Introduction

If you would like to join us for this season please see the contact section for details of our Mini / Junior coaches and officials.

We aim to provide rugby for children from U6s to U18s, both boys and girls, in a friendly, successful environment. From the very youngest learning to pick up a ball and run with it to County and even England Elite Squad members. We cater for players of all abilities and interest in the game of rugby. Morpeth Mini rugby is one of the fastest growing and successful minis sections in the county. We have a commitment to good fun and good rugby provided in a friendly, family orientated environment.

Our ethos at all levels is to train for fun and play matches and festivals to win. The hallmark of the club is its inclusiveness and its warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Mini rugby is a specially designed approach to rugby that introduces boys and girls to the key aspects of the game in a structured and safe manner. Children play in groups from U6 to U12, attaining new skills and gaining a wider appreciation of the game as they progress from age group to age group. Just as important, children learn about the friendship and the philosophy of rugby, making new friends from a variety of schools and backgrounds.

To deliver training in an effective and child centred manner we have over 20 RFU qualified and CRB cleared coaches. The coaches are committed, enthusiastic and have a well developed understanding of the needs of the children. Our objective is to provide children with a positive experience of rugby and all that it entails and parents are encouraged to assist in the organisation of each age group section.

Training takes place on Sunday mornings at Morpeth Rugby Club usually starting at 10:30am with a warm up, skill development and match practice. Each session finishes around 12pm and the club house is open for refreshment for the player, spectator and coach. There are a number of home and away fixtures against clubs in Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria. We also participate in festivals within the region.

Come along and try it. Experience the rugby sensation right here at Morpeth RFC

 MRFC Youth Contacts 2013-14

 MRFC Mini Fixtures 2012-13 (updated with remaining fixtures for this season)

Age Specific Pages
For specific information to what activities and skills a particular age group concentrates then see the following Squad-speciic pages which are maintained by their respective coaching teams:

U6-8s Squad | U9s Squad | U10s Squad | U12s Squad | U13s Squad | U15s Squad

Remember if you want further information about your child playing rugby at Morpeth then please don`t hesitate in contacting us using the details further down this page.

Rugby is a game of long traditions which have developed over time into a number of values that guide the way the game is played and how players, coaches, officials and supporters conduct themselves. At its core, rugby is a physical game and a fundamental value is one of respect - for opponents, teammates and officials. Rugby for the vast majority, remains a sport played for enjoyment. As such, other core values we aspire to are firm and inclusive. You will find that values embedded in the codes of conduct and the minis terms and conditions below.

Parents Code

• Always be aware of the Club and RFU’s policy on child protection. Employ best practice at all times

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate - its supposed to be for them, and you may put them off rugby forever

• Encourage your child to understand and play within the rules.

• Teach your child that taking part and trying your best are more important than winning.

• Focus your child on practicing their skills, sportsmanship and being part of a team. Winning isn't everything and not everyone can score the winning try.

• Support and encourage your child - never criticize them for making mistakes. Console them for losing, but encourage them to try harder next time.

• Set an example for sportsmanship - applaud good play by all.

• Never publicly criticize a referee or linesman - there is no place for 'touchline rage' in mini rugby.

• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sport. Report anything to the Child Protection Officer or Chairman.

• Help the club function properly by turning up on time with the appropriate kit. Be prepared to help out if asked.

• Support your coaches - they are giving up their time to train your child. If you have any issues with the way a coach is performing, talk to them first. Refer any issues to an Officer of the Club.

 

Coaches Code

• Don't overload young players with demands, technical information and tactics - remember they are children and they are playing rugby for fun.

• Don't over play the better players - include everyone.

• Players develop at different times and in different ways - make allowances for their physical, emotional and mental maturity and development.

• Winning isn't everything - teach your players to enjoy taking part and performing to the best of their ability. Encourage each player to reach his or her potential.

• Never abuse, criticise or ridicule children for making mistakes or losing a game.

• Be organised - establish a structure for the season, prepare a coaching plan for each session, have the appropriate kit. Above all, communicate to players, parents and fellow coaches to set expectations.

• Make sure players develop an understanding of the rules and laws of the game, that they respect opponents, teammates, coaches and officials.

• Never question an official's judgement or honesty.

• Ensure players and parents behaviour is appropriate and in keeping with the spirit of the game and the expectations of the Club.

 

Players Code

• Play to enjoy rugby - always try your best to improve your skills and play well.

• Play within the rules and laws of the game.

• Never argue with referees or coaches - their decision is final, (even if you think that they are wrong).

• Rugby is a team game - do your best for your team mates and don't try to grab all that glory for yourself.

• Don't show off, lose your cool, pick on other players or generally misbehave - it's not part of rugby.

• If you lose, accept it with good grace and try harder next time.

• Respect good play - from opponents or your team.

• Help team mates, opponents, coaches and officials - you can't play rugby on your own.

The codes of conduct above set out the values and behaviours we strongly aspire to at Morpeth RFC.

Match Days

Home games - Confirm number of players with opposition and your own team. Give the number of players expected to eat to catering manager. If the match is cancelled/rearranged inform coaches / parents / catering & bar managers.Ensure parents/coaches park in the proper car parks and consider arranging the use of school car parks. REFEREE!...do not forget to organise a referee for your game.

Away games - Remember to confirm the fixture and give the hosting team an estimate of the number of players you expect to attend and the number of players likely to remain for food. Ensure all parents have directions to the fixture.

Training Days

Training pitches - Check which pitches are to be used (see notice board in changing rooms on Sunday mornings). If the weather is bad or the pitches are waterlogged use the training areas only (especially mid week training). ENSURE that training areas are cleared of litter/animal droppings and any other item that may cause harm or injury to someone BEFORE training commences. Remember that there is limited use of Pitch 3 (over the bridge).

Car parking - Advise parents that there is no car parking in the roads or driveways of the houses adjacent to pitch 3. Considering booking the local schools for car parking on match days. Chantry School Caretaker - 01670 512874 

Child Welfare

Click on the links below for further information and contact our Child Welfare Officer if you have any queries.

 MRFC Club Welfare Policy

 Child Welfare Policy (35.5 kB)

 Playing Up Procedures (42.5 kB)

 Welfare of Young People Policy and Procedures (107.95 kB)

 Welfare of Young People Policy Guidance (2.99 MB)

 Parent / Guardian and Young Person Photographic Permission Form (32.81 kB)

 Welfare of Young People Photographic Policy Statement (33.06 kB)

 RFU and RFUW Incident Record Form (46.29 kB)

 Child Welfare Parent Guide (818.51 kB)

If you have any queries around Child Welfare at Morpeth RFC then please contact our Child Welfare Officers:

Debbie Yilmaz  - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Matt Crooks  - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Contact Details

If you have any general questions or comments regarding Morpeth Mini/Junior rugby then please contact one of the following people: 

Mini/Junior Secretary - Dave Chattaway  (contact details below)

Junior Fixtures -  Mike Tait  (contact details below)

Mini’s Chairman - James Taggart (contact details below)

Child Welfare - Debbie Yilmaz or Matt Crooks (emails above)

Otherwise details for each of the respective squads are in the following