Minis Parents FAQ
Note: This is a living document so please refer back frequently for any updates
Updated: 10th February 2022
What team should my child be playing with?
Minis teams are graded by year of birth. For 2021/22 season:
2015 and 2016: Under 7s (child must be 5 to play)
2014: Under 8s
2013: Under 9s
2012: Under 10s
2011: Under 11s
2010: Under 12s
What time does training start?
All training is Saturday mornings
Under 7s and 8s: 09:40
Under 9s and 10s: 10:00
Under 11s and 12s: 10:00
There will also be matches home or away so coaches will inform that week about details
What time do we need to arrive?
Arrive – Play – Leave
Please arrive 5/10 minutes before training, bring your child to the check-in area for each team, which will be clearly signed.
How long is training?
Coaches will inform of training length on the parents group for each team. Typically training will be no longer than 1.5 hours, depending on age group.
Do I need to register my child prior to Saturday morning?
Yes. For club registration, please see the MEMBERSHIP link on our website. We will need all players after the first few weeks but the club is very understanding and flexible if that is a problem. Please feel free to contact Patrick at minis@ballincolligrfc.ie if you need to discuss or chat to one of the coaches who will direct you to him
What gear does my child have to have/wear?
Gumshields: mandatory
Footwear: Runners or boots – boots not mandatory but more practical for slippery weather and matches
Clothing: Sports clothes but dress appropriately to weather – rugby is played a lot over winter and we will do our best to keep the kids moving but wrap up if cold weather. Coaches will inform if jerseys are needed for match days.
Do I need to bring a water bottle?
Yes. Your child, if needed, should bring an identifiable water bottle that only they can use. Ideally this has their name or is clearly identifiable.
Can my child wear runners instead of boots?
They certainly can, and many do for the younger grades. Obviously boots will be more appropriate to to avoid slipping during matches and training, even more so when the weather gets wetter
I would like to help out, Do you require parents help on a Saturday?
YES! For most of the coaches you’ll see coaching your kids, they all started out the same as you – parents on the sideline who are either former or current players or just have an interest in the sport. We have gone from strength to strength in our minis section over the last number of years in terms of kids coming along and enjoying the fun we provide. But we can only do it with people getting involved.
This year, more than any, with covid guidelines we need more and more people to help out with coaching, administration, covid officers, etc. Please just mention your interest to one of the coaches who will direct you to our minis coordinator or email minis@ballincolligrfc.ie
My child normally makes their own way to and from training, can this still happen or do you require a parent present?
For child welfare purposes, we require all minis players to be dropped and collected to training.
If I know my child will not be going to training as they are sick do I need to let you know?
Out of courtesy, we would ask you to inform the team admin coordinator directly. No need to inform the full parents group. This is not necessary though.
If my child feels unwell later in the day after training do I need to let you know?
Please refer to the Parents Guidelines on the COVID section of our website: http://ballincolligrfc.ie/covid-19/
“If a player becomes unwell after training, they should first contact their GP/HSE/NHS and then inform their club.”
In this case, please inform the admin coordinator for your team who will pass that information to the Club COVID Safety Officer in confidence
Will the toilets be open?
Yes. They are located beside the shop in the large building to the left of the clubhouse. Please follow the one-way system in place.
What can my child expect from playing rugby?
The ethos of our Minis Rugby programme is: Have Fun, Make Friends, Learn Rugby.
The main reasons kids play minis rugby is:
To have fun with friends
Be part of a team
Improve their skills
We aim to make sure every Saturday morning is as FUN as possible!