2. GAME DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
KCRFU EXECUTIVE
GAME DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
YOUTH COMMITTEE (BOYS U12 – U18)
Deborah Park Chair & Treasurer
Andy Gent Youth Disciplinary Officer
Owen Smith Safeguarding Officer
John Reilly U18 leagues
Gareth Withers Colts Tens Tournament
David Caddy U17 leagues; Colts Trophy Comp
Mark Cornford U16 Competition
AnnMarie Carfoot U15 Competition
Paul Moyse U14 Competition
Chris Smith U13 Waterfall Competition
Stu Pollard U12 Waterfall Competition

3. Teamwork Respect Enjoyment Discipline Sportsmanship
KCRFU Age Grade Rugby
Kent Youth Rugby starts at U12s (year 7)
RFU Structured Season
Fixed club and school “windows”
Progressive introduction of elements of the adult game
Progressive competitiveness
Underpinned by core values
Teamwork Respect Enjoyment Discipline Sportsmanship

4. Appendix 6-7 (Rules of Play)
Regulatory Framework
RFU Regulation 15
Appendix 6-7 (Rules of Play)
Age Grade Codes of Practice
RFU Regulation 21 (Safeguarding)
RFU Regulation 19 (Discipline)
Rule 5.12 Bringing the game into disrepute
Other issues to consider: 
HEADCASE
Drugs testing inc. substance mis-use
Gender

5. Codes of Practice: U12-U13 rugby
Code of Practice 1: Developing the Whole Player 
• Focuses on the benefits of developing a positive attitude towards physical activity. 
Code of Practice 2: Adopt a Player-Centred Approach to Playing and Training 
• Encourages a focus on enjoyment and improvement regarding training, competition and frequency of play. 
Code of Practice 3: Grouping of Players 
• Focuses on the need to give players an equal opportunity to play, train and develop with their peers. 
Code of Practice 4: An Individual Playing Up and Down 
• Advises on how to approach the rare occasions when children are unable to play with their peer group. 
Code of Practice 5: Combining Age Groups 
• Considers how best to combine age groups if this is the only solution. 
Code of Practice 6: Out of Season Activities, Rugby Camps and Tours 
• Advocates the benefits of children having a break from rugby and experiencing a balanced programme that encourages them to take part in other sports. 
Code of Practice 7: Minimum Standards for Coaches and Referees 
Recommends standards of practice so that coaches are player-centred and appropriately skilled.

6. Core Values
Teamwork – we are all a team!
Respect - by everyone for everyone involved  in the Kent Rugby Family 
Enjoyment – mental health of young players
Discipline – role models for our young players
Sportsmanship – on and off the pitch

7. Challenges of U12-U13 rugby
Physical Growth
Mental Development
School work
School rugby 
DPP / representative rugby
Leisure interests – other sports
Injury
Concussion (HEADCASE)
Parents

8. THE PLAYER CHOOSES to participate
In Short: U12-U13 rugby
If you want to retain players you need to make rugby sufficiently fun and interesting that
THE PLAYER CHOOSES to participate
Encourage competitiveness but do not make winning the focus
Encourage skills development not position focus
Encourage adoption of core values on the pitch and around the clubhouse

9. U12 and U13 Waterfall Competitions
Our competition menu
U12 and U13 Waterfall Competitions
November 17th Waterfall 1
December 15th (reserve)
January 26th Waterfall 2
February 2nd (reserve)
U12 April 26th Waterfall 3
U13 April 5th Waterfall 3

10. Our competition menu
Demonstration of the core values, commitment and child/player-centredness are some of the most relevant success measures at these ages. 
As players move to secondary age education and attitudes we introduce a formal tournament where winning dictates progress. This takes the form of 3   Waterfalls that emphasise equal participation with every team playing the same number of matches no matter where they finish in their pool, through a play-off system.

11. Check County Website for: Entry Forms and dates
Our competition menu
Check County Website for:
Entry Forms and dates
Competition Rules and Regulations
Squad registration Form
Draws
Co-operate fully with your competition manager and event organiser

12. Regulatory Framework
Half Game Rule
For the season Regulation 15 will incorporate the "Half Game rule”, the wording of which reads as follows:
15.12 Half Game Rule 
……….. all clubs, teams, ……must ensure that each player selected in every match day squad plays at least half of the Available Playing Time. This requirement is mandatory across the entire age grade game and in respect of all contact and non-contact age grade matches, including 7 a-side matches and festivals/tournament matches. 
Clubs need to retain match records (including friendlies)

13. Regulatory Framework
Half Game Rule
The RFU consider this Regulation a major catalyst to change in the age grade game and expect the outcome to be a change of approach in the way age grade rugby is managed, away from winning matches towards child –centred development. Rugby Union is a late development sport and every child should be given an equal opportunity to develop their skill even though some will develop at different speeds and to different levels. 
An FAQ is available on the RFU website along with downloadable posters.
A “game tracker” is available on County website

14. Considered Suspension from the Age-Grade waterfall
Half Game Rule
The first instance in the current season that at least 1 player has not played half a game*
Formal warning issued to the Club and Coach/ person responsible for the team. 
The second instance in the current season that at least 1 player has not played half a game*
Considered Suspension from the Age-Grade waterfall
Considered Suspension of the coach/ person responsible for the team.

15. Suspension of the Coach/ person responsible for the team.
Half Game Rule
The third instance in the current season that at least 1 player has not played half a game*
Suspension of the Coach/ person responsible for the team.
Disqualification from participating in the Age-Grade waterfall 
Points deducted from the Adult 1st Team (possibly suspended)
The fourth instance in the current season that at least 1 player has not played half a game* Or
Evidence that coaches/ person responsible have deliberately colluded to prevent players playing half a game
Suspension of the coach/ person responsible for the team.
Points deducted from the Adult 1st Team equating to 4 wins.
RFU Discipline Department notified

16. Waterfall competition Breach
Half Game Rule
Waterfall competition Breach
At least 1 player does not play at least a half of a match* in the Kent Waterfall competition
If the team won the match, team removed from the Competition for the current season.
If the team lost the match, sanction guidelines aggravated by at least 1 level.

17. - need to educate parents on desired behaviours
Discipline
Players – need to understand the rules and regulations and be taught consistently to observe them; make it part of your coaching
Coaches – need to set examples and reward sportsmanship and respect for match officials
- need to educate parents on desired behaviours
Spectators – need to understand that rules do not apply just to on-pitch activity but extend to their behaviour around the pitch and clubhouse
5.12 abuse is the largest “growth area” of disciplinary problems

18. Competitions, festivals etc.
Other Considerations
Competitions, festivals etc.
KCRFU competitive menu is quite full and for most teams will offer enough formal competition when taken alongside friendlies and school matches.
If you wish to host any competitive activity such as a festival your club MUST obtain permission before advertising it AND you must be able to demonstrate  that you have the resources to run your event successfully.
Forms and guidelines can be found here:

19. Forms and guidelines can be found here
Other Considerations
Tours.
If you wish to take your team on tour your club MUST obtain permission before advertising it AND you must be able to demonstrate  that you have the resources to safeguard the children throughout the tour.
Forms and guidelines can be found here

20. How can we help you further?
Questions
How can we help you further?
Thank you and have a great season!