2. WHAT MAKES GREAT COACHES AND MANAGERS? We’re coaching kids…..and we want them to love playing rugby. We’re not coaching the AB’s. Keep perspective and make it fun. We’re managing busy parents…. create an effective communication structure within your team Parents can get carried away on game day…..please use your EQ skills and common sense Find some empathetic Mum’s with a knack for pouring “magic water” Get your parents involved, make your own team culture Get organised before training Get involved in the Club…..Ponsonby is your club too. Treat it with respect. Be firm – but also be enthusiastic, praise everyone, tell them they’re great Encourage team work

3. KEY INFORMATION Season starts 7 May 2016 Complete Small Blacks course - compulsory Each team needs a referee, note referee courses. Get more than 1 if possible Pre-season games – arrange, or ask to be connected to other coaches Gear bag – jerseys, cones, ripper tags, basic first aid, training and games balls Junior Raffle

4. KEY INFORMATION Training – You chose your preferred venue, days, and times. Junior training should be completed by 6.15pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays to allow for senior teams to train. – We recommend an hour duration – up to one and a quarter hours at most – Once agreed with your team, please advise the administrator and delegate. They will let the club know who is training where Facilities – Grounds at Western springs (outer fields and half field adjacent to the Tan) – with lights, gear shed. – Grounds at Cox’s Bay, with gear shed, no lights. – Grounds at Archibald park, gear shed and lights. – There is limited space and gear – please share with your club-mates – The “tan” – for use during wet weather. Please advise the club if you are heading up there. There are no “bookings” and space is limited so please share appropriately. – Where possible, please use the margins of the outer fields off the playing area – you will need to rely on the field come the weekend. You cannot book a field.

5. KEY INFORMATION Game Day Where and when? How do I check the draw? http://draws.nzrugby.co.nz/competitions/Fixtures.aspx?Provincial=2523&Name=Auckland%2 0RFU http://draws.nzrugby.co.nz/competitions/Fixtures.aspx?Provincial=2523&Name=Auckland%2 0RFU Cancellations Turn up on time and “locate” your opposition Start on time and clear the field promptly at the conclusion of your game – there will likely be another game wanting to start. Gather up your cones quickly at the end of the game – they can easily go missing No referee means no game. Give your parents a role – e.g. have a plan to manage your subs Let the junior administrator know your result

6. KEY INFORMATION Game Day continued…. Injuries. Use common sense. Don’t play an injured “star”. Advise the club and delegate. Seek professional help from a weekend accident and emergency clinic or hospital. Visit the club! It is your club and you are welcome. There are home games to watch and it can be a great opportunity to build friendships with team-mates.

7. Key Information The Season Saturday games from 7 May to late August. Every weekend except the middle weekend of the winter school holidays Friday night games on occasion. Player of the month (POM). Held once a month on a Saturday afternoon after games. Please nominate your team recipient by the appointed time to ensure a certificate. Very popular afternoon. The club changing rooms and bistro are open on a Thursday night. This is a great opportunity to organise a team night where the kids can shower/change in the rooms, and the family can enjoy a meal and drink with team-mates families. If you want to bring a large group, please advise the club (to assist the bistro) You may be asked to assist with ball boy duties for home games (6 boys per game). A representative from the junior committee will be in touch.

8. OTHER EVENTS FOR CALENDARS Photo night. Please ensure your team attends, on time. Prize-giving. Early-mid September on a Saturday morning. Mid-year social event and Quiz nights – standby for updates End of year coaches and managers night – a social debrief and thank-you. Return of the gear bags and gear!!

9. CLUB INFORMATION Go to the website first Key people – Sandra Ioane – Club Manager – Bryan Williams – Chris Clews – Club Chairman – John Ward – Club President – Nathan Kemp – Director of Rugby – James Brooke – Junior Chairman – Junior Committee Geoff Buchanan – Club JRC (ARU) delegate for city teams (rugby matters), U8 to U13 Grades Chris Mankin– Club JRC (ARU) delegate for Kelston teams (rugby matters) Carly Puletiuatoa – U6&7 grade co-ordinator Tracey Clemas Nigel Clemas Steve Salton Dallas Cooper Wyndi Tagi (Junior Treasurer) Marietta Ah Chong Rochelle Hewson Adam Sadgrove Paul Mowbray Myles Dalton Graeme Green Todd Ryan Blair Wolfgram

10. SOME KEY PRIORITIES FOR JUNIOR RUGBY A strong Junior Committee Better Communication More streamlined registration process and team allocation Coaching Support – creating better coaches Manager Support – giving you tools to be a great Team Manager Better off-field Gear to take our club into the Community – Parents and Kids Improved Facilities – the Tan Creating a Club for Parents as well as kids