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."

The end of the season....but not for some

For most Girl Players last weekends National 7's is the last date of the season, but for a select group it is continuing during the Summer.

One 'Junior Super League' weekend of training and match has already taken place at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire on 17 - 18th May and the second match is taking place at the same venue this Saturday (31 May). Three U18 Herts Players, Alex Robertson, Megan Williams and Sophie Tyler were invited to take part, as was a fourth Welwyn Player, Hannah Gallagher, but she is currently recovering from an operation.

In addition invitation letters are currently being sent out to the Girls selected to attend the U18 and U15 High Performance Academy (HPA) Camp at Brunel University London on 12 and 13 July. The leading U18 players at the 4 HPA Camps will then be invited to join the 2007/8 TDG Girls at their next training session later in the summer, at which next seasons TDG Group will be selected. The U15 HPA's will be used to select the Girls for next seasons Schools of Rugby, which start later in the Summer.

National 7's Results

Women Cup: Winners - Worcester; Runners-up - Richmond.

Women Plate: Winners - Waterloo; Runners-up - Chesham.

Women Bowl: Winners - OA Saints; Runners-up - Wimbledon.

Women Dinner Service: Winners - Hertford; Runners-up - London Welsh.

U18 Cup: Winners - Exeter Saracens; Runners-up - Wimbourne.

U18 Plate: Winners - Welwyn; Runners-up - Darlington M.P.

U15 Cup: Winners - North Hykeham; Runners-up - Exeter Saracens.

U15 Plate: Winners - Tynedale; Runners-up - Worcester

Have you signed up for the RFUW conference yet?

The RFUW Regional Conference will be at Hatfield on 28th June. A full day of practical demonstrations, discussions and case studies aimed at players, coaches, referees and managers. There is even a Q&A session where you can get a chance to ask RFUW board exactly what they are doing. Clubs can send two people (and may be able send more), full refreshments are provided... and all for only £5!

However, RFUW are asking for clubs to put forward delegates by the end of this week. There is more information on the RFUW website (plus an application form).

RFUW want to hear from YOU!

RFUW are contacting all clubs, schools and college teams and asking them to complete an "audit" about the state of the game as you see it. Please ensure that your club completes the audit before the closing date of 23rd June. It only takes five minutes and is vital to the development of the game.

For more information, including a link to the audit itself, see the RFUW website.

All change

Yesterday's National 7's was the last time that some Girls had the opportunity to play for their current Herts Clubs, as by the beginning of next season they will be over 18. Also for the first time in 2 years there will be movement between the Junior Girls (U15's) and Senior Girls (U18's).

Four Herts Clubs (Saracens, Welwyn, Hertford and Old Albanians) have Players graduating to their U18 teams from their current U15 teams to help fill the gaps, but all 8 Girls Clubs in Herts are looking to recruit new players next season, especially at U15 level.

If you are interested in playing Girls Rugby next season and you are currently aged 12-17 please contact one of the following:

• Bishops Stortford: Stephen Dunkley - stephen.dunkley1@btopenworld.com
• Hertford: Mel Timpson - melanietimpson@btinternet.com
• Letchworth: John Birch - johnbirch@ntlworld.com
• Old Albanians: Brad Cox - brad.cox@stags.herts.sch.uk
• Saracens: Simon Shutler - shutler4@tiscali.co.uk
• Stevenage: Steve Gibbs - m99jed@yahoo.co.uk
• Tabard: Laura-Jo Pearce - tabardminis@hotmail.co.uk
• Welwyn: Peter Mccullough - peter.mccullough@ntlworld.com

Herts Girls 7's (Tabard RFC) Results

This firmly established Girls Rugby Festival moves between Clubs in Hertfordshire each season in order to bring it to the widest possible audience and today it was the turn of Tabard RFC. Laura-Jo Pearce was today's organiser and she deserves great thanks for the time and effort she has put in during the past four months preparing for it.

The results were:

U18 Cup: Winners - Basford; Runners-up - Letchworth.

U18 Plate: Winners - Reading; Runners-up - Kettering.

U15 Cup: Winners - London Irish; Runners-up - Saracens.

U15 Plate: Winners - Bucks Jesters; Runners-up - Kettering.

U15 Bowl: Winners - Welwyn; Runners-up - Tamworth.

RFUW Club Devlopment Toolkit Funding Award

Welwyn Warriors received the excellent news today that their application for £500 from the RFUW Club Development Toolkit Fund has been successful.

This money will be used on projects to promote Girls Rugby in the local area e.g. Open Afternoons, Coaching in Schools, Publicity etc. The money will be used between June 1 2008 and May 31 2009, and will effectively be an investment in the long term future of Welwyn Warriors.

Dorking Girls 7's 11th May Winners and Runners up

U12 Cup Winner: Perins School
U12 Cup R/up: Beckenham/Old Alleynians

U15 Cup Winner: London Irish
U15 Cup R/up: Ellingham & Ringwood

U15 Plate Winner: Dorking
U15 Plate R/up: Guildford

U18 Cup Winner: Dorking
U18 Cup R/up: Worthing

U18 Plate Winner: Chobham
U18 Plate R/up: Letchworth

National Regional Festival Litchfield - U15 and U18

On Saturday East Region U15's , including eight Herts Players (four Saracens and four Welwyn), finished fourth out of 12 Regions in this seasons National Regional Festival at Litchfield RFC, narrowly losing the 3/4 place play-off to South (2007 winners). This was an improvement on last year when East finished 6th. East Midlands were the 2008 U15 winners beating East Wales in the Final.

On Sunday East Region U18's, including ten Herts Players (nine Welwyn and one Letchworth) finished 3rd for the second year running. They beat East Midlands in the 3/4 place play off and the U18 winners were West Midlands, who beat Yorkshire in the Final.

Herts 7s: competition rules

Playing conditions

Games shall be played according to the standard laws of rugby union, incorporating IRB amendments relating to Sevens rugby and age group rules adopted by the RFUW.

In particular teams should note that:

· Conversions shall be by means of a drop kick

· After a score, the team scoring shall restart

· All matches shall be seven minutes each way (except Cup finals which shall be ten minutes each way) — and may be reduced in length on safety grounds at the discretion of the referee (i.e. if teams are significantly mis-matched, or if the risk to injury is increased due to player fatigue).

IMPORTANT NOTE:

All referee decisions shall be final and cannot subsequently be changed. If an error is made by any match official over any rule, law or actuality, or the interpretation of any rule or law, then the game shall continue as if the error had not been made and any score, or subsequent score, shall stand. No attempt should be made to deliberately correct an error by any person either later in the game or afterwards, and no appeals will be entered into on such matters after a game.

Other tournament rules

· While squads may be of any size, they will be assumed to contain ten players. There will only be sufficient programmes, etc. — and winners medals! — for that number.

· In pool games, four points shall be awarded to a winning team, and two points each if the game is drawn. A try scoring bonus point will be awarded to any team scoring four or more tries in a game, and a losing bonus point to any team losing by seven points or less.

· The organisers may, at their discretion, award a bonus point to reward examples of good sportsmanship, such as the lending of players to other teams to cover injury (provided they are not from the same club).

· The organisers also reserve the right to deduct competition or match points for breaches of the Code of Conduct or other poor sportsmanship by players or club officials if reported by referees or other tournament officials.

· Pool ranking shall be decided on the basis of (in order) a) competition points; b) results between the team/s tied on points; c) most tries scored; d) fewest tries conceded; e) points difference. If teams are still level then places shall be decided by a kicking competition (see below).

· Knock-out games tied at the end of normal time shall continue with one period of two minutes sudden-death (first to score wins) overtime with teams defending the end they were defending at the end of normal time. If teams are still level then the game shall be decided by a kicking competition (see below).

· Kicking competition. Each player finishing the game (or seven nominated players in the case of pool placings) shall take a drop kick at goal from any point on the field. Players from each team will kick alternately. All players other than the kicker shall stand behind the 22. The competition will continue until (after the same number of kicks have been taken by each) one team has scored more goals than the other.

· The organisers’ decisions on the interpretation of these rules, or on any other relevant matters not covered by these rules, shall be final.

· Teams shall be ready to start their game as soon as the previous game has concluded.

· Referees will complete the official match scorecard immediately following each match and deliver it to the central control or hand it to the pitch Marshall who will deliver it to the central control.

Injuries

If an on-field injury delays play for more than five minutes the game shall be abandoned and the score at the time of the abandonment shall stand.

If the injury delays the start of any subsequent matches then, if practical, in the U 18 competition a half sized pitch shall be marked out and play shall continue on that pitch until the injury is treated. It that is not possible, or if the injury happens in an U 15 game, subsequent matches shall transfer to the other pitch. Games will then run for five minutes each way until the injury is treated and cleared

Herts 7s draw published

Herts Girls Sevens Competition – Match Schedule

Under 15 Competition - Pool Stage

Pool A

Kick-off	Pitch
11:00	C	Herts Barbarians	Tamworth
11.40	D	Basford	Herts Barbarians
12.20	C	Tamworth	Basford

Pool B

Kick-off	Pitch
11:20	C	Saracens	Old Albanians
12.00	D	Hertford	Saracens
12.40	C	Old Albanians	Hertford

Pool C

Kick-off	Pitch
11:00	D	London Irish	Kettering
11.40	C	Stevenage	London Irish
12.20	D	Kettering	Stevenage

Pool D

Kick-off	Pitch
11:20	D	Welwyn Warriors	Reading Ladies
12.00	C	Bucks Jesters	Welwyn Warriors
12.40	D	Reading Ladies	Bucks Jesters

Under 15 Competition – Knock Out Stage

Time	Pitch	Match
13:30	C	U15 Bowl Semi 1	Pool A v Pool C
	D	U15 Bowl Semi 2	Pool B v Pool D
13:50	C	U15 Plate Semi 1	Pool A v Pool C
	D	U15 Plate Semi 2	Pool B v Pool D
14:10	C	U15 Cup Semi 1	Pool A v Pool C
	D	U15 Cup Semi 2	Pool B v Pool D
14:30	D	U15 Bowl Final
	C	U15 Bowl 3rd playoff
14:50	D	U15 Plate final
	C	U15 Plate 3rd playoff
15:10	D	U15 Cup 3rd playoff
15:30	A	U15 Cup final

Under 18 Competition - Pool Stage

Pool A

Kick-off	Pitch
11.00	A	Kettering	Herts Barbarians
11.40	B	Wisbech G. S.	Kettering
12.20	A	Herts Barbarians	Wisbech G. S.

Pool B

Kick-off	Pitch
11.20	A	Basford	Hertford
12.00	B	TBA	Basford
12.40	A	Hertford	TBA

Pool C

Kick-off	Pitch
11.00	B	Herts Swifts	Reading Ladies
11.40	A	Worthing Stingers	Herts Swifts
12.20	B	Reading Ladies	Worthing Stingers

Pool D

Kick-off	Pitch
11.20	B	Bucks Jesters	Pavworth Maoris
12.00	A	Letchworth G.C.	Bucks Jesters
12.40	B	Pavworth Maoris	Letchworth G.C.

Under 18 Competition – Knock Out Stage

Time	Pitch	Match
13:30	A	U18 Bowl Semi 1	Pool A v Pool C
	B	U18 Bowl Semi 2	Pool B v Pool D
13:50	A	U18 Plate Semi 1	Pool A v Pool C
	B	U18 Plate Semi 2	Pool B v Pool D
14:10	A	U18 Cup Semi 1	Pool A v Pool C
	B	U18 Cup Semi 2	Pool B v Pool D
14:30	A	U18 Bowl Final
	B	U18 Bowl 3rd playoff
14:50	A	U18 Plate Final
	B	U18 Plate 3rd playoff
15:10	A	U18 Cup 3rd playoff
15:55	A	U18 Cup Final

U18 National 10's Finals Litchfield Sun 4th May

Each of the 6 teams that reached the U18 National 10's Finals at Litchfield RFC played each other in a round robin tournament.

Results affecting Letchworth:

Letchworth 10 Wimbourne 10
Letchworth 24 Tynedale 17
Letchworth 0 Worcester 38
Letchworth 17 Darlington Mowden Park 15
Letchworth 0 Reading 24

Final standings:

Winners: Worcester
Runners up: Reading
3rd Wimbourne
4th Letchworth
5th Darlington Mowden Park
6th Tynedale

Congratulations to Worcester who retain the Trophy they won last year.

Worthing Girls Festival Sun 4th May

The Worthing Festival is now an integral part of the Girls Rugby Season. Teams travel to it from as far as Worcester, Sleaford and Leicestershire, and now that it has moved to the first Bank Holiday weekend in May (next season Sun 3 May 2009) some teams are making it part of a 'Tour'. There is a 10's Section at both U15 and U18, and this year a 7's Section at U12 was introduced for the first time.

Welwyn U15's entered, but with only 7 Players available, for various reasons, needed to borrow Players from other Clubs to make up a team. In the true spirit of Rugby, both Basford and Paviors lent Players, but unfortunately Welwyn were knocked out at the Group Stage this year.

Glenn Warren, the Chair of Worthing Ladies and Girls Rugby, said that it their intention to try and expand the U12's Section next Season and they are also contemplating having a Senior 7's Tournament on the Saturday, turning the whole weekend over t0 Womens and Girls Rugby.

The results were:

U12's - Cup Winners: Worthing - Runners up: Beckenham

U15's - Cup Winners: Londin Irsh - Runners up: H3

U15's - Plate Winners: Folkstone Fillies - Runners up: Dorking

U18's - Cup Winners: Basford - Runners up: Paviors/Tamworth (Pavworth)

U18's - Plate Winners: Solent Sirens - Runners up: Old Leamingtonians

IRB announce major rule changes from 2008/9 season

The IRB issued the following press release today concerning a one year trial of the "ELVs" (Experimental Law Variations). These will apply to all rugby at all levels, unless otherwise stated, from 1st August 2008. Some of the changes are very significant and it is important that all players, coaches and officials are aware of the changes that will take place:

The International Rugby Board Council today announced that it had approved a global trial of Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for a 12 month period starting on August 1, 2008. The trial at all levels of the Game will involve 13 of the 23 ELVs that have been undergoing experimentation in approved tournaments around the world over the last two years.

"The Council's decision to implement a global trial of Experimental Law Variations represents an important milestone for the future of the Game. It vindicates the process that was adopted by Council in 2004 for future Law amendments. The Council congratulated the Law Project Group on its unprecedented work over the past two years," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"It was also agreed that the sanctions ELVs (reduction of sanctions to free kicks from penalty kicks where possible) that were not approved for global trials would be further trialled in a selected elite Northern Hemisphere competition in the 2008/09 season."

"The Southern Hemisphere will continue to play under the various ELV programme environments that exist in that part of the world at present. It would be unfair to change the playing environment under which countries in the south are currently playing in competitions such as the Super 14."

"Not one of the Council representatives was against the global implementation of an ELV programme of some description. Many of the ELVs received unanimous approval as they had clearly shown potential to be beneficial to the Game thus meriting a further trial at all levels around the world."

"The Laws Project Group had recommended a global trial of all of the ELVs but there were differing opinions between the Council Members on some of the ELVs in the area of the tackle and ruck, maul, sanctions and offside. The key point here was that the Members did not dismiss these ELVs outright but believed that further consideration and trials were necessary."

"This is particularly true of the sanctions ELVs which have not been trialled by senior Unions in the north but which have been received favourably by players and coaches that have played under them in the Southern Hemisphere."

"The Laws Project Group has been tasked to closely monitor the global trial with the assistance of its Member Unions. It will also work with the Senior Unions in the north to deliver and analyse the sanctions ELVs in an elite Northern Hemisphere Competition."

"In November 2009 Council will review all the ELVs that will undergo global trial, along with the sanctions ELVs that will undergo approved trials in specific competitions. Council will then decide at this meeting if all or any of the ELVs should be accepted into full Law," added Mr Lapasset.
ELVs to be trialled worldwide

Assistant Referees
Assistant Referees can assist referees in any manner required when appointed by a match organiser

Posts and flags around the field
The corner posts are no longer considered to be in touch in-goal except when a ball is grounded against the post

Lineout and throw
If a team puts the ball back into their own 22 and the ball is subsequently kicked directly into touch there is no gain of ground
A quick throw may be thrown in straight or towards the throwing team's own goal line
There is no restriction on the number of players who can participate in the lineout from either side (minimum of two)
The receiver in a lineout must stand 2 metres back from the lineout
The player who is in opposition to the player throwing in the ball may stand in the area between the 5 metre line and touch line but must be 2 metres away from the lineout
Lineout players may pre-grip a jumper before the ball is thrown in
The lifting of lineout jumpers is permitted

Maul
Players are able to defend a maul by pulling it down
Remove reference in Law to heads and shoulders not to be lower than hips

Scrum
Introduction of an offside line five metres behind the hindmost feet of the scrum
Scrum half offside lines (must be in close proximity to the scrum as present Law or must retreat five metres)

ELVs to be trialled in an elite Northern Hemisphere competition
Sanctions
For all offences other than offside, not entering through the gate, and Law 10 - Foul Play, the sanction is a Free Kick

Tackle and ruck
If the ball is unplayable at the breakdown, the side that did not take the ball into contact will receive a Free Kick

Maul
If a maul becomes unplayable, the team not in possession at the start of the maul receives a Free Kick

ELVs to be referred back to LPG for further analysis and possible experimentation
Lineout and throw
Incorrect throw (not straight) the sanction is a Free Kick

Tackle and ruck
Offside line occurs immediately at the tackle
Players who are on their feet can play the ball with their hands

There are two Penalty Kicks awarded at the tackle and ruck - offside and foul play
Reference to unfair play added to Law 15 (tackle: ball carrier brought to ground)

Offside
Players are only put onside after a tackle when they retreat past the tackle or the ball has moved five metres away from the tackle

Kick-off and restart kicks
Incorrect kick-offs and restart kicks result in a Free Kick for the opposition

RFUW London & South East Regional Club Conference - 28th June 2008

The RFUW invites you to the 2008 RFUW London and South East Regional Club Conference, held this year at The University of Hertfordshire on Saturday 28th June from 10.15am – 4.45pm.

This annual event is always very well attended and not only provides an excellent training and development opportunity for the volunteers at your club but also allows you to network and share ideas with other clubs and members of the RFUW staff team.

The day will feature a variety of different sessions for coaches, administrators and referees and will involve both theoretical and practical workshops.

If you, or a colleague at your club would be interested in attending this conference please complete the attached form and return it to regionalrugby@therfu.com or by post to Gemma Ryan, RFUW, Rugby House, Rugby Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 1DZ. Please ensure you indicate which sessions you are interested in attending, e.g. coaches, referees or administrators. Please also note that there will be a £5 charge per person for attending this event.

Herts U15 Development Fixture Sun 27th April

This was the second time this season that Herts had hosted a U15 County Development fixture at Welwyn RFC. The two dates were chosen to co-incide with Regional dates, to give the next level of players an opportunity to gain more experience at this level.

The first event in March involved Herts, Kent and Middlesex and they were joined this time by Eastern Counties. Each team played each other in a round robin format, but there was no Trophy at stake. Herts had @25 Players, so quite a few of them ended up guesting for Middlesex and Kent, who were both short of numbers, to ensure they gained as much game time as possible. In the final round of games Herts Girls were playing for 3 different sides simultaneously, but we did ensure that all the Herts Girls did play in at least one game for their own County.

For the record the Herts scores were:
Herts 35 Eastern Counties 0
Herts 29 Kent 0
Herts 37 Middlesex 0

Both the County U15 Development and U12 Girls team initiatives have been very well received this season and we plan to continue them next season.

East Region - U15 National Festival Litchfield Sat 10th May

Congratulations to all those girls who this season played their part in the two Regional Games against Yorkshire and the South Region. With the Regional Festival at Litchfield only 2 weeks away, the coaching staff have selected the squad who will take part in this years U15 Festival.

The following girls will travel to Litchfield to represent the East Region at the U15 National Festival on 10th May:
Alice Nee
Claire Johnston
Ellie Martin
Alex Grant
Megan Robson
Courtney Arberry
Claire Shutler
Georgia Peedle
Sam Voyle
Abbie Cook
Olivia Stembridge
Alice Finn
Maddy Lockwood
Lucie Wood
Megan Childs
Jess Harris
Layla Pickering
Emma Wilson
Yasmin Pemberton
Frances Hughes
Kelsey Davis
Jess Wilkins

Could all those girls who have been selected, please contact Tina Turner to confirm their availability for the Festival.

U12s: Four county tournament, and season in review

The U12s finished their first season with a four team tournament at Welwyn this afternoon. Again club fixtures resulted in the loss of several leading players, but that did give some girls new to the sport a chance to shine.

In practice this was probably the least experienced Herts side we have been able to put out, and the first up was Kent - now a very experienced team based around two Kent clubs. It was a steep learning curve for the new girls, but by the second half they were where beginning work together and even scored a try at the end, going down five tries to one.

The second game against Eastern Counties was a far closer affair, two missed tackles in the first half being the difference giving the visitors a 10-0 win. But the second half was hugely exciting with Herts very unlucky to fail to break the deadlock.

Finally the girls took on Middlesex, aka Ealing, another experienced team but performed very well, despite the 20-5 scoreline. Overall Kent were winners, Middlesex second, and Eastern Counties third.

At the end of the first U12 programme it is worth recording that around 25 girls have played in five fixtures, as well as two training sessions. At full strength a Herts U12 team could take on anyone, but we were never granted that luxury! But that did not matter - and was hardly the point. Rather more interesting is that the programme has allowed over a dozen girls to sample competitive, full-contact rugby for the first time in a supportive environment suited to their needs - something that would be very difficult to do as part of a standard mini team. In addition the rugby careers of several other girls who had dropped out of rugby, or were on the verge of doing so, have been revived.

It is this that the programme was created to do. There has been a degree of opposition from some in boys and mini rugby who have failed to understand this. The U12 programme is not a representative programme, nor is its purpose to establish an alternative "club". The aim is to introduce girls to the game, and keep those in the game playing. We know that Saracens and Old Albanians will definitely benefit from these new or revived players next season, while both Welwyn and Letchworth are likely to include girls in their U15 squads next season who played U12 county rugby this season.

The only disappointing aspect of the programme has been the lack of enthusiasm and suspicion from some clubs, amounting to active opposition at times. This has restricted the uptake of the programme to only a minority of clubs, most of whom already have U15 and U18 sections and therefore understood what it was trying to do. It can only be hoped that these negative responses will be replaced with a more positive attitude next season because the programme has quite clearly at least slowed the hemorrhaging of girls from the mini game in Hertfordshire. I think we would be the first to admit that it is not perfect, but until someone comes up with a better means of keeping girls playing rugby up to U12s it remains the only game in town.

Finally, the programme could not have happened without the active support of several people, including members of the Herts Women's and Girls' committee, but above all Natalie Threlfall - a U18 player at Letchworth - who (along with her mother!) has given up several of her weekends (not to mention her chance of a place in the county U18 squad) to support, coach, and inspire the girls. The U12 programme offers a great practical opportunity for older girls to practice their coaching and it can only be hoped that some more will take up this next season.

You can still go to the ball

Not enough players available to form a team for Herts 7s at your club? Never mind, Cinders, you can still go to the ball!

Tabard, organisers of this year's competition (Sunday 25th May), are organising a "Barbarian" team for the U15 and (if there is sufficient interest) the U18 competition. Any girls who would otherwise miss out on the day because they have no-one to play for is welcome. For more information contact Laura-Jo.

Barbarian teams have an honourable history in the Herts 7s - and being part of an "all-sorts" team does not mean that you will be uncompetitive. Remember - the first U14 tournament in 2005 was won by just such a side!

Herts Girls 7's update

The following teams have so far entered the Herts Girls 7's at Tabard RFC on Sunday 18th May.

U15's:

Reading.
Welwyn.
London Irish.
Hertford.
Basford.
Saracens.
Tamworth.
Kettering.
OA Saints.
Bucks Jesters.
Stevenage.

U18's:

Reading.
Hertford.
Letchworth.
Basford.
Pavworth Maoris.
Wisbech Grammer School.
Kettering.
Bucks Jesters.
Herts Swifts.
Herts Cluster.

There is room for up to 16 Teams in each Section of the Tournament, so entries are still invited, including from Barbarian sides. Please contact me Laura-Jo Pearce on 07793809586 or tabardminis@hotmail.co.uk for further details

U18 Regional Tens 20th April results

Midlands Division:

Letchworth 17 Melbourne 5
Letchworth 10 Kettering 7
Letchworth 12 Newbold 12
Letchworth 7 Old Leomingtons 5
Letchworth 0 Worcester 17

Worcester and Letchworth progress to the National Tens Finals at Litchfield RFC on 4th May.

South Division:

Welwyn 10 Worthing 5
Welwyn 17 Solent Sirens 12
Welwyn 17 Exeter 0
Welwyn 0 Reading 12
Welwyn 10 Wimborne 14

Wimborne and Reading progress to the National Tens Finals at Litchfield RFC on 4th May.

Wanted: County coaches and mangers for 2008/9

Herts County is looking for coaches and managers for the girls' teams for next season - including U18, U15, U15 Development, and U12 teams.

If you are interested in developing your skills while making a practical contribution to the development of girls rugby, or would like more information about the posts, please contact Peter McCullough before the end of April.

East Region update

20th April

East Region training is on Sunday 20th April at Coopers Coborn School, Upminster. Training is from 10.00am until 2.00pm. Please ensure that you are on time and changed ready to start at 10.00am. For those girls who have not yet received their Regional Kit, Phil Robson has it and will hand it out on Sunday.

27th April

On Sunday 27th April East Region U15's and U18's are both playing friendlies against the South Region in lieu of the cancelled games in March. All squad members at both age groups will be required that day. The games will be structured to give all girls equal time on the pitch. The games will be held at Harlow Rugby Club, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex. Please note, there will be limited parking at the Rugby Club so would all parents and supporters please use the trading estate next to the Rugby Club to park their cars. DO NOT PARK ON EDINBURGH WAY THE COUNCIL WILL TICKET OR TOW AWAY YOUR CAR. Kick off is 2.00pm. All players are to arrive by 1.00pm latest.

Under 18 National Cup Final Result

Worcester U18's 17 Welwyn / Basford U18's 15

Congratulations to Worcester U18's who have now won this Trophy in 5 of the last 6 Seasons.

Herts Girls 7's - Update

The following teams have so far entered the Herts Girls 7's at Tabard RFC on Sunday 18th May.

U15's:
Tabard (Hosts).
Welwyn.
Reading.
London Irish.
Hertford.
Basford.
Saracens.
Tamworth.
Kettering.
OA Saints.

U18's:
Reading.
Hertford.
Letchworth.
Basford.
Pavworth Maoris.
Wisbech Grammer School.
Kettering.

Interested Teams are advised to get their Entries in quickly as there is a limit of 16 Teams in each Section of the Tournament. Please contact me Laura-Jo Pearce on 07793809586 or tabardminis@hotmail.co.uk for further details

Super League will not clash with county rugby in 2008/9

The recent article on the U18 Super League in Touchline initially appeared to indicate a clash between Super League and county dates in 2008/9. County officials have now been in touch with RFUW and they have now confirmed that this will not be the case.

The Junior Super League will, in fact, take place at the end of this season on May 18th and 31st. There will be no Junior Performance events on county dates in 2008/9 and so all U18 players, regardless of where they are on the performance pathway will be available for club, county trials, training and matches.

Super League teams will be selected after the regional festival at Rugby at the start of May.

Details of HPA programme published

The RFUW have published details of this summer's "High Performance Academy" programme for elite players. Full details can be found here, but in summary there are only a few differences compared to last season.

Regions will again select the leading players who are not currently in the Training Development Group ("TDG") (U18s) or Schools of Rugby (U15s) to attend a HPA "camp" to be held at Brunel University in Uxbridge, London, on 12th and 13th July. Players selected will be notified by post in the week beginning 19th May.

The leading U18 players at the HPA camp will then join the 2007/8 TDG girls at their summer training session a week or two later after which the 2008/9 TDG will be selected. U15s moving up to U18 rugby next season will also take part in this process, but other U15s will attend a U15 HPA at which girls will be selected for next season's Schools of Rugby programme.

One major change for U18s is that RFUW will now be running a "super league", similar to that run for the leading adult players. For 2008/9 two squads will be selected made up of girls from the TDGs but also including other girls selected the Regional Tournament on 11th May (the TDG normally has only about 30 players, but around 40-50 girls are likely to be needed to form two viable squads). The plan is then for the two U18 teams will play each other twice at the same venues and dates as two of the adult super league fixtures during next season.

Job vacancy: Community coaches at Saracens

Saracens Sport Foundation

Community Coaches

Part Time Flexible hours

Due to the success of the Foundation during the last 12 months, the Foundation has secured additional funding to expand our delivery capacity and now require part time coaches to deliver a number of sports as part of our new programme initiatives.

Responsibilities

• To deliver on a number of sport projects including primary and secondary school delivery, after school clubs, club coaching and holiday camps across the whole of Hertfordshire.
• Cover a range of sports, from rugby to dance, golf, basketball, cricket, athletic, skateboarding, American football – to name a few.
• Plan, organise, deliver and review all sessions.
• To mentor young sport leaders – 16 – 19 year olds
• Hours of work include afternoons, evenings and weekends

Successful applicants will posses:

• Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills
• Experience of coaching various sports across a range of ages (you may be required to work with children from 3 – 24 years old)
• Level 1 coaching qualification in at least one sport – preferably a Level 2.
• Current First Aid qualification
• Current Driving Licence and have access to a car
• An up to date CRB check, and child protection certificates (to be brought to interview)

Immediate hours are available once all checks have taken place and a period of shadow coaching has been completed.

Application

Applicants should send a current CV and covering letter to hannahp@saracens.net or via post to Hannah Pirnie, Saracens Sport Foundation Rigby House, 34 The Parade, High Street, Watford, WD17 1EA.

Closing Date for applications: Thursday 3^rd April 2008 at 5pm

Interview Date: Interviews will be held the week commencing 14^th April 08

Talent Development Group U18 v. Canada U19

TDG U18 played the touring Canada U19s last Friday at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire, where the TDG group train, and narrowly lost 19-15. Three Welwyn Warrior / Herts Players represented the TDG (Alex Robertson, Megan Williams and Hannah Gallagher) with Williams scoring one and Gallagher scoring the other two of the TDG's three Tries.

New U12 fixtures

Just to highlight two new U12 dates:

27th April: As mentioned below, in addition to the four-way U15 inter-county fixture at Welwyn there will also be a U12 fixture against Eastern Counties (ie. Norfol/Suffolk/Cambs).

11th May: The London & South East Sevens at Dorking will now include a U12 event.

If you are interested in playing in either of these events please let John Birch know as soon as possible.

Herts U15 Development Fixture 27th April at Welwyn RFC

On 27th April, whilst the 11 Herts Regional Players are away at their last training session before the Regional Festival in May, Welwyn are hosting the final U15 County Development Fixture of this season. Herts, Eastern Counties (Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambs), Kent and Middlesex have all now confirmed it will be a 4 way fixture.

All of the Herts U15 Development Players in this fixture will be staking a claim for a place in the Herts U15 A Team in September, as approximately half of this Seasons successful U15 County Team move up to U18 Rugby at the end of May.

Eastern Counties are also bringing 'Team Ravens' U12's, and Kent and Middlesex are bringing their U12's to play 'Team Herts' U12's.

Herts Womens and Girls Rugby Development Group Meeting Mon 14th April 2008

Confirmation that the next meeting of the HWGRDG is taking place at Welwyn RFC on Mon 14th April 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

A Very warm Welcome for the Warriors in Wales.

Welwyn Warriors took a tour party of 56 to South Wales over Easter and found the very warmest of welcomes in the valleys!!

Warriors played Newport H.S.O.B. on a Good Friday that saw 4 seasons in one match! Warm sunshine, hail, snow & rain! Warriors U15s played the first match and beat Newport 49-5. Most of that match was played in sunshine but by the time of the U18s match, the rain and sleet was pouring down!! In a titanic tussle Warriors ran into a 19-0 lead only to see Newport claw back the points in the heavy conditions. With a minute left on the watch, Newport ran in a breakaway try to make the score 22-19. From the kick off Warriors poured forward, gained possession and scored a converted try to make the final score 22-26. There were some very relieved Warriors as the final whistle blew!

On Saturday the whole party went to the EDF semi finals at the fantastic Millenium stadium and saw Leicester beat Wasps and Ospreys beat Saracens.

Back to business on Easter Sunday with a trip to Ebbw Vale to take on the East Wales regional sides. First thing in the morning the pitch had a 2 inch covering of snow but that had cleared by kick off. Warriors U15s found the Welsh regional girls a tough prospect and although they battled hard the final score was 66-7 to Wales with only Captain Courtney Arberry scoring a try.

Warriors U18s then kicked off and clearly wanted to put the stuttering Newport performance behind them. The Welwyn girls played some delightful rugby and flew into a 17-0 lead at half time.Centre Alex Robertson scoring 2 superb tries. The scums were dominated by a Welwyn pack in full flow. No matter what they tried, The Welsh girls faced a wall of maroon hoops with no way past. The game finished 17-0 a few minutes early after scrum half Casey Shults was injured.

Team Manager Dave Marques was delighted! 'We have had a fantsatic tour! Everybody in Wales, from the moment we checked into our hotel, has been so friendly and welcoming! The post match hospitality is as good, if not better than anything we've ever had before! At the post match presentations in Ebbw Vale, Welsh RFUW officer Nicola Smith, thanked the Welwyn touring party for the visit and went onto say that the Welsh age groups will move into line with England next season and urged all at Welwyn to encourage other teams to visit the principality as the Welsh teams would love to host them! Head Coach Clive Cramphorn urged any English sides looking for a touring venue, to go to Wales, 'Fantastic Rugby, fantastic people, fantastic hospitality, definitely go to Wales!'

National Cup Second Round Results

U18 Section Pool 2:

Solent Sirens 3 Wimborne 7

Welwyn /Basford 5 Solent Sirens 0

Wimborne 6 Welwyn / Basford 10

Pool Winners: Welwyn / Basford

The Final of the U18 Section is Worcester v. Welwyn / Basford and is taking place on 13th April at Litchfield RFC.

RFUW News Update - March 2008

RFUW NEWS UPDATE – March 2008

RBS 6 Nations – England were crowned champions on 15^th March and also made history by becoming the first team in Six Nations history to ever win the Grand Slam three times on the bounce! Thanks to the supporters that came along and cheered the team on, we had some great crowds.

Club Development Toolkit Fund – The RFUW is pleased to announce that £7,500 of Club Development Toolkit Funding is available to clubs. Clubs are asked to apply directly through a bidding process to receive funding. This is a one-off opportunity, so grab it while you can! For more information, click here.

RFUW National Sevens – Please note the deadline for getting your National Sevens entry forms in is this week. Another form is enclosed for ease and please see RFUW National Sevens for further information about this year’s competition which has the juniors playing on Saturday 24^th May and the seniors playing on Sunday 25^th May.

Intention to Affiliate – Enclosed is everything you need to advise of your teams’ intention to affiliate for the 2008/09 season including draft calendars and league criteria information. Please note that we have changed the way in which you pay the player registration fee. This is now based on the league minimum number and therefore rewards clubs who have a development plan and recruit more players. Closing date to receive your intention to affiliate is 23^rd May 2008.

Divisional 10s Competition – Senior and Under 18s Divisional 10s will take place on 20^th April this year at venues across the country. This is a great opportunity for your team to tour if you’d like to travel to a venue further afield. Please send entry forms direct to the venue you would like to attend by the closing date of 7^th April. Two clubs from each event will qualify for the National 10s final on 5^th May at Lichfield RFC.

Club Conferences – In June the RFUW will be holding four divisional Club Conferences to provide a training and development opportunity for club volunteers. The conferences will include a variety of sessions for administrators, coaches and referees. Details are as follows, please make a note of the date in your diary:

The South West at Exeter Chiefs on 8^th June

The Midlands at Worcester RFC on 14^th June

The North at Broughton Park RFC on 21^st June

The South East and London at Herts Sports Village on 28^th June

Your invitations with further details will be sent to your club during April. Please make sure you complete the return form and get it back to us as soon as possible to secure your place. For queries contact Gemma Ryan at the RFUW on 020 8831 6788 or at gemmaryan@rfu.com.

Rugby and What it Means to You – The RFU are inviting sports fans to share their views on rugby and consider what the game means to them. In the last ten years rugby has undergone a great deal of change with the success of England’s national teams and the recent Go Play rugby recruitment campaign which introduced thousands of new fans and players to the sport. The RFU is now conducting an online survey to widen the debate. Link to RFU Online Survey: www.rfusurvey.co.uk

RFUW Surveys – Thanks to everybody who took the time to complete the RFUW online surveys earlier this year. We are currently collating and analyzing data collected and hope to have results posted on the RFUW website in April.

Rosie Williams

Managing Director

Herts Girls 7's - Update

An Application rush is now expected for the Herts Girls 7's, which is an open Tournament and is taking place at Tabard RFC on Sunday 18th May.

Prior to Easter the following Teams have confirmed their participation:

U15's:

• Tabard (Hosts).
• Welwyn.
• Reading.
• London Irish.
• Hertford.
• Basford.
• Saracens.

U18's:

• Reading.
• Hertford.
• Letchworth.
• Basford.

Interested Teams are advised to get their Entries in quickly as there is a limit of 16 Teams in each Section of the Tournament. Please contact me Laura-Jo Pearce on 07793809586 or tabardminis@hotmail.co.uk for further details.

Hertfordshire Women's XV county Squad Trials

On Sunday 13th April 2008 trials for the Hertfordshire Women's county team will be held at St Albans Rugby Club at 2pm. The trails are open to anyone who was born in, lives in or plays for a club in Hertfordshire and is 18 years old or older.

An inaugural fixture is planned for May and the aim is to form a squad of 30 which will have separate training sessions and will be entered into a county tournament in September.

Registration forms are available from clubs or from Samantha Field, 118 Riverside Road, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 1SE.

New and Emerging Schools Under 14 Competition - East Region

4 Schools took part in the Regional Section of the New and Emerging Schools Tournament including Nobel (Stevenage) and Chauncy (Ware). Unforfunately neither were able to progress to the National Stage of the Competition as Chauncy were 3rd and Nobel were 4th.

RFU bans all adult/child "mixed" sessions

Although RFUW have not issued the following, I think we can take it that this applies to the girls' and women's game as much as the male side, especially as the insurance we use is the same as that used in the male game:

"Following further incidents nationally where children have been seriously injured in "fun" or training session ending games involving adults, the RFU Equity, Health and Welfare has instructed that all clubs must comply with the Regulations and not allow such mixed age sessions in any circumstances. Failure to comply would invalidate insurance cover and could result in legal action against the adult involved and the club. Many clubs have held coaches -v- lads games at the end of season - this must not happen this year or in future. Please ensure this information is disseminated to all coaches in your clubs. The same restrictions of course also apply within schools."

(From Herts RFU website)

Clearly this will have implications for any girls - even top-end U18s - getting involved with adults in training sessions at clubs which have both senior and junior sections.

Get your Entries in for Herts Girls 7's

This year Tabard are hosting the Herts Girls 7's and we want to make it as much of a success as previous years. You should have all received your entry packs now if not details and entry forms are available from the Tabard website, link below. We will post information on the website as the planning progresses and the tournament draws nearer.

Any questions please contact me Laura-Jo on 07793809586 or tabardminis@hotmail.co.uk

http://www.tabardrfc.com/countygirls.htm

East Region v. South Region 16th March

Next Sundays East Region Game against South will be held at Harlow Rugby Club.

Harlow Rugby Club, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, Essex.

Please note, as that there will be limited parking at the Rugby Club, would all parents and supporters please use the trading estate next to the rugby club to park their cars.DO NOT PARK ON EDINBURGH WAY THE COUNCIL WILL TICKET OR TOW AWAY YOUR CAR.

Kick off is 2.30pm. All players are to arrive by 1.30pm latest.

Squad Details:

U18's - All squad members are included for this fixture.

U15's-
1 Alice Nee
2 Becky Dawson
3 Ellie Martin
4 Sydnie Grace
5 Frances Hughes
8 Alex Grant
9 Claire Shutler
10 Georgia Peedle
11 Rachael Burroughs
12 Sam Voyle
13 Emma Wilson
14 Alice Finn
15 Rachael Mcullough
16 Jess Harris
17 Megan Robson
18 Megan Childs
19 Lucie Wood
20 Maya Whitmore-Tennant
21 Layla Pickering
22 Maddy Lockwood.

Herts U15 Development Fixture

Whilst the Regional Players were away training, Welwyn hosted a 3 way U15 County Development Fixture between Herts, Kent and Middlesex. Over 20 Girls from 4 Herts Clubs (Saracens, Hertford, Old Albanians and Welwyn) plus two friends from Basford made up the Herts Squad. There was a roll-on roll-off policy throughout the afternoon to give all the Players as much game time experience as possible.

Herts drew both games: 10-10 against Kent (with Tries from Abi Lee and Shira Kilgannon) and then 5-5 against Middlesex (with a Try from Abi Maxwell). Middlesex beat Kent in the other game. With a number of this seasons Herts A team in their last season of U15 Rugby, many of the Girls that played in these games will be in contention for the Herts U15 A Team next season.

There is another U15 County Development Fixture this season on 27th April, and the venue and county's participating will be confirmed shortly.

U11s: Herts Youth Games

• U11 girls are reminded that Herts Youth Games are coming up, on 11th May. HYG is a tag tournament - but don't let that put you off as it is a terrific day out.
  
• Clubs are reminded that there will be up to 100 10-11 year old girls playing rugby at Hatfield that morning and afternoon - so if you are looking to recruit players this is the place to be!

Any girls in school years 5 and 6 can take part, and can play for the district they live in, go to school in OR play for a club in - so that means that no only will some girls have a choice about who they play for, but girls can also take part even if they do not actually live in Hertfordshire (so long as they meet one of the other requirements).

District council sports or recreation departments select teams - so girls need to contact them to tell them that they are interested. Some councils will select squads based on primary school tournaments, but there is no reason why they should not allow other girls to at least try out for the squad if they miss out on these tournaments. And in practice they are going to be delighted to have a few keen, experienced girls in their teams!

And if you district doesn't have a team... why not volunteer to run one for them? You'll never have a better recruitment opportunity.