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Code of Ethics
All volunteers involved with mini rugby (in any capacity) must read the IRFU Child Welfare Policy Document and sign the Declaration of Intent contained in it. The signed copy of the Declaration must be handed to the Club Child Welfare Officer or School Games Master for record keeping in the club or school. Clubs/ Schools are responsible to ensure that all their volunteers involved in age grade rugby adhere to all aspects of the IRFU policy on Child Welfare.
Code of Conduct
All participants in Mini Rugby are to adhere to all aspects of the IRFU Code of Conduct for Players / Coaches / Parents and Spectators.
Ethos
The ethos of Mini Rugby is to introduce the game of rugby in a safe and enjoyable manner ensuring participation and inclusion. In line with the IRFU Long Term Player Development (LTPD) Pathway the principle of players first must apply at all times.
Fixtures
Blitz days or club days ensuring inclusion and participation are encouraged rather than the running of competitions, leagues or cups resulting in over competitiveness and/ or behaviour problems on and off the field. All fixtures to take place in a blitz day or club day format and to be arranged in conjunction with the Branch Mini Rugby Committee.
Blitz days (Branch approved competitions)
May only be arranged by application to your Branch Mini Rugby Committee. These may be arranged by Region, by Areas, or by each Province.
Mini Rugby Committees will have a season plan to assist with arranging Blitz days or events. They will also provide information on protocols and procedures for hosting these.
Age limit and stages must be confirmed prior to the start of Blitz days and clear indications should accompany all invitations. Club coaches/ managers must be able to give proof of eligibility (event or Blitz day registration form) before his/her team’s first match in the event/Blitz day. Before the start of the event a referees / coaches briefing must take place to clarify all arrangements e.g. stages, format of play and safety. Should there be any concerns over safety (e.g. ability to scrum) matches will then be played at the next lower stage.
Eligibility
Eligibility - Mini Rugby is a participation sport.
Date of eligibility for participants is the 1st January in the current year.
Clubs eligibility is not confined to current Youth eligibility regulations.
Playing over age players is illegal and immoral and will lead to coaches, teams, schools or clubs being banned from future events.
Registration
All players must be registered with their Club and proof of registration is required to ensure players play in the right age category.
Maximum playing time
Consideration must be given to clubs/teams with small numbers and or no reserves to prevent/avoid exhaustion and or the risk of injuries.
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