Responsibilities of Parents, Coaches, Managers and Helpers
Under guidance from Middlesex Rugby Football Union, Coaches, Managers and Helpers cannot take legal responsibility or act in parentis loco for players whose parent or guardian leaves them during a session.
Gumshields / Mouthguards
Grasshoppers RFC junior section considers gumshields mandatory and should be obtained as soon as possible. A dental fitting service will be made available in September. Alternatively gum protectors may be purchased from the club shop. Players will not be allowed to take part in training sessions or matches if not wearing a gum protector / shield unless the parent or guardian specifically accepts the risk of so doing.
Protective Equipment
Boots and shinguards are advised. Boots should be worn in match conditions. All other safety equipment must carry the ‘IRB approved’ label or it will be deemed to breech the IRB standards and will not be allowed to be used.
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. Only studs conforming to BS6366 1983 or equivalent are allowed. Blade football boots are specifically not allowed. All aluminium studs are acceptable and can be purchased from the Juniors section. Studs should be examined regularly to ensure there are no missing studs or rough edges.
Severe Weather Clothing
Parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring players come adequately equipped to cope with the weather conditions that can occur during the winter months. Additional clothing, gloves, hats and waterproof equipment should be available.
Tetanus Injection
Middlesex RFU recommends that, if not already done so, junior players should have a preventative course of tetanus injections.
Medical Consent
Should a parent or guardian not be present when a child suffers an injury, then you consent to your child being taken to hospital and receiving medical treatment if this, in the opinion of a coach or qualified First Aider, is considered the appropriate action.
Child Protection
All coaches, helpers and parents will be vetted as a condition of joining Grasshoppers RFC Junior section. Failure to agree to this requirement will automatically lead to their application for membership being rejected. Any suspicious incident must be reported immediately to the Chairman.
Management and Coaches
Grasshoppers RFC Junior section is run by a Management Team consisting of the Officers of the individual sections. Decisions of the Management Team are final in the operation of each section. Parents, guardians and carers are encouraged to raise any issue with the Officers or the Management Team, which meets monthly. Lead coaches are to be supported in their leadership of their age group. Any issues regarding a child (health, attendance etc) should be brought to the Lead Coach’s attention. Lead coaches have the final say in selection matters and the organisation of the age group. Parents must accept the decisions of Lead Coaches graciously. Any of the Officers may be consulted should a parent have any issue with a Lead coach / coach.
Behaviour
Players and supporters of any Grasshoppers RFC team are expected to uphold the traditions of the game in terms of behaviour and generosity to all players and officials. Specifically players and supporters must not question the decisions of match officials. Swearing and abuse is specifically discouraged. Players, coaches and parents will be reprimanded for foul language and inappropriate behaviour, resulting ultimately in expulsion from the club, at the discretion of the Management Team.
Fees
Parents or guardians must promptly pay for registration fees. There are registration days on Sunday September 2nd and 9th 2007 where all registration fees must be paid. In cases of difficulty in paying the fees, please consult the Treasurer or Chairman.
Club Premises
Parents and guardians are responsible for their children at all times. Specifically all parents guardians and children must abide by the rules of Grasshoppers RFC. No one will be allowed into the bar area in muddy clothing. Changing facilities and showers are available and must be used if a child is to enter the clubhouse. Entry will be refused at the discretion of Grasshoppers RFC. Whilst on club premises all club members are expected to behave courteously to fellow users of the club. Due to changes to the clubs liquor licence Children (under 14) are not allowed onto the vinyl area around the bar. Parents and guardians are responsible for their child’s safety on club premises and should acquaint themselves and their child with the hazardous areas, e.g. stairs, doors and car park.
Club Support and Communication
The Junior section is run on a volunteer basis. All parents and guardians are expected to support the club by actively participating in the functioning of the club helping with organising an age group, coaching if qualified, organising social events, tour preparation and other activities as requested. Club communication is principally by email, via the club website www.grasshoppersrfc.com or by telephone. Parents must notify the registration secretary of any changes to their email and home address.