Yes it's here! The new season is upon us.

We start the season as the Under 11's Dorset County Champions and our aim is to finish as the Under 12 champions of 2008!
The coaching team is very proud of the relationship between coaches, players and parents.
We want to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for players to learn to play rugby. All the coaches are volunteers and put a considerable amount of time in and off the pitch in the aim of achieving this objective.
As coaches we have responsibility to ensure that any player before being selected for a match has;
The Skills needed
Understanding of the Game
The Fitness level
The "Want to play"
The ability to play safely

This year the Club is undertaking the RFU Fitness and Proficiency award scheme.
"What's that? " I hear you ask.
To summarise all the squad will undertake the RFU Proficiency fitness test in September.
In October/November the squad will take the first half of the RFU Proficiency award in rugby skills and in the second half of the season the other half of the skills tests.
The scheme is a recognized award of Gold, Silver or Bronze and it also goes towards the player's record of achievement folder.
The examiners for the awards are Level 1 coaches from other age groups.
Following on from that lets consider the season, a few pointers for parents and players;

I also would like to bring to your attention the hard work that our coordinator Diana has to do. Not only does Di have to monitor the attendance, manage the sponsor days, chase parents for registration, ensure that all the team are up to scratch, and administer the coaches paperwork, she also is a mum on the touchline. Please help her as much as possible.
Parents please know that your child will perform better, enjoy the game and potentially be a better person with your support at training sessions and matches. We understand that you have a busy schedule with other children but bear this in mind as I am sure that your child will be the better for it.
Think before you Play

Not always the area that any of us like to consider, I know I would rather walk than run and hey it's great to enjoy all that junk food. But that is a no go if I want to coach and enjoy myself in the Squad.
Similarly for our players we must consider are they what they eat? Playing rugby burns up a lot of calories and requires energy to do so. So rather than bunging a load of crisps etc in their snack box think about fruit, think about energy providers during training and matches. Also all players need a lot of liquids.
Fitness to play is not going to be gained by just one and half hours of training every Sunday. The players need to train at home. Bike riding, running, sit ups, spring jumps, all within their age/body profile will keep them fit. So parents help them, you may enjoy the benefits as well.
Above all I mention this because last year we experienced cramps, tiredness and slowness due to the fact that the only exercise the player was getting was on a Sunday. We also were able to tell those who went to bed too late on a Saturday. We need able bodied players who are as fit as they can be and alert to the game.


Kit

As you all know rugby kit is essential in order that you may play the game (Sounds stupid but!).
This year we would like to say that the following kit is essential;
A good pair of RUGBY shorts-not football, not polyester, not Lycra
A Wimborne (Black) ruby shirt with club badge
A pair of RUGBY boots with the proper studs.
Wimborne RFC rugby socks
A wet weather top
A mouth-guard (You are not allowed to train or play without one).
Rugby gloves (Optional)
Head- gear (Optional)
Body - Protection (Optional) if you choose to opt for this it must be the approved protection for the age-group
Track-Suit Recommended but optional
All of the above can be purchased through the Club shop.

The Coaching Team 2007 -2008
The Coaching team has changed this year. We have lost Mark Collins who has been a valuable asset in the past few seasons, due to work commitments; we have also lost Chris Povey who is pursuing the family's passion for sailing.

Diana Adamson - Di has the unenviable task of managing all the squad's administration organizing events and keeping the coaching team in line. I would ask all of you to help her when she looks in need it will be much appreciated. Contact Phone Number 01202 880372 E-mail: johndadamson@btconnect.com

	John Adamson. As head coach I am responsible for ensuring the overall objectives of the coaching squad are achieved. This is where the "Buck stops" I have been coaching this squad since the under sevens and despite some frustrating moments I can honestly say we have the greatest set of players and parents. I am Tag, and RFU level 1 coaching certificated and Foundation referee certified. My main task this year is to manage the squad, chair selection, coach kicking and develop player's perception of the game.
	Rob Dustan- RFU level 1 coaching certificate, Foundation Referee Certificate, Rob offers an invaluable insight into coaching, that can teach the squad how to think the game through, he offers them the chance to be fit and skilled and to boot he is the ace on tour!
	Julian Humphries. Julian has been coaching since the Under 7's he offers a wealth of skills to the squad combined with a brilliant sense of humor. Without Julian in the early years the squad would not have been what it is today. Julian is Tag and RFU level 1 certificated and is taking a load of courses this season such as advanced coaching, fitness coaching and skill coaching. He is the heart of the scrum and strategy coaching, Julian will get down there with the worst or the best, but you will be a winner if you listen to what he has to say.
	John Thorne. John has been so supportive in the last few years, I bullied him into coaching and he has a Level 1 certificate. John offers the squad a firm coaching strategy, he will translate these assumed skills into easily understandable moves, and he does not assume you know it all yet will show you how it can be done. But I warn you now he like the rest of the coaching squad demands attention.
	Adam Story. What can I say the guy was pulled off of the sideline while watching his son play, put through Level 1 coaching course which he passed much to his wife's amazement (And Mine) and here he is. Adam has a great way of developing the guys that are unsure of what they are meant to be doing, his commitment to the squad and the game is next to none.
	Louis Miller. Louis is new to coaching this season; he has been a member of the Club for the last three years, a county player at Under 14's and Under 15's. Louis will be taking his Level 1 coaching certificate during the season. We look forward to Louis invaluable input into training and match play.

What more can I say other than this looks like a great set of coaches, we will try our best for the players, that I can promise.