Shaping the Game

[SkippyScrum]

The new playing rules of play have been released to Yorkshire clubs following the trials in three other counties (one of which was Durham) and YRFU have asked clubs to comment as to whether these new rules shold be adopted from Sep 2012 for U7's, 8's & 9's.

Any reactions or initial thoughts?

[Sail By]

Some good ideas but typical of the top brass to send it out when the season is over.
Smaller sided teams on slightly smaller pitches means that there will be more 7-9 year olds stood around in our lovely winter weather.

In short it is good for teams with low numbers, but for teams with 30 odd in each squad like at Selby it will be a nightmare!!

[Mr C Gull]

I have seen the proposals and they do look interesting, numbers playing the game across the area are decreasing in general, sounds like Selby are bucking the trend, and so looking again at what we are trying to achieve or develop with the youngest players is a good idea. My problem is with the usual RFU standpoint. Can anyone tell us what are the results from the experiment in Durham? how was it received? has it improved player involvement/retention?
The only question we are being asked is, do we start this September or next? and we have to give an answer ASAP, speak to all your coaches and parents now in May/June.
I expect the descision has already been made so lets get on with it and see what happens when we play a team outside Yorkshire who haven't started it yet.
Mr C Gull

[Sail By]

Mr C Gull, I don't think that Selby are bucking any trend.
In our close area I know that Driff, York, Malton all have large numbers of children down wanting to play. At Selby last year we had over 30 fully paid up micro players (U6) on our books! We are currently looking for extra land as we have out grown the facilities on a Sunday morning.

A better review would have been looking at the ages 14-17, looking at how we retain players into senior rugby.

[SkippyScrum]

Can anyone tell us what are the results from the experiment in Durham? how was it received? has it improved player involvement/retention?
Mr C Gull

That's what I would be interested to know. The RFU will have done some form of feedback request to the clubs in the three counties, but what was the result?

I don't beleive that the STG will dramatically increase player numbers, that is down to hard working clubs, coaches, volunteers and also the catchment area.

Sail By, I was at a meeting recently regarding player retention in Colts, when I get the notes of the discussions from the RDO, I will forward you a copy.