The Old Cricket Ground

Laverstoke Whitchurch

Hants

Overton Rugby Club is a limited company President Mr Dave Brewerton

Chairman Mr Roger Filbey, Secretary Mr Alan Cornell Treasurer Mr Colin Gordon,

Fourth Officer Mr Paul Cavanagh, Club Captain Mr Gavin Plows

OVERTON RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB OFFICIAL HANDBOOK

Find more information at www.overtonrugby.com

Contents

Introduction

History and Overview

Codes of Conduct

Policy Statements & Rules of ORFC

Location Details & Pitch Plan

Membership, Kit & Social

Child Welfare

Closing words

Welcome from Club Chairman Dear Members Welcome to a very unique club, where rugby is catered for from under 7-til at whenever your body says you should give up!! The clubs motto is “Grass Roots Rugby at its Best” and this is what we strive for. Overton Rugby Club has grown since its foundation in 1971 and now encompasses all minis age groups plus youth and adult teams. The minis take part in the annual Hampshire Cup competitions while the youth are entered in the appropriate leagues. The seniors play in the Hampshire League plus the National and Hampshire Cup competitions while the 2nd XV take part in the merit table. As well as the “everyday” rugby Overton regularly sends teams from all sections on tour. This, for a small club, is a great achievement. Every 2 years we hold an International Rugby Festoval attracting clubs from all over Europe. Like everything else in the club the festoval now caters for the youth and minis sections with tournaments. So come and enjoy this unique club, from a social aspect or from the playing side, you will be made most welcome. Yours in rugby Roger Filbey Chairman

Welcome from Youth Section Coordinator Dear Overton Rugby Members, Welcome to Overton Rugby and all it has to offer you. To those of you that have been members over the years, welcome back. To those of you that are new, let’s hope this will be a rewarding experience for you over the coming years, whether as a player, a parent or guardian of one or more youth players, or simply as a supporter of the wonderful sport of Rugby Union. Even if you have been a member of Overton Rugby, there may be aspects of it that you haven’t yet enjoyed. The youth section of the club is a fast growing part, with a lot of energy, enthusiasm and success. In 2007 we became only the seventh rugby club in Hampshire to be awarded the Seal of Approval by the game’s governing body. For a small club this put us up with the larger ones, and ahead of a lot of them, in demonstrating we operate a safe, effective and child-friendly club. Up until 2010 we will have to continue to show that we not only maintain these standards, but that we are implementing a development plan that will improve the club. This requires a lot of dedication, and it is testament to many of our members that they have shown the required dedication and enthusiasm. Of course there is always room for more helpers and volunteers as we go forward, and no matter how small your assistance may seem, it can be a rewarding experience, and will always be valued by the club. Coaching, cooking, team and kit management, social events, fund-raising; all these and more have to come together (often all at once between 10am and midday on Sundays when the young teams train and play games!) to make the club work. In the youth section our measure of success is simply that all our children, no matter what their age or ability, have the opportunity to play and enjoy rugby, and that everyone associated with this enjoys the experience too! So, take in the wonderful surroundings of Overton Rugby, and embrace what goes on here. Clubs from Hampshire, Berkshire, and Surrey and beyond come here knowing we are a small club, but also knowing that we play in a beautiful part of Hampshire, with a passion for what we do, and that we are always welcoming of our visitors. Be proud of your membership of Overton Rugby and bring your friends and family along. Enjoy the experience with them to the fullest. Best wishes for the new season. Peter Barratt Minis Section Coordinator

The History of ORFC Overton Rugby Football Club (ORFC) was founded in 1971 by the Rev. Ted Evans as a way of keeping the youth of Overton interested in sport. A landowner loaned a local water meadow for a pitch, and changing facilities were provided in a sports pavilion. From there the club grew and after a few years, and with the help of Overton Recreation Centre, changing facilities were built.

Initially the club attracted players from the village and surrounding area, however, the more successful Overton Rugby became, the larger surrounding area it members came from. This in turn placed greater stain on the shared facility, especially as by the early 90’s we were attempting to expand the club with the development of a mini and women’s section. In the late 90’s Laverstoke Park was acquired by the club, which, with the increased land and basic facilities has allowed us to realise some of our earlier goals. We currently run two senior sides and an occasional or vets team. We also boast a very successful Minis and junior section with players aged 6 -16. The coaching at the club has also lead to the club having 7 county representative players of which four have been selected for the London Irish (Bronze Academy) & Club Hampshire elite player development program and one being selected for the London Irish Silver Academy.

What Happens – ORFC Men’s Section

• Overton Rugby Club started in 1970 with a Men’s team. Today it runs and first and second teams who play in Hampshire Divisions 2 and Merit League 3 respectively, and is proud to be one of the few clubs in Hampshire to have achieved the RFU Seal of Approval and Sport England Accreditation.

• Training takes place from 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Tuesday evenings at Laverstoke under the guidance of

our Director of Rugby and RFU qualified coaches. Out of season, between May and July, training sessions take the form of fitness circuit training to maintain fitness over the summer months. Players of age 17 or over are welcome to attend and play, whether you intend to play matches or just want to get fit.

• Whether your ambitions are to play competitive league rugby or you are more of a social player/drinker,

whether you are a seasoned campaigner or a complete beginner, the club has a place for all abilities and age ranges.

• Each team has a Captain and a Manager who along with the Club Captain and Director of Rugby, select

players for both teams. Most players who want to play can guarantee to get some game time.

• Information on fixtures and location of away fixtures and timings is relayed by the team coaches and managers, and is also on the ORFC website (www.overtonrugby.com).

• The club provides rugby shirts for matches and our playing/training clothing and accessories are available

from our club “Kit n’ Klobber” shop.

• As a playing member at the club you will be entitled to apply for tickets to Twickenham International games, although the numbers of tickets available are limited.

• Throughout the year the club has various and regular social events culminating in our famous bi-annual

Easter “International Rugby Festoval”. Touring sides from all over Europe and Eastern Europe have played during this tournament and many friendships have been forged.

• Also, the club’s now renowned and infamous “Camel Corps” will undertake a rugby tour, a minimum of

every two years. This is an experience not to miss.

• Our motto at Overton Rugby Club is “Grass Roots Rugby at its Best”. We are a fully inclusive, friendly club renowned for our warm welcome and social spirit. Why not come and give us a try?

What Happens – ORFC Youth Section

• Overton Rugby Club has had a Youth Section since 1993 meeting on Sunday mornings from the beginning of September to the end of April and we welcome all ages and abilities from 5 to 15.

• Training takes place from 10am to 12 noon, although times may change to accommodate away fixtures,

visiting teams and tournaments. Players are advised to be present from 9:45am so that training sessions can start promptly.

• Information on fixtures and location of away fixtures and timings is re-laid by the team managers and

coaches by email, and is also on the website (www.overtonrugby.com).

• Rugby “Taster” days are arranged to introduce the game to potential new recruits, and children are encouraged to come along to one or two training sessions before joining the club. However, membership must be in place before the children play any matches for insurance reasons.

• It is a regulation of the club that all children are registered with their group coach on arrival for training and

that a parent/guardian or allocated adult remain with the child during the session. First aid equipment is kept in the clubhouse and trained first aiders are on site.

• Clothing and equipment: Children need to be dressed appropriately for the weather conditions as training

continues in all weathers. It is suggested that children come to training with a hat and gloves, and that a dry towel is also brought. Suitable footwear is vital although not necessarily boots (please ask your age group coach for advice on this). Mouth guards are compulsory for ages from Under 9 to Under 16 and these can be fitted and purchased at the club on the first day of training/registration. The “Kit & Klobber” shop will be open every Sunday when playing at home, with new and used club clothing available to purchase.

What Happens – Sparkling Rugby Overton Rugby Club runs the Sparkling Rugby programme that had previously been delivered by Hampshire Constabulary for 13 years when our Club Chairman, Roger Filbey, was the Police School Liaison Officer. He has now retired from Policing but continues to have an interest in continuing the coaching of Tag Rugby in local schools to the benefit of the wider community and to promote the sport we love as part of the Club’s social responsibility strategy. It is an Overton Rugby Club Community initiative, supported and sponsored by Basingstoke Division of Hampshire Constabulary and the Basingstoke School Sports Partnership. It delivers Tag Rugby coaching to primary school children aged between 8 & 11 (with special needs from 7 to 18 year olds) and provides a platform to deliver a safety message to help prevent these children becoming victims of crime. The Sparkling Rugby tournament winners go on to participate in the Child Victims of Crime Charity sponsored Tag Rugby tournament run in association with the RFU. ORFC administers and delivers coaching to primary schools as part of its community development responsibilities. This is offered to able bodied and special needs children alike. Additionally, we have worked with and engaged the voluntary services of the Police, Police Community Support Officers and Council Wardens some of who are now able to work alongside Roger with the delivery of TAG Rugby coaching (we’ve helped them to obtain the requisite RFU coaching qualification where required) and they also deliver “Tackle Safe” which is a child safety message offering practical advice to reduce the risk of these kids becoming victims of crime. The Basingstoke & Deane School Sports Partnership is funded by central government with a brief to encourage schools to get children active through sport participation beyond the standard curriculum in order to help improve the nation’s health. There is a significant overlap between the sports partnership and the Sparkling Rugby initiative both in terms of encouraging school children to participate in sport but also in our mutual aspirations for improving each child’s health, self-confidence and social skills. These, we believe, come with playing Rugby. We are aiming to become their recognised provider of Tag Rugby for Primary school children and secure long term funding from the partnership. In 2008 we ran sessions in 32 out of 46 primary schools within the Basingstoke and Deane Borough catchment area with an additional 8 schemes run by PCSO’s. This has benefited 1478 children, mostly within normal school time. 4 of these schools are classified as special needs and we have engaged with over 140 children in these 4 schools. The girls and boys are aged between 8 and 11 years old in mainstream schools and 7 to 18 in Special needs schools. Our annual TAG competition held on 5th June 2008 saw 28 schools and circa 280 children visit us to compete against each other in the Year 5/6 age groups. Paul Cavanagh Sparkling Rugby

Overton Rugby Club – Equity Policy Statement

At Overton Rugby Club we are committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of our development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equity: Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society. The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status. The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse. All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity. Overton Rugby club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures.

Club Rules It is expected that you abide by the following rules of the club:

All members must play within the rules (www.rfu.com) and respect officials and their decisions. All members must respect their opponents. All members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their team coach or manager if they are going to be late. All members must wear suitable and safe kit – for training and matches, to be agreed with team coach. All members must pay fees promptly. Youth members are not allowed to smoke, to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.

Codes of Conduct On these pages you will find the codes by which Overton Rugby hope to develop the right attitude to Rugby in their members. The idea of Fair Play should be a constant reference point for everyone involved in the club. Player’s Code 1. Play because you want to play, not just to please your parents or coach. 2. Remember, as well as enjoyment, the aims of the game are to improve your skills and feel good. 3. Be willing and enthusiastic at all training sessions. 4. Don’t lose your cool. Verbal or physical abuse of teammates, opponents or match officials is not cool and not acceptable. 5. Keep trying - even when it seems hopeless. “You’ll never know, if you don’t have a go”. 6. Be a good sport. Acknowledge good play, whether by your team or by your opponent’s team. 7. Play by the rules of the game and accept without question the referee’s decision on all matters. Coach’s Code 1. Provide coaching at a level which matches the young player’s age and ability, as well as their physical and mental development. 2. Teach our players that the rules of the game are mutual agreements, which no one should break. 3. Ensure good supervision of young players both on and off the field 4. Avoid over playing the talented players. The “just average” need and deserve equal time. 5. Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at the players for making mistakes or losing a competition. 6. Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches. 7. Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players, both during coaching sessions and competitive games.

Referee’s Code 1. Behave at all times in a manner becoming to your responsibility. 2. Know the rules and regulations and apply them to match the skill level of the players. 3. Vary the tone of your whistle to seek control with enjoyment rather than dominate with ill humor. 4. Play an advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow. 5. Ensure you are fit to keep up with the play, to enable you to be in the right place, at the right time, to make the right decision. 6. Explain your decisions; be consistent, objective and courteous. 7. Penalise deliberate foul play as being unsportsmanlike, thus retaining the players’ respect for fair play. 8. Complement players on good play whenever praise is deserved. Always complement both teams at the end of the match. 9. Keep yourself informed of all rule changes affecting rugby at the level you officiate. Administrator’s Code 1. Encourage an environment within the club whereby the opportunity to play rugby is offered to all children. 2. Promote the concept of fair play, respect and enjoyment. Discourage the “win at all costs” mentality. 3. Recognise that the club has a “Duty of Care” toward all young players. 4. Provide coaches with the opportunity to achieve governing body qualifications. 5. Ensure that equipment and facilities are available for, and appropriate to, the requirements of the coaches and the needs of the young players. 6. Ensure that all young players are registered as players with the RFU. 7. Ensure that the club provides responsible supervision for registered young players. 8. Ensure matches are officiated by suitable, and preferably qualified, referees. 9. Ensure appropriate medical and first aid provision is always available. 10. Promote links with the local community, particularly the schools. 11. Ensure that the club community is aware of, and abides by the policies and procedures outlined in the RFU Child Protection Guidance Booklet. Parent’s Code 1. Recognise that children play rugby for their own fun and enjoyment, not that of their parents. 2. Foster enthusiastic participation; do not force an unwilling child to participate in rugby. 3. Focus on a child’s effort rather than winning or losing. 4. Be realistic about your child’s ability, do not push them toward a level that they are not capable of achieving. 5. Acknowledge the value and importance of volunteer coaches and referees. 6. Parents of Under 7s should where possible remain at the club ground during training sessions. 7. Siblings, which are not registered players, remain the responsibility of the parent whilst at the club’s ground. Parent’s and Spectator’s Code 1. Emphasize respect for referees by not publicly questioning the referee’s honesty or decision-making. 2. Try not to shout continually and “at” the children. Shout encouragement for the team when they need it. 3. Encourage a child who has made a mistake during a game, never ridicule. 4. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team, children learn best by example. 5. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as winning so that defeat is accepted without disappointment. 6. Condemn bad behaviour and bad language. 7. Don’t lose your cool. Verbal or physical abuse of team players, opponents or match officials is not acceptable. 8. Remember, “It’s only a game”. 8. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and principles of growth and development of children.

Issues & Complaint Procedure 1. Issue/Complaint taken-up with team manger. STAGE 1 Issue / Complaint either resolved at the team level or escalated. If no solution forthcoming, issue/complaint goes to formal process. STAGE 2 Issue / Complaint enters formal review by a Complaints Team. Formal Issue / Complaint Procedure 2. Introduction This procedure covers dealing with all issues or complaints that are not Child Protection (Minis) or Disciplinary (Men) in nature. 3. Issue/Complaints Team The complaints team will comprise a panel of three members two of these three members will be elected officers of the club:

Men Minis Notes 1 Club Chairman Club Chairman or Club Secretary 2 Club Secretary Minis Committee representative 3 Club Captain or nominee Parent or nominee Parent or nominee

from another team. 4. Issue/Complaint Meeting A meeting of the complaints team and the complainer will take place on an on-the-record basis. There will be written notice of time and venue for the meeting, and written record of the issue / complaint and any agreed actions. 5. Agenda The agenda for the Issue / Complaint meeting will be as follows:

• The complainer to outline their complaint. • This should be followed by a discussion on how best to resolve the problem between the complaints team

and the complainer. • Agreement and documentation of solution or action.

6. Unresolved Issue /Complaint In the exceptional circumstance that an issue/complaint is not resolved, the complainer can ask for a review by the Club President and two officers who have not been involved in the process.

Location Details

To find ORFC, head onto the B3400 towards Laverstoke from either Whitchurch or Overton, from Whitchurch, shortly after leaving the town on London Road you will see a wooden rabbit on a right hand bend (you have just passed the Watership Down Public House), from there the second left takes you into Watch Lane from where signs will guide you to our club house. From Overton, shortly after a hump-backed bridge, you will see a row of elegant thatched cottages on your right after which you will see a sign pointing right up Watch Lane to bring you to ORFC.

ORFC Odd Ball Lane

Laverstoke (Near Whitchurch) Hampshire RG28 7NU

Pitch Site Plan

Contact Details

Visit the website www.overtonrugby.com for information on key personnel.

Membership Details Membership Category - Application forms can be downloaded from the website where current membership fees are displayed www.overtonrugby.com. Senior Player Senior Non Player Youth Player First Child Youth Player Second & Subsequent Child Associate Family Membership (2 Social Adults up to 3 playing children) Sports Membership (1 Adult playing, 1 social and up to 3 children) Life Member

Kit and Clobber (The Official ORFC Club Shop) Core items are always available from the clubhouse on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday training and home match sessions. These include training shirts, socks and shorts in club colours.

Social Events & Overton RFC in the Community

ORFC run a serious of Social and Fund Raising events throughout the year to which all are very welcome. Information is posted on the website. www.overtonrugby.com. Alternate year’s the club hosts an international festoval at Overton holding Senior, Youth and Minis tournaments as part of the 3 day Easter extravaganza. Tours are organized for both senior and mini squads.

The ORFC Child Welfare Policy (Supported by the RFU)

Policy and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union

At Overton Rugby Club we believe we have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that, when given responsibility for young people, coaches and volunteers provide them with the highest possible standard of care. Through the implementation of a policy for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby, and the support of its coaches and volunteers, the RFU/RFUW alongside a growing number of governing bodies, will maintain the professionalism and safeguards of good practice which are associated with the game. Our policy outlines the following key areas:

1. We the club recognises the responsibility of all those involved within ORFC to safeguard and promote the interests and well being of the children and young players with whom they are working;

2. We actively promote the value of working closely in partnership with other coaches, parents, professionals

and volunteers to protect children and young players from harm and discrimination; 3. We acknowledge that abuse does take place in sport and that raising awareness and understanding of the

main forms of abuse and establishing communication and reporting procedures if abuse is suspected will further safeguard the young players, coaches and all others working within the game.

4. The members of the club recognise that they have a responsibility:

• To safeguard and promote the interests and well being of young people with whom they are working.

• To ensure that all adults who work with young people are aware of their role and responsibilities and that training opportunities are made available to them.

• To take all reasonable practical steps to protect young people from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment.

• To respect young peoples’ rights, reasonable wishes and feelings. • To take all reasonable steps to ensure that individuals involved in the game are aware of

situations which may compromise their responsibility or position

Procedures laid down in this policy will: • Offer safeguards to the young people with whom we work, and to our members of staff and

volunteer coaches and club members. • Help to maintain the professionalism and the safeguards of good practice which are associated

with the RFU/RFUW.

We at the club recognise that any procedure is only as effective as the ability and skill of those who operate it. The club are therefore committed to the effective recruitment, and appropriate training for all our coaches, volunteers and club members. This will enable them to work together with parents/carers and other organisations to ensure that the needs and the welfare of young people remain paramount. Procedural Framework The practices and procedures within this policy are based on the principles contained within the RFU & WRFU policy and procedures for the welfare of young people in rugby union Key Principles

• Anyone under the age of 18 should be considered as a young person for the purposes of this document. The welfare of all young people is paramount.

• All young people, whatever their age, gender, culture, ability, language, religious beliefs, racial origin, and/or sexual identity should be able to enjoy the game in a fun environment, safe from abuse of any kind.

• All adults at the club who serve as coaches, officials, committee members and volunteers will undergo the relevant procedural checks by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), and will have to have been given approval. These records shall be maintained up to date at all times.

• It is the responsibility of child protection experts to determine whether abuse has taken place, but it is everyone’s responsibility within rugby union to report concerns.

• All suspicions and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. • The club will provide the appropriate documentation, training and support to ensure that they are able to

implement current RFU/RFUW policy. • Individuals working with young people will be made aware of good practice in order to ensure that they are

not placed in situations where allegations could be made. • Working in partnership with parents/carers is essential for the protection of young people. • The club recognises the statutory responsibilities of Social Services departments and the police to ensure

the welfare of young people and is committed to complying with Local Area Child Protection Committee procedures.

A Few Closing Words

Before, during and after my Presidential season I was privileged to be invited to many clubs throughout the length and breadth of England. It was no surprise to me that there were a great many similarities between them – a great affection for rugby union football and the enjoyment in being part of it, a driving commitment to the Game whether as a player, match official, coach or one of the many other administrative roles that are necessary for all clubs to exist and thrive - and of course that special sense of humour that is peculiar to all rugby folk. Having said all that, the truth is also an anomaly - that whilst rugby clubs are very similar they are also unique, each in their own way. So it is with Overton RFC. Since their Founding in 1971 they have been mildly nomadic with regard to clubhouse and ground location but are now established deep in the Hampshire countryside along a drive that is well worth traversing in order to reach a gem of a setting for any rugby club. Overton RFC enhances the sporting community in their locale not just for adults but also for the young boys and girls who flock to the club for mini and junior rugby activities that are overseen by qualified, responsible and CRB approved adults, many of them parents of the children. In 2007 I proudly presented the Club with the RFU Seal of Approval which is a mark of quality for those rugby clubs that attain a standard of excellence as judged by the National Governing Body of the game in England, The Rugby Football Union. Overton RFC is a safe environment in which children may learn about rugby union football, its skills, sportsmanship and the traditions of the Game for which all rugby men and women are justifiably proud and which is admired and respected by everyone. Every other season an international tournament is held at the ground during the Easter period, the Overton Rugby Festoval. Teams from all over Europe are invited to take part in friendly competitive events that truly represent the ‘Spirit of the Game’. This event is rapidly becoming a fixture in the diary of international rugby clubs who play the game at a similar ‘grass roots’ level. It is well organised by the club and is always successful and a universally enjoyable few days of rugby. Overton RFC is not a club that is content to merely exist. They are always seeking to improve what they have. Over the last few years they have been striving to create a new clubhouse and changing accommodation. With the ongoing support of the owner of their ground, former World Formula 1 Motor Racing champion Jodi Scheckter, and the Rugby Football Foundation, the Club is putting together a financial plan to commence this great undertaking. The design is already in place. It is a personal privilege to be an Honorary Vice President of a small club that has achieved and continues to achieve so much for rugby union football. LeRoy Angel, RFU President 2005/06 14th July 2008