Welcome
Welcome to the Wasps U16 2013-14 Season. This year we will be running a squad of up to 50 players and have 2 teams competing in the Hertfordshire & Middlesex League.

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.

Having just missed out last season on promotion, this will be the playing goal of both teams.

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 1800-1930 for the majority of the season. It is understood some players will be unable to make these session due to other commitments or logistics

Fixtures
The draft fixture list is attached at the end of this letter. If in doubt, apart from Kick-Off times, the on-line fixture list on the Wasps FC website will be the master list.

www.waspsfc.co.uk

Wasps U16 A are in Division 2 of the League & Wasps U16 B in Division 5.

www.hertsmiddxleagues.co.uk

Having just missed out last season on promotion, this will be the goal of both squads.

For friendlies we have chosen opposition clubs that can field 2 full sides, matches will be played back to back.

The fixture list has been created mindful to the fact many players have a full autumn term of rugby at School on a Saturday

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. Akuma, the club kit provider sell shorts, socks & other items routinely at the club. We hope to provide players with Wasps Polos Shirts. Players will be required to wear these Polos or Wasps Dress Shirt & 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 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
£120 Youth Player (inc Polo Shirt)
£60 Youth Player Sibling

This covers an 8 months season from Sep – April (approx 35 sessions) and includes Match day shirt & food for players after all home games, Please pay online via Paypal and the Wasps FC website promptly.

www.waspsfc.co.uk

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

U16 Law Variations
Matches are now 35 mins each way, lifting is allowed in lineouts and the offside line for scrum halves in scrums moves from the “tunnel” to the ball.

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 are investigating provision of some Touch line Physio

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

Our Rugby Values
At Wasps FC we want all the U16 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 U16 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. Thanks in advance to all for your support.

David Popper
Wasps U16
dgpopper@gmail.com
07711148578