Sun 30 Oct 2016

10:00

09:15

Beccehamian RFC Minis Development Festival 30th October 2016
We are looking forward to welcoming you to our 5th annual Minis Development Festival on 30th October. This letter outlines some of the key information that you will need for the day. Please pass this on to your coaches and parents as you see fit. If you have any questions, then please do direct them to the contacts above.
Important Note:
This has always been a development festival where the emphasis is on participation, learning and enjoyment, rather than achievement. Whether for new players just trying for the first year or for those who need developing, it’s a great festival for character and confidence building. The new Age Grade Rugby regulations mean that this approach is applied in all festivals across all age groups. We therefore trust and expect to see squads of mixed ability throughout the pools with all teams abiding by this ethos.
Event programs detailing pool allocations, pitch layout, tournament rules, contacts and associated information will be available at the entrances to the festival on the day. These must be purchased for an entrance fee of £5 per family entering at the same time, which will help the club to pay for the costs incurred in running the festival.
General Tournament Format
The festival will adhere to Kent RFU guidelines on Age Grade Rugby. You should note that, due to space constraints, some pitches will be slightly smaller than standard RFU measurements for each age grade. It is expected that all clubs agree to this as a condition of participation in the festival. Every team entered in each age group must provide at least one referee.
We are committed to keeping to schedule so please make sure you arrive 5 minutes before the start of each game. Late arrival will mean that the game time is reduced. The pitch marshals are responsible for games ending on time and their decision as to the end of the match is final.
Certificates of attendance will be given to all teams participating as a record of their involvement in the day.
U9 – U11
For U9-U11 age groups, teams will play matches in pools of 5, with each team playing 4 games each. Each half will be 7 minutes and there will be 1 minute for half time.
In accordance with the pool format, there will be no scores recorded and we will expect referees to coach the children as the games progress. Every team must provide at least one referee.
U12
For the U12 age group, we will run a waterfall tournament. Each half will be 7 minutes and there will be 1 minute for half time. Teams will play in 2 groups of 5 teams, with scores recorded via the pitch marshals, and in consultation with the referee, for each game. Points will be awarded as: 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw and 1 point for a loss. In the event of any teams being level on points at the end of the pool stage, final positions will be awarded by the tournament referee in accordance with RFU tournament guidelines. Details on these will be found in the festival program on the day.
Once final positions are confirmed, each team will play a final game against a team in the corresponding position from the other pool. Trophies will be awarded for both winners and runners up respectively. All teams will receive certificates of participation.
In the event of any team not being able field a full team for any game, the opposing team should reduce numbers to ensure that both teams are equal. This will only be allowed up to a maximum reduction of two players. This rule will apply should any side reduction be required within a game due to injury.
Registration & Timing
The registration desk will be open from 08:45 in the Control Tent, which will be located alongside the tournament pitches.
ALL teams must be registered by 09:30. There will be no need for registration sheets – we expect all players to be registered with the RFU and hold each club individually accountable for ensuring that this is so. Squads should be of sufficient size to ensure that each team can field the right number of players at all times.
There will be a coaches & referees briefing for all age groups at 09:40. These will take place next to the control tent and will be managed by Beccehamian R.F.C. coaches from each age group. Tournament referee is Anthony Kempster, who will be based at the control tent throughout the festival.
All pool matches will begin at 10:00 sharp. Please can you ensure that your team are ready and present at the correct pitch five minutes before the start of each match, to ensure that we run to time.
Food and drink will be available from 08:30 and throughout the day from the club bar, pitch & putt stall and associated stands close to the clubhouse. The bar will be open from 11:00.
We expect all pool games to be completed by 13:20.
Waterfall games for U12s will start at 13:30 and will be simultaneous. Presentations for U12s will take place at 14:00 after which the Festival will close.
Parking
As many of you who have attended festivals at Sparrows Den before will be aware, parking around the club can be tricky. Please note that the club is in Greater London where it is an offence to park on the pavement. We also kindly ask that all participants note the following:
 There will be no parking on Corkscrew Hill nor Addington Road in both directions. This is a bus route and parking will cause an obstruction. Some roads close to the club may also have some areas coned off in order to ensure that traffic can flow through and emergency access.
 The club has limited parking onsite which will be first come, first served. Gazebo drop-off is possible but vehicles must be removed afterwards.
 We ask that all coned off areas are strictly observed as we have to ensure clear access for emergency services.
 We would ask everyone to observe road markings and driveways, and to kindly keep disruption to our neighbours to a minimum.
 There are quite a few residential roads where parking can be found just a short walk from the club, but we advise getting here early!
Club postcode for Sat. Nav. is: BR4 9BB
Toilet Facilities
There are facilities for men and women within the clubhouse, in addition to a number of portaloos outside.
Photography
By participating in the festival, it is understood that your club and your parents give consent for the photography that will be taking place onsite throughout the festival. Our friends at DE Photos will be taking photos of all the games, which as usual will be available for sale to parents at the stall near the clubhouse.
If you have any children whose parents are not happy to agree consent, then this must be communicated early and clearly to the control tent at the start off the festival, with details of club and match schedule, such that we can have a pitch marshal help to ensure that photos are controlled accordingly.
Behaviour
Beccehamian R.F.C. prides itself on taking the core rugby values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship seriously. We therefore operate a zero tolerance approach to behaviour at our festivals. If any participants – players, coaches or parents - are deemed to be behaving inappropriately, they will be asked to leave and their team may be withdrawn from the festival.
Finally,…. Have a great time!
Please do pass on this information to your parents and coaches, and let us know should you have any concerns or queries. We’re really looking forward to seeing you all there. On behalf Beccehamian R.F.C., I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to seeing some fun, competitive games of rugby being played!
Yours Sincerely,
Mike Hamm
Chairman, Minis Rugby
Beccehamian R.F.C