WRUFC JUNIORS

Welcome to Witham Junior Rugby, although not the biggest Junior section in Essex, it is one of the fastest growing. So joining Witham will mean that you will be fully involved from the start and be playing team rugby for the town. The Junior section has, over the last five years, established a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Witham Junior Rugby was re-formed in 2001, with 7 players, in the 2006 – 2007 season over 100 juniors players will be playing at all levels. The Junior section is part of Witham Rugby Club which was established in 1963.

Our ground is at Spa Road, Witham, Essex, CM8 1UN (opposite NETTO).

The safety and welfare of all players is taken very seriously by Witham Junior Rugby. To become a coach or helper, all individuals will have undergone a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

To support the training sessions all coaches are trained to the appropriate RFU standard. It is the responsibility of the Junior Committee to ensure that coaches are suitably qualified. The coaching qualifications to be attained or working towards are as follows;

• Tag coaching qualification for Tag rugby coaches.

• Level 1 RFU coaching qualification, for all age groups.

These qualifications provide coaches with the minimum requirements, training and development sessions are arranged throughout the season for all coaches.

Training takes place at Spa Road on Sunday mornings between 10.30am - 12.00pm, from September to April (Tag 10.30am to 11.30am). Friendly matches are also arranged for Sundays either home or away.

In addition to training on Sundays, the U/9-U/12 train on tue (6pm-7.30) and Thu (6.30pm-7.15), the U/13-U/16 train on Thu from 7.30pm-9pm

Weekly subs are paid for training and home matches and are collected at the start of training / home game by the Membership Secretary.

Training £1 per player per week Home game £2 per player per home match.

Friendly games are arranged through the season and provide an excellent way for all players to put their skills into practice. The fixture book sets down home and away games.

The games are refereed by the age group coaches. It is important that the referees decisions are respected, as they are taken for the safety and welfare of all players.

At home games the “Kitchen Crew” provides home made soup, bacon rolls, hot dogs, teas and coffees.

The Witham Junior Rugby playing kit comprises of

• Witham shirt – provided for matches by the Junior section.

• Black shorts – provided by players.

• Black socks – provided by players.

• Rugby Boots – provided by players (football bladed boots will not be permitted to be worn in games) referees will check boots at the start of matches.

All players are encouraged to wear black shorts and socks. The Junior section holds stocks of rugby boots and offers a return service for second hand boots.

Gum shields must be worn by players involved in contact rugby during all training sessions and matches.

Additional rugby safety equipment can be purchased, however, it is advised that you speak to your coach before you purchase additional equipment.

Parents / guardians are encouraged to get involved with all aspects of the Junior section and should initially speak to any member of the Junior Committee, who will be able to talk through what is required.

A programme of events including disco’s, social, presentation evenings, Witham carnival and attending premiership matches are arranged throughout the season by the Junior Committee. Details of the events are posted on the notice board in advance.

All players must complete two registration documents as follows

• Witham Rugby Club – membership costs £20* per year which includes full access to the main clubs facilities and a contribution to the upkeep of the grounds.

• Rugby Football Union – to allow players to take part in friendly matches and festivals, the registration also provides basic insurance cover for training and matches. There is no charge for this although passport sized photos maybe required.

*Note: reductions are available if players join half way through the season.

Both registration forms need to be
returned to the Membership Secretary
as soon as possible.

We look forward to welcoming you to Witham Junior Rugby

Chairman
John Cox 01376 502301

Vice Chairman
Matt Burgess

Treasurer
Neil Cruickshank 01376 500604

Secretary
Kate Cruickshank 01376 500604

Fixture Secretary
Lee Phillips 01376 513648
Richard Harrison 01376 519544

Child Welfare
Paul Goold 01376 500843

Head Coach
Den Fitzpatrick

Membership Secretary
Caroline Harrison 01376 519544

Sponsorship Co-ordinator
Beccy Chesson

Schools Liaison Officer
Dean Wells

Press Officer
VACANT

Parent Rep.
Penny Tindale

A Lead Coach is appointed and responsible for each age group, contacts are set out below. For the 2007 – 2008 the following squads will be supported.

Under 7 and 8 (year 2 and 3)
Non contact - Tag rugby

Lead Coach:
Justin Chesson (Tag qualified)

Coaches:
Paul Wilson (Level 1), Nick Summers

Under 9 and 10 (year 4 and 5)
Contact - nine a side rugby

Lead Coach:
Rory Simpson (Level 1)

Coaches:
Jay Valentine (TAG qualified), Matt Richardson (TAG qualified)

Under 11 and 12 (year 6 and 7)
Contact - twelve a side

Lead Coach:
Vacant

Coaches:
Dean Wells (TAG qualified), Matt Burgess (TAG qualified

Under 13 and 14 (year 8 and 9)
Contact - fifteen a side rugby

Lead Coach:
Richard Harrison (level 1)

Coaches:
John Cox (level 1), Rob Freake (TAG qualified)

Under 15 and 16 (year 10 and 11)
Contact - fifteen a side rugby

Lead Coach:
Larry Hanson (level 1)

Coaches:
Yvette Willmott (level 1), Mick O'Neill (level 1), Dave Willmott (TAG qualified)