RUGBY HANDBOOK2025
WELCOMETOOUR RUGBYCURRICULUM
Rugby has been at the heart of Dollar Academy’s co-curricular programme since the school’s early beginnings in 1818.With hundreds of pupils playing every week, Rugby continues to thrive here at Dollar.Through fun, challenging skills sessions and game-based learning, we create an environment where pupils can grow their love for the game, build friendships and develop both on and off the pitch.
Rugby is available to every pupil from ages 8-18, and we are proud to offer a programme that supports every level of player - from those picking up a ball for the first time to those striving for the pro game. As we enter an exciting new era of Open Conference rugby, we want our flagship teams competing at the highest level of school rugby in Scotland to be fantastic role models for the next generation of players at Dollar.
I believe rugby is the best team sport in the world and we strive to provide the best possible experience for every player.
Stevie Wilson | Head of Rugby
OURAIM
To develop players who are:
Highly Skilled - We want to create ‘triple-threat’ players: run, pass, kick.
Effective Decision Makers - We want players who can ‘read’ the game.
Physically Conditioned - We want to help all players get fitter and stronger.
Relentless - We want to outwork all of our opponents.
Coachable - We want players to turn up with an desire to learn.
PLAYING PHILOSOPHY
Develop highly skilled players and athletes capable of problem solving on and off the field.We aim to do this through fun and challenging sessions with a focus on skill work and learning through games.
TRAINING DAYS
DAY SQUADS STAFF
Monday
Junior 1 & 2
Form I Form II
U16 & Seniors
Tuesday
Junior 1 & 2
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday Prep 4 & 5
Martin Hose & Abtin Pourgive
Stevie Wilson & Steve Newton
Cameron Smith & Russell ferguson
Niall Gallacher and Jim Richardson
Ranald Baird, Graeme Morrison, Bob McKillop, Doug Smith & Billy Dineen
Don Caskie & Gavin Blackburn
Niall Gallagher, Jim Richardson & Stevie Neil
Ranald Baird, Graeme Morrison, Bob McKillop, Doug Smith & Billy Dineen
Martin Hose & Abtin Pourgive
Stevie Wilson & Steve Newton
Cameron Smith & Russell Ferguson
Verity Smith & Ceitidh Ainsworth
Don Caskie & Gavin Blackburn
Niall Gallagher, Jim Richardson & Stevie Neil
Ranald Baird, Graeme Morrison, Bob McKillop, Doug Smith & Billy Dineen
Barry Munro, Ceitidh Ainsworth & Gregor Nelson
LUNCHTIME PROGRAMME
DAY SQUADS
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Senior Analysis
Junior Skills Scrum Halfs
Form 3/4/5 Strength and Conditioning
Senior Scrums
Form 3/4/5 Strength and Conditioning
SRU Academy Session
Form 3/4/5 Strength and Conditioning
Senior Lineouts
U16/Form III Lineouts
Form 3/4/5 Strength and Conditioning
Form I Skills
Form III Skills
Form 3/4/5 Strength and Conditioning
TRAINING, MATCH DAYS AND KIT
Please arrive in good time for the start of training and match days.
If you cannot attend a session or are unavailable for a fixture, please let the coach know in advance.
Please ensure you have the required kit for every session: boots, gumshield, and a water bottle.
Training shirt, shorts, and rugby/football socks (not school socks).
Bring a towel and a change of clothes for wet weather.
All travel should be in Dollar tracksuits.
Give 100% effort and show a positive attitude to improve every session.
Respect your teammates, coaches, officials, and opposition.
Work together to ensure all equipment and flags are returned to the shed after each session and match.
All changing rooms, pitches, and surrounding areas must be left clean and tidy, with all rubbish placed in the bin. Teams will be selected and uploaded to SOCS.
We want all players to have as much game time as possible at an appropriate level.
Any late changes to training or match arrangements will be communicated through SOCS or Teams.
SPECTATORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
The fundamental purpose of school of sport is enjoyment and development.
A key principle is to teach the value of sportsmanship and fair play.Young people learn by example.
Referee or coach decisions should not be questioned and the use of offensive language towards officials, staff, spectators or players is not permitted.
Refrain from encroaching on the field of play.
Any concerns should be communicated to the Head of Rugby or the Director of Sport at the conclusion of a fixture.
Parents as Role Models
Parental support should always reinforce a positive attitude.
Encourage your child to show good sportsmanship and fair play.
Always encourage and praise effort.
MEDICAL COVER
Pupil welfare and pitch-side medical care are essential in youth sport because they safeguard both the immediate and long-term health of young athletes. Children and teenagers are still developing physically and mentally, which makes them more vulnerable to injuries and the potential consequences of inadequate treatment. Effective welfare provision ensures that participants feel safe, supported, and valued, promoting enjoyment and sustained involvement in sport. Meanwhile, having trained medical personnel and appropriate first-aid resources pitch-side enables rapid response to injuries or medical emergencies, reducing the risk of complications and supporting a safe return to play.
Together, these measures create an environment where performance and personal growth can thrive without compromising health and safety. Dollar Academy follow Scottish Sport Concussion Guidance: If in doubt, sit them out.
Pitch side care this season will be provided by Marshall First Aid.
‘Marshall First Aid is a family-run Scottish company dedicated to providing expert sports first aid and training services.
ACCESSING TEAM SHEETS
Sign into My School Portal.
Navigate to the ‘SOCS’ tile.
Click on the calendar under your child’s profile.
Select the date that your child’s fixture is on.
Click on ‘details’ to access the fixture’s team sheet.