The coaches are the people with responsibility for the squad or team. Age group coaches have the ultimate authority for the conduct of the training session or game in progress and should exercise that authority as appropriate; other coaches and volunteers must defer to the age group coach or, in the event of his or her absence, the coach to whom the task of running the training session or game has been delegated.
Be reasonable in your demands on young players; recognise the fact that playing Rugby is only one part of their busy lives.
Rugby is a potentially dangerous game which relies on every participant playing it in a spirit of mutual respect; teach young players that the laws of the game are mutual agreements, which should not be evaded or broken; in particular, do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language and be prepared to take off an offending player; insist on a disciplined approach by young players and mean what you say.
Ensure that all young players get a game; do not rely on “star” players and never make any young player feel like a “spare part”; the “just average” young players need and deserve equal time.
Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it; never ridicule or belittle any young player and never yell at young players for making mistakes or losing a game.
Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches; discourage “mouthing off” at others including team mates, the opposition and referees, and always lead by example.
Remember young players need a coach they can respect; be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example.
Encourage players to develop basic skills and avoid over specialisation in positional play during their formative years.
Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship, just as you would teach the basic skills.
Ensure that skill learning and free play activities have priority over highly structured competitions for very young players.
Always look and act like a coach; coaches are regarded as role models; make sure that training sessions are planned and structured; try whenever possible to start and finish on time; the length of training sessions and games should take account of the age and maturity level of the particular young players.
To be a good coach you need to keep up to date on coaching and Rugby issues; make it a personal commitment to keep yourself fully informed on coaching matters; a lot of trouble was taken by people with considerable experience to construct the Continuum - understand it and abide by it to the letter – it forms part of the laws of the game.
Endeavour to be familiar with the facts about child development and the physical, intellectual and emotional capabilities of the age group with whom you are working.
Coaches are responsible for the safety of the young players they work with:
mark out a safe work area and keep it safe; check equipment is in good repair and safe;
never join in with contact games; you are big and you will hurt young players;
do not encourage or allow young players to play with an injury; refer injured players to their doctor, a physiotherapist or a sports injury clinic;
ensure you are familiar with the Club’s arrangements for dealing with injuries and, in particular, the steps to take in the event a young player may need urgent medical assistance and/or hospitalisation;
make a habit of regularly checking to see that all players under your care are wearing appropriately studded boots and that they all have gum shields which are worn (not left in the box or a pocket).
Ensure that you are familiar with the Club’s child protection policies and what steps you should take in the event that any concern is raised by a young player or parent as to the behaviour of any Club official, coach, volunteer or helper; get to know your players and be able to spot changes in their behaviour; do not in any circumstances put yourself in a position where you could be suspected or accused of any behaviour which might be said to constitute emotional, physical or sexual abuse of any young child associated with the Club.