Playing some rugby – having some fun!
Introduction to Tag Rugby
The main objective of the Tag Rugby is to have fun and enjoy learning to play rugby, whilst experiencing the responsibility of being a member of a team.
For children in schools years R, 1, 2 and 3 we play a non contact version game known as Tag Rugby. Each player has two Velcro tags attached to a waistband, and when these are caught by opposing players, this counts as a tackle.
At these age groups, we are looking to develop agility, basic handling and awareness of space.
Most training sessions start with a few warm up activities, then progress on to individual skills, team skills and round off with a game.
Under 6s (U6) are those in school year Yr 1 or below, U7 are those in year 2, U8 are those in year 3.
Whenever we are not away at a fixture we train at the club on a Sunday Morning from 10.30 until 12:00. (Lower pitches) All are then welcome at the club house for a bite to eat and drink.
Rules
At this age we aim to keep things flowing, with the emphasis on having fun. Tag Rugby is no contact; children should run with two hands on the ball, no forward passes, no going to ground and learn to pass the ball within 3 paces of being tagged.
Games are usually 7 per side, and last for 7 minutes. Once tackled the player must stop and pass the ball. There is no kicking and there are no scrummages or lineouts at this age group
There is lots more information available on the RFU website, but the rules are only meant to be a guide and the key thing is to make sure everyone has fun and develops a passion for the game.
If you’d like to read more, click here to download the FRU Tag Rugby rules.
Membership Forms:
The club works on a membership basis and there is one form that needs to be completed prior to taking part. This covers contact details, medical conditions/medication, medical consent and photographic consent.
Download the membership form here.
RFU Forms:
If your Child qualifies as U7 or U8 (Yr 2 or Yr 3), and wants to play in competitions, RFU membership forms with two passport sized photos will also need completing.
Fees
The important thing is to come down and try tag rugby. There is no charge to start with as fees to the club are only payable if your child enjoys it and wants to continue after the first 4 weeks.
Fees are then just £40 per year to the club, and can be pro-rated for the remainder of the season.
Cheques are accepted and need to be made payable to “Maidstone Football Club”.
As an alternative you can set up a standing order for £3.33 per month, based on 12 months.
Maidstone Tag Rugby request £1 per week subs to be paid which will contribute towards Additional Coaching Qualifications, Social Events, Kit Subsidies, Match Kit and Player rewards and trophies
Structured Development Days, Fixtures and Festivals
Each season, teams will have the opportunity to train with and play fixtures against other local teams and take part in festivals.
Unfortunately U6s are not allowed to play in matches, but can come along to support their team, and usually train too!
SDD & Fixtures
These are opportunities to train with other squads, either at home or away, and then play a match or two at the end. The match forms only a small part of things and generally everyone who wants to (and is registered) gets to play.
Festivals
These are a full day out where there can be up to 30 other teams. We play a minimum of 3 games in group stages and sometimes, if successful, more games in a knockout stage. We are limited in the number of players we can take to these festivals so selection will be based on:
- Behaviour
- Sportsmanship
- Ability
- Attendance
Kit
Generally, common sense prevails when it comes to kit. We play in red, but warmth and waterproofing take priority. We will generally try to meet every week, regardless of the weather, as we believe this is part of the discipline of being a team player, but young bodies get cold quickly so anything goes including hats, gloves and several layers.
There is a match kit available from the Club shop which is open in the Club House on Sundays, and many parents are able to pass on used kit to younger players. We have also introduced a training kit/pack that can be purchased from Maidstone Tag Rugby.
Shirts -The SB shirts are the smallest but have room for growth, the U9s are still in theirs.
Shorts are in stock, but any black shorts will be fine.
Socks - there are club socks available but again, any red football socks will be fine.
Boots – football boots are fine, but you’ll needs to swap the studs for safety ones.
Gum shields – not compulsory but advisable
Codes of Conduct
All players, coaches and parents of Maidstone Rugby Club should adhere to the club Codes of Conduct as appropriate. (Based on/adapted from the RFU Codes of Conduct). (See enclosed)
Discipline
Correct behaviour towards other players, coaches and parents is a key aspect of rugby at all ages and we will seek to instil the right attitude in the children. They will get 2 warnings when a coach sees poor behaviour and then they will be sent to the Sin Bin for 2 minutes which is a time out area near the pitch. Any further behaviour issues and they will be excluded from training and the coach will refer to the parents.
What Next?
Please get in touch, and we’ll answer any questions you have. We’ll also decide which Sunday is best for your young player to come and try tag rugby.
E: [email protected]
T: 07590 891974
Under 8s
Ben Price (Lead) 01622 762783 email [email protected]
Dave Smith 07768 695386 email [email protected]
Dave Price 07825 029259 email [email protected]
Cliff Haywood 07808 915704 email [email protected]
Under 7s
Sean McGuire (Lead) 07769 234974 email [email protected]
John Smith 07961 886041 email [email protected]
Under 6s
For the moment
Nick Williams (also the main overall contact for Tag Group) 07590 891974
email [email protected]
Floating coach
Tom Clarke 07772 172713 email [email protected]
