To:
Coaches
Managers
Parents
SARU U6, U7/8, U10 Junior Rugby Pathway
Season 2012
1. Introduction
Firstly I would like to apologise as to the lack of communications in regards to
the rugby activities and competition for the above age groups. As you know
we have had a regime change this season and in my particular case opting for
VP from Rugby Director now ably fulfilled by Declan and considerable
interstate travel the matter of juniors and planning meetings fell somewhat
through the cracks but now that I have been fully briefed by the SARU I am in
a position to brief you hopefully comprehensively so that the young athletes,
coaches, managers and parents can plan for the season.
2. Background
The ARU has been conducting considerable research through schools and
focus groups as to the ideal age group that youngsters should start rugby.
The research based on parental advice and competing winter sports activity,
mainly Rugby League in NSW and Qld suggests that the Under 6 age group
is when youngsters should start playing rugby but under non contact Walla
Rugby rules. In previous years tackling was not introduced until U10’s but this
has now been brought forward to U8’s. Hence this year we will have those
little tyros U6 playing for the club in a Walla Competition.
3. Recruiting
The SARU has very successfully managed to introduce rugby back into the
primary school sector in South Australia where all contact sports were banned
for many years. An active marketing program has been developed and it is
planned to start off the U6 to U10 age groups competition in the Adelaide
Park Lands on a gala Day but more of that later.
4. Zone Competitions
Under the previous seasons home and away model for these age groups
parents were required to drive great distances and more importantly a young
athlete would be required in some instances sit in a car for some two hours
1
plus travel time to compete in 30 minutes of rugby. This is not the best use of
time in particular if a family and Mum and Dad are invariably the taxi driver
also needs to drop off and pick up a young lady from netball or some other
ladies winter sport.
Burnside Rugby Club for these age groups is in an Eastern Suburbs Zone
with games being played in or at:



Parkinson – Our home ground
Tregenza Oval – Old Collegians
Waite Oval – University
The Park Lands – the touch ovals on Greenhill Rd.
A program has been developed and is scanned in as an Annex to this
document.
5. Start of Season
The season kicks off with Gala Day at the City Parklands on Sunday the 20th
May 12. The reason for this late perceived start is purely to accommodate the
schools where rugby traditionally does not start until the second term. This is
then followed by 9 rounds with a knock out competition being held at a
conclusion Gala Day once again in the Park Lands on Sunday the 19 th August
12.
The whole idea of the Gala Days is to introduce new recruits to the game
through the work that has been done by the SARU development officers
leading up to the Gala Day where at least the youngsters have a basic
understanding of the skills required at that age level.
There will be a three week gap between 24 June and 24 July to accommodate
school holidays.
6. Accommodating Players During Holiday Gap Non Playing Time
All teams’ management is encouraged to seek scratch matches with other
clubs during these flat rugby periods. The players and officials are all insured
under the ARU Master Policy, a qualified referee is not required but a Smart
Rugby accredited person is and that is all coaches. You will just need to
ensure that all ovals are market to your satisfaction, all safety equipment is
available, a trainer/strapper is in attendance and that the Club through me has
been informed of a proposed match.
2
7. Match Program
3
8. Contacts for U6 to U10
For hands on daily player/parent issues:Adam Brancher
0407 180 383
adam.brancher@sa.gov.au
Andrew Bradley
0417 167 495
andrew.bradley@jbwere.com
For SARU or Club issues affecting juniors or any other matter:Michael von Berg
0411 87 0055
mvb@michaelvonberg.com
9. Conclusion
It’s different and it’s innovative in particular if we are to successfully get some
of those youngsters from schools and their parents to embrace our marvellous
game. Burnside has one of the most successful junior development programs
in the Union and that is attributed to all the hard working and supportive
parents, coaches and managers and a club philosophy and culture in the
development of young men and women to go as far as they can in the game
depending on their personal ambitions and capabilities. We are purely a
launching pad for these youngsters and what would be great for the Gala
Days is if each youngster brought a friend to introduce them to the game. That
would be simply marvellous!
10. Recommendation
This is a great initiative to make life a bit easier for parents in travel
responsibilities, a recruitment tool from schools and some real fun activities on
the Gala Days. These youngsters will have enough pressures on them in
coming years so let’s see them enjoy themselves while they are learning the
basics and that all incredible fun element which also gives parents a real
buzz.
Let’s give it our best shot, review it at season’s end and make any
recommendations and adjustments considered necessary for next season.
Yours in rugby,
Michael von Berg
Vice President
2nd May 2012
4
5