Reminder regarding regulations relating to Youth Rugby

Cornwall Rugby Football Union

Reminder to all Cornwall Clubs Youth Rugby for Season 2022 – 2023

To all Clubs,

Over the last few seasons, we have noted that there are an increasing number of incidents involving youth rugby arrangements, players, coaches and supporters.

We, at the CRFU, as the Constituent Body, must remind all clubs that there are a number of regulations relating to youth rugby that MUST be complied with.

We are extremely grateful for and do appreciate that all involved across the County are volunteers and are busy with jobs, family and homes to run. However, it must be recognised that there are a number of very important responsibilities that go with being involved with youth rugby.

• Each age group rules of play as set out in Regulation 15 appendices.

• U15, U16 and Colts competitions also have particular competition rules.

• Safeguarding is paramount in everything we do in youth rugby. Every club must have a        nominated Safeguarding Lead. Minimum standards required as set out in RFU Regulation 21.

• First aid for training and matches is vital

• Coaching courses are available and CRFU are always seeking more. We have noted that courses for any subject on Sundays during the season are not ideal

• Youth rugby is to be run on a “Player centric” basis. That is, it is the development of every player drives our decisions on how we deal with each player.

• Players playing out of age group require a properly formatted assessment by a suitably qualified coach in accordance with regulations 15.3 & 15.4 and the correct paperwork is completed and submitted to CB for sign-off. Forms on CRFU website under “Age Grade, Useful Resources”.

• 17 year olds moving into adult rugby, the 2 stage process must be adhered to. Assessment is done by CRFU nominated Coaches ONLY. 2 stage process can be found on CRFU website under “Age Grade, Useful Resources”.
• Unacceptable/abusive behaviour towards players and match officials is wholly unacceptable and has no place in our sport.

• Coaches and Parents must adhere to the basic principles of the game. TREDS. We should challenge any poor behaviour

• CRFU have added caveats to the rules and all clubs are expected to abide by these at all times.

• Every match at U9 and above must have technical areas marked out for the coaches and others to stand in and match referees should enforce this.

• Pitches should have barriers/fences/ropes to keep supporters away from the edge of the pitch. There should be a minimum space of 2m for the younger age group matches and 5m for the older groups.

• It is recommended that dogs, other than assistance dogs, should not be allowed due to the danger of disease transmittal to children.

• The taking of photographs and videos of matches and players training are only allowed with the express permission of BOTH sets of Coaches and Team Managers. Please refer to RFU Photography Guidance. This is available on RFU website.

Most importantly, all volunteers involved in rugby in Cornwall should appreciate that all of our, and, your efforts are that we have all of the children involved thoroughly enjoying their rugby and forming long lasting friendships

We are always open to ideas for improvement from every quarter. We want all of the Clubs in Cornwall to contact the Officers below if there are any questions or issues you feel need to be  addressed or advice on any problem you may have at your Club.

Websites for CRFU and England Rugby can offer a huge amount of information and assistance also.

CRFU Youth Contacts

TEAMWORK, RESPECT, ENJOYMENT, DISCIPLINE, SPORTSMANSHIP