothly on the day and to make it an enjoyable event for all.

We ask you to have a look at all the information and ensure that everyone from your club is aware of the relevant details.

Location:
Haywards Heath RFC, Whiteman’s Green, Cuckfield, West Sussex, RH17 5HX

Parking:
Very limited parking is available. Please encourage your teams to car share to reduce numbers. There will be a charge for entry / parking at £2 per car that will also include a program. Please be aware that parking is not allowed on public roads surrounding the club. Please also ensure that you follow the instructions of our car parking helpers when parking, they are volunteering to help with the safety of all attending the festival.

We strongly encourage all clubs to car share. We do not have enough car parking if car sharing is not maximised.

Registration:
You will find the registration table next to each pitch (or in the porta cabins if the weather is poor), which will be open from 9.30am. A player registration form is attached for you to complete and email back or bring to the registration table for checking. If you do email your form, please double check the details on the day at the registration table. Please note that players not registered with the RFU will not be allowed to play.

Coaches Briefing:
All coaches need to attend the coaches briefing which will be held at 9.45 am beside each pitch.

Referees
Be prepared to help out if required on the day – all teams to be able to supply one referee. The referees’ decision is final.

Linesman:
Each team entered must provide a linesman for each game they play, this procedure will be overseen by the Haywards Heath Pitch Marshall.

Pitches:
The programme will contain details of match pools and layout of pitches. Teams must erect their tents at least three metres from the touch line.

Club House & Refreshments:
The club house will be open from 9am for refreshments, including hot food and drinks, the bar will open at 11am. A BBQ will be running pitch side which will be selling burgers, hot dogs, bacon rolls and hot and cold drinks. We ask that boots and muddy kit are not worn inside the club house. Lavatories can be found in the club house and portaloos are available behind the container.

First Aid:
We will have qualified paramedics available and on site.

Please ensure you have a qualified First Aider present when your team is playing. Please ensure that you park your vehicle in accordance with the wishes of the car parking helpers so we can maintain ambulance access at all times. An accident form will also be available from the score tent & will require completion.

The escalation process will be:
1. Initial attention/review from your First Aider
2. Escalate to paramedics
2. Ambulance call by paramedics

Child Welfare Matters:
We aim to ensure that the provisions of the RFU/RFUW Child Protection Policy are applied during the Festival and ask that all participants support our efforts in this respect. We’d like to clarify the position regarding photography as follows:
• It will be assumed that the parents/guardians of all players participating in the Festival have given their consent for photographs to be taken. If this is not the case, the coach or manager of the team must inform the organisers.
• Anyone taking photographs or recording images of players must have a valid reason for doing so. It will be assumed that all players, parents and guardians, coaches and managers have a valid reason.
• Checks may be carried out during the Festival, and persons taking photographs may be asked for proof of identity.

Rules of the Tournament

The rules are the iRB law of the Game

• The first matches will start at 10am and each tournament, depending on entries, will take place in 2 pools. Each team will play every team in its respective pool. A schedule of games will be given out upon arrival at the control desk & registration on the day. We aim that all teams will play at least 4 games.

• Matches will be as per the table below with 2 minutes for half time, no extra time will be played.

Age Group Minutes per half
U7/U8 5 minutes
U9/U10 6 minutes
U11/U12 7 minutes

• Maximum squad sizes and the number of players allowed on the pitch during a game are as per the table in the covering letter.

• Substitutes can only be brought onto the field when there is a natural break in play.

• The games will be played by equal numbers of players. If, for any reason, a team cannot field a full side (at the start or during the game), the opposition will reduce its numbers accordingly.

In the event that one team is leading by a clear 6 tries then, at the referee’s discretion, the game will be stopped.

• In the event that a player is sent from the field due to foul play, then they may be replaced and the player may be allowed to play in the following game at the discretion of the referee and Tournament organiser. If the foul play was deemed to be blatant the referee and tour organiser may ask for that player to be withdrawn from the festival

• Studs will be checked prior to the first game. Anyone wearing illegal studs will not be allowed to play.

• All players playing contact rugby must wear gum shields.

• Tights and skins are acceptable but no tracksuits.

• Haywards Heath RFC reserves the right to change the organisation of the tournament on the day if required.

Further considerations:

Haywards Heath RFC may, in exceptional circumstances, permit a player to play in a team not representing the club to which the player is registered. For example, permission might be granted for a scratch team to be recruited, comprising players from a number of clubs, in the event of a team failing to show up.

Members of participating clubs & all those using the facilities at Haywards Heath RFC are responsible for keeping all personal property & valuables safe at all times. Haywards Heath RFC cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to property and valuables.

Each club is responsible for the behaviour of their players, officials & supporters. Everyone is expected to conduct themselves in a professional & appropriate manner at all times.

Any queries please contact: Brian Nimmo 07590 049836