Essex RFU Coaching Committee Minutes
11th June 2007
Present: Mike Redding (Chairman)
Ray Mills (Mini and secretary)
Keith Green (RDO)
Ged White (Senior)
John Davies (Schools)
Chris Emerson (Women / Girls)
Apologies Andy Finch (Youth)
Absent Essex Referee representative
(i) Minutes from the last meeting were accepted by all present
(ii) There were no matters arising from the previous meeting minutes.
(iii) Currently no-one is assigned as a Referees representative to this committee. Essex RS. have asked that the terms of reference in regard to this committee are clarified – MR to resend to AG.
Agenda Items:
1. Schools of Rugby
- MR confirmed that all applicant coaches are in place after assessment and selection process (MR issued a list of coaches and managers to those present).
- MR also stated that the levels of applicant coaches and managers was disappointing – there is a need for a further 4 coaches (U13/14, U15 and 2 at U16) and at least 1 manager. It was agreed to re-open the nominations and all committee members would target good candidates and invite applications to Essex RFU. Assessment of these applicants could be made at the SOR player sessions.
MR to advise B Whittle and A Stobbs of decision to extend to end of June cut-off date.
- MR advised that all nominated players for SOR will be invited to their respective assessments (4th July – U13 / U14's and 15th July – U15 / U16's times and venues tbc)
To ensure that the SOR player assessments are successful MR committed to having 15 coaches at each session.
- MR stated that due to the high number required it was acceptable to use coaches that come from outside Essex as long as they meet the required Coaching and CRB standards.
- He also pointed out that there was budget available to assist with expenses for these coaches if necessary.
- It was pointed out that no women players were nominated. CE stated that it was unclear whether the RFUW were to make nominations.
CE promised to clarify this with the RFUW.
- It was pointed out that SOR nominations at U16 have increased by from 90+ to 140+ - this is a good indication that the increased focus is a success.
- MR stated that Academy dates are still tbc and that he would advise the committee when dates were confirmed.
- MR advised that the style of the nomination forms varied greatly – from virtually no detail to good scores with justification.
- Reviews at the SOR assessment centres will be held on a random basis to compare the scores on the nomination forms with actual ability to enable feedback to Coaches/Teachers for next seasons nominations.
MR to ensure that this happens.
2. County Coaches
- MR restated that number of applicants to be County Coaches was disappointing.
- Some applicants still not returned their signed R&R letters. Examples of coaches working outside of the system were discussed.
MR to raise matter at the next CBRDP meeting.
- The issue of Count Coaches encouraging players to change clubs in the belief that this furthers their Essex RFU careers was discussed. All committee members are to remind coaches of their responsibilities at any upcoming coaching sessions. It was suggested that a system be adopted where the first offence is noted with an official warning and expulsion from the coaching system follows a 2nd offence.
MR to raise matter at the next CBRDP meeting.
- MR also advised that any coaches from the RFUW were not being routed through him.
CE to ensure that MR sees all RFUW applications.
3. Coach Education
- MR informed the committee that all courses (both award and non-award) are shown on the website
- MR stated that coaching courses are to be held around Essex to make it easier for people to attend.
- MR advised of the following course dates:
o London coaching conference on 23/24th June
o 1 day conference at Braintree on 5th August (this is aimed at approx. Level 1 and is free)
o 1 day mini-Rugby conference on 18th August (venue tbc) to include a Continuum workshop and is aimed at coaches up to U9/U10.
o RFUW conference at Twickenham on 16th June.
- KG stated that there is a requirement to organise 10 coach education sessions – 5-6 of these are clear - Coaching conferences in August and others will be advised shortly.
MR will advise the committee as the remainder are confirmed.
- MR requested that any advice from the committee or club coaches as to the required course content would be most appreciated.
- It was requested that coaches be asked to comment and to also advise where they think their personal development could be improved –
Committee members to liaise with their coaching contacts to canvas opinions.
4. Coaching Co-ordinators
- MR informed the committee that some clubs do not have coaching co-ordinators, some do but the contact details are very vague.
- It was also stated that a process of following up on contact details would be undertaken by Essex RFU before the yearly handbook is published.
- RM requested the current list of co-ordinator names so that he has the ability to liaise with mini-coaches as required.
MR to review the availability of this data.
5. 2007 – 2008 Budget
- MR issued the proposed budget within the meeting.
- The Essex RFU finance committee are to meet on the 18th June where approval will be sought.
- The committee stated that they are committed to using a proportion of the budget to help volunteers develop.
- MR also advised that the SOR budget is complete and will be placed before the Finance committee.
- MR invited the committee to confirm any expenditure requests –
RM to confirm fund requirements for Mini coaching (including Festival costs).
6. Wants
- CE requested whether there were any restrictions on where RFUW training was held. This needs to be discussed on July 16th at the next CBRDP committee meeting but no specific venues are expected to be enforced.
- RM requested clarification of what role this committee played in the organising of the Essex Mini/Youth Rugby Festivals. MR advised that it could be a good arena for young referees to develop and gain experience. It was also pointed out that the role of the CBRDP was unclear and the 7-18 committee should be more active.
MR to ensure that this is discussed with the CBRDP at the next committee meeting. Mini policy and structure to be clarified.
- It was requested that the CBRDP clarify what the objectives of the Coaching Committee are and the measures of success.
Refer to CBRDP.
- It was also requested that the CBRDP clarify how the success of coach/player development is measured – what are the goals and objectives?
Refer to CBRDP
- It was requested whether the schools of rugby core curriculum was available for issue yet. MR confirmed that it was available in draft but was awaiting CDO (Tony Robinson) to approve and issue.
7. AOB
- The committee was informed that 7 Essex RFU boys had been chosen for the Saracens development squad. There are 7 training nights between 17/7 and 17/8 and anyone is welcome to come and watch how these sessions are structured.
- On the 24th August there are 3 youth games being held at Old Albanians:
o U16's play Ospreys
o U18's vs tbe
o 1st team vs Rotherham
Next meeting date TBA.
