| Schools of Rugby |
The document below describes the Berkshire County RFU SoR Programme. In the County Youth section of this website (accessed via tab along the top of the page), you can find age group programmes and contact information etc.
The Berkshire RFU School of Rugbyin conjunction with The RFU
and London Irish
Programme 2010/11
Revision status:
Rev final- April 10 What is the School of Rugby? How do I join? Player Pathway SoR Curriculum SoR Staff SoR Timetable Session Administration Nutritional Advice Injury Management SoR Reports Continuous Improvement SoR Kit Appendix 1: Positional Skills Set Appendix 2: Typical year diary | WHAT IS THE SCHOOL OF RUGBY? | | .Background · In April 2006, The RFU Council agreed, as a matter of RFU policy, to the formation of Constituent Body (CB) (Berkshire County RFU) Schools of Rugby (SoR). · The recommendation which was approved reads: “Constituent Body Schools of Rugby will be established to replace existing CB Development Squads and England Player Development Centres (EPDCs), and will have the responsibility for delivering a core curriculum. The CB Schools of Rugby will be based on geographical districts at U13, U14, U15 and U16 levels, and will be supported by Regional Academy staff and CB accredited personnel” Opportunity. · This decision has created a fantastic opportunity for English Rugby – implementation of a structure, largely funded by the RFU but implemented locally, to deliver an exciting curriculum to develop skills through qualified and motivated coaches to the best young players in the Country. · The outcome will be generations of well tutored and skilled rugby players, some of whom will go on to play international rugby and become full-time professional players; some of whom will play in the Community game, driving up coaching standards and skill levels throughout the sport in our country. · This is also a tremendous opportunity for our CB Coaches to be tutored and mentored to a high level by Academy coaches, to work with the best young players in their area, and to gain excellent experience in delivering the national core curriculum. Programme · The Schools of Rugby programme is “designed to identify and support the development of young players with the most talent and potential between the ages of 13 and 16.” · The focus of the SoR is to develop core technical skills together with tactical appreciation of the game. · Players will also be educated on the key fitness, lifestyle and mental components which will help them reach the highest levels of performance. · The programme forms part, and is indeed the start, of a single elite player development structure for the game in England, developing core skills away from the pressures of preparing young players for the next game. · Players might progress from the SoR into an England Rugby Academy Elite Player Development Group (London Irish), to become a member of an England Rugby Academy (London Irish). | | HOW DO I JOIN? | | Berkshire RFU is following the RFU Youth Structured Season (YSS) and have decided to use the Sunday of the allocated CB SoR week for their sessions. Berkshire RFU have ensured that the Berkshire Youth club league games follow the YSS too and to avoid school/club conflict, do not start the league fixtures until after the end of the autumn school term. (At U17s and Colts age groups, Berkshire clubs enter the Oxon, Berks and Bucks (OBB) leagues which are played throughout the season – U17s league determines which club sides play in the National U17s competitions in the spring). It also has to be accepted that rugby-playing schools have selection priority during the autumn term and rugby clubs the priority post Xmas – within those dates allocated to club/school fixtures. The county should have overall priority on CB dates. However, schools must equally realise that senior rugby is only sustainable via rugby clubs and that clubs must be able to play competitive fixtures during the autumn term to keep their age groups running – especially where some of the club squad do not attend rugby-playing schools or are unable to get into their school teams. There are a number of reasons why Berkshire RFU are using the Sunday, the main one being to try to control the amount of overplaying of boys in the county. Other reasons include coaching players in daylight hours; managing costs of physiotherapists and facilities; and to have a coordinated approach across all the age groups. Overplaying through the U13s to U18s age groups is a major concern and probably the main reason that only 25% of youth players move onto senior rugby. Overplaying is also something that affects the better players more – those players who the schools and clubs are trying to nurture most. The better players play more fixtures at a higher and more competitive level and suffer a dramatically higher frequency of injury. It is not only competitive fixtures that are an issue, but having too much contact training also increases injuries. The overriding ethos has to be that the most important consideration is the players and that Berkshire RFU, the school and club coaches and our allocated academy, all work together with that consideration at the heart of the process. It is a partnership that has also to include the players and parents. Berkshire RFU’s whole emphasis and message that we will be delivering to club/school coaches, is that we are developing skills with a view to putting out the best U16s for the divisional trials and developing the players to become good enough to be selected for the London Irish Academy. The other key point here is that SoR does not include significant hard contact training but is totally skills based. At U16s, Berkshire RFU will continue the model of the 2008/09 & 2009/10 season where we have 5 sessions over the summer (resting players May–June) to develop both skills and 15-a-side game sense with greater tactical awareness as well as more specific lineout, scrummaging and backs coaching. A typical programme can be found in Appendix 2 for sample age groups, but players should review the specific programmes on the Berks RFU website www.berksrfu.com .
Selection process for SoR U13s · Trials of U12s at the end of their season and/or · By recommendation from club / school coaches, based on performance in first half of season, nearest available SoR/LIA coach to watch recommended player and advise on suitability. U14s Existing U13s Players by recommendation from SoR coaches, following their final assessments. New U14s Players · Trials of U13s at the end of their season after recommendation from club/ school coaches U15s Existing U14s Players by recommendation from SoR coaches, following their final assessments. New U15s Players · by trial after recommendation from Berks U14s coach based on this season’s performance for the county side or · by trials of U14s at the end of their season after recommendation from club/ school coaches U16s
Existing U15s Players by recommendation from SoR coaches, following their final assessments and after representative divisional trial games at U16. New U16s Players · by trial after recommendation from Berks U15s coach based on this season’s performance for the county side · by trial after recommendation from club/school coaches. General: Coaches are aware that players develop at different paces and while some surge ahead, others may fall back. The SoR programme will continually seek out the best players and there will be recurring opportunities for the best players to be seen and drafted into the SoR if considered good enough by the assessors. Our selection process has also been improved such that we use a combination of trial games and skills sessions to select the SoR players. We have now ensured we have at least 12 selectors available to give a broader assessment and head coaches stay with their squad, season to season from U13 through U16, to maintain continuity. We also developed a selectors’ coaching session for the selection process which was completed in April 2010. The trial process for the 2010/11 season is shown below. Specific dates for nominations will be on the individual website age group pages programme Youth Chairman, head coaches, school masters from the 2009/10 season’s U12s had a briefing Mon 2nd Nov 09 to explain the process. (Clarification: all age groups below are for the 10/11 season so U13s would be the 2009/10 season U12s, etc): Tue 3 May 2010 (evening) say 18:00 - 20:30 SoR U15s - Head Coach: Paul Markham (John Vaughan as coach development) U15s skills test for 2-3 hrs for all those boys who coaches think have significantly improved or new boys into county, or schools who now want to join in (Wellington/Pangbourne, etc).
Thurs 6 May (evening) say 18:00 - 20:30 U14s – SoR Head Coach: Steven Brown U14s skills test for 2-3 hrs for all those boys who coaches think have significantly improved or new boys into county, or schools who now want to join in (Wellington/Pangbourne, etc). Sun 9 May 09 U13s – SoR Head Coach: Chris Sheers U13s Trial games between clubs (3 x 20 min games) Thurs 13 May (evening) say 18:00 - 20:30 SoR U13s - Head Coach: Chris Sheers U13s second session skills evening for all boys selected from Sun 9 May plus non club boys and those nominated by coaches who we did not identify, injuries, etc.
Sun 16 May U16s – SoR Head coach: Paul Markham U16s Skills session (2 hrs am) for last years U15s and any new nominees i.e. all those boys who club coaches think have significantly improved or new boys into county, schools who now want to join in (Wellington/Pangbourne), etc. This will be followed by a full game to assess game sense in the afternoon. | The player pathway is shown below. During the SoR trials, selectors will also be asked to review the players for county selection. Those players identified for the county squad over and above the SoR players will be asked to train on the same day and the same time as the SoR players for the 2 hrs sessions prior to Xmas. These two groups will be coached separately but with the intention of maintaining the same curriculum. This will enable the coaches to further assess the players during the skills and game sense sessions. SoR players may not be selected for the county team during the early years as part of the SoR selection is to identify talented athletes. These athletes may not be the most aware rugby player at U14s, but at U16s may have developed sufficiently to be considered. SoR sessions and county sessions will be maintained for two hours and there will be an additional hour to prepare 15 a side game-specific coaching, for U14 and U15 county teams, such as, at U15s lifting, U14s scrummaging and of course backs play at both age groups. Each age group may require a couple of extra midweek sessions in the CB SoR week or choose to arrive early before matches to do more game-specific coaching. This will be dependent on each age group and their relative abilities. This is shown as a typical example in the U14s programme at Appendix 2. Players once selected for SoR or county squad will be monitored and if they do not maintain the standards and development required will be released from the group. The same selection process will occur for the boys who do make it into the London Irish Academy.
 | SoR CURRICULUM | | MENTAL ATTRIBUTES | | Work Rate | Courage | Confidence | Ambition | | PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES | | On-field Physical Presence | | TECHNICAL SKILLS | | DEFENCE | Tackling Technique | Contests Possession | | | HANDLING | Passing Technique | Passing Variations | Pass Receipt | | CONTACT | Controlling the Contact Area | Ball Presentation | Off-loading | | Secures Possession | Clears out | | | RUNNING | Evasion (Ball Carrier) | Into Space (as receiver) | | | GAME UNDERSTANDING IN ATTACK & DEFENCE | | Communication | Decision Making | Vision | Support | | Leadership | Knowledge of the Laws | | |
| SoR STAFF | | School of Rugby Coaches 2009/10 Season SoR Manager: Paul Markham U16 – Paul Markham U15 – Richard Jones /John Vaughan U14 – Paul Markham/Dan Whiteman/Tom Doran U13 – Steven Brown/Martin Radford SOR Physio: Paul Sidi and Sian Sudipinder Notes: · The SoR operate on a minimum ratio of one coach to every 8 players. · The coaches are selected by a small group representing the CBRDP (County) Coaching Committee and London Irish Academy and will be assessed by our area Coach Development Officer (CDO). · A minimum entry criteria of Level 2 is required. · London Irish Academy Coaches Academy Manager: Neal Hatley Assistant Manager: Justin Bishop Community Coach: David Williams Nutritionist: to be confirmed | Typical programmes can be found in Appendix 2. Additionally these can be found on the Berkshire RFU website at the age group links and programmes section.
| SESSION ADMINISTRATION | | General All key details about the SoR’s activities can be found on its dedicated web page www.berksrfu.com (Please “bookmark” it for future reference). Updates will be published on the bulletin page for the relevant age group regularly. Clothing · All sessions are based on practical work, therefore please arrive in your rugby playing kit, arrive with trainers and have relevant boots. · Bring spare kit in case of inclement weather as well as towels. · Bring a change of clothes to travel home in. Boots Most sessions will be on grass pitches, so always bring your boots. Health & Safety · Please provide the Age Group Coordinator with a completed “Player Contact & Consent Form” at your first session of the season, and advise as soon as possible if your circumstances change (contact details of parent/guardian in particular, in case of emergencies). Players should have a responsible adult present at all times. · Always bring your gum shield with you and wear it for all contact sessions. · Gum shields will be required: no gum shield = no participation. Nutrition · All players will be provided with a Nutritional Guide during the SoR sessions, which provides guidance on dietary habits (see Nutritional Advice section below). · Each player will need ample supplies of water for each session. Please bring your own water. Unable to attend/running late Please contact the age group coordinator to let him know. Their contact details are in the coaches section on the website. Players’ Code of Conduct / SoR Expectations Punctuality All players are expected to attend all sessions (unless they have contacted the age group coordinator beforehand) and should be ready to start on time. Attitude · All players are expected to show a positive attitude at each session. This involves listening to the coaches, applying the words into actions and seeking to improve themselves at all times. · All players are expected to practice the skills taught them, away from the sessions, at their clubs/schools. · If an area of “low skill” is identified by a coach, make sure that improvements are made to ensure your continuation in the SoR. Fitness · All players are expected to maintain a good level of physical fitness. · The SoR staff include a physiotherapist, who will be in attendance at all sessions. | | NUTRITIONAL ADVICE | | Good nutrition is important and in conjunction with a good training regime it can enhance the performance of a rugby player. The following recommendations are advised prior to training sessions, but can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Meals prior to training should be based around carbohydrate-rich foods and some examples have been given in the advice below. Further information will be given in a presentation to parents and School of Rugby participants at the beginning of the season. Pre-training · Get a good night's sleep. · Drink plenty of water and/or squashes. · Avoid high fat foods such as chips and crisps. · Avoid alcohol – including beer On the day of training Breakfast This is a very important meal and required to replenish energy stores. It should be based on high carbohydrate foods. Suggested foods are: Porridge, Weetabix, fruit, fruit muffins, pancakes or crumpets with jam, golden syrup or honey, scrambled eggs on toast. Try not to eat very sugary breakfast cereals such as Honey Loops or Coco Pops as the carbohydrates are very quickly absorbed by the body and do not provide a long term supply of energy. Drinks such as fruit juice, milk, water are important for rehydration. Lunch Again a meal rich in carbohydrate is recommended. Suggestions include sandwiches, cous cous salad, pasta salad, rice salad, fruit and yoghourt, muesli bar. Again don’t forget to drink something for rehydration. Pre-training snack Carbohydrate based snack foods and approximately 500 ml (average bottle) of water or squash based drinks should be consumed approximately 1 – 2 hours before training. Avoid isotonic/sports drinks at this stage. Examples of suggested snack foods are: Banana sandwiches, flapjacks, sports bars, cereal bars, currant buns, malt loaf, dried fruit – apricots, raisins, etc, Jaffa cakes, milk/yoghourt based fruit smoothies (the breakfast ones are particularly good). Training Drinks should be readily available and regularly consumed during training, ideally isotonic drinks such as Lucozade Sport or Powerade. | | INJURY MANAGEMENT | | A soft tissue injury can be defined simply as damage to the cells of ligaments, tendons or muscles. This could be the result of a sprain, strain, bruising, or an over-use injury. In all soft tissue injuries the ‘PRICE’ Guidelines are recommended to help promote healing and reduce injury times, this should be used immediately after the injury and up to 72 hours post injury. Protection – used to support the injured area and prevent further damage to healing tissues. This can be done by taping and strapping, or the use of supports and slings. (Note: Please seek guidance with regards to taping, as if done incorrectly it can make injuries worse) Rest- Continuing to exercise or train on an injury could make it worse and delay healing time. Resting helps decrease the metabolic demands of the injured area and decrease blood flow to optimize healing. Ice- is used to limit the damage of the injury by reducing local temperature of tissues and decreasing metabolic demands. Ice can also decrease swelling and can help to reduce pain. Crushed ice or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel applied to the area for 15- 20 minutes and repeated every 2 hours. (Applying heat to an injury is not advisable in the first 72 hours) Compression - A compression bandage such as ‘Tubigrip’ and elastic bandages can help to reduce swelling and support the injury. The bandage should be able to accommodate swelling and not be so tight that circulation is compromised! Elevation – helps to decrease swelling of the injured area, should be done by elevating the area ideally above the level of the heart. Compression bandaging should not be used at the same time as elevation. If at any time you are concerned about an injury then please speak to the Physiotherapists; it is also important that you let them know if you have any injuries at the start of training and/ or matches so they can treat them before you start and ensure you are safe to play. | | SoR REPORTS | | · Each SoR player will receive a full year report at the end of the season. · They are fairly self-explanatory, with key areas identified for the players to work on. · Failure to show satisfactory improvement in the identified areas could result in the player being released from the SoR. · The player will still be eligible for attendance in the future (See “How do I join” section), so the door is never shut to “old” players. |
| CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT | | Players · The whole ethos of the SoR is one of continuous improvement being sought from the players as the outcome of all of the sessions. · The players are given opportunities throughout the year to express their views via a “Player Feedback Form”; the results received are summarised and discussed by the SoR team and will be acted upon, where appropriate.
Coaches · All the SoR coaches have an open invitation to any London Irish RFC training sessions. · All the SoR coaches are invited to three Coach Education sessions per year, held at London Irish RFC, with the content being mutually agreed beforehand. · The coaches utilise two opportunities throughout the year to carry out a review of achievements. The results are summarised and discussed by the SoR team and will be acted upon, where appropriate.
Parents All parents/guardians will always be given opportunities throughout the year to express their views, the results received are summarised and discussed by the SoR team and will be acted upon, where appropriate. Parents will also be expected to follow the RFU Parents Code of Conduct. | | SoR KIT | Berks RFU kit can be bought. Details will be given by the management and are available on the www.berksrfu.com website. | | APPENDIX 1 : POSITIONAL SKILLS SET - PROP | | SCRUMMAGE | Controls and modifies force generated by the opposition | | Tight Head : maintains a strong square position | | Loose Head : counters the efforts of his opponent | | Adopts a position to enable him to transfer power from behind | | On opposition put in-makes lift uncomfortable for opponent and disrupts the quality of possession | | LINE-OUT | Supports his jumpers effectively | | Acts as a sweeper when required | | Take peel off end of the line-out | | Drive through any spaces in the line-out | | Reacts effectively on the opposition throw | | RUCK & MAUL | Approaches aggressively | | Adopts a good body position on forming or joining ruck or maul | | Is dynamic and creates forward movement | | Supports the ball carrier | | Secures or wins the ball | | HANDLING | Uses appropriate passes | | Can pass effectively under pressure | | CONTACT | Tackles aggressively so that forward movement of man or ball is stopped | | Retains the ball in contact and makes it available | | Hunts the ball carrier to make tackles | | DECISION MAKING | Runs good support lines | | Adopts position to fulfil a defensive role | | Supports effectively at restart | | His actions create time and space for his team | | PHYSICAL | Pace : outpaces the opposition | | Acceleration : shows speed off the mark and outpaces the opposition | | Power : drives through tackles as ball carrier and retains the ball in contact | | Strength : has the strength to scrummage and retain the ball in contact | | Endurance : Performs at a high work rate throughout the game | | Agility : outmanoeuvres opponents | | GENERAL | Courage, Confidence, Composure, Communicator | | APPENDIX 1 : POSITIONAL SKILLS SET - HOOKER | | SCRUMMAGE | Has a good understanding with scrum half | | Wins his own ball and controls the strike | | Adopts ideal body position | | Puts pressure on opponents | | LINE-OUT | Throws in straight | | Throws in at the correct height and speed | | Finds his jumpers with appropriate throw | | Performs under pressure | | Reacts effectively to opposition throw in | | RUCK & MAUL | Approaches aggressively | | Adopts a good body position | | Is dynamic and creates forward movement | | Supports the ball carrier | | Secures or wins the ball | | HANDLING | Uses appropriate passes | | Can pass effectively off both hands | | CONTACT | Retains the ball in contact and makes it available | | Tackles aggressively so that forward movement of man or ball is stopped | | Hunts the ball carrier to make tackles | | DECISION MAKING | Runs good support lines | | Adopts position to fulfil defensive roles | | His actions create time and space for his team | | PHYSICAL | Pace : outpaces the opposition | | Acceleration : shows speed off the mark and outpaces the opposition | | Power : drives through tackles as ball carrier and retains the ball in contact | | Strength : has the strength to scrummage and retain the ball in contact | | Endurance : Performs at a high work rate throughout the game | | Agility : outmanoeuvres opponents | | GENERAL | Courage, Confidence, Composure, Communicator |
| APPENDIX 1 : POSITIONAL SKILLS SET - 2ND ROW | | SCRUMMAGE | Good body position | | Binds tightly on fellow players | | Transmits power to front row | | LINE-OUT | Wins ball at 2 or 4 | | Catches, taps as appropriate | | Pressurises opposition ball | | Wins opposition ball | | RUCK & MAUL | Approaches aggressively | | Good body position | | Is dynamic and creates forward movement | | Secures or wins the ball | | HANDLING | Uses appropriate passes | | Can pass effectively under pressure | | Secure under a high ball e.g. restarts | | CONTACT | Retains the ball in contact and makes it available | | Makes appropriate tackles aggressively | | DECISION MAKING | Adopts position to fulfil defensive roles | | Runs good support lines | | PHYSICAL | Pace : outpaces the opposition | | Acceleration : shows speed off the mark and outpaces the opposition | | Power : drives through tackles as ball carrier and retains the ball in contact | | Strength : has the strength to scrummage and retain the ball in contact | | Endurance : Performs at a high work rate throughout the game | | Agility : outmanoeuvres opponents | | GENERAL | Courage, Confidence, Composure, Communicator |
| APPENDIX 1 : POSITIONAL SKILLS SET - NO 8 | | SCRUMMAGE | Good body position – low, head up, straight back | | Should be the balancing force at the back of the scrum, giving it stability and organisation | | Must be able to control the ball at the base of the scrum | | LINE-OUT | Own throw : | | Has the ability to win the ball when thrown to him at the back of the line-out | | Catches, taps ball, as appropriate | | Wins ball in reduced line-out | | Compresses and closes space around him | | Opposition Ball : | | Wins, spoils ball thrown to opposition in full line-out | | Wins, spoils ball in reduced line-out | | Drives through any space in the line-out | | Should be alert and react quickly to whatever is happening once the ball has been played | | RUCK & MAUL | He should approach aggressively, balancing the ruck or maul as he goes in | | Adopts a good body position / dynamic forward movement | | Needs to react quickly in order to support the ball carrier | | HANDLING | Has the ability to catch the ball cleanly when receiving from both sides | | Performs all passes under pressure from the opposition | | CONTACT | Retains possession and makes the ball available in contact situations | | Hunts the ball carrier to make tackles | | Tackles aggressively so that forward movement of man or ball is stopped | | DECISION MAKING | Decision to join and / or stay out of ruck or maul as appropriate | | Decision to pass is the appropriate action | | Explores opportunity to attack on the open, short side or up the middle | | This attacking decision is the appropriate action | | The ability to read the game | | Speed off the mark to support | | PHYSICAL | Has a consistent work rate to fulfil the above criteria | | Threatens the opposition with his pace, power and running skills | | GENERAL | Courage, Confidence, Composure, Communicator | | APPENDIX 1 : POSITIONAL SKILLS SET - FLANKER | | SCRUMMAGE | Good body position – low, head up, straight back | | LINE-OUT | Own throw : | | Has the ability to win the ball when thrown to him at the back of the line-out | | Wins ball in reduced line-out | | Compresses and closes space around him | | Acts as sweeper and takes peel | | Opposition throw : | | Wins, spoils ball thrown to opposition in full line-out | | Rips the ball from opposition | | Drives through any space in the line-out | | RUCK & MAUL | Approaches the ruck or maul aggressively | | Adopts a good body position / dynamic forward movement | | Supports the ball carrier | | HANDLING | Has the ability to catch the ball cleanly when receiving from both sides | | Performs all passes under pressure from the opposition | | CONTACT | Retains possession and makes the ball available in contact situations | | Hunts the ball carrier to make tackles | | Tackles aggressively so that forward movement of man or ball is stopped | | DECISION MAKING | Decision to join and / or stay out of ruck or maul as appropriate | | Decision to pass is the appropriate action | | Explores opportunity to attack on the open, short side or up the middle | | Adopts position to receive the ball, appropriate to the next phase of play | | Adopts lines of running which fix opponents and create space for other players | | His attacking decision is the appropriate option | | His defensive decision is the appropriate option | | Speed off the mark to support | | The ability to read the game | | PHYSICAL | Performs at a high work rate throughout the game | | Threatens the opposition with his pace, power and running skills | | GENERAL | Courage, Confidence, Composure, Communicator |
| APPENDIX 1 : POSITIONAL SKILLS SET - SCRUM HALF | | HANDLING | No lift, back swing or hesitation | | Left hand | | Right hand | | Appropriate pass under pressure, linking skills | | DECISION MAKING | Tactical awareness/vision | | RUNNING SKILLS | Speed off the mark | | CONTACT SKILLS | Keeps the ball and/or re-cycles | | TACKLING | Hunts the ball carrier - exerts pressure | | KICKING Hits target area | Left foot | | Right foot | | Under pressure achieves optimal distance | | WORK RATE | Supports play | | GENERAL | Courage, Confidence, Composure, Communicator | | APPENDIX 1 : POSITIONAL SKILLS SET - FLY HALF | | HANDLING | Catches cleanly, good hands | | Uses appropriate / accurate passes to left and right | | Performs handling skills under pressure | | DECISION MAKING | Tactical awareness / Communication | | KICKING Hits target area and achieves optimal distance | Left foot | | Right foot | | Under pressure | | RUNNING SKILLS | Agility / penetration | | | Speed off the mark | | | Alignment / running lines-creativity | | TACKLING | Hunts the ball carrier-exerts pressure | | CONTACT SKILLS | Keeps the ball and / or re-cycles | | WORK RATE | Supports play | | GENERAL | Courage, Confidence, Composure, Communicator |
| APPENDIX 1 : POSITIONAL SKILLS SET - CENTRE | | HANDLING | Takes a pass cleanly | | Uses appropriate / accurate passes to left and right | | Performs handling skills under pressure | | ATTACKING | Lines of running-poses a threat | | Ability to run with control and find support-awareness of continuity responsibilities | | Retains the ball-confidence in contact | | TACKLING | Tackles aggressively | | Retains and gains possession in contact situations | | SPEED | Off the mark | | To finish / support a movement | | Of reaction | | KICKING Hits target area and achieves optimal distance | Left foot | | Right foot | | Under pressure | | TACTICAL AWARENESS | Positional play, including providing opportunity as a decoy runner | | GENERAL | Courage, Confidence, Composure, Communicator | | APPENDIX 1 : POSITIONAL SKILLS SET - WING | | HANDLING | Catches cleanly-retrieving and high ball | | Uses appropriate / accurate passes to left and right | | Performs handling skills under pressure e.g. rolling ball | | ATTACKING | Finisher : speed, elusiveness, power | | Good positional sense and ability to look for work | | Ability to run with control and find support-awareness of continuity responsibilities | | Running lines | | CONTACT | Aggressive and confident in the tackle | | Keeps ball when isolated | | DECISION MAKING | Counter-attacking skills | | Shows ability to work in unison with his full-back and fellow winger | | Defensive lines of running-awareness of opposition strengths | | KICKING Hits target area and achieves optimal distance | Left foot | | Right foot | | Under pressure | | GENERAL | Courage, Confidence, Composure, Communicator | | APPENDIX 1 : POSITIONAL SKILLS SET - FULL BACK | | HANDLING | Catches cleanly-retrieving and high ball | | Uses appropriate / accurate passes to left and right | | Performs handling skills under pressure e.g. rolling ball | | ATTACKING | Lines of running-poses a threat | | Counter-attacking skills | | Ability to run with control and find support-awareness of continuity responsibilities | | Creativity-responds to play in front | | Retains the ball-confidence in contact | | TACKLING | Tackles aggressively | | Closes opposition down-reads defensive alignment | | KICKING Hits target area and achieves optimal distance | Left foot | | Right foot | | Under pressure | | GENERAL | Courage, Confidence, Composure, Communicator |
APPENDIX 2 - A typical U14 & U15 programme (see website for actual programme) | Date | Event | Venue | | 2009 | | | | Fri 10 April | Player Nomination Forms
from School/Club coaches
into Richard Jones | N/A | | Tue 5 May | U14s SoR/CB squad Trial
(18:00 - 20:30) | Maidenhead RFC | | June | Players advised of U15s
SoR/County Squad for 2009/10 | N/A | | Sun 6 Sep | | | | Sun 13 Sep | | | | Wed 16 Sep | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 20 Sep | | | | Sun 27 Sep | CBSchool of Rugby
(2hrs) 10:00-12:00
County squad preparation
(1hr) 12:00- 13:00 | Wellington College | | Wed 30 Sep | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 4 Oct | | | | Sun 11 Oct | | | | Wed 14 Oct | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 18 Oct | | | | Wed 21 Oct | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 25 Oct | | | | Sun 1 Nov | CBSchool of Rugby
(2hrs) 10:00-12:00
County squad preparation
(1hr) 12:00- 13:00 | Wellington College | | Sun 8 Nov | | | | Wed 11 Nov | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 15 Nov | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 22 Nov | | | | Wed 25 Nov | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 29 Nov | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 6 Dec | CBSchool of Rugby
(2hrs) 10:00-12:00
County squad preparation
(1hr) 12:00- 13:00 | Wellington College | | Wed 9 Dec | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 13 Dec | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 20 Dec | CBSchool of Rugby
(2hrs) 10:00-12:00
County squad preparation
(1hr) 12:00- 13:00 | Wellington College | | Sun 27 Dec | CHRISTMAS | | | 2010 | | | | Sun 3 Jan | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 10 Jan | CBSchool of Rugby
(2hrs) 10:00-12:00
County squad preparation
(1hr) 12:00- 13:00 | Wellington College | | Wed 13 Jan | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 17 Jan | | | | Wed 20 Jan | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 24 Jan | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 31 Jan | | | | Wed 3 Feb | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 7 Feb | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 14 Feb | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 21 Feb | County Match v Oxfordshire | Home tbc location & ko | | Sun 28 Feb | County Match v Dorset & Wilts | Away tbc location & ko | | Wed 3 Mar | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 7 Mar | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 14 Mar | County Match v possibly Hants/Herts | tba | | Sun 21 Mar | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 28 Mar | Berkshire Youth League | | | Wed 1 Apr | Daily Mail Cup | | | Sun 4 Apr | EASTER | | | Sun 11 Apr | County Match v Bucks | Away tbc location & ko | | Sun 18 Apr | Regional 10s | | | Sun 25 Apr | Berkshire Youth League
- Reserve week | | | Sun 2 May | Divisional CB 12s Tournament | | | | | |
A typical U16 programme (see website for actual programme) | Date | Event | Venue | | 2009 | | | | Fri 3 April | NOMINATIONS CLOSE :
Player Nomination Forms
from School/Club Coaches for
the 2009/10 season should be
submitted, to Paul Markham. | N/A | | Sun 17 May | U15s 2008-09 Trial for
U16s 2009-10 (10:00 - 15:00).
Skills session followed by game. | Maidenhead RFC | | June | Players advised of U16s County
Squad/SoR for 2009/10 | N/A | | Sun 28 June | County Squad Development
(09.00 - 13.00) | Wellington College | | Sun 12 July | County Squad Development
(10.00 - 13.00) | Wellington College | | Sun 26 July | County Squad Development
(10.00 - 13.00) | Wellington College | | Sun 16 Aug | County Squad Development
(10.00 - 13.00) | Wellington College | | Sun 23 Aug | County Squad Development
(10.00 - 13.00) | Wellington College | | Sun 6 Sep | | | | Sun 13 Sep | | | | Sun 20 Sep | | | | Sun 27 Sep | | | | Sun 4 Oct | County Squad Development
(10.00 - 13.00) | Wellington College | | Sun 11 Oct | | | | Sun 18 Oct | County Squad Development
(10.00 - 13.00) | Wellington College | | Sun 25 Oct | County Match | | | Sun 1 Nov | Oxon v Berks (12.30)
Bucks v Dorset & Wiltshire (14.30) | Stowe School ? | | Sun 8 Nov | | | | Mon 16 Nov | Bucks v Oxon (18.00)
Berks v Dorset & Wilts (19.30) | Newbury RFC | | Sun 22 Nov | | | | Sun 29 Nov | Bucks v Berks (12.00)
Oxon v Dorset & Wilts (14.00) | St Edwards School,
Oxford | | Sun 6 Dec | | | | Sun 13 Dec | Divisional Squad Development
Berkshire Youth League | Bryanston School | | Sat 19 Dec | CBSchool of Rugby
Divisional Trials | Filton College, Bristol | | Sun 27 Dec | CHRISTMAS | | | 2010 | | | | Sun 3 Jan | | | | Sun 10 Jan | Berkshire Youth League
Divisional Festival | | | Sun 17 Jan | | | | Sun 24 Jan | Berkshire Youth League
Divisional Festival | | | Sun 31 Jan | | | | Sun 7 Feb | Berkshire Youth League
International Squad | | | Sun 14 Feb | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 21 Feb | International Squad | | | Sun 28 Feb | CBSchool of Rugby
International Squad | Wellington College | | Sun 7 Mar | Berkshire Youth League
International Squad | | | Sun 14 Mar | CBSchool of Rugby/County Match | | | Sun 21 Mar | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 28 Mar | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 4 Apr | EASTER
CBSchool of Rugby
International Match |
Wellington College | | Sun 11 Apr | Berkshire Youth League
International Match | | | Sun 18 Apr | CBSchool of Rugby/County Match | | | Sun 25 Apr | Berkshire Youth League | | | Sun 2 May | | | | | | |
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