Mini Rugby
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As one of the leading clubs in Ireland, we constantly strive to ensure that players of all ages and abilities enjoy themselves and have a safe and positive environment every weekend. We aim to develop each child to the best of their ability by promoting ‘Rugby for All’. We train the children to enjoy rugby for the game and insist on high levels of respect for officials, coaches and other players.
Here at Heffernan Park all our coaches are trained and conversant with not only the laws and skills of rugby, but also in the protection and welfare of children. We work to strict Codes of Conduct and adhere to the IRFU Policy and Procedures for young people in rugby.
All age groups from under 7 to under 12 are welcome, both boys and girls. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t played rugby before as at Balina Mini Rugby Club we will ensure that you develop the skills and have fun playing rugby.
Mini rugby was established in Ballina 1977 and has grown from strength to strength with up to 200 children regularly training on a Saturday morning at 10am. All coaches give their time voluntarily with regular input from members of the senior teams. Tremendous satisfaction is derived from seeing these players develop and progress through the ranks to senior level. International rugby player GAVIN DUFFY, currently in the Ireland Squad is the most eminent graduate from Balina Mini Rugby but many others have achieved underage international and interprovincial caps.
Safety
The safety of the player is of paramount importance to the club and in order to increase the player’s safety the club is making the wearing of gum shields mandatory.
NO GUM SHIELD – NO GAME
Gum shields can be purchased from most sports shops.
The wearing of any other form of protective equipment such as shoulder pads, scrum caps, etc is entirely at the discretion of theplayer and his parents/guardians.
Committee
Chairman Daragh Quinn
Secretary & Registrar Michael Grogan
Treasurer Oisin Quinn
PRO David Hannon
Fixtures Kieran Quinn
Home Fixtures Coordinator Paul McDermott
Away Fixtures Coordinator Kieran Quinn
Coaches 2009-10
Under 12 Peadar Flynn / Kieran Quinn /Paul McDermott / David Hannon
Under 11 Oisin Quinn / Bob Egan / Kevin Pritchett / Michael Finlay
Under 10 Tony Keane / Michael Grogan / Daragh Quinn
Under 9 Tomas Howley / Eric Blakeney / Jonathan Tyson / Eamon Connor
Under 8 Derek Duffy / Garret Hannigan / Cameron Clotworthy / Sean McHale
Under 7 Richard West / Anthony Heffernan
Age Grades 2009-10
Under 12 Born in 1998
Under 11 Born in 1999
Under 10 Born in 2000
Under 9 Born in 2001
Under 8 Born in 2002
Under 7 Born in 2003
Code for Players
Play for enjoyment and become part of the rugby family.
Respect the ‘Game of Rugby’ and play withi the laws of the Game.
Accept the Referee’s decision and let your captain or coach ask any relevant questions.
Play with control. Do not lose your temper.
Always do your best and be committed to the game, your team, and your club.
Be a ‘good sport’, applaud all good play, whether by your team or the opposition.
Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not ‘bully’ or take advantage of any player.
Rugby is a team sport and make sure you co-operate with your coach, team mates and members of your club.
Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
At the end of the match thank your opponents and the referee for the match.
Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponent to your opponent . Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.
Winning and losing is a part of sport: Win with humility - lose with dignity.
As part of the team it is important that you attend training regularly and listen to your coach and help your team.
As a team sport it is important to understant that all team members are important to the team.
Remember you are representing your team, club, family and the Game of Rugby.
Code for Parents
Remember, young people play rugby for their enjoyment, not only yours.
Encourage your child to always play by the Laws of the Game.
Teach young children that honest endeavour is as important as winning, so that the result of each game is accepted without disappointment.
Help young children to work towards skills improvement and good sportsmanship.
Set a good example by applauding good play on both sides.
Never ridicule, humiliate or shout at young players for making a mistake or losing a match.
Do not place emphasis on winning at all costs.
Do not force an unwilling child to participate in the playing of rugby. If a child is to play, he/she will do so in good time through your encouragement.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from rugby.
As a spectator do not use profane language or harass referees, coaches or players.
Do not publicly question the referee’s judgement and never their honesty.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches and referees.
Identify and acknowledge the good qualities of the Game of Rugby and uphold these values.
Remember you and your child’s contribution to the Game of Rugby is very important to Ballina Rugby Club and be proud of your contribution.
Understand the value of team sport and the importance thereof.
