Mini-rugby is the form of rugby played by children from Under 6 to Under 11 age groups. It is played according to a number of carefully graduated sets of rules that will lead a child, year by year, into full 15-a-side rugby as a thirteen year old equipped with the skills and knowledge to play the adult game successfully and safely. Players can join the U6s once they have turned 5 years of age.

Is Rugby too rough for children?

Children in the Under 6 to Under 8 age groups will learn to enjoy the game through 'Tag Rugby' where there is no physical contact and no tackling. The emphasis is on having fun, running and passing skills - all of which are the foundation of the game.

Beginning with the Under 9s and through to the Under 15s age groups the coaches progressively introduce such skills as tackling and progressing to scrummaging and lineout, under skilled control, so that children are not exposed to a level of physical pressure that they cannot understand or cope with. All our coaches supervise the sessions and games to ensure that that we put the child first in a fun and safe environment

What do children learn?

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) principles of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship is paramount in everything we do.

Do girls play?

From the Under 6 to Under 11 age groups, girls are integrated in mixed teams. From Under 12s onwards girls play in the own gender age groups.

Where do you play?

Training is held at Oaklands Park in front of the club house, and starts at 9.00am, please check fixture list just in case we are playing away. Please take care when arriving and leaving as there are many vehicles as well as children in the car park. It is critical that all players warm up before exercise. This routine will be conducted at the start of each session therefore please ensure that all players are ready to start at 9.00 prompt. The club does have parking available at the Oaklands Pavilion car park, which is off Wellington Road but spaces are limited. Northgate car park is at the south end of Oaklands Park however, there is a parking fee on a Sunday.

Equipment

Please ensure that your child has all the necessary protective equipment. Lead coaches will provide guidance in this area but it is strongly recommended that all children at all age groups wear mouth-guards. Head protection and body armour is an option in teams from U9 upwards due to game being full contact. The Studs of players' boots must conform with the IRB Specification which details that the stud should be metal and conical in design. Moulded rubber multi-studded soles are acceptable provided they have no sharp edges or ridges.

Chichester RFC has an established partnership with Game Set & Match as the clubs preferred supplier of all equipment i.e. shirts, shorts, socks, they are able to advise parents on the suitable equipment. Game Set & Match contact details are as follows:-

Unit 1, Beaver Trade Park
Quarry Lane
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 8NY
Tel: 01243 538800
Email: info@gsam.co.uk

Additional Information

We will endeavour to keep you involved at all times but please do not hesitate to ask any questions that you have to the coaching team responsible for your child's age group. Please ensure they have your current contact details and you check the club website.

Throughout the season there are a number of fund raising/social events run by the Mini and Junior section for you to participate in, such as bi-annual Quiz Night and the Mini and Junior Lunch (held on a December Saturday prior to the 1st Team match). These serve as great opportunities to meet other parents and enjoy the social side of this great game. They are also act as a means to raising funds to support the development of rugby at the club and maintain the club's equipment. Your active support and involvement is much appreciated.