Players Information

MISSION STATEMENT FOR 2008

SPECIFIC CLUB GOALS FOR 2008

CODE OF CONDUCT

  • All players, coaches and administrators are to behave in a sportsmanlike manner.
  • All coaches, players and administrators must treat the referee and touch judges and other match officials with the utmost respect.
  • All coaches, players and administrators are to treat the opposition club in a decent and respectful manner. Although a bit of harmless sledging is part of the game, all members will avoid making any comment which could be considered to be offensive. These include, but are not limited to comments relating to race or ethnicity.
  • Players will not engage in foul or dangerous play.
  • A player may be immediately removed from the field for displaying behavior that does not adhere to the clubs code of conduct.
  • Any player, coach or administrator seen to behave in a manner which is not supportive of the clubs goals will be asked to appear before the committee to show cause as to why they should not be suspended or expelled from the club.

CLUB UNITY

It is a fundamental philosophy of the club that each member of the club supports the other members. That support may come in many forms including.

  • Attending games before or after your own as a supporter.
  • Running the water in games before and after your own.
  • Encouraging other players.
  • Being available as a reserve.
  • Assisting with off the field duty, like setting up the oval or manning the barbeque.

The club actively encourages all grade players to attend and support our Colts whenever possible and for the Colts to attend the grade games as supporters and reserves whenever possible.

Good club moral is essential for the success of the club on and off the field. The development of strong bonds between all teams in our club will further develop the strength of our club.

SELECTION POLICY

GENERAL POLICY

Players will be selected on the following criteria (not in any particular order).

  • The player must be a registered member of the club.
  • Fitness.
  • Level of skill.
  • Due to specialised skills e.g. goal kicking, scrummaging etc.
  • Due to a combination with another player that particularly enhances the team.
  • Attendance and effort at training.
  • Reliability.
  • Sportsmanship and general conduct.
  • Ability to integrate into the team and not cause disharmony.
  • Payment of Subs.

The club appreciates that some players would like to play in a specific position. Although the club will endeavor wherever possible to accommodate these requests, it may not always be possible.

NOTIFICATION OF SELECTIONS

In general, teams will be announced prior to training on Thursday nights. The club will speak to a player who is being dropped to a lower grade prior to the announcement at training and advise him of the decision and the reason for the decision.

PROMOTION OR DEMOTION

The club is of the opinion that no player should be dropped more than one grade in one week, however a player can be elevated more than one grade in a week..

It is the clubs general policy to replace a dropped, injured or absent player with the player in the same position in the grade below. If a player is dropped and the vacancy is filled by any player other than the player who currently holds that position in the grade below, the coaching staff will speak to the player in the grade below and explain the reasoning for the decision.

The selection of a Colt to fill a vacancy is not considered to be a breach of this policy. If a Colt is selected ahead of the player in the grade below, the coaching staff will speak to the player in the grade below and explain the reasons for their decision.

The club promotes open and clear communication. If any player is unhappy with or does not understand the reason for selections he should first speak to his coach, or if he would rather, he can bring the matter to the attention of the Club Captain who will raise it with the coaching team.

SELECTION AFTER INJURY OR ABSENCE

A player who is injured and misses only one game, or a player who is absent due to other commitments and misses only one game, may at the discretion of the coaching team be re selected in the grade in which he last played.

Players who are injured and miss more than one game, or players who due to other commitments are absent for more than one game should expect to be selected in a grade lower than the grade in which they last played.

REGULAR PLAYERS vs INVITATION PLAYERS

As a general rule players who regularly play for the club and train will be given priority over other players. In some exceptional circumstances the club may invite a registered member of the club who does not regularly play or train to assist by filling a particular position.

In the event that the club decides to choose a non regular member, the coaching staff will speak to the player who otherwise would be the next selected player in that position and explain to the player the reason for the decision.

We would like to stress that this will only occur in exceptional circumstances where the club believes that no other player in the club can adequately fill the position, or that by bringing a player up for one game it will unnecessarily disrupt a lower grade.

PLAYER / COACHES

If a member has a coaching role in the club, that coaching role must take precedence over any playing role.

No coach is to have a role in the selection process for any team in which he plays. This includes deciding to inject himself into the game as a reserve without first consulting the other coaches in the side or the Club Coach.

A player / coach may not captain a side whilst he is on the field.

Prior to going on the field, a player/ coach must make sure that another coach is available to coach the team.

In the event that teams qualify for semi finals, all coaches must concentrate their efforts on coaching their respective sides.

To avoid any potential conflict, a coach may only play in the semis and finals as an off the bench player if the team he coaches is still in the semis or finals.

COMMUNICATION

The coaches and club administration actively promote open constructive communication, and welcome suggestions about any issue including.

  • Training methods
  • Game strategy
  • Or any other matter you wish to raise.

We acknowledge that sometimes decisions are made that not everyone agrees with.
If any member of the club has a grievance in relation to any matter, we ask that the grievance be voiced in the appropriate forum.

You can raise your concern with any of the following people:

  • Your team captain.
  • Your coach.
  • The Club Coach.
  • The Club Captain.
  • Any member of the committee, including the Club President.

If after raising your concerns with the club you do not receive a response that you are satisfied with, you may take the issue up with the Club Captain who will present your concerns to the Committee in a more formal way.

Whilst the club actively encourages members opinions and criticisms, we will not always be able to act on the matter raised. We urge all members to be patient and reasonable with their expectations.

Remember "Nothing spreads faster than rumors" and bad blood within the club is destructive. Let's all be open and constructive in our communication.

As a general rule the club would ask all members to:

"PRAISE IN PUBLIC, CRITICISE IN PRIVATE"

TRAINING

Training will be at Barra Brui Oval, St. Ives on Thursday nights for players-grade and Colts.

Training will commence at 6.30pm with a game of touch with formal training from 7.00pm to about 8.30pm.

Players who are not able to train must contact the club or their coaches. The phone number of the club mobile phone is: 0412 687 529

Players who are running late to training or games must also contact the club or their coaches.

Players should be aware that an inability to train or an inability to arrive at training or games on time may have a bearing on the team they are selected in.

GAME DAY

ATTENDANCE BEFORE A GAME

Players are to arrive at the ground no later than the kick off of the previous game. See Club Mobile no above to advise if running late due to traffic problems etc. This is to assist your coach and manager in confirming that all players are in attendance and to show the team playing before your game that they have your support.

ATTENDANCE AFTER A GAME

When their game is finished all players are encouraged to reserve for the grade following. The coach and manager of the team that has finished playing should gather their team together in one central location and advise the coach and manager of the next grade who is available. When a player is reserving he is expected to remain in the central location and be dressed ready to play.

FUTURE AVAILABILITY

Players who are not able to play the following week due to injury or other commitments should tell their coach or manager as soon as they are aware of the situation.

PERSONAL HEALTH ISSUES

By attending training and remaining fit is the best way to avoid preventable injuries. In the event an injury does occur, immediate and appropriate medical attention will hopefully reduce the severity of the injury and reduce the amount of time you are on the sidelines.

Your registration with the ARU covers you for a very limited amount of gap insurance . Insurance has been arranged by the ARU with QBE Insurance.

In the event that you are injured and want to make a claim you should:

  • Contact QBE /GAB Robins Australia on 9633 3533 and ask for the Sports Injuries Department - to report your injury within 30 days.
  • Request a claim form from the club Secretary.

Each injury has a maximum benefit payable of $3,000 and an excess of $250.00.

Remember – injuries must be reported to QBE / GAB Robins Australia within 30 days of the injury.

Players are encouraged to also have Private Health Insurance- the above insurance does not cover the total amount.

MOUTHGUARDS

The club recommends every player wears a fitted mouthguard.

INJURY PREVENTION

The best way to prevent injuries is:

  • Remain fit.
  • Stretch and warm up well before a game.
  • Warm down after a game.
  • Use supportive strapping to areas of concern.
  • The club has arranged for strappers to be available before and during games. Please make sure you allow adequate time before a game to have the strappers attend to you.

STRAPPING POLICY

Players are encouraged to have their own strapping tape for the Physio to use. Strapping and tape will be available on games days from the Club physio - ONLY WITH A GOLD COIN DONATION IN THE PIGGY BANK – this is a firm Club rule.

The club will provide strapping and first aid attention to any player who is injured during a game.

If you require an injury to be strapped please arrive at the game with plenty of time to spare. Remember other players will be requiring strapping as well as you.

INJURIES

The most important action you can take when you have been injured is to:

  • Have the injury correctly diagnosed.
  • Start treatment as soon as possible.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE CLUB

PAYMENT OF SUBS.

Subs for the 2008 year are as follows.

Senior Grades

Colts

The club relies on the timely payment of these subs to fund insurance and other club expenses. The club makes no profit from subs, and in fact subsidises each player to a small extent.

THE CLUB REQUIRES PAYMENT OF SUBS – OR AN ARRANGEMENT BE MADE - BEFORE YOUR CLUB KIT AS BELOW IS HANDED OUT.

Your Subs pay for the following:

  • ARU Registration.
  • Insurance.
  • Shorts, socks, and training shirt.
  • Physio on game days.

SUBS ARE TO BE PAID BY THE 30TH APRIL 2008 – OR AN ARRANGEMENT TO PAY IS TO BE IN FORCE WITH THE CLUBS SECRETARY/REGISTRAR BY THAT DATE.

Selection in all grades will be effected by the non payment of Subs.

JERSEYS

Club jerseys are the property of the club and in no circumstances are the jerseys to be taken home after a game. The only exception is where a player is injured and the injury necessitates the player leaving the oval in the jersey.

GROUND DUTY & GAME DAY DUTIES

The club is fortunate to have a number of elected committee members who attend to the day to day running of our club, including administration, setting up and manning the oval, barbeque, canteen and gear steward duties.

A member will where ever possible voluntarily offer assistance to these committees especially on game day to help with the numerous jobs those committees perform.

If asked by a committee member to assist with any task, each member is expected to assist immediately and without fuss.

POST MATCH FUNCTIONS

One of the great aspects of suburban rugby is to sit back after the game with your own club and members of the opposing club, and talk about the games just concluded and enjoy a drink.

A club is not only judged by its on field results, but by the strength of the clubs participation in the post match functions.

Our club is determined to encourage participation in post match functions both at our home venue:

THE CLUBHOUSE AT BARRA BRUI OVAL

and afterwards at

THE COMMODORE HOTEL – Blues Point Road, NORTH SYDNEY

or at the nominated venue on our away games.

As a club we are very keen to develop the reputation of a club that attends in numbers the functions put on by other clubs.

If at all possible during those functions, take time to meet the members of the other clubs. Many clubs go to a great deal of trouble to provide food and facilities for the after game functions. Take the time to show your appreciation for their efforts.