Bath Mini's / Youth History
  1. Mini's History
  2. Junior History
Bath Mini's / Youth History
  1. Mini's History
  2. Junior History
Bath Mini's / Youth History 1 of 2

1. Mini's History


Bath Mini Section
Bath Mini Section provides rugby coaching and matches for boys and girls at six age grades:-

Under 7
Under 8
Under 9
Under 10
Under 11
Under 12
In accordance with RFU Continuum requirements, Bath Mini Section operates a strict age grade control in all squads, and all members are registered with RFU, and overseen by the RFU Constituent body, which for Bath Youth Rugby is Somerset RFU Ltd.

To qualify to represent an age grade a player must be under the specified age as at 1st September, being the commencement date of that rugby season, unless exempt by virtue of a valid dispensation granted through the Director of Community Rugby & Operations Department at RFU Twickenham.

The Bath Mini Section is based at the Bath Recreation Ground, in the centre of Bath, where on Sundays from September through to end of April, the club coaches or plays home fixtures.

The Bath Mini Section has been in existence since 1973, and is proud to have nurtured a number of district, county, regional, international and premiership rugby players.

The activities of Bath Mini Section are controlled by a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Fixture Secretary and General Committee Members. The Mini Section has close contact with the Committee of Bath Junior Section, as both Sections form Bath Youth Rugby.

Bath Youth Rugby is an unincorporated association that promotes youth rugby in the local community. Although Bath Youth Rugby has links with Bath Rugby Plc, it does not form part of the incorporated company.

Each season coaches are appointed to a specific age grade; each age grade has a Lead Coach supported by a number of assistant coaches. Often these coaches will remain with the age group from U7 through to U12, when it is hoped that the players (and some of the coaches) will continue into the Bath Junior Section (U13 onwards).

All Mini Section coaches attain qualification at least RFU Level I, many qualify as referees, each age grade has personnel qualified in first aid, and each age group is issued with its own first aid kit. An appointed Age Group Representative (normally a parent) deals with administration and welfare matters for that particular age group, reporting directly to the Chairman, and assisting the coaching staff.

Bath Mini Section has an Equal Opportunity Policy and a Child Protection Policy, providing a safe, disciplined environment for children to develop and learn the game. All coaches and administrators are subject to Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks through the RFU. (The RFU have directed that CRB checks are compulsory from 1st January 2007).

Everyone involved at Bath Minis is a volunteer, and most are parents of the playing membership - it is truly a family enterprise!