Should we keep score in mini rugby? – Rugby World

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

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

RHODRY JAMES
Youth chair of Haywards Heath RFC

“THERE IS no higher view than a Sunday morning trying across the grounds and seeing lots of of youngsters 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 contemporary 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 is perhaps 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 youngsters will ask at half-time who’s successful. In the event that they’re doing effectively, you’ll be able to inform them the rating, albeit unofficially, however likewise for those who’re coping with a workforce not doing so effectively, you’ll be able to fudge it, provide encouragement and say it’s a draw and that they should hold 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 surroundings of the rugby membership. The ethos is correct by way of workforce 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 hold 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 try to if a workforce is successful by six, you’ll be able to 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 pageant in Hertfordshire just a few years in the past. We had come off the again of a really profitable pageant 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 thus lengthy. Even at that age, U10s, U11s, they need to win. But it surely’s not nearly successful, it’s about find out how to lose gracefully as effectively – it’s a life lesson. You’ve received to discover ways 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. Children need to play and exit and win.

“At 9 years previous after they begin studying extra technical stuff, they have to be rewarded. The enjoyable and enjoying along with your mates is a reward however not one you may get from successful. The younger ones will probably 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 try this gamers have to be rewarded and the reward is the win. I’ve seen video games known as off – if one workforce has scored ten tries you’ll be able to finish the sport. That’s positive however that’s additionally about sport administration forward of fixtures earlier than it will get that far.”

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

Obtain the digital version of Rugby World straight to your pill or subscribe to the print version to get the journal delivered to your door.

Observe Rugby World on Fb, Instagram and Twitter.