Coaching rugby is all about enjoyment, friendship, participation and the step-by-step development of both teams and individuals. Your contribution as a coach is vital to the continued growth of our game in the Thames Valley province and to ensure its long term future strength and wellbeing.

To assist in your development as a coach, Thames Valley Rugby Football Union (TVRFU) offers a range of NZRU recognised coaching courses and modules which are facilitated by TVRFU staff and resource coaches. These courses are designed to meet the specific developmental needs of the players and coaches at each level of the game.

 

Every year there are a number of compulsory coaching courses that ALL coaches need to attend to gain their accreditation for that particular year. This information is designed to assist you as a coach identify which courses you need to attend to continue to be involved in this wonderful game.

 

This is a series of introductory modules that emphasise creating an environment of skill-development and fun. User-friendly coach’s handbooks and coaching resources are issued free to all coaches who attend the course.

There are 3 Small Blacks grade levels

·         Beginning Rugby (for Rippa and 9^th Grade)

·         Learning Rugby (for 7^th and 8^th Grade)

·         Playing Rugby (for 5^th and 6^th Grade)

It is compulsory for all coaches and assistant coaches of youth teams within the Thames Valley Province to have an NZRU Small Blacks Accreditation applicable to the grade level they will be coaching every year. It is also recommended that Team Managers attend these as well so that at least 2 of the management team are accredited to cover any absences on match day.
To gain the required Small Blacks accreditation:

NEW coaches and assistant coaches must attend a

·         Coaching Small Blacks Module (‘Survival Guide’ – Theory)

·         Small Blacks Beginning Rugby, Learning Rugby or Playing Rugby Module (Practical)

ALL Small Blacks Coaches and assistant coaches must attend a

·         Small Blacks Beginning Rugby, Learning Rugby or Playing Rugby Module (practical) applicable to the grade they are coaching every year.

The Small Blacks Beginning Rugby, Learning Rugby or Playing Rugby Module (practical) is valid for only ONE year. The accreditation certifies a coach to coach a specific Small Blacks grade level and qualifies them with Rugby Smart Principles and Small Blacks Rugby Refereeing for that level during the validation period.

If a coach moves up or down a grade level, at any given time, they will be required to attend the Small Blacks Beginning Learning and Playing Rugby Module applicable to the new level they will be coaching. Similarly – if a coach coaches more then one team and each team is in a different grade level, the coach is required to attend a separate Small Blacks Beginning Learning and Playing Rugby Module for each grade level.

 

2.    Small Blacks Accreditation

Coaches who have attended and completed the requirements of the Small Balcks modules will be awarded a NZRU Small Black accreditation card.

3.     Small Black Module Outcomes

The modules cover topics that will give coaches the knowledge and skills required to coach at their particular level. At the conclusion of these modules coaches will be able to understand the role of an effective coach and the code of conduct that are expected in rugby, apply the principles of play to rugby as a method of understanding the game, plan and run an effective rugby practice, and understand the basic principles of refereeing a game of rugby.

 

For coaches who are coaching at 5^th grade and below – you will be qualified with Rugby Smart principles by attending a Small Blacks Beginning, Learning or Playing Rugby Module.

 

Concussion

Coaches need to get serious about the effects of concussion and head injuires and how to look after player welfare - Click on the link below to view a programme about the long term effects of concussion sustained in rugby. 

http://tvnz.co.nz/attitude/s2011-e27-video-4404760