Saturday 20th April 2019

Portobello travel to Livingston’s Almond Park for penultimate league match of season,

Well that’s us turning the corner into the second half of this season’s league campaign and no knowledge of what might be ahead for next season – but enough to know that we should aim to get as high in the league as possibble.

So we go to Wardie tomorrow (ko 2.00pm) – hopefully no frost and the snow etc forecast doesn’t feature until later in the day with the following squad.
Selection:15. Michael Moyes; 14; Rob Ritchie; 13 Eddie Robb; 12 Chris Britee-Steer (Captain); 11 Ali Bain; 10 Peter Kinsley; 9 Fraser Mackay     1 Euan Gibson; 2 Donald Burn; 3 Arran Morrison; 4 Darren Roe; 5 Matt Wilson; 6 Sean Kneeshaw; 7 Gabriel Harvey; 8 Conor Dempsey
Replacements: 16 Andy Glass; 17 Cameron Walker; 18 Euan Martin; 19 Stuart McBain
We have no Reserve fixture tomorrow – it would be good to see everyone along in support of the Club – a good performance and win before Christmas would be a great boost – and reward for the effort put in at training, particularly over the last week.
Also, after the Broughton match, the players have Santasia, starting at the Club and ending somewhere – maybe the Club, who knows.  

Then – training next week – Tuesday at Peffermill 7pm as usual and Thursday 7pm at Portobello High School. We haven’t arranged anything for the Thursdays of Christmas and New Year weeks but we aim to train on Portobello Beach on Saturday 22nd and 29th December.  Times will be confirmed.
The Ross High match is still scheduled for 5th Jan and I still await confirmation of postponement (Duddingston is closed) – I will confirm as soon as possible.

PORTOBELLO FP RFC CODE OF CONDUCT This document outlines Portobello FP RFC’s commitment to promoting appropriate levels of conduct throughout the Club

SCOTTISHRUGBY CODEOF CONDUCT (adopted by Portobello FP RFC)

Introduction

This Code of Conduct is the “World Rugby Code of Conduct”, amended only in so far as is necessary to

apply to the game in Scotland. Scottish Rugby is obliged to adopt the World Rugby Code and to ensure

it is observed by all those who participate in the game within its jurisdiction.

The Code

Scottish Rugby’s Code of Conduct shall apply in respect of all clubs, schools, teams, players, coaches, match officials and other persons connected in any way with the game in Scotland.

All such persons:-

(1) must ensure that the game is played and conducted in accordance with disciplined and sporting behaviour and acknowledge that it is not sufficient to rely solely upon the match officials to maintain those principles;

(2) shall co-operate in ensuring that the spirit of the Laws of the Game is upheld and refrain from selecting players guilty of foul play;

(3) shall not repeatedly breach the Laws of the Game;

(4) shall accept and observe the authority and decisions of the match officials and all rugby disciplinary bodies;

(5) shall not publish or cause to be published criticism of the manner in which a match official handled a match;

(6) shall not publish or cause to be published criticism of

the manner in which World Rugby, Scottish Rugby or any disciplinary body handled or resolved any dispute or disciplinary matter resulting from a breach of the World Rugby Bye-Laws, the Laws of the Game, World Rugby’s

Regulations Relating to the Game, Scottish Rugby’s National Competition Rules or any other Scottish Rugby Bye-Law, rule, policy or process;

(7) shall not engage in any conduct or any activity on or off the field that may impair public confidence in the honest and orderly conduct of a match, tour, tournament or series of matches (including, but not limited to, the supply of information in relation to the game, directly or indirectly, to bookmakers or to persons who may use such information to their advantage) or in the integrity and good character of any person;

(8) shall not commit a breach of World Rugby Regulation 6 (Wagering);

(9) shall promote the reputation of the game and take all possible steps to prevent it from being brought into disrepute;

(10) shall not commit a doping offence as defined in World Rugby Regulation 21 (Anti-Doping);

(11) shall not abuse, threaten or intimidate any match official, whether on or off the field of play; Scottish Rugby Code of Conduct for the Game (Season2018-19)

(12) shall not use crude, foul or abusive language or gestures towards a match official or spectator;

(13) shall not do anything which is likely to intimidate, offend, insult, humiliate or discriminate against any person on the ground of their religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, colour or national or ethnic origin;

(14) shall not do anything which adversely affects the game of Rugby, Scottish Rugby, any member club or other Union of World Rugby or any commercial partner of the game in Scotland.

(15) shall abide by all other rules, regulations, codes of conduct and policies issued by the Scottish Rugby including inter alia Scottish Rugby’s Child Protection Policy and Concussion Policy

.

Each club, player, coach, match official and other person connected in any way with the game in Scotland shall be under an obligation to comply with this Code of Conduct.

Breaches of the Code of Conduct shall constitute acts of Misconduct under Scottish Rugby’s Disciplinary Rules

.

In further context for extended adoption throughout Portobello FP RFC and Portobello Rugby

CODE OF CONDUCT
THE PURPOSE OF THESE CODES
These codes are written for players, coaches, match officials, parents and spectators. They are designed to ensure that all adults involved with the Portobello FP RFC appreciate their role and responsibilities and understand the behaviour expected in Senior, Youth and Mini rugby. The Club wishes players to find enjoyment in their sport and fulfilment of their aspirations in the safe and positive environment which these codes seek to foster.

1. THE GOOD PLAYER’S CODE
AS A PLAYER YOU SHOULD:
Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parents.
Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
Be focussed and attentive at all training and coaching sessions.
Work as hard for your team as for yourself – both will then benefit.
Be a sportsman – win or lose – and recognise good play by all players on both teams
Play to the IRB Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees decisions.
Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, or match officials is unacceptable.
Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not abuse, bully or take advantage of any player.
AS A PLAYER YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO:
Recognise and appreciate the efforts of coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing the opportunity for you to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to your team, team mates and adults who contribute to it.
Recognise that every other player is entitled to play in a safe and abuse-free rugby environment. 
Understand that if any individual or group of young players is not being treated acceptably, then you have a right to tell an adult either at the Club or outside of the game.

2. THE GOOD COACHES CODE 

Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand.
Recognise especially that young players should never be exposed to unacceptable risk of injury, nor allowed to train or play when injured nor to face extremes of heat or cold.
Ensure safe and proper supervision of all players, on and off the field.
Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of players education in lifestyle management.
Recognise that it is illegal for players under 18 to drink alcohol or for those under 16 to smoke. By your conduct and example, actively discourage both. 
Ensure that your knowledge and coaching techniques are up to date and in line with current trends. Avoid overplaying any player; use a squad system to give every player satisfactory playing time.
Be aware of, and abide by, the policies and procedures which the Club require for Child Protection, the Safety of Young People in Rugby and for young players tours.
AS A COACH YOU SHOULD:
Recognise when coaching the importance of enjoyment for young players and treat all fairly.
Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.
Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
Be a positive role model, encourage young players to behave in all circumstances with dignity and in accordance with the laws and to keep winning and losing in perspective. 
Respect referees and their decisions; ensure your players recognise that they must do the same.
Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner, to all young players in both coaching sessions and games.

3. THE GOOD MATCH OFFICIALS CODE 
AS A MATCH OFFICIAL YOU SHOULD:
Recognise that the safety of players is paramount; before starting play check that the home team has provided a qualified first aider, ambulance access has not been obstructed and that appropriate equipment is available along with someone trained in its use.
Check before training sessions and matches that studs and other clothing are in accordance with the World Rugby Laws of the Game.
Be aware of, and abide by, the Club’s Child Protection and Safety of Young Players policies and procedures.
Officiate to the rules of the Rugby and keep yourself updated on rule updates and amendments.. 
Be a positive role model; be consistent and objective and always penalise foul play.
Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
Explain decisions – young players are still learning and spectators will understand the game better.
Be familiar with the Good Spectators Code and ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with appropriately.
Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players, appreciating their needs before those of the sport.
Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games, emphasising the spirit of the game.
Understand the physical and behavioural development of players and show empathy for the age and ability of players.
Look to self-improvement through participation in training courses.

4. THE GOOD PARENTS CODE
AS A PARENT, GUARDIAN or CARER YOU SHOULD:
Recognise that the safety of players is paramount. 
Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents and they learn much, both good and bad, by example.
Encourage but do not force young people to play. Focus on their efforts and be realistic about their abilities; do not push them beyond the level they can achieve.
Respect match officials and encourage young players to do so. 
Provide positive support at training and during games; show appreciation of good play by players from every team.
Stay positive: negative messages adversely affect the performance and attitude of players, officials and coaches. 
Support the Club’s efforts to rid the game of unacceptable, abusive and violent behaviour.
AS A PARENT, GUARDIAN or CARER YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO:
Be familiar with the coaching and training programme so that you can ensure that your child is fully involved and that coaches are aware of your child’s availability.
Understand with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the sessions in which your child participates.
Be aware that the Club has a duty of care and therefore, where appropriate, assist with the supervision of sessions, particularly where numbers are large or where players need transport to away games.
Be involved with Club activities and share your time and expertise.
Share concerns, if you have them, with Club officials.
Be familiar with the Good Coaches Code and support coaches in instilling the virtues it advocates.

5. THE GOOD SPECTATORS CODE
AS A SPECTATOR YOU SHOULD:
Remember people play rugby for their enjoyment not yours.
Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all players of all teams.
Respect match officials decisions. Remember these volunteers provide the opportunity for all to play rugby.
Acknowledge effort and performance rather than the win at all costs ethic; never ridicule any player on any team and verbally encourage all players, irrespective of ability, in a positive way when supporting your team. 
Never verbally abuse players, especially young players, match officials, other spectators or coaches. Such behaviour creates a negative environment for players and presents an unacceptable example for them.
AS A SPECTATOR YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO:
Act as a positive role model to all young players, showing respect for your Club and for the game in your behaviour as a spectator.
Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection and Safety of Young Players guidance in relation to abuse of all kinds.

6. CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING VULNERABLE PEOPLE
ALL ADULTS WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PLAYERS IN A RUGBY ENVIRONMENT MUST:
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person with whom they work and treat them equally in the rugby context.
Place their physical and emotional well-being above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
Ensure the relationship that a rugby coach develops with them is based on mutual trust and respect.
Ensure that all activities are appropriate to the age, maturity, experience and ability of young players.
Encourage them to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.
Clarify with the young players (and their parents/guardians) what is expected of them both on and off the rugby field and also what they are entitled to expect from the coach.
Work in partnership with others within the game (officials, doctors, physiotherapists, sports therapists) to ensure the well-being, safety and enjoyment of all young players.
Promote positive aspects of the sport such as fair play. Violations of the Laws of the Game, behaviour contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant regulations and the use of prohibited techniques or substances must never be condoned.

Changes to the WADA Prohibited List

The World Anti-Doping Agency has announced updates to the WADA Prohibited List for 2019. The new List comes into effect on 1 January.

To see the new Prohibited List, and a UK Anti-Doping’s summary of what’s new for 2019, follow this link: http://www.scottishrugby.org/anti-doping

Porty kicked off on a very soft pitch and shared the early exchanges and lost a score on the 12 minute mark from a 5 metre scrum which resulted from not clearing lines – Duns 9 picking up and darting through for a converted try. They held that lead until Chris Britee-Steer slotted a penalty after a period of pressure to turn round 3 – 7 down.

A Conor Dempsey close range score and conversion in the early minutes of the 2nd half looked as if it might be enough to take the match points only to lose an avoidable  score 3 minutes from the end. A chance remained with a penalty kick from wide out but missed narrowly to finish with a narrow loss.  Overall, an entertainingly contested match.

The bonus point and Broughton’s loss was enough to see Porty move up to 5th.

Portobello High School’s run halted yesterday with defeat by 17 points to 12 to the Boroughmuir side whom they themselves beat in the first round – such is the opportunity provided!

Portobello Mini Rugby has long been an established feature of Porty life and many children have pulled on the famous Blue and Gold of the mighty Portobello Hornets. We offer Mini Rugby for P2-P7 boys and girls, and provide an early years grounding in the fundamentals of rugby. In the later Primary School years we are aiming to provide a solid grounding for the transition to the full 15 aside game.

The youngsters make friends, enjoy outdoor exercise two or three times a week and as a way of making long lasting friendships rugby has few equals in sport. The inclusive nature of the mini rugby set up ensures the transition from primary to secondary school can be so much easier with friends across all the feeder schools in the area.

In the initial stages the game is based on the Touch Rugby principles with little or no contact or tackling. This introduces the children to the basics of passing, running and supporting without experiencing any knocks or bangs in the contact situation.

Later the basics of tackling, set piece play (such as rucking, scrums and lineouts) are introduced, but only in the years where these are deemed appropriate to the children’s maturity and physical development. The aim of mini rugby is to instil and teach rugby skills, teamwork, fitness and discipline whilst ensuring above all else that the children enjoy the game and bond and form friendships with their team mates. Many friendships in rugby last a lifetime and the exposure this gives to children across the schools in the area is absolutely invaluable.

Usually the games starts at 6 aside (P2/3 – P5) then increases to 8 aside at P6 and then up to 10 aside at P7 with pitch sizes increasing accordingly.

We would love to welcome your child to Porty Rugby – please contact Vic Rickis – 07899 068330  for further details.

Key Contacts

Role(s)	Name	Contact detail
Portobello Mini Rugby Convener Vice Pres.	Vic Rickis                 07899 068330
Portobello Mini Rugby Child Protection Officer / Coach Compliance	Sharon Fairweather 07812 032026	sharonfairweather@hotmail.com
Portobello FP RFC President	Eddie Robb             07920 016588	eddierobb1988@gmail.com
Portobello FP RFC Secretary / Coach Co-ordinator	Barry Sinclair        07833 051769	barry.a.sinclair@talk21.com

Club Policies

Coaching qualifications – the club provides full mandatory training and vetting for all coaches and all the adults involved in training the children are fully compliant with Child Protection legislation and the Scottish Rugby coaching requirements. All our coaches are required to complete the Rugby Right training each year as a minimum requirement. The club also has a number of Level 1 and Level 2 qualified rugby coaches and we pride ourselves in teaching rugby in a structured, positive and welcoming way.

The emphasis at Porty Rugby is firmly on enjoyment and we stress the importance of cooperation and teamwork and the ethics surrounding the great game of Rugby Union.

Child Protection – all of our coaches hold the Scottish Government Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership via the Scottish Rugby Union. The club has a trained child protection officer (Sharon Fairweather sharonfairweather@hotmail.com) and follows the best practice guidelines issued by the Scottish Rugby Union.

Training

Training sessions are as follows (Thursdays and Sundays except match days);

Age Group Training sessions Coaches / contact details:

P2/3 Sunday 11.00am – 12.00am Eddie Robb 07920 016588 Dave Webster Ali Bain Roddy

P4:

P5 Sunday 11.00am – 12.00pm Vic Rickis 07899 068330

P6 Sunday 11.00am – 12.00pm

P7 Thursday 7.00pm – 9.00pm Sunday 11.00am – 12.00pm Paul Needham 07702 912674 Mihai Bolder 07743 525199 Sharon Fairweather (manager) 07812 032026

Training sessions and home games take place at the 3G pitch at Portobello High School (Milton Road East) from September until March (August and April sessions are held at Cavalry Park (Duddingston Playing Fields on Duddingston Road West).

Please aim to be on time and ready to play at the start of the training session. This ensures that your child participates in a proper warm up session at the start of training. Please also ensure that you collect your child promptly at the end of the training session.

If the conditions are not appropriate for training at appointed venue alternative venues such as the beach may be used. Each year group will have their own specific communication channels for alerting parents / carers about last minute changes to arrangements.

Kit

All players P4 and above MUST wear a properly fitted mouth guard. They will not be allowed to train or play without it. Mouth guards can be purchased for a reasonable price at the main sports outlets and on-line. Mouth guards can be cut down to fit younger players.

For playing at Cavalry Park or other grass venues, players will require boots with aluminium studs. The club has a selection of second hand boots of various sizes that are available for exchange. Players can use “astro” style boots for training on the 3G pitches at Portobello High School, or can wear their rugby boots. Normal trainers are not recommended to be used.

Players do not need to wear Portobello strips for training but should be appropriately clothed for the weather conditions. Unless the weather is very poor, training / matches will normally go ahead, so be prepared for cold, wet and muddy conditions.

Portobello strips will be provided for matches (at no cost to parents).

Fixtures

Our games are generally played against neighbouring teams in and around Edinburgh and the Lothians with occasional forays into the Borders. All games are closely game coached by referees and there are very carefully laid out laws for mini rugby concerning tackling and contact, manners and behaviour (of players, spectators and coaches) to ensure the playing environment is suitable for primary school age children. Games are played on Sundays between September and May. Please find attached a note of this year’s fixtures as it currently stands. Further information is provided in the week before fixtures with specific details such as times, venues etc. Transport to / from fixtures is arranged between parents / carers within each year group.Portobello Hornets Fixtures 18-19

Subscriptions

Subscriptions for P2/P3 are £60 per year (£5 per month August to July) and for P4 to P7 are £120 per year (£10 per month August to July). The best way to pay is by monthly standing order – bank details are:

– Portobello FP RFC

– sort code – 80-18-31

– account code – 00259786

Please use your child’s name and surname as the reference so that the club treasurer can easily track the payments.

If you would prefer to pay by cheque or cash, please speak to your individual year-group coach or manager.

Volunteers

The club is run entirely by volunteers, and therefore additional help is always welcome. Whilst it is recognised that a weekly commitment is often not feasible, there are also plenty of opportunities to help out on an ad-hoc basis. Please let your coaches know if you are interested in getting involved. If you are willing to volunteer on a regular basis PVG scheme membership (organised through the club at no cost) will be required.

Social

The club has a club house at Cavalry Park which is available for use by the youth and minis sections as well as the adults. The club holds social BBQs in the summer months and arranges occasional social events for the children at other times. However, these are dependent on volunteers offering to help, so please do not hesitate to get involved if you can.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Scottish Rugby has a Schools and Youth Playing Charter, which sets out the minimum codes of standard for everyone involved in rugby and Portobello Rugby Club fully support this charter. The club requests that parents and carers of players also abide by the code. The standards are set out below:

Coaches & Team Officials’ Code

· Take ownership of player well-being and create a culture that centres around respect and enjoyment. Maintain the safety and well-being of your players at all times. This is the coaches’ priority.

· Abide by all policies issued by Scottish Rugby and your school or club

· Create an enjoyable and fun environment

· Develop open, positive relationships built on mutual trust and respect

· Communicate effectively and clearly define roles and responsibilities

· Agree goals and targets that value participation, performance and fair play

· Promote collaboration between staff, volunteers and parents

· Set high standards and be a positive role model

· Be proud of your school or club—look the part!

· Understand, embrace and promote Scottish Rugby’s core values

· Be an ambassador for the game of rugby

Players Code

· Work as a team, respect the opposition and referee, and, above all else, enjoy yourself!

· Always bring a positive and playful attitude

· Listen carefully, contribute and interact

· Encourage your team mates and support your school or club

· Accept decisions made by match officials, and do so without complaint

· Appreciate and recognise good play by both teams

· Win with humility and lose with dignity

· Always remain calm and in control of your temper

· Acknowledge and thank officials, and the opposition

· Be proud of your school or club—look the part!

· Understand, embrace and promote Scottish Rugby’s core values

· Be an ambassador for the game of rugby

Parents & Spectators Code

· Encourage young players, support their development and set a good example.

· Teach your child to play by the rules

· Instil the importance of good sportsmanship and honest endeavour

· Encourage playing for enjoyment and reiterate that winning isn’t everything

· Form positive relationships—create the right environment for development

· Support coaching staff and volunteers—thank them for their efforts

· Attend matches and support your child’s school or club

· Applaud the performance of both teams – ALWAYS

· Respect match officials and their decisions – ALWAYS

· Avoid confrontation and discourage negative behaviour – ALWAYS

· Understand, embrace and promote Scottish Rugby’s core values

#ProudToBePorty