Frequently Asked Questions


What age can my child begin to play rugby?
The RFU continuum states that Children can only play competitive rugby from the age of 6 years. However we offer training for all children who attend Primary School.

When do you train?
Training and matches are on Sunday mornings between 10 am and 12pm. This age group is 5 to U17 inclusive. The coach may give an alternative time due to weather conditions or training requirements.

Where do you train?
Saffron Walden Rugby Club Springate Chickney Road Henham Hertfordshire CM22 6BQ Phone 01279 850791
Where are matches played?
Matches are either at home or away as per the fixture list. Please check the website and your nominated email address prior to driving to fixtures for any late cancellations or changes to fixtures.

Which Age group should my child be in?
The date of your child on the 1st of September determines the team, e.g. if your son is 12 on the 1st of September then they are in the U13s.

What age do they start tackling?
Children start tackling in the U9 section of Mini Rugby.

Can Girls Play Rugby?
Absolutely. They train and play along side the boys all the way through Minis rugby until they reach Year 8.

What should my child wear?
For training children should wear warm and comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions on the day. Shorts, Rugby shirt, jumper, tracksuit bottoms, trainers or boots are all acceptable. However their clothing should not have any zips. The RFU recommends the use of football or rugby boots with studs and not blades. Studs should be British standard with a Kite mark. If blades are used then they must comply with the requirements of the RFU. For matches they should wear a rugby shirt, shorts, socks and boots as per the clubs colours -these can be purchased at the Club shop or online. Please discuss this with your coach before purchasing.

Severe Weather Clothing
All players should come adequately equipped to cope with the weather conditions that can occur during the winter months. If players are freezing, they are unlikely to enjoy themselves so please ensure they have something warm and dry to put on afterwards. A bin bag comes in handy for putting dirty clothing inside or sitting on!

Does my child need a gum shield?
It is advisable to wear a gum shield from the time they start playing even if it is Tag rugby. Gum shields are compulsory as soon as they start to tackle. From the U9's if they do not have a gum shield with them they will not be allowed to play. A boil and bite gum shield or a dentist made gum shield are acceptable. It is the parents' responsibility to make sure they have this prior to any match or training not the coach.

Does my child need a scrum cap?
No, scrum caps are not compulsory. However Head Guards may become necessary for certain positions in the older age groups. Your coach will advise on kit requirements.

Are Rugby Gloves recommended?
Rugby gloves have no safety issues attached so this is purely optional. Although woolly gloves are not allowed as they are slippery.

What does my child need to bring with them for training/matches?
Firstly they require a parent or a responsible adult. They need a drink, something warm to wear while they are not playing, a change of clothing if weather is inclement, a snack for the end of the game or money for food at the club.

How do the subscriptions get spent?
The money from subscriptions goes towards a variety of things including; Club equipment, Coach Education, Community Rugby support and maintenance of the club and match food.

Who do I need to give the completed Membership Forms and Payment to?
To Jane Marshall on registration day who will then process it appropriately. Or to your team manager if later in the season.

When do I have to pay?
New players get 2 weeks trial before payment is due, although registration forms need to be signed and returned immediately. Previous players will be expected to get forms and payment within the registration period of the new season. Anyone requiring assistance with fees should approach Ed Norman, the Youth Chairman.

Food and drink
At matches, the host club will usually provide a light snack for the players and sell food to the parents. Please make sure players have eaten a nutritious breakfast and be well hydrated before and after playing. It is vital they have plenty to drink and eat as they will burn off a lot of energy, and dehydration can be a serious issue throughout the entire season.

I am interested in helping the SWRFC Youth Rugby further, how can I get involved?
Saffron Walden Youth Rugby is run by people just like you, many hands make light work and we would be delighted to accept any willing volunteers. If you are interested in helping please contact Ed Norman. Details are on the website.

Kiwi Kitchen
We also strongly encourage parents to help out in the club kitchen. There is a roster in place or each team and parents are expected to give some of their time to help. This may only require parents to give up one or two days in an entire season and it can be quite enjoyable! Please contact Rachael O'Brien who runs the kitchen or speak to your coaches manager.

Can I leave my child in the care of the coach and leave the club grounds during training?
No! One responsible adult must be in attendance full time unless otherwise arranged for another responsible adult to take charge with the parent's prior consent. The coach or manager cannot be responsible should the child need your urgent attention or for other reasons. This is mandatory in order to comply with RFU continuum, Child Welfare and our Insurance.

Boot / Studs
Studs with jagged edges pose a serious danger to other players, particularly in the older age groups where there is more likelihood of players lying on the ground. Unless boots have moulded plastic soles, it is important that studs are examined regularly to ensure missing studs are replaced and rough edges smoothed. Studs must also comply with the British Kite Regulations. Plastic studs should not be used and 'blades' are discouraged. Please note boots must NOT be worn in the clubhouse and must be removed BEFORE coming inside. There are facilities outside to wash boots.

Medical or Other Conditions
If players have any particular condition such as asthma or diabetes which may effect their playing, please inform your respective team manager and ensure this is recorded on your child's membership form under the medical section.

Injuries
If any player has sustained an injury while playing for another club such as their school, it is the responsibility of the player to inform their coach while taking advice from their G.P as to the suitability of training/playing that day. Please also refer to our medical advice policy.

Concussion
If any player suffers a knock which results in momentary unconsciousness, confusion, memory loss or unsteadiness, then there is evidence of definite concussion injuries. The player in question should be taken from the field of play. Please refer to our medical advice policy for further information.

Tetanus Injection
If not already done so mini and youth rugby players should have a preventative course of tetanus injections. General Practitioners will be able to advise on this.

Responsibilities of Parents, Coaches and Managers and Volunteers
Please refer to our code of conduct.