It’s an enormous query: Ought to we maintain rating in mini rugby?

So we requested two figures with expertise of the youth recreation to present us their views on this scorching matter.

RHODRI JAMES
Youth chair of Haywards Heath RFC

“THERE IS no higher view than a Sunday morning trying across the grounds and seeing a whole lot of children enjoying rugby. Minis-wise, we’ve received about 450 children and a few are extra aspirational than others; a few of the very younger ones simply benefit from the recent air. The actual fact we don’t compete, in a classical sense, doesn’t put them off. Everybody has of their thoughts what the rating is.

“I perceive the RFU’s stance within the sense there aren’t any winners and losers and everybody will get a medal. The participant who’s common now may be a world beater in 5 years’ time and vice versa. Within the very younger age teams, one individual can actually make a distinction.

“Everybody scores and children will ask at half-time who’s successful. In the event that they’re doing effectively, you possibly can inform them the rating, albeit unofficially, however likewise when you’re coping with a staff not doing so effectively, you possibly can fudge it, provide encouragement and say it’s a draw and that they should maintain going and simply get pleasure from it.

“We encourage the girls and boys to be themselves. Gamers can get pleasure from the entire expertise within the protected atmosphere of the rugby membership. The ethos is true by way of staff spirit and everyone seems to be in bar afterwards for a glass of squash.

“The RFU stance is black and white however the mother and father maintain rating if their children are successful! When it will get to the primary yr of junior rugby, 12s and 13s, it’s one level per attempt to if a staff is successful by six, you possibly can name a halt to the sport to cease it getting too one-sided.”

ENGE GRAY
Former minis coach at Bishop’s Stortford RFC

“THE FIRST time we encountered the non-scoring system was at a county competition in Hertfordshire a couple of years in the past. We had come off the again of a really profitable competition in Chelmsford the place we had each groups within the last.

“We solely discovered within the morning that they weren’t going to be counting scores on the video games. The boys have been like ‘What? What’s happening right here?’ And it actually took the wind out of their sails as a result of they’d been enjoying to win for therefore lengthy. Even at that age, U10s, U11s, they need to win. However it’s not nearly successful, it’s about find out how to lose gracefully as effectively – it’s a life lesson. You’ve received to learn to lose and win.

“I can see why they ‘play for enjoyable’ at U6s and U7s as they’re simply getting to carry a ball and run about, however not scoring till the age of 11 is a bit late. Youngsters need to play and exit and win.

“At 9 years outdated after they begin studying extra technical stuff, they have to be rewarded. The enjoyable and enjoying together with your mates is a reward however not one you will get from successful. The younger ones shall be senior groups at their membership and considering, ‘Hold on, in the event that they’re successful issues, why can’t we?’

“At a really younger age they need to retain gamers however if you wish to do this gamers should be rewarded and the reward is the win. I’ve seen video games referred to as off – if one staff has scored ten tries you possibly can finish the sport. That’s positive however that’s additionally about recreation administration forward of fixtures earlier than it will get that far.”

What do you assume – Ought to we maintain rating in mini rugby? Tell us at rugbyworldletters@futurenet.com or on social media.

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