U14s Coaching Philosophy Jan 2011 Update

1. U14s Coaching Philosophy Jan 2011 Update

2. Primary Aims: • Make Safetythe number one priority at all times • Recapture our position as the force to be reckoned with in Gloucestershire youth rugby • Develop individual and team rugby skills, enabling boys to develop their self esteem and confidence, and to realise their potential • Provide an environment of Fun and Enjoyment, supported by Discipline & Respect

3. 1. Safety and welfare • What? / Why? • Safety and welfare of our children will always be the top priority. • How? • Safety is an integral element of all coaching techniques • Zero tolerance for any play or behaviour which puts safety at risk • Qualified referee at all matches: Peter Brunt, Mark Moore • Formally appoint First Aider – Emma Edwards Provide First Aid availability at all times - with 3 other qualified first aiders (Jeremy J, Karsten H, Peter B) • spare Gum Shields available at all matches

4. 2. Recapture our position as the force to be reckoned with in Gloucestershire youth rugby • What?/Why? • All boys want to win, and learning how to work together as a team to achieve success is one of the great lessons that rugby can teach boys • Our squad has great ability and potential – we have not fully realised this yet and we aim to do this – this is a goal that is achievable • How? • Focus on a single team squad approach, and select based on attendance/attitude as well as ability/potential to maximise effectiveness of individual and team development coaching activity • In competitive matches, we will play to win

5. 3. Develop individual and team rugby skills, enabling boys to develop their self esteem and confidence, and to realise their potential • What?/Why? • All boys should have the opportunity to develop, grow and fulfill their potential • How? • Coaching team of 6+ coaches to provide cohesive and varied training and coaching • Structured Training every Friday 6.30pm – 8.00pm and Sundays 9.45 – 12.00 Noon • Ongoing support, coaching, stretch and encouragement of team and individuals through relationships between boys and coaches • Clarity of development areas & action plans to improve them

6. 2. Fun, Enjoyment • What? Why? • We should create a fun environment where boys can gain self esteem, through learning and playing the game of rugby and where children can set realistic targets for themselves. • How? • We will balance the need for individual learning of skills with the enjoyment of playing games. • We will always seek to make the time spent training or preparing for games as satisfying as possible, even when the acquisition of a particular skill may be mundane or hard work • We will have a fun tour every year, like Marseilles/Toulon in 2010.

7. 2. Fun, Enjoyment • Discipline & Respect: • We will also provide a setting where children learn about the compromises and disciplines that are necessary within a team environment. • This will include punctuality, caring and mutual respect for others and ensuring that they do not interfere adversely with the enjoyment and learning and development of their team mates. • We will strive to ensure that all of our players describe their time spent with Cheltenham U14 rugby squad as “one of the highlights of my week” and “something that I always look forward to.”

8. 2. Fun, Enjoyment • Discipline & Respect: • As coaches, we will endeavour to be role models for the boys under our care at all times, with particular emphasis on displaying the appropriate conduct around matches. • We will comply with all aspects of the RFUs code of conduct and encourage parents to do the same. • We will ensure that parents understand our intolerance of overt criticism of match officials or negative comment towards any player on the pitch.

9. Primary Aims: • Make Safetythe number one priority at all times • Recapture our position as the force to be reckoned with in Gloucestershire youth rugby • Develop individual and team rugby skills, enabling boys to develop their self esteem and confidence, and to realise their potential • Provide an environment of Fun and Enjoyment, supported by Discipline & Respect