What is Mini Rugby

How do you play it and who can play

Age

Mini rugby teams are selected by age with a child’s primary class number deciding what team the play for. As example a child in primary six at school will probably play for the P6 team.

Children under P3 have their own training which emphasises fun and fitness as much as Rugby. From P4-P7 each year group trains separately, with their own coaches and equipment.

Who can play rugby?

Many people believe all Rugby player are huge men, which is in fact is not the case. Mini Rugby has a place for every type of child, be they tall or short, skinny or solid, boy or girl. Whatever your build there is a position in rugby just for you. By the nature of the game Rugby asks players to take on specialist roles within the team, particularly in later years. Certain body shapes are particularly suited to particular positions. For example, forwards tend to be solid and strong. Backs on the other hand are generally agile and fast. Scrumhalves are often small and wiry.

In short, Rugby has a position just for you no matter what size and shape you are, heavy or light, tall or short, girl or boy we want you all.

Can girls play?

They most certainly can! Girls and boys play Mini Rugby as equals in mixed teams. Girls are given no special treatment. Nor at this age do they need it. The physical differences between the sexes is irrelevant at Mini Rugby ages and girls have proved that they are valuable members of the team and are well able to compete with boys on equal terms. While a game of Rugby may not be every girls idea of fun some love it. We have several girls who play for us, with most squads having at least one girl on their team. We also regularly play teams with one or more girl in them. Whether playing for or against Dalziel girls are respected and valued in Mini Rugby by both coaches and players.

Mini Rugby players do not usually change at the club but are brought “Pre-stripped” by parent. There are separate Male and Female toilet facilities at Dalziel Park.

What to wear and bring

You need a long sleeved sweat or Rugby shirt with a T shirt (two if its cold) underneath. Tracksuit bottoms are good for training. Football or Rugby boots are best but trainers are fine for the first few weeks. Also bring a waterproof and warm coat that’s easy to get on and off.

It’s best not to wear your favourite sports gear, as it’s liable to get ruined. And if you assume players will be soaked to the skin by the end of training you’ll be right more than wrong. Always bring a change of clothes.

Parents should also wrap up, as they probably won’t want to run around to stay warm.

In Mini Rugby football boots are every bit as good as rugby boots and usually about half the price. As a result most of Dalziels Dragons wear football boots.

Boots with studs must not be worn inside the Dragons Den.

Players should come pre-stripped and ready to play. Changing facilities are not available.

Bad weather may mean that we are unable to train on the grass and at times like these we move over to the Astroturf area to train. It is important therefore that players have both trainers and boots in case we are on the Astroturf.

Water is usually available at training and during matches but you may wish to bring a non fizzy drink for players.

Gum shields

Dalziel Dragons strongly recommend that all players should wear a gum shield in all situations where contact may occur during matches and training.

Gum shields cost under £10 from most of the sports superstores and are effective at protecting teeth.

Always get the child’s/youths size gum shield and follow the instructions how to mould it to fit your child’s teeth. It may take some time for your child to get used to the feel of the shield in their mouth but we would ask all parents to make them persist with it. Given time players will become comfortable with gum shields  and they can make the difference between having a smile, or not.

Don’t worry about buying any special rugby kit if you are thinking about trying the game. To start with a club strip and even boots aren’t essential but as soon as your child decides they want to try tackling and getting involved in the contact parts in training they should have a gum shield in place.

Some clubs will not allow a child to play at their club without a gum shield.

Safety Clothing

It is open to debate how much “real” protection is offered by much of the safety equipment on sale today. A scrum cap may stop head cuts and offer a small amount of impact protection but the usefulness of other items like shoulder pads causes much debate within the sport. Most do no harm, may provide a degree of protection and kids, of all ages, do enjoy dressing up in them.