Blackheath Mini Rugby Programme

Programme: £5.00

BL A CKHE A TH MINI RUGBY FESTIVAL 2022

AVERY HILL PARK

Bexley Road, Eltham, London SE9 2PQ

SUNDAY 3RD APRIL

9.30AM

WELCOME TO THE BLACKHEATH FC MINIS FESTIVAL

Over 1000 youngsters representing nearly 90 teams from 17 different clubs across five Mini’s age groups, playing a total of nearly 300 matches in a 4 hour period.

Good morning and a very warm welcome to the 2022 Blackheath FC Minis Rugby Festival. We are extremely grateful once again to The Royal Borough of Greenwich and Greenwich University for allowing us to use the facilities here at Avery Hill Park which we’re sure you as players, parents, coaches and spectators will enjoy.

A huge amount of hard work has gone into bringing the festival to life today and making sure it is run safely. My thanks go to all the Club volunteers from our U10’s and U11’s age groups. Without question we will enjoy a well-earned drink this evening in celebration following a job well done!

We expect to see over 1000 youngsters representing nearly 90 teams from 17 different clubs across five Mini’s age groups (U7’s through to U11’s). Over a 4 hour period there will be close to 300 matches played. We aim to ensure everything runs smoothly. As always, you can play your part in making this day as enjoyable as possible by making sure your teams are ready to play to the schedule.

Festival rugby is a celebration of all the hard work and dedication from young players, their volunteer coaches and managers, as well as the support from parents and carers. We’re all looking

forward to a great spectacle of Mini’s rugby!

Blackheath FC, like all the clubs represented today, are keen followers of RFU values (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship). These values set rugby aside from many other sports. Rugby is all about inclusivity, giving every single person who wishes to participate the opportunity and support to do so to the best of their ability.

RFU rugby at Minis level allows the main focus to be about fun rather than winning or losing. We have plenty of time to teach these young people the value of winning or losing with dignity but for now, let them be children, let them have fun! You (as their influential adults) can help with this by applauding good play, encouraging and praising all players and setting an example of how to respect everyone involved. Touchline critics, as has been said many times before, only tend to confuse players. Therefore, please respect and support the volunteer coaches and referees today, without whom we would not be able to run the festival.

We’re sure you will have a very enjoyable day with us, however if you do experience any issues regarding the organisation or facilities during the festival, please contact one of the Tournament Directors in the festival control tent where they will be pleased to assist you.

Lastly, I would like to wish the very best of luck to all participating teams. Have fun. Enjoy your day!

Dave Simpson Chair of Mini’s Rugby Blackheath FC

A WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT OF BLACKHEATH FC

On behalf of Blackheath FC, the world’s oldest open rugby club, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Blackheath Mini Rugby Festival which this year is again being held in Avery Hill Park. We are very grateful to be able to use the park again for the Mini’s Festival. Coaches, officials, parents and spectators from 17 clubs and 90 teams are participating.

My own two sons joined the Blackheath Mini section in 1994 and 1995 and I myself was a Mini and then junior rugby coach for 14 seasons. I have great memories of attending Mini rugby festivals and of the excitement that the players experienced as the day of the festival approached. It was always a great pleasure to watch on the day of the festival as hundreds of Mini rugby players enjoyed participating in the event.

For all parents who are new to rugby and a reminder to all others there are high standards of behaviour expected from people supporting rugby. The emphasis is on encouraging all players, recognising sportsmanship and promoting rugby values. Winning and losing at this age is unimportant, it’s all about taking part and having fun.

Remember, the referee is always right even if he/she is wrong!

Blackheath FC took over management of the sports ground at Hervey Road in Blackheath in 2018. This now provides a permanent base for the Blackheath Minis Section.

It was an old sportsground that had been neglected for 20 years. An enormous amount of work has been done to reinvent it as a sports facility, with a new clubhouse, improved drainage and clearance of a huge area of overgrown bushes. It is now a fantastic facility, used by Blackheath Minis as well as by football and cricket teams.

We are all very grateful to Dave Simpson and his team for organising the festival. It’s impossible to imagine the hard work and the huge amount of time and effort required to put on a Mini rugby festival.

So please enjoy the day and I hope that everyone involved has a fantastic time!

Dr Alan Thomson

WELCOME TO AVERY HILL PARK

This is the fourth time that the Blackheath Minis Rugby Festival has been held at the splendid Avery Hill Park. We were last here just before ‘Lockdown’.

Avery Hill Park is one of Greenwich’s Green Flag Award-winning sites.

This large, open parkland with many splendid trees is notable for Greenwich University’s winter garden (a magnificent hothouse), containing tropical trees and plants from around the world. There is also a rose and flower garden, making a pleasant place to sit and relax. The Green Chain Walk runs through the park.

The park has lots of space for informal ball games and a hard standing, floodlit multi-use games area. It also has an outdoor gym installed as part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Olympic legacy and outdoor table tennis tables funded by the English Table Tennis Association. There is a cafe with public toilets situated in the park, next to the children’s playground.

Cricket and football pitches along with changing facilities are available to hire for formal sports matches.

The London Cycle Network has funded a shared cycle and pedestrian route around the perimeter of the park.

The park was once the grounds of Colonel North’s mansion, built in 1890 and now a teacher training college. The domed winter garden houses exotic specimens and a large conservatory.

The winter garden was part of a splendid mansion owned by the Victorian entrepreneur John Thomas North. North made his fortune by exporting fertiliser from Chile. The London County Council acquired the site in July 1902. Currently, the University of Greenwich maintains the winter garden.

Around the grounds on festival day you will find fully marked up pitches, control tent, catering van, confectionery stand, first aid points, cafeteria and toilets. Please refer to the map of the grounds on page 10.

FIRST AID: You will find the First aid tent in the centre of the pitches, please see map on page 10 of this programme.

FESTIVAL CONTROL/LOST AND FOUND: Please see map on following page.

POLICE, FIRE, AMBULANCE: 999 for emergency, otherwise: 101.

Old Alleynians

Blackheath

Whitgiftians

Southwark

Tigers

Old Colfeians

Sevenoaks

Tonbridge

Juddians

Tunbridge

Wells

Medway

Hackney Bulls

Park House

Millwall RFC

Edenbridge

Old Elthamians

Rosslyn Park

Old Cooperians

Richmond

FESTIVAL FORMAT

Here is some information about the matches you'll be playing and what to expect on the day.

We will be running the festival in accordance with the guidelines provided by the RFU in Regulation 15 and its associated Codes of Practice from here: www.englandrugby.com/governance/regulations/ Here’s a summary of the parts that are relevant to our festival:

1. Playing time

The maximum allowed playing time for each age group is as follows:

2.

Team size

The maximum size of the team on the pitch is:

ensure no player exceeds the maximum playing time as set out above.

4.

Mixed ability

From the RFU Codes of Practice:

“The RFU believes in the playing of mixed ability teams, especially at primary school ages. Players should be grouped by their confidence, competence in the contact elements of the game, and emotional capability.”

We will not be separating the festival into streams, either by ability or experience. We are instructing referees to stop one-sided matches if the score difference exceeds six tries.

5. Scoring

No score for any match will be recorded by the festival organisers. The players know perfectly well who's won any given game.

6. Format (U7 - U10)

You'll see from the schedule that each team is in a group of 5 or 6 teams depending on how many teams entered. Every group will play a round robin: each team will play all the others in the group.

The duration of each match will be the number of games divided by the maximum playing time (e.g. U7 teams in a 6-team group will play 5 matches of 10 minutes). We'll play the games straight through without a half time to ensure the festival keeps to schedule.

3. Squad size

We're expecting 2 substitutes per team in each age group except for U10 and U11 where there may be three. We are relaxed about players swapping between squads, within their age group, but please

The U11 competition may involve smaller groups and longer matches with a half time. You'll be given full details in a separate sheet.

Enjoy your day at the Blackheath Mini’s Festival.

YOUR MATCH DAY APP

Blackheath has continued to embrace new technology with the development of our ‘Match Day App’.

If you havent got a QR reader on your smart phone then you can download one from your app store. Then all you need to do is start your QR reader app, point the phones camera at the QR code below and you are all set. This will give you access to our smart schedule which you will be able to connect with at any time during the day for detailed fixture information.

Here is a list of links which you may prefer to use instead of the QR code by going directly via one of these links through your browser.

https://aka.ms/blackheathminis

https://aka.ms/u7

https://aka.ms/u8

https://aka.ms/u9

http://aka.ms/u10

https://aka.ms/u11

If you haven’t got a smart phone please talk to your pitch marshall for a paper copy.

HISTORY OF THE MINIS

Musings from a long retired Mini coach!

Some 30 years ago, with a few like minded parents and a similar number of boys, we started Mini rugby at Blackheath FC. From these small beginnings the Mini section gradually grew in size until it had players in all age groups. The commitment of parents (aka coaches, refs, managers, supporters etc) to

turn out every weekend in all weathers was as strong then as I am delighted to see that it is now. It is also heart-warming to note how many youngsters are now playing for the Club and to see them enjoying themselves and supporting their mates whilst they learn the skills needed to play this wonderful game. Well done to everyone – past, present and future!

Long may it continue

It’s great that Hervey Road Playing Field was re-opened in 2018 as a new home for the Minis. The 100 year old ground was in danger of being

built over in 2006, but a hard fought twelve year campaign by a group of tenacious local residents succeeded in keeping it open for sport and it is protected forever by a Deed of Dedication.

Richard Dinkeldein Founder of Blackheath Mini Rugby Hervey Road SE3.

cycle wear for women

Teamwork

CORE VALUES OF RUGBY

Teamwork is essential to our sport. We welcome all new team members and include all because working as a team enriches our lives. We play selflessly: working for the team, not for ourselves alone, both on and off the field. We take pride in our team, rely on one another and understand that each player has a

part to play. We speak out if our team or sport is threatened by inappropriate words or actions. Respect Mutual respect forms the basis of our sport. We hold in high esteem our sport, its values and traditions and earn the respect of others in the way we behave. We respect our match officials and accept their decisions. We respect opposition players and supporters. We value our coaches and those who run our clubs and treat clubhouses with consideration.

Enjoyment

Enjoyment is the reason we play and support rugby union. We encourage players to enjoy training and playing. We use our sport to adopt a healthy lifestyle and build life skills. We safeguard our young players and help them have fun. We enjoy being part of a team and part of the rugby family.

Discipline

Strong discipline underpins our sport. We ensure that our sport is one of controlled physical endeavour and that we are honest and fair. We obey the laws of the game which ensure an inclusive and exciting global sport. We support our disciplinary system, which protects our

sport and upholds its values. We observe the sport’s laws and regulations and report serious breaches.

Sportsmanship

Sportsmanship is the foundation upon which rugby union is built. We uphold the rugby tradition of camaraderie with teammates and opposition. We observe fair play both on and off the pitch and are generous in victory and dignified in defeat. We play to win but not at all costs and recognise both endeavour and achievement. We ensure that the wellbeing and development of individual players is central to all rugby activity.

Our services include the following but is not limited to these: 

IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT

Understanding Concussion

Rugby is a contact sport. Regrettably there will be instances where a player has taken a knock. This quick guide to concussion is designed to raise awareness and is no substitute for medical advice. Full information is available at World Rugby Concussion Guidance. www.world.rugby/news/612885

Concussion guidance can be different between age groups. The quick guide below focusses on advice for Under 12’s.

• A concussion is a traumatic brain injury

• All concussions are serious

• Concussions can occur without loss of consciousness

• All athletes with any new symptoms following a head injury;

• Must be removed from playing or training.

• Must not return to playing or training until symptom free or until all concussion-related symptoms have cleared or have returned to a pre-concussion level.

• Must complete a graduated Return to Play programme.

• Should be assessed by a medical practitioner.

• Specifically, return to play or training on the day of concussion or suspected concussion is forbidden.

• Recognise and Remove to help prevent further injury or even death.

• Head injuries can be fatal – do not return to play if symptoms persist.

Most players with concussion recover with physical and mental rest.

Symptoms of concussion or suspected concussion - what you are told: Presence of any one or more of the following signs and symptoms may suggest a concussion:

• Headache.

• Dizziness.

• Mental clouding, confusion, or feeling slowed down.

• Visual problems.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Fatigue.

• Drowsiness. Feeling like “in a fog“ difficulty concentrating.

• “Pressure in head”

• Sensitivity to light or noise.

What questions you ask children (12 years and under)

Failure to answer any of these questions correctly is a strong indication of concussion or at least suspected concussion.

• “Where are we now?”

• “Is it before or after lunch?”

• “What was your last lesson or class?”

• “Who scored last in this game?”

• “What is your teacher’s name?”

• “What is your coach’s name?”

IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT

For more information visit the World Rugby website for concussion guidance.

www.world.rugby/news/612885

The tenth Rugby World Cup runs from 8th September to 28th October 2023

This is the second time that France has been the RWC host having held a succesful and memorable event in 2007. There will be 48 matches at 9 venues with 10 host cities. There are 20 teams divided into 4 pools of 5 teams followed by quarter finals, semi finals, a bronze medal playoff, then the finals. Twelve teams qualified directly by finishing in the top three of their pool in Japan 2019. The remaining 8 qualified through a global qualification process after 48 matches played across 51 days.

The qualified teams as of March 2022

The remaining eight spaces will be decided by regional competitions followed by a few cross-

regional play-offs. The final spot will be decided by a repêchage tournament in November 2022.

QUALIFICATION

Top 3 - 2019 RWC pool

Top 3 - 2019 RWC pool

Hosts

Top 3 - 2019 RWC pool

Top 3 - 2019 RWC pool

Top 3 - 2019 RWC pool

Top 3 - 2019 RWC pool

Top 3 - 2019 RWC pool

Top 3 - 2019 RWC pool

Top 3 - 2019 RWC pool

PREVIOUS BEST

Quarter-finals (2019)

Champions (2003)

Runners-up (1987, 1999, 2011)

Quarter-finals (7 times)

Pool stage (9 times)

Fourth place (1991)

Third place (1987)

Champions (1991, 1999)

Champions (1987, 2011, 2015)

Third place (2007)

Quarter-finals (1987, 2007)

Quarter-finals (1991, 1995)

Champions (1995, 2007, 2019)

The 2023 Rugby Word Cup Venues

CITY: Saint-Denis (Paris)

Just north of Paris this youthful energetic district was once the hub of the industrial revolution, it has now become a lively and modern metropolis.

VENUE: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard

This stadium is famous for its incredible atmosphere. ‘Le Chauldron’ as it’s known will no doubt resonate with excitement and passion as it did when hosting the World cup in 2007 and UEFA Euro 2016. Capacity: 41,965.

VENUE: Stade de France

The largest and most impressive sporting venue in France, Stade de France, the national stadium, will be the venue for the opening game and the final too. Capacity: 80,698.

HOSTING: 9/9/23 Saturday, 17/9/23 Sunday, 22/9/23 Friday, 1/10/23 Sunday.

CITY: Bordeaux

Regarded as the wine capital of the world, Bordeaux is an exciting place, it’s been designated a World heritage site in recognition of its cultural riches and legacy, losing none of its splendour over the centuries. While Bordeaux may be known as ‘Belle Endormie’ (Sleeping Beauty) when major sporting events take place no one sleeps.

HOSTING: 8/9/23 Friday, 9/9/23 Sunday, 23/9/23 Saturday, 7/10/23 Saturday, 14/10/23 Saturday, 15/10/23 Sunday, 20/10/23 Friday, 21/10/23 Saturday, 27/10/23 Friday, 28/10/23 Saturday.

CITY: Saint-Etienne

A rich industrial past, Saint-Etienne was considered the industrial capital of Europe in the 19th century. A place where the railroad and the waterwheel originated, it’s a place of invention and innovation, where creativity and audacity are prized.

VENUE: Stade de Bordeaux, brand-new and ultra modern, it’s the largest sports arena in the south-west of France. Capacity: 42,115.

HOSTING: 9/9/23 Saturday, 10/9/23 Sunday, 16/9/23 Saturday, 17/9/23 Sunday, 30/9/23 Sunday.

CITY: Lille

A city charaterised by it’s cultural vitality, quality of life and festive energy. With its closeness to Belgium Lille also claims to be the most European of cities.

VENUE: OL Stadium

The third largest sporting venue in France, OL Stadium is ready and waiting to dazzle with another major event. Capacity: 59,186.

VENUE: Stade Pierre-Mauroy

An ultra-modern venue with a retractable roof along with the ‘Boite a Spectacles’ a feature allowing half the pitch to slide under the other half to turn the stadium into an arena for concerts and other sports. Capacity: 50,157.

HOSTING: 24/9/23 Sunday, 27/9/23 Wednesday, 29/9/23 Friday, 5/10/23 Thursday, 6/10/23 Friday.

CITY: Marseille

Since ancient times this cosmopolitan city has been an important cultural and commercial crossroads with its prime position on the Mediterranean Sea. As France’s main port it’s known as the ‘Gateway to the Orient’.

HOSTING: 14/9/23 Thursday, 23/9/23 Saturday, 30/9/23 Sunday, 7/10/23 Saturday, 8/10/23 Sunday.

CITY: Lyon

Located where the Rhone and the Saone rivers meet Lyon was the capital of Roman Gaul. Lyon has a rich food and wine tradition and boasts many cultural pioneers including the Lumiere brothers, the godfathers of cinema.

VENUE: Stade Velodrome

A Stadium that’s no stranger to great events following the 1998 FIFA World Cup, the Rugby World Cup 2007 and the UAFA Euro 2016. The Rugby World Cup 2023 should be the scene of some great rugby. Capacity 67,394.

HOSTING: 9/9/23 Saturday, 10/9/23 Sunday, 21/9/23 Thursday, 14/10/23 Saturday, 15/10/23 Sunday..

CITY: Nantes

A vibrant city in the west, well known for its quality of life, it’s full of impressive monuments and culture. The residents all live within 300 metres of one of its 100 parks and gardens.

HOSTING: 16/9/23 Saturday, 17/9/23 Sunday, 20/9/23 Wednesday, 24/9/23 Sunday.

CITY: Toulouse

VENUE: Stade de la Beaujoire

The scene of many unforgettable rock concerts and the famous Fiji versus Wales stunner from the Rugby World cup in 2007, we’re expecting some more exciting outcomes during the Rugby World Cup 2023. Capacity: 35,322.

The European capital of aeronautics and space is situated on the banks of the Garonne. There’s a festive spirit here in the Pink City, so called because of the colour of the bricks used in all of its most notable buildings, including the Musee des Augustines, the Basilique SaintSernin and the magnificent Jacobin convent.

HOSTING: 16/9/23 Saturday, 30/9/23 Saturday, 30/9/23 Sunday, 7/10/23 Saturday, 8/10/23 Sunday,

CITY: Nice

The capital of the Cote d’aAzur, located in the French Riviera, between the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Alps.

VENUE: Stadium de Toulouse

Nicknamed little Wembley this stadium will once again witness the passion for rugby that is so strong in Toulouse. Capacity: 33,150.

VENUE: Stade de Nice

Nice’s new stadium is one of the most environmentally responsible in Europe. Capacity: 35,624.

HOSTING: 10/9/23 Sunday, 15/9/23 Friday, 23/9/23 Saturday, 28/10/23 Thursday, 8/10/23 Sunday.