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News Article |
| MORAY RFC - POSITIVE COACHING SCOTLAND by Phil Kelly |
| Fri 9th Mar 2012 |
Background:
I was initially approached by Peter Young, SRU Grampian Development Manager, through the Moray
Rugby Development forum to liaise with the club, to see if they would consider if Moray RFC would take
part in the Positive Coaching Scotland programme.
SRU link:
http://www.scottishrugby.org/community/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4165
Having looked up the PCS details on the SRU website, I attended the SRU Mini Conference at Culloden
High School (5/11/11), with other mini coaches from Moray RFC and the SRU Highlands & Islands
region.
One of the coaches was Bosman Du Plessis, the SRUs Positive Coaching Scotland Manager. He gave a
short presentation on the; origins, objectives and outcomes of the programme.
Inspired by this input, I had the PCS process included in the recent Club Committee meeting agenda.
With the support of Angus Henderson, Director of coaching, Moray RFC, we outlined the vision for the
programme. The outcome of the discussion was that, the Committee agreed to inviting Bosman to visit
the club for an open meeting to outline the programme. I conveyed this invite to Bosman, who offered
to visit the club, between mid-late March 2012.
The subject was also raised at the club coaches meeting (28/11/11). Again, Angus & I conveyed the
objectives to the coaches present. Again, in principle, the group was supportive of the concept, and
Angus asked me to facilitate the development of the open meeting.
I was under the impression, that members of the club would welcome a reference from a club which
had already gone through the process. I contacted Bosman to see if he could offer a club which had
already gone through the programme. Bosman offered Hillfoots RFC in Clackmannanshire, and I spoke
with Michael Powers, the Treasurer and Junior Convenor, about his experiences of PCS.
Hillfootss RFC - Website link: http://www.Hillfootssrfc.com/
PCS Reference
After a brief comparison of the two clubs, Michael commended Moray RFC for the developments and the number of youth teams that we already have. He expressed his opinion that we have a very good foundation for the proposed involvement in PCS.
Development in coaching culture;
- from the traditional skill focus of young players not feeling capable of achieving those skill levels before S1/2, and playing only to win, redirects the focus to the on going encouragement of all young players (Micro/Mini) who attend training sessions, seeing effort rewarded rather than performance, and with the aim of keeping young players playing rugby. Hillfoots developed a mission statement around the philosophy ‘everyone plays’, and this has been reflected in the coaching approach.
- at Hillfoots RFC one outcome was, that at the end of each home training session, was that they awarded a ‘Player of the week’ and a ‘tackler of the week’ trophies (that were taken for a week and returned for the following session), to players who had not necessarily been the best, but who had made improvements from the entire group (micros/minis). End of session obstacle courses, whereby players had to complete the course still carrying a rugby ball – all of this paid dividends!!!
- good sportsmanship was heavily invested in. All players were encouraged to display a sporting/respectful attitude at all times, to all players (home or away), coaches, officials, etc., reflecting generational standards within rugby.
Political correctness;
- the idea that the programme simply focuses on setting theoretical ideals, is very far short of the expected outcome. The programme must produce meaningful advances in philosophy and practice within the club.
Encouragement of young players;
- to stay in the game (reflective of the SRU ‘long term player development and retention strategy – outlined in Rugby Ready and UKCC level 1 coaching courses). An outcome of this amended strategy is to give players enough exposure and practice, which Michael can testify to, does develop good players.
- it has been thought that young players of ‘lesser ability’ would not develop into good rugby players, but in fact, by adopting the SRU philosophy of ‘LTPD’ with rugby being a ‘later development sport’, players do develop, and are retained in the sport (surely an aim for all rugby clubs??).
Involvement;
- Michael highlighted the continuing value of experienced members of club, as they bring years of knowledge, which can be harnessed for the benefit of all, for the good of player development, either in the early or later years.
- workshops for; coaches, players, parents are all feasible, within the programme, to develop strategies for a positive approach throughout the club.
- concepts such as; match day policies, new player strategy (to ensure inclusion – buddy scheme with school pal or suitably aged player), team policies (e.g. all players thanking the officials, shaking opponents hands, and maintaining a positive sportsman’s approach are re-enforced. Players are encouraged to support and praise, rather than criticise team mates.
Player numbers;
All of this appears to show a positive aspect of how the sport should be reflected within the community. Hillfoots RFC did not conduct an active PR campaign, but this positive approach was circulated primarily by word of mouth. Because of Hillfootss efforts, player numbers increased by 400%.
Micros went from 2 to 65!
Rugby was seen as fun by the kids, a good place for their children to be by the parents, and this promoted the club’s community presence within the area.
Summary:
• Does the feedback from Hillfoots RFC reflect the kind of micro/mini environment that Moray RFC want to foster?
• Does the S1/2, Under 15, 16 & 18 and first XV want a larger pool of players to select from in the future?
• Could the club adopt PCS as a tool, to attempt to achieve these aims?
• Can the club come together - committee, players, coaches, parents, members and friends to support and participate in this endeavour?
P.J. KELLY
Micro/Mini Convenor
Moray RFC
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| 5th Mar 22 - KO: 15:00 |
| Venue: Duff House |
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