From this combined squad we will field U17A & B teams in Div 1 & 4 of Hertfordshire & Middlesex League. We also will field Colt A & B teams in Colts Cup and a set of friendlies. On a typical weekend we will field 2 teams from a pool of 50 players
Our overarching goals are: To develop the Skills, Techniques & Game-sense of all players; To allow them to perform to their full potential; To provide a safe & enjoyable rugby experience; Promoting the core values of the game of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline & Sportsmanship.

Training
As in other seasons training will be on Sundays 1000-1200 at Twyford Avenue Sports Ground. Players are expected to turn up on time and prepared, in all conditions. Players are asked to concentrate and participate fully in the training programme.
We will also run mid-week training sessions on a Thursday Evening from 1830-2000 for the majority of the season. It is understood some players will be unable to make these session due to other commitments or logistics. There are also plans for a Tuesday evening Gym session, details to follow.

Fixtures
The latest fixture list is available in the U17/Colts section of the Wasps FC website (NB Kick off times may be incorrect).

www.waspsfc.co.uk

Wasps U17 A are in Division 1 of the League & Wasps U17 B in Division 4.

www.hertsmiddxleagues.co.uk

Wasps Colts are entered the National Colts Cup

www.emru.co.uk/page-230-National%20Colts.aspx

These competitions will be augmented with a set of friendlies.

Kit & Dress Code
For match days team shirts will be provided. Players are expected to have black rugby shorts and black+yellow hooped socks please. Kit can be bought on Sunday’s at the Club shop at Tyford Avenue.
We will provide players with Wasps Training Fleeces as part of their Subs. Players will also be required to buy/wear a Wasps Polos, & Long Trousers after games especially league games when sitting with the opposition post match for some lunch.

Selection Policy
Selection will be based on the following criteria: Ability, Attendance, Enthusiasm & Sportsmanship. Selection will focus on putting out our most competitive sides for cup & league games and ensuring game-time for all in friendlies. Please also bear in mind we need to ensure we field balanced teams with the appropriate key positions covered.

If we move boys down (and up) between sides we will endeavour to explain to the player why this is happening. If this explanation is not forthcoming please ask the Head Coach or Lead Coach of the team.

Availability
To allow timely selection of match-day squads, all players will be asked to indicate their availability by the Tuesday evening prior (1800). As last season we will be using an online Poll site call “Doodle”. Lack of, timely, positive indication of availability may lead to non selection. Please help us out here by prompt responses when requested.

www.doodle.com

Code of Conduct
As a club Wasps FC was founded in 1867 and is approaching its 150th Anniversary. We have a good reputation but one that is easily tarnished. The full code of conduct is available on the club website but suffice to say; all Players, Spectators (and Coaches) will be expected to uphold the good name of the club on & off the field of play. Particular attention should be made to ensure no verbal abuse of the referees or opposition takes place on the pitch or from the sidelines during games.

Subscriptions
Subscriptions are due on 1st September
£130 Youth Player (inc free Club Fleece)

This covers an 8 months season from Sep – April and includes Matchday playing shirts, post match food for players after all home games, all training sessions and a free Wasps Fleece. Please pay online via the Wasps FC website promptly.

www.waspsfc.co.uk

Subscriptions are due on September 1st. No pay no play. If payment is a problem for any body please speak to me directly.

Colt/U17 Variations
RFU U19 variations apply. Matches are 35 mins each way, lifting is allowed in lineouts and the offside line for scrum halves in scrums is the ball.

Senior Rugby
At the Age of 17 players are allowed to play adult rugby. This is only possible if they have the express and written permission of both, their coach & parent or Guardian. Players are not allowed to play in the front row. Prior to this or U17 no training is allowed with the adult section. Later in the season we will encourage some boys of suitable physicality & maturity to turn out for the Men’s section of the club

Injuries & First Aid
Play will be faster, players will be stronger, contact will be harder this year. Players should warm up and warm down. Players need to look after their bodies and alert coaches of any niggling injuries. We can only provide rudimentary first aid from the sidelines. If there are any qualified first aiders or Physios within the parent body who would be willing to help out please do let us know. We hope to provide some Touch line Physio

Concussion
All players need to be aware of the dangers of concussion an remove themselves immediately from the field of play and alert a first aider or coach if they feel at all dazed or dopy. Players should look out for their team mates and alert a coach is a player is behaving oddly

Contact Information & Travel
Please ensure we have up to date contact information for parents & guardians. This is particularly important in the unfortunate event of a player injury. Unless requested otherwise, contact information will be shared at the start of the season to assist with Car Pooling & Transport to away games. If you need a hand getting players to a game please let us know and we will try to help.

Volunteers
Coaches, Managers & First Aiders are Volunteers and giving their time freely, please respect this. All are CRB checked. We still have some “positions vacant” for a First Aider, a Physio, Match-Report Writer/Photographer(s). If a parent or guardian is willing to assist in any of these areas please contact, David Popper

Finally
Thanks in advance to all for your support. Building on last year here’s to enjoyable, safe & successful season for all involved with Wasps Colts & U17.

David Popper
Wasps Colts & U17
dgpopper@gmail.com
07711148578

Our Rugby Values
At Wasps FC we want all players to:

Wear the Wasps Shirt with pride
o Representing the club in the best way both on and off the pitch
Give their best in training & matches
o Being on time, listening, showing commitment & effort, doing your best
Support each other in tough times as well as good
o Supporting teammates at all times on the pitch, physically & vocally.
Show sportsmanship to all
o Never argue with the Referee accept their decisions, respect your Coaches, Respecting the opposition, Shake hands after the Game, Thank the Referee
Play entertaining rugby
o Develop skills & techniques, get fit, play as a team
Know their role in the team and in their position
o Listen in training, learn about the game, grow to your potential
Understand Wasps Colts, U17 tactics, calls and patterns of play
o Learn the moves & calls, understand our styles of play

By doing all this we hope the club, the team and every Player will have a successful and enjoyable season.