COACHES BRIEFING

SUNDAY 11th February 2007

Guys

A few matters which require your attention:

- Annual Awards: Please submit your squad nominations for “Best & Fairest” and “Most Improved” and runner up for each by close of play on Sunday 25th February to Carl Redman so that we have sufficient time to make the arrangements

- Annual Dinner Dance: As this has been set for Saturday 24th March at Café Deco (price and theme to be confirmed), please would Head Coaches start to collect names for attendees from their squad as it is important we get strong representation across the age groups; money raised is spread between charitable contributions and working capital for the continued development of the Club which all enjoy and benefit from so no excuses

- Coaching Staff: Please email me by close of play Sunday 25th February if any of your coaching team will not be continuing next season; whilst I know this is early, we need to know so that we can plan our thank you’s as well as look ahead to next season

- Shanghai Tour: Due to insufficient interest, it is highly unlikely that any of the Mini age groups will participate

- Chinese New Year Mini Rugby Coaching School: Please bring to your squad’s attention that Bill Mason will be holding this and that details are available on the website

- Head Coaches Meeting: Carl will hold a meeting for Head Coaches and it is important that all are present as there will be various topics covered which will require info and output to be cascaded down to the coaching teams, players and parents; when the date/time/venue are known, please confirm that you will attend or the name of a proxy in your absence as a last resort

- Sevens Tickets: Watch this space for confirmation of timing and process for distribution for those who ordered through the Club

- Sevens Players & Medals: Please note that there will only be sufficient medals for the teams you have entered (which can include 3 subs); therefore if you have excess players, you need to provide the names to me by Thursday 15th February so we can look at getting them onto the pitch in a Baa Baas team with the excess from other clubs (I would also suggest you give the players the heads up that they will not be in a VF team)

- Boots, Mouthguards, Body Armour: There were recent occurrences in which injuries occurred due to players taking to the pitch inappropriately attired; a player lost 2 front teeth and an opposition player had 5 stitches in a an accidental bite due to the former not wearing a mouthguard so please encourage all to wear but VF policy is not to let a contact player compete without one. Whilst IRB approved metal studs are allowed, it is essential that coaches and referees check both metal and non metal studs for sharpening (they become pretty dangerous weapons when walked on concrete) and, if any are too sharp, they can be filed down on steps or tarmac (fyi, one player was recently taken off the pitch when he was seen wearing running spikes!). IRB approved body armour is acceptable although we do not actively encourage it at mini rugby.

- Codes of Conduct: There were 2 cases of a referee being abused at the TPD Festival which is totally unacceptable; the HKMRFU has asked that Head Coaches of each age group at each Club bring to the attention of their players, parents and coaches the Codes of Conduct. These are on our website and I would ask that you draw your members attention to these both in your weekly report but also at training on Sunday and advise them that there are disciplinary measures available. Much of what we want to impart is the spirit of the game, a discipline and enjoyment in a controlled environment so all must set the right example

- No training on Sunday 18th February due to Chinese New Year but back at the Fort on 25th

Many thanks,

Nick Pasha