Values & Vision

VALUES: With a focus on rugby union it is only right that our own values align with those of England Rugby (the ‘RFU’ - Rugby Football Union) - the acronym their values are known by is “T.R.E.D.S.”

TEAMWORK RESPECT ENJOYMENT DISCIPLINE SPORTSMANSHIP

Through our work in schools we see that these closely mirror so many of the school values we see and hear. We refer to these during our different sessions because it is important children realise that however they or their team are doing (good or otherwise) they should all ‘live these values’ in PE lessons and at our clubs and holiday camps.

VISION: What is our vision of rugby? It’s a great inclusive community sport for all as well as a highly impressive, physically demanding elite sport for those men and women who reach the very top. Whatever your background, size, shape, skill level you will make friends for life through playing rugby. It’s great for confidence building in both children and adults where perhaps other sports have not put their arm round you and believe in you and importantly help you believe in yourself. In our school clubs we focus on FUN. We are not likely to be the school’s official team coach so it’s essential we focus our efforts on creating a respectful, inclusive and fun environment for all children as a valuable extra-curriculum club. In PE lessons we look at the children getting the core, basic skills right; after all if they don’t work on passing, catching, going forward and supporting their friends then we’re not focussing on 2 of rugby’s key principles: ‘GO FORWARD’ & ‘SUPPORT’. Yes, there will be those who play outside school and they can flourish in PE lessons, but they are also in a great position to encourage their classmates with their experience and knowledge rather than just running around scoring tries without passing to anyone! We’re as competitive as the next person but it’s important to show this is a selfless game where you put your mates in for easy tries rather than worry about scoring yourself and then lose the ball! You’ll note this text mirrors the values above - it’s no coincidence, they’re important. Constant shouty coaches and parents/carers are not what rugby needs or welcomes. Coach and encourage the children between matches correctly and they’ll express themselves on the pitch when they have the chance and the leaders amongst them will show themselves - through their actions, including working out what’s going wrong and correcting it themselves; give them the chance to grow in knowledge and confidence through their own decision-making. That’s the best coaching support you can give them for their long-term rugby lives!

Rules

Before / After School Club and Half-Term / Holiday Camp Rules:

1) Do not say mean things to anyone, 2) Always be helpful when you can (to other children & adults), 3) Listen to instructions so they don’t have to be repeated, 4) Put your hand up when you want to say something / ask a question or need the loo, 5) Do not laugh at others, 6) Concentrate and give everything your best effort, 7) Try ro play with different children (not just your best friends) so you can make new friends!, 8) DO NOT SHARE FOOD OR DRINK in case other children are not able or allowed what you eat and drink, 9) DO NOT grab / get physical with other children even if they frustrate you: speak to an adult immediately about what made you frustrated, 10) If you hear other children not being nice to others please tell an adult immediately.

Concentration & Behaviour

For schools clubs & camps: Coaches will contact parents & carers where a child may not be engaging enough in a club or camp meaning it’s becoming disruptive and possibly unsafe. We will then agree a plan and timescales for continuation in the club or not, depending on outcomes.

Should a child’s behaviour (including towards children and adults) require a discussion with parents/carers (& their school where relevant) we will agree a plan and timescales regarding their behaviour to give them a chance to rectify any issues.

Both concentration & behaviour are key factors in other children enjoying their club/camp or not. It is unfair for other children, whose attendance has most likely been paid for, to have their experience spoilt by others.

If a child has to be asked to stop attending a school club (or leave a camp or club session early) there will be no refund.