Following a four year review of rugby for under 18’s, led by the RFU, in consultation with a wide cross section of the game, Age Grade Rugby has now rolled out across the game and is aimed at providing player-centred, development-driven and competition-supported rugby for all.
The needs of young people are at its heart and it puts player enjoyment above all else to keep more young people enjoying the game for longer and into their adult years.
The Age Grade rugby review concerns all clubs who provide age grade rugby and confirms the procedures for age grade tours consent. We know that clubs take safeguarding seriously but following a number of high profile incidents elsewhere we want to take the opportunity to remind clubs of the procedures around tour consents which is as follows.
Clubs must seek prior consent from Yorkshire RFU before undertaking any age grade tour either inside the United Kingdom or anywhere else in the world.
Here are some points to be aware of:
- A tour is defined as any trip away from the home ground that involves one or more overnight stays.
- Clubs should seek consent by completing the RFU consent template and forwarding to agegradesecretary@yorkshirerfu.co.uk.
- A copy of the club’s risk assessment specific to the tour is to be provided with the application.
- The application should be signed by an authorised officer of the club, being either the Secretary, Chairman or President.
- Applications for consent should be submitted no later than 21 days before the tour commences.
- Clubs should ensure they are aware of differences in approach to rugby particularly in overseas clubs. For instance this might include any potential law variations or different age bandings.
- Clubs should also ensure they communicate with the opposition to ensure a balanced and safe match. This should be considered in the risk assessment.
- To ensure that you are fully informed of the changes to Age Grade Rugby, please read the updated Regulation 15 and the Age Grade Rugby Guidance.
Major changes to be aware of:
Girls can no longer play with boys in the U12s age group. Instead they will need to join U13 girl’s teams.
If your club does not have a provision for U13 girls please contact Chair of Rugby Development, Tim Wicks at rugbydevelopmentchair@yorkshirerfu.co.uk or your Rugby Development Officer about how to set up a team or which is your nearest club that caters for U13 girls. It is important that we encourage girls to continue their rugby.
There will be NO streaming in Mini Rugby within Yorkshire i.e. no A or B teams in U7 – U12 age groups. All clubs and teams are encouraged to adopt a fully inclusive, mixed-ability, balanced team structure
Clubs wishing to host their own Mini Rugby festivals MUST obtain approval from Yorkshire RFU, as your Constituent Body, and agree to follow the Festival Framework.
Please contact Andy Fox andyfox@msn.com
