|
|
|
Forum Member
 
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 18/01/2010 10:32:59
Posts: 26,
Visits: 521
|
|
From what I saw when I was there, the New Zealand weight model works because it is in operation in both schools and clubs, and there did not seem to be a big gap across the ages. Whether that would work here from a social point of view - youngsters not welcoming others from "other" ages - especially younger ones - is questionable. A lot of clubs have distinctly separate age group teams, with the players firmly identifying with their own coaches. The only way I could see the expansion of the idea of weight-based teams would be to have regular mass sessions across age groups to teach/coach individual aspects of the game (for example, all the forwards in a scrummage session, half backs working on passing, other backs working on other attack/defence activities).
SteveJ
|
|
|
|
|
Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 04/03/2010 22:27:46
Posts: 269,
Visits: 307
|
|
steve johnson (05/11/2008)
A lot of clubs have distinctly separate age group teams, with the players firmly identifying with their own coaches. The only way I could see the expansion of the idea of weight-based teams would be to have regular mass sessions across age groups to teach/coach individual aspects of the game (for example, all the forwards in a scrummage session, half backs working on passing, other backs working on other attack/defence activities).
Whilst I agree Steve has described the issues pertinently, they are all issues that can be addressed by clubs and schools - IF they so wanted. Or rather, percolated down from the NGB to its regions and clubs and schools via development officers. There are elements of what Steve has described happening oin our club already.
However - I would also add that in my direct experience of trying to get these things to occur there is a lot of resistance... becasue it is so alien to what is "the norm", and typically of course many junior coaches are there because their sons/daughters are. They aren;t interested in being part fo a different pictuyre because its not what they are there to do, or is too different for them to think about.
Notwithstanding for the NZ system to work in such cultures it has to be right across the board otherwise its meaningless to even drive towards the situation that Steve latterly describes (although IMO there would be many other coaching benefits to be gained iMO).
:-(
didds
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 07/11/2008 17:44:55
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
|
|
| I'm a PE teacher, coach and referee, I have worked with players from primary schoolas up to men. The reason Primary schools teach tag is that is what is encouraged and supported by the RFU through the School Sport Partnership, mainly because there are almost no PE specialist teachers in Primary schools let alone Rugby coaches. I have worked in Thanet, Kent where the local Primary school rugby is still run as touch rugby, with no scrums but with unopposed line-outs. However this is again at years 5/6 (10/11 year olds). Tag rugby is taught lower down as an introduction to teh game. The biggest problem is at U12 level! The difference between school and club is ridiculous! Having worked in maintained and independent schools there is little difference in thier approach and I believe that at U12 they are ready to play 15-a-side on a full pitch. Club rugby at U12 is a mess, there are too many players on too samll a pitch. The continuum needs changing to bring in the no 8 at U11, then play full 15s at U12. As to the schools using hand-offs I am strongly in favour of NOT allowing this at any age group up to U14. The basic skill levels are too low in general handling, the more players that can carry the ball in two hands the better. This is actuclly in the continuum but so many CLUB coaches, even in the lower age groups, do not insist that thier players do this, so many players are allowed to get away with this. I have always insisted and penalised players for handing / fending off. As a result the players are more inclined to PASS the ball and keep it out of contact. As to the rules NO players below U19 are allowed to pull down a maul, this is includes U18 1st XVs. I have refereed several games at this level this season and at mens rugby and this does not seem to be a major factor in any games at any level.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Guru
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 23/02/2010 12:53:57
Posts: 72,
Visits: 244
|
|
Thanks for that Jez- good to get the picture from a schools/ development perspective. In view of a few other threads, its also interesting that you say you're against the hand off/ fend & penalise it, when there is no law against it. As a coach, this is a skill that I teach & practice regardless of age, so i'd be pretty hacked off & would let you know it at half time if you were reffing my boys & penalising them for it, while your contention is that they / developing players may not have the skill set to hold the ball in one hand... difficult & frustrating for all parties I guess...
Rugbia floreat ubique
|
|
|
|