| Welcome to Windsor RFC U11s. My name is Francis Boundy, Head Coach for the U11s at Windsor RFC. Objectives for the Season The Under-11 law variations that form part of the RFU continuum can be found here. There are several big changes this year: two more forwards in the Second Row, a Fullback and kicking! Fixture List The Fixture List for the season is shown on the Fixture Page. As always this is subject to last minute change so please check it regularly. Note that that main Minis Fixture List page is not always as up-to-date as our pages. Kit and Equipment
The essentials in terms of kit remain the same: boots with kite-marked studs and mouthguards. Football studs are not acceptable and must be replaced with kite-marked rugby studs. Please also check that studs do not become overly worn. On the grounds of safety, players with studs that do not conform will not be allowed to play. If at all possible, please ensure that players are wearing proper rugby shorts. With the increased physical nature of the game as we progress to competitive scrums etc, other shorts simply will not be strong enough and will be ripped. Track suits should be worn over shorts not instead. Finally, any safety equipment in the form of pads and head-guards must be IRB approved. This equipment is not essential and it is the choice of player and parent. Match-Day Kit Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Red Door Events and The Colour House, we now have two sets on numbered shirts which will be used for tournaments. Building a team identity helps to foster team-spirit so please ensure that players also have club socks and shorts for tournaments. Squad Selection Policy and Criteria We need to sub-divide our total squad of approximately 40 players for both training and matches. Whilst some skills training can be undertaken with the whole squad, we find that mixing abilities does not work for anyone – the less able players are unable to keep up with the more able and conversely the better players become frustrated with their team-mates. However, in order that players do not become unfairly pigeon-holed, the coaches will hold regular review sessions at which squads may be updated. Having too many changes to squads is disruptive and so we are currently planning three reviews during the 2009/10 season (see below). This season we expect to run two squads of approximately 20 players each though much of the training will be for the whole squad or split positionally. The selection criteria remain the same as ever: Attitude, Ability and Attendance. Ability Competition is inherent in rugby, and whilst we strive to ensure that all players are included, good performance will be recognised and rewarded where possible. Whilst turning in a good performance is the best way to catch the selector’s eye, ability alone does not guarantee a place. All players are encouraged to aspire to reach the top, whilst those already there must guard against resting on laurels. Midi rugby is all about player development, and we hope to help all players reach their full potential. Attitude Rugby is a game that requires courage, discipline and respect for others. We aim to reinforce and foster this in all players, emphasising and encouraging positive behaviour in all players. Ill-discipline, foul play or other breaches of the good player’s code will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with appropriately. Attendance A record of attendance is kept each week, as is a record of who is selected for competitive fixtures/tournaments. In this way, we aim to ensure that all players have an equal opportunity to play at an appropriate level. No player can expect to play in every game. Furthermore, just as no player can expect a place in the team just by turning up on the day, commitment will be rewarded with opportunity. Availability In order for us to run effective training sessions we need to know who will be there each Sunday. This allows us to select teams for both competitive and training matches in advance and to design the training content and squads around those players who will be there. To this end I have asked Christine to check each week who will be available that Sunday. This will be done by email and will require a simple Yes/No reply so shouldn’t be too onerous. If your plans change or in the event of illness please let me or Christine know if at all possible. I look forward to welcoming you to Windsor U11s soon. If you have any queries, comments or suggestions please do not hesitate to speak to any of the coaches, or contact me directly by e- mail. | 
