Herts Womens and Girls Rugby Development Meeting Mon 8th September

The next meeting of the HWGRDG has been postponed from Mon 1st Sept to Mon 8th Sept. it will take place at Welwyn RFC starting at 7.30. If you have not previously attended these meetings (usually 3-4 times a year) this group works together to plan Tournaments, run the County Teams, exchange Best Practice and advice, and to try and help each other develop Womens and Girls Rugby in Herts. If your club does not send a rep to the group and would like to do so, or if you are a regular attendee who has a specific Agenda item, then please e-mail me on peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com

New RFUW Head of Development

Guinness Premiership Referee David Rose will join the Rugby Football Union for Women as Head of Development in September.
Rose, who was born in Birmingham and now lives in Plymouth, will join the RFUW from the RFU where he has been working as a Midlands Referee Development Manager. Previously, he has also worked for the International Rugby Board (IRB) as a Regional Development Manager, the National Coaching Foundation as a Coaching Development Officer and as a Youth Development Officer for the North Midlands Rugby Union.
Rose, in this brand new position, is tasked with ensuring women’s and girls’ rugby becomes a fully integrated part of rugby in England. He will work closely with the RFU, Sport England and other delivery agencies to ensure that there are as many opportunities as possible open to women and girls to play rugby.
Rose said: “This is a fresh new challenge for me. These are exciting times for women’s rugby as it continues to grow and the national teams strive for more success.
“I believe that much of what I have experienced so far professionally will be of invaluable experience to this new position, but I also understand that there are several new challenges ahead. I am very much looking forward to getting stuck in, in September.”
Rosie Williams, Managing Director of the RFUW, added: “We are really excited that David is joining us. He is very well known and highly respected in the game and will bring experience and knowledge to the RFUW.
“The RFUW is continuing to grow and women’s and girls’ rugby is becoming an important part of the game across the country. That is why this is such an important appointment.”
Ends…

Under 18s Women’s Talent Development Group for 2008/09 named

The RFUW have announced the names of girls selected for next season's 36-strong U18 Talent Development Group (TDG) - including three from Hertfordshire:

• Hannah Gallagher (Welwyn)
• Claire Shutler (Saracens)
• Megan Williams (Welwyn)

Following selection from four regional High Performance Academies, 55 under 18s were invited to attend the National Talent Development Group trials at a three day camp in July at Hartpury College, Gloucester. Players took part in an intensive programme of nutritional workshops, strength and conditioning education, fitness testing, and rugby coaching sessions over the three days. Following the camp, the final 36 players were selected for the TDG.

Tom Stokes, the RFUW’s Player Development Manager, said: “The TDG, in its third year, is a programme designed to provide the very best Under 18s players with a thorough, planned and progressive individual player development programme. The group provides a step up from county and regional rugby and aims to raise the standard of England representative players and squads for future years.”

The 36 selected players will attend another TDG camp in August as well as national and local sessions over the season. They will receive core rugby skill development, game understanding, strength and conditioning education and development, nutritional advice, sports psychology, performance lifestyle, online training diaries and training kit.

Congratulations to those selected. The full national list can be found here

England U20 trials

The first round of open trials for the England Under 20’s squad will take place on Saturday 6th September 2008 at RAF Halton, Aylesbury (please click here for directions). Following the open trials approximately 50 players will be selected to play in two trial matches, on Sunday 28th September and Saturday 18th October 2008. Both matches will be played at Birmingham University.

The England U20’s squad gives the next generation of talented players the opportunity to train and play within an international environment. The RFUW is committed to the identification and development of players of the future and it is anticipated that players from the U20’s age group will progress further and represent the England Senior Squad at future World Cups and 6 Nations competitions.

To be eligible to trial for England U20’s players must be:

• Eligible to play for England
• Over 17 years old and under 20 years old on or before 31st August / 1st September 2008

To download a registration form click here

Whilst the trials remain ‘open’ we encourage players who have played Regional Rugby to register and attend.

Players should arrive to register by 10.30am to register. The trials will finish at around 4pm. All players should bring own lunch / refreshments, training and playing kit (including protective clothing).

Final Information regarding the trials will be sent to you via e-mail in the week commencing 1st September 2008.

ELV's Presentation 14th August Herts Sports Village

A further opportunity to hear about the ELV’s will take place at 7.30 on Thursday 14th August at the University of Hertfordshire Sports Village for Referees and Coaches in the Adult game when the speaker will be Alan Biggs Midlands Referee Development Officer and Premiership Touch Judge.

May 2009 Tournaments

The following Girls Tournament dates at the end of next season have now been confirmed:

• Sun 3rd May: Worthing Festival.
• Sun 10th May: Dorking Festival.
• Sun 17th May: Herts 7's (Venue T.B.C).
• W/e 23-24th May (Sat or Sun T.B.C): National 7's (Venue T.B.C).

Herts Sports Partnership courses for coaches

Summer courses:

29 July Coaching Methods & Communication (at University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield) Click here
5 August An Introduction to the FUNdamentals of Movement (at University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield) Click here
11 August An Introduction to Long Term Athlete Development (North Hertfordshire College, Hitchin) Click here
12 August Equity In Your Coaching (at University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield) Click here
18 August Developing Partnerships with Clubs and Schools (North Hertfordshire College, Hitchin) Click here
21 August Safeguarding & Protecting Children (North Hertfordshire College, Hitchin) Click here
3 September Fitness & Training (at University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield) Click here

All of these courses cost just £10! (Except FUNdamentals, which is £15.) They run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

Clubmark courses:

Is your club working towards Clubmark accreditation (or its equivalent) or re-accreditation? Do you or your colleagues need to attend the courses that are required for accreditation? The Herts Sports Partnership is running a number of relevant courses in the coming months (all courses are at the University unless stated):

12 August Equity In Your Coaching (Further information & booking form)
21 August Safeguarding & Protecting Children (at North Hertfordshire College, Hitchin) (Further information & booking form)
28 September First Aid for Appointed Persons (Further information & booking form)
1 October Safeguarding & Protecting Children (Further information & booking form)
17 November A Club For All (Further information & booking form)
26 November Equity In Your Coaching (at West Herts College, Watford) (Further information & booking form)

To book, click on the links above. To see our full programme of courses, visit our website:
http://www.sportinherts.org.uk/deliveringsport/courses

HPA's

Following last weekends High Performance Academy Trials (HPA's) at Brunel University congratulations are due to the following Herts Players on being selected:

U15's : Courtney Arberry (Welwyn) who now joins the School of Rugby at Felsted School Essex for the next season, which starts this Summer.

U18's : Claire Shutler (Saracens) who now progresses to the Talent Development Group (TDG) Trial taking place later this month.

Herts Women County Trial Sunday 10th August St Albans RFC

Sunday 10th August is the date of the first ever Herts Womens County Trial. It is taking place at St Albans RFC starting at 1.00.

Please ensure all Senior players in your Clubs know about this, and those players going up to Seniors next season will of course be eligible to Trial if they are already 18 on 10th August.

Herts Womens County Team will be entering the L&SE County Championship against Essex, Sussex, Kent, Middx, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.

If you have any questions please contact Sammy Field by e-mail: sammyfield@aol.com

Womens International Rugby: Nations Cup

Girls Schools Age Bands: Important changes

The competition structure of the RFUW aims to support all players and teams with clear guidelines to enable participation at all levels.

It was agreed last season that the for the forthcoming 2008-2009 season the age-bands in schools would mirror those played in the club environment.

The following age-bands apply to schools, clubs and a colleges playing girls rugby in England. Any breach of theses age bands could lead to disciplinary action of coaches and clubs.

Age at 1^st September of the year playing

U12 Schools– playing to continuum guidelines	Year 7 – can be mixed sex , but we encourage the playing of girls only rugby at this age group where possible
U15	Aged 12,13 or 14 on the 1st September 2008 (normally School Years 8, 9 and 10) – laws as shown in RFUW handbook
U18	Aged 15,16 or 17 on the 1st September 2008 (normally School Years 11, 12 and 13) – laws as shown in RFUW handbook
FE / HE Colleges.	Under 19- 3 year age band OR Under 20 - 3 year age band Both teams MUST be playing the same band. Laws as shown for U18 in RFUW Handbook

All laws and regulations covering the RFUW age bands are available through the RFUW Hand book and through the Women’s rugby section of www.rfu.com/women resources section.

RFUW: Regional coaches, managers, physios needed!

RFUW REGIONAL PROGRAMME 2008/09

PLAY YOUR PART!

Coaches, managers, physios needed

The RFUW Regional Programme has been going from strength to strength for the past few years and this year promises to be even better.

The Senior, Under 18 and Under 15 programmes provide many opportunities for volunteers from all over the country to get involved, be it as a coach, manager or physio. With support from the RFUW Regional Development Managers and the Club Coach Officers, you will be instrumental in delivering yet another successful programme

Last season saw the West Midlands triumph at both U18 and Senior levels, winning the Youth Festival and Senior Finals respectively and East Midlands winning the U15s Youth Festival.

However, as well as providing a competitive structure, the programme is fundamental in the player pathway. The Regional Programme has been the crucial stepping stone for club and county players into the England U20s; England As and England Senior Squads. Would you like to be part of it? You could discover and develop the star of the 2014 Rugby World Cup!

The Senior programme starts with the trials in December 08, continuing over six weekends from 1^st February until Finals Day on 22^nd March. This year culminates in a Final and a 3^rd / 4^th play-off.

The youth programme commences with the trials in January 2009 and continues over a six week period through February and March, finishing with the Regional Programme Festival on the weekend of March 15^th & 16^th.

The RFUW will cover expenses for the duration of the programme as well as providing the opportunity to contribute to the largest Women & Girls’ Rugby Programme run in England.

You will be required to attend staff training within your region, and will receive ongoing support throughout the programme from your team of volunteers and RFUW professional staff.

Opportunities that are available can be found on the Expression of Interest Form by following the link along with details of roles and responsibilities. Please be aware that these roles vary from age-group to age-group and from region to region. There is also a sheet of FAQs should you require any more information.

With the programme attracting quality players and volunteers across the country, volunteer opportunities are limited, therefore please send your form to regionalrugby@therfu.com by Thursday 31^st July.

Click on the following links for more information and to complete the form.

Staff Expression of Interest Form 200809

Regional Manager Roles & Responsibilities.doc

Regional Programme Manager Roles & Responsibilities.doc

Regional Coach Roles & Responsibilities.doc

HPA's 12-13 July Brunel University

Good luck to the following Girls and Women who play for Herts Clubs and who are attending the HPA (High Performance Academy) Trials at Brunel University this weekend:

Under 15:
Courtney Arberry (Welwyn)

Courtney is Trialing at the HPA for a place on next season's School of Rugby which Claire Shutler and Sam Voyle attended last season.

Under 18:
Hayley Guilder (Letchworth)
Sasha Acheson (Letchworth)
Claire Shutler (Saracens)
Alice Nee (Saracens)
Sam Voyle (Welwyn)
Georgia Peedle (Welwyn)
Frankie Dawson (Welwyn)
Casey Shults (Welwyn)

The HPA Trial is the first part of two Trials to join the Under 18 TDG (Talent Development Group) where these Players are aiming to join 3 Herts Players who are currently part of the TDG, Hannah Gallagher, Alex Robertson and Megan Williams (all Welwyn).

Women:
Tia Arberry (Welwyn)
Sophie Tyler (Welwyn)

RFUW issue statement on ELVs in women's and girls' rugby

The RFUW today issued a statement on the introduction of the ELVs in English women's and girls' rugby.

The content includes notthing that is of any surprise, though it does clarify that - as women's teams outside the Premiership and Championship play to U19 rules they (like U18 and U15 teams) will not play to the new ELV on mauls (so pulling down a maul remains illegal ourside the top level leagues). What will happen if a lower level team plays a high level team isn't covered.

The full text of the statement is:

Experimental Law Variations

The RFUW will be supporting the IRB in trialling the 13 Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for the 2008/09 season.

• Premiership and Championship leagues will play full IRB Laws and will trial all 13 of the ELV’s.
• National Challenge 1 and below will play to the IRB U19 laws and will trial all the ELV’s with the exception that they will NOT TRIAL Law 17 The Maul
• All U18s Competitions will play IRB U19 laws and will trial all the ELV’s with the exception that they will NOT TRIAL Law 17 The Maul.
• All U15s Competitions will play to the RFU Under 14s Variations and will trial some of the ELV’s. They will NOT TRIAL Law 17 and Law 19 number 9 and 10, for Law 19 please refer to the RFU U14 Variations

Law 6 – Match Officials
1 – Assistant referees are able to assist the referee in any way that the referee requires

Law 17 – Maul

2 – Remove reference to head and shoulders not being lower then hips.

3 – Players are able to defend a maul by pulling it down.

Law 19 - Touch and Lineout

4 – If a team puts the ball back into its own 22 and the ball is subsequently kicked direct into touch, there is no gain in ground.

5 – A quick throw in may be thrown in straight or towards the throwing team’s own goal line.

6 – There is no restriction on the number of players from either team who can participate in the lineout.

7 – The receiver at the lineout must be two meters away from the lineout.

8 – The player who is in opposition to the player throwing in the ball must stand in the area between the five metre line and the touchline but must be two meters away from the five metre line.

9 – Lineout players may pre grip a jumper before the ball is thrown in.

10 – The lifting of lineout players is permitted.

Law 20 – Scrum

11 – Introduction of an offside line five metres behind the hindmost feet of the scrum.

12 – Identification of scrum half offside lines.

Law 22 – Corner Posts

13 – The corner posts are no longer considered to be touch in goal except when the ball is grounded against the post.

For a full break down of the Experimental Law Variation please go to http://www.rfu.com/elv/pdf/irb-elv-guide.pdf

England Under 20 Squad

Sarah McKenna (Old Albanian Saints) has been selected in the The England Women’s Under-20 squad of 26 to compete in next month’s Under-20s Nations Cup in Toronto. The England young guns head to Canada on the back of two impressive wins against Wales this season which saw them run in 74 points and concede none. England will take on Wales and hosts Canada and Canada A in the hope of qualifying for the Nations Cup championship final on July 19th. The tournament kicks off on July 11th.

Nominate A Deserving Sports Volunteer Today!

23rd June 2008

Service to Sport Awards - Nominate Now!!!

this issue

• Nominate A Deserving Sports Volunteer Today!

nominate a deserving sports volunteer today!

The nominations have been coming in thick and fast..... and you still have a week or so to get your nomination in. If you know a sports club or someone who you think is worthy of an award whether they are a coach, official, administrator, or a mum or dad who helps out week in week out... make sure they have the chance to be recognised for their efforts!!

Nominate Today! To get a nomination form and further information.....

read more

In Hertfordshire, we are a unique sports organisation that brings together expertise, resources and ideas from all sides of the sports industry to provide a central and coordinated sports service for the whole county to benefit from. Follow the links below to find out more about our work and how we can help you!..

be active	delivering sport	making it happen
What sports and physical activities are on offer in Herts? Want to volunteer? Try something new!	Sports Clubs, Schools, Coaches, Officials, Administrators and Volunteers	Take a look at our strategic moves and find out what's going on behind the action

In Touch Survey – Your Questions Answered

The RFUW ran an online survey in November 2007. They received a significant number of responses and have pulled out some key areas that they think they can address immediately for the game.

RFUW will be using this survey going forward to help shape their decision making processes and thank all those who took part.

Key Area	Action we will take
36% of volunteers requested updates of what is happening at a grass roots level	Click here to access the RFUW website for news, match reports and information http://www.rfu.com/women
50% of volunteers requested information on training courses	Click here for community rugby http://www.community-rugby.com. Here you will find information on all the different courses that are available to you
57% of players are unaware of the player pathway	The RFUW has a player pathway that highlights the routes you can take through rugby. Contact the RFUW office for a copy
68% of players felt that access to high quality coaching was very important while 71% are interested in information on coaching courses	Click here for information on RFU coaching courses http://www.community-rugby.com. Look at the Coaches sections for details of courses in your area
41% of players are interested in information on volunteering	We are currently updating the website with new information on how to get involved in volunteering. In the meantime, get in touch with Holly Hart on 020 8831 7482 or email hollyhart@rfu.com for details
3% of supporters felt that facilities at grounds are good	Visit http://www.community-rugby.com and look under Club Management, Facilities for information and guidance on improving facilities at your club. Also, for information on funding that might be available contact the RFUW office or check out the funding section of the Community Rugby website.
78% of supporters requested information on coaching	Click here for information on RFU coaching courses http://www.community-rugby.com. Look at the Coaches sections for details of courses in your area
61% of coaches have a level 1 coaching qualification and 39% have a level 2.	If you would like to obtain a coaching qualification, or to do your next level, click here for information on RFU coaching courses http://www.community-rugby.com Then have a look at courses being run in your region.
71% of coaches requested information on mentoring	Coach mentoring is available from your CCO. Visit http://www.rfu.com/women and look under contacts to find their details.
74% of parents feel that having a first aider at their club is very important	The RFU runs an excellent one day 1st aid course. Visit http://www.community-rugby.com, and have a look under Club Management, Health to find courses near you
52% of parents are willing to get involved in administration	We are currently updating the website with new information on how to get involved in volunteering. In the meantime, get in touch with Holly Hart on 020 8831 7482 or email hollyhart@rfu.com for details
90% of administrators are interested in training courses and 47% in accredited courses	Click here for community rugby http://www.community-rugby.com. Here you will find information on all the different courses that are available to you.

RFUW Newsletter: July 2008

RFUW NEWS UPDATE – July 2008

Experimental Law Variations (ELV’s) - We will be implementing the ELV’s as per the implementation that the RFU is doing. There are still some details to finalise particularly in reference to the youth game but information will be sent out to you via the RFU as a matter of urgency as soon as it is available.

For coaches and referees keep your eye out through your club / Constituent Body and on RFU.com for local training opportunities on the ELV’s.

Affiliation Forms – Enclosed is everything you need to complete your affiliation for the upcoming 2008/09 season including updated calendars. Closing date to receive your affiliation forms is 31^st July 2008 (universities 31^st August).

Player Registration – We are pleased to confirm changes to the way players register for the forthcoming season which will benefit your club directly. For the 2008/09 season player registration will be linked with league status. Clubs will pay a one off set fee based on the minimum number of players they must have to meet the criteria for the league they are in. The fee being levied will remain at £11 per player. For any additional players clubs recruit, they can keep the money for club funds or decide not to charge some players a registration fee.

We hope that this change will also reinforce the importance of minimum player numbers which is vital in becoming a sustainable club. In turn, it will also reward clubs for recruiting more players.

Nations Cup – England are hosting a Nations Cup this August playing against the USA and Canada at Esher RFC on:

• Wednesday 20^th August at 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

• Saturday 23^rd August at 1pm and at 3pm,

• Tuesday 26^th August, 5.30pm and 7.30pm and

• Saturday 30^th August at 2pm.

Come along to watch great International rugby at an easily accessible venue, with low cost tickets that will be available on the day. Look out for further information coming out to you soon and on to the RFUW website in July.

Annual General Meeting - The RFUW Ltd Annual General Meeting will take place at 12.30pm on Saturday 13^th September 2008 at the Holiday Inn Leamington Spa, CV34 6RJ. A copy of the agenda, attendance and proxy form will be sent to you in advance within the required legal time scale, however we wanted to advise the date as far ahead as possible for planning purposes.

We have teamed the AGM with our Leaders Conference this year in hope that those people who work as leaders and volunteers for the RFUW are able to attend on behalf of their clubs where appropriate.

Recent meetings have been small and short with most clubs choosing to vote via post using the proxy form, for this reason we would suggest you may not want to travel a great distance for such a short meeting, however if you would like further information please don’t hesitate to contact us.

RFU Grand Prize Draw – This is the RFU annual Grand Prize raffle draw that has this season earnt Sandbach RUFC (Cheshire) a stunning £8,309 from ticket sales of which they get to keep 90%, in addition they won a Hospitality Package for 2 people to an autumn international match 2008, as well as the prizes available to their members who bought winning tickets. Full details, together with a pre-Registration Form, will be available on the RFU Website (at www.rfu.com) in mid-August. Start early and incorporate the Grand Draw in your fund-raising plans. We highly recommend you get involved in this draw, you just can’t lose!

RFUW Surveys – Thanks to everybody who took the time to complete the RFUW online surveys earlier this year, results of the survey will be posted on the RFUW website during June so please log on and have a look at your feedback and some suggestions from us how to address some situations.

Rosie Williams

Managing Director

Rochford Festival 2008

It has been announced that the date of the Rochford Festival has been changed from Sun 9 Nov to Sun 2 Nov 2008 to avoid clashing with County Training on the original date.

ELVs on Maul NOT to apply in age group rugby

The RFU have announced that the controversial ELVs on pulling down mauls will NOT be applied to age group rugby in England. However, they may be applied but other unions in other countries which will have implications for internationals and cross-border fixtures.

The RFU press release appears below:

The RFU Management Board has carefully considered a recommendation of the RFU Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) Implementation Task Group regarding introduction of some of the ELVs into the youth game in England.

The Management Board has approved the recommendation of the ELV Task Group that ELV 2 (shoulders must not be lower than the hips at the maul) and ELV 3 (pulling down the maul) should not be trialled in England at Under 19 level and below until:

• It has been demonstrated to be safe in the adult game; • The results of trials currently taking place in South Africa have been properly analysed by the iRB with specific reference to the safety of pulling down the maul at all rugby played at U19 and below; • Agreement has been reached on the safest method to pull down the maul and appropriate coaching techniques have been developed. • Sufficient time is allowed for the safest method and the appropriate coaching techniques to be communicated to all those involved in rugby at U19 level and below. The RFU will now discuss the issues that may arise with age grade cross-border competitions where other Unions are trialling ELV 2 & 3 with the IRB and affected Unions. However, the interests of young players and the safety concerns expressed by the game will take precedence. RFU Chief Executive Francis Baron OBE said: "We have received a large number of letters from the youth game expressing serious concerns over the introduction of some of the ELVs in the youth game. "It is established practice that Unions can apply variations to the Laws at youth level and many Unions exercise their rights in this respect. The RFU intends to exercise its rights in respect of the ELVs of concern to us and the game in England following discussion with the IRB and other affected Unions."