Linlithgow Wee Reds will be welcoming teams from across Scotland back to Mains Park for our Festival of Mini Rugby on Sunday 1 October with kick off at 11:00.
Tournament Schedule
10:30: Registration opens
10:45: Coaches Briefing – at designated pitch 11:00: Kick-off
13:00: Games conclude
13:15: Medals for the winning team at each age group
Participants
We will have six clubs participating at P4 – P7 age groups:
Linlithgow
Currie
Watsonians
North Berwick
Boroughmuir
East Kilbride
Venue
Mains Park, EH49 6BU
Linlithgow Pitches and facilities
Please note the emergency access areas must be kept clear at all times in Mains Park car park. There is plenty of alternative parking in the area, but please park with consideration if in residential areas.
Pitches
P7 festival = Pitch 1
P6 festival = Pitch 3
P5 festival = Pitch 2
P4 festival = Pitch 2
Parking
This year we have an extra special car parking option. Our current S2s are fund raising for a tour to Ireland next year and so they will be taking over the car park at the rugby club for the morning. Parking at the club will incur a modest donation (£5 or £10, cash only, depending on the size of the car) and that gets you parking for the duration of the tournament and your car will be washed whilst you are at the rugby. Only approx. 60 spaces are available so it’s first come for this option.
P7 parking = Car park 1
– Linlithgow Academy, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 6EH
P6 parking = Car park 2
– Linlithgow Academy, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH49 6EH
P5 parking = Car park 3
– Home Stockbridge Retail Park, Unit 1 Falkirk Rd, Linlithgow EH49 7AS
P4 parking = Car park 3
– Home Stockbridge Retail Park, Unit 1 Falkirk Rd, Linlithgow EH49 7AS
If car park 3 gets full then Car Park four can be used as an overspill at Xcite Linlithgow, McGinley Way, Linlithgow EH49 6SQ
Registration
Please register your team on arrival at the Registration area at the clubhouse. Lunch bags will be provided for each team. P6 can register at the Academy and lunches will be provided there too.
Coaches Briefing
There will be a coaches briefing at 10.45. This will take place adjacent to each pitch area for the relevant year group. We request that each team can supply a ref. We will allocate ref’s so that we have a neutral ref for each game.
Refreshments
A variety will be on offer: the Clubhouse will be open for teas, coffees, bacon/sausage rolls and home baking etc (NO BOOTS please); and follow the trail of smoke which leads to our BBQ from approx. 11:30 next to the clubhouse.
Bad Weather
In the event of really bad weather during the week, we would aim to advise of a cancellation by 21:00 on the Saturday by email.
Tournament Rules – ‘age grade law variations’
Linlithgow Rugby Club follows the principle of Game Coaching with one coach/referee taking charge of each match.
The laws of the game relating to this tournament will be governed by the latest SRU trial age grade law variations, with the emphasis being on safety.
– https://scottishrugby.org/age-grade-law-variations-aglvs/
The rules of play will be discussed in the coach meeting which will take place for each age group at 10:45
Tournament Structure Squads
Please can all clubs register each squad on arrival. Squads will be as follows:
P7 – 14 with 10 players on the field at any one time
P6 – 12 with 8 such players
P4 + 5 – 10 with 6 such players
The draw and order of play will be provided on the day at the coach brief.
Playing Rules
It is Linlithgow Wee Reds Minis policy that all contact players wear mouth guards during games – “no mouth guard = no game”
Concussion Management
A concussion is an injury to the brain and is serious. At LRFC we believe it is the responsibility of all coaches, first aiders, parents and spectators to be aware of the symptoms of concussion and to take decisive action where there is any suspicion of concussion. Please note:-
• Any player with a suspected head knock or concussion should be immediately removed from play in a safe manner and must not return to play. • Remember there is no such thing as an HIA in mini rugby.
• In all cases of suspected concussion, it is recommended that medical advice is sought early. This may include the player’s GP or NHS24 (dial 111).
• Return to sport, once symptom free, should follow graduated return to play protocol – IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT.
Referees’ decision are final.
Tournament Scoring
Two points will be awarded to the side that wins and one for a draw.
Should teams at the end of the group stages have an equal number of points, they will be ranked in the following order:
- the team scoring the most tries;
- if still level, the team conceding the fewest tries;
- if still level, well done to both teams – joint winners
Code for Spectators
- Help the players to enjoy themselves by lending positive support.
- The abuse of players, coaches or officials is unacceptable. Be positive and support your team.
- Acknowledge and respect good performance by both teams.
- Spectators should not enter the playing enclosure. The running of the game is the remit of the match officials.
- Remember that children are playing for FUN. The game they play belongs to them, not the adults. They are not professional or international gladiators.
Code for Parents
- Do not force an unwilling youngster to participate.
- Never ridicule or shout at children for making a mistake or losing.
- Encourage all children to play within the laws of the game.
- Teach young people that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each contest is without undue disappointment.
- Turn defeat into victory by helping young people to develop a positive work ethic for self and team improvement.
- Remember that young people learn from good examples.
- Respect the role of match officials before during and after the game.
- Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from all levels of the game.
- Recognise the value and importance of all volunteer coaches and officials. They give their time and resources to provide activities for your children.
Safety
Above all else, Linlithgow Wee Reds Rugby Football Club believes that safety is the most important element of rugby. Should the unfortunate circumstances arise where a player is injured, we expect each club to travel with approved first aiders in line with SRU guidelines. In the event of serious injury the emergency services will be called.
Players may play ‘up’ an age group if required (e.g. a P5 can play as a P6) though a player cannot play ‘down’ an age group (e.g. a P6 cannot play as a P5).
Photography
Please note that we may take photographs or videos of the players during the festival. Photographs may be reproduced on the club website, club social networking sites, and used in club promotional materials.
Linlithgow Rugby Club 