Club Information
Totnes RFC became affiliated to the Rugby Football Union in 1889, though there is evidence that the Club had been in existence for a few years before that. We claim to be the oldest sporting club in Totnes. In the 2002-03 season our First XV won promotion to Devon League 1; we also run a Second XV playing friendly matches and a few times each year we put out a Veterans’ side.
We are gradually building up our youth section. At present we run sides in the Under-16, U-14, U-12, U-11, U-10, U-9 and U-7/8 age groups. We are hoping to fill in the gaps and to separate the U-7/8 into two groups. We would very much like to be able to put out a Ladies’ XV.
Our Clubhouse is now some twelve years old and we have outgrown it. We are busily raising funds to build an extension which will give us added storage space and our own changing rooms (at present we rely on the facilities at Totnes Pavilion). Also included in our plans are a family-friendly non-smoking room and meeting rooms, which we hope to be able to let out to other organisations. Totnes Cricket Club is cooperating with us in this project.
Membership is open to all, subject to the usual provisos about behaviour, etc. In addition to playing membership (senior and junior) we have social members, including family membership, and Vice Presidents who, in return for an increased subscription, receive certain benefits, including an invitation to an annual Vice Presidents’ and Sponsors’ Buffet Lunch and the facility to apply by post for International Match tickets. Potential members should contact the Membership Secretary and potential Vice Presidents should contact the Vice Presidents’ Liaison Officer; details of both will be found elsewhere on this website.
We are enormously grateful to those firms, local and otherwise, who sponsor us in various ways. Potential sponsors should contact the Secretary (details elsewhere on this website). The contact person(s) at our sponsors are also able to apply for International Match tickets, as are members of all categories.
What you can expect from the Club
- Clear and current information and good communications
- Safe environment
- Respect
- Welcoming and supportive coaches and helpers
- Fun
- Skill development for coaches and players
- Enthusiasm
- Regular fixtures
- All weather training
- Structured training
- Social events – cheap beer!
What the Club expects from you
- Commitment
- Prompt payment of subscriptions and match fees
- Involvement
- Ideas
- Help
- Communication – including player availability, talk to us!
- Compliance with parent/player codes of conduct and club policies
- Provision of kit and safety equipment where appropriate
Player Code of Conduct
- Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parents
- Remember skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game
- Be attentive at all training/coaching sessions
- Work equally hard for yourself and your team and both will then benefit
- Recognise good play by all players on your team and by your opponents
- Be a sportsman – win or lose
- Play to the laws of the game and accept without question all referee decisions
- Control your emotions – verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents or math officials is not acceptable
- Treat all players as you would like to be treated
- Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player
Spectators Code of Conduct
- Remember children play rugby for their enjoyment, not yours
- Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all youngsters, irrespective of which team they play for
- Respect match officials decisions, remember they are volunteers providing an opportunity for youngsters to play rugby
- Never verbally abuse young players, match officials, fellow spectators or coaches.
- Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than the “win at all costs” ethic
- Verbally encourage all youngsters in a positive way. If you do want to shout make sure it is for, not at the players.
- Condemn bad language, rude behaviour and violence
- Encourage all youngsters irrespective of their ability. Never ridicule any individual player regardless of the team they play for.
- Remember – It’s only a game!
Match Officials & Coaches Code of Conduct
- Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment
- Emphasise the spirit of the game
- Appreciate the needs of the young players before the needs of the sport
- Recognise the safety of young players is paramount
- Explain decisions – all young players are still learning
- Always penalise foul play
- Be consistent and objective
- Ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches and spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately
- Be aware of and abide by the RFU Child Protection Guidance, Policies and Procedures
Match Officials & Coaches Code of Conduct
- Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment
- Emphasise the spirit of the game
- Appreciate the needs of the young players before the needs of the sport
- Recognise the safety of young players is paramount
- Explain decisions – all young players are still learning
- Always penalise foul play
- Be consistent and objective
- Ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches and spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately
- Be aware of and abide by the RFU Child Protection Guidance, Policies and Procedures
Fixture List and Training Arrangements
Please see separate Fixture List for details of matches and training sessions.
Home Games/Training – Meet at 10.30 at the clubhouse, ready to start at 10.45. Training will finish no later than 12 noon, individual coaches will let you know the exact finishing time for their team.
Don’t forget refreshments for players will be provided on match days after the game. Tea and coffee is always available for purchase in the clubhouse and the bar opens at 12 noon, as does the Tuck Shop.
Away Games – Please contact coaches for details of meeting times, venues, and directions, as these will vary.
Registration, Subscriptions & Match Fees
Registration – all players must be registered with the Rugby Football Union, which is done through the club. This requires completion of a form and 3 passport sized photographs.
Subscriptions – these are payable annually at the Registration evening, or on joining. The current rates for 2004/05 are £7.50 for single membership, £15.00 family, unless Dad is a player member or Vice President in which case junior membership is automatically included.
Match Fees – payable weekly on arrival at the club (50p every week, unless advised otherwise for U16), or annually in advance (£ ).
Kit List
Totnes RFC play in Royal Blue shirts, white shorts, and royal blue socks all of which can be obtained through the club. Second hand kit and boots are often available at the clubhouse and donations of kit are always welcome.
Boots - these are particularly important, especially the studs. All studs should have the British Standard Institute Kite mark, which again can be obtained from the club. If you are not sure, please ask your coach.
Gum Shield – This is the most essential piece of safety equipment – Please ask your coach for advice.
Match Kit – all of the above is required.
Training Kit – alternative shorts, shirt and socks are acceptable. Please make sure players have suitable clothing to remain warm and dry.
For both matches and training please have a change of clothes, towel etc.
Other safety equipment is available – please speak to your coach for advice.
Insurance
The Rugby Football Union requires each club to take out its compulsory insurance which covers playing members for death and permanent disability only – please see the poster in the clubhouse for further details. Additional insurance may be available for individuals – you should seek advice if required.
Child Protection Policy
Totnes Rugby Club aims to comply with the RFU Child Protection Guidance and all coaches are in the process of being vetted by the Criminal Records Bureau. The Clubs nominated Child Protection Officer is Anthony Gilles. However, concerns can be raised with any coach or club official.
Under Age Drinking Policy
The rules of Totnes Rugby Club do not allow the consumption of alcohol on the premises by anyone under the age of 18.
Sponsorship
Totnes Rugby Club is generously supported by a number of local sponsors, and new sponsors are always welcome. Please see your coach or official.
