U8 NEWSWEEK

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15 October 2009

Dear Parents,

There are a number of important items which I would appreciate your feedback on where required:

1. DeA Tigers Festival:

As you will know our very own DeA Tigers festival is on 1st November 2009 and it is the first one of this rugby season.

It is essential that we turn out in strength and at this stage we are the most strongly represented U8’s team of the 17 clubs involved.

We have entered 6 teams for the U8’s this year and I’d ask every child enrolled in the U8’s to attend, support their team mates and the club for our own showcase event.

Please let me know as soon as possible if for some reason your child will be unable to attend as we are counting otherwise on all enrolled children to show up.

As a side note we have been advised informally by the HK Rugby Football Union that the allocation of 7’s tickets to the clubs may be tight this year and may be linked to each club’s attendance/contribution of teams at the festivals.

In short speak - and if that is to occur - the club may have to make the allocation of 7’s tickets fairly which may be on the basis of attendance at both training and festivals.

This is however as yet not confirmed and I mention this without any particulra knowlegde or authority on the matter – please see below more on the 7’s tickets.

2. Pitch Marshalls

As the hosting club for the festival on 1st November 2008 we need to provide pitch marshals for the operation of the U8’s part of the tournament.

The marshal’s have to be provided form the U8’s parents and I will need as many volunteers as possible.

The marshal’s job is an important one in that it involves time keeping of the ongoing games and ensuring teams and referees are ready for the next ones.

The smooth and timely running of our home festival depends on the marshals.

There are typically 2 marshals to a pitch and you will most likely be allocated to a pitch on which your child will be playing.

I therefore need 8 volunteers for the 4 pitches being played on by the U8’s and would advise that it is first come first served for these positions!

 I’d add that you will also be given a fluorescent shirt to make you stand out from the crowd and, which from memory, you will be able to keep and wear at home, to weddings, parties etc.

I have attached the guidelines for pitch marshals from for reference and appreciate if you could email me if you are

3. East Asia Games – Minis Showcase

You will have received a more detailed email regarding the mini rugby showcase event for the East Asia Games which for the U8’s will most likely take place on 5th December 2009.

This event will be a lead in to the 7’s competition at the EA Games and will be played at Hong Kong Stadium.

The U8’s have entered one team for this event and you will receive further information shortly.

As you will know the U8’s have a team attending the Singapore Tournament that weekend and I’d ask those not attending to take part in the EA Games showcase.

Please note that there will be no training on the 6th December 2009 in any case so please attend the EAG showcase

Please email me if you have interest in attending and I will send further details.

4. Coaches

We have split the U8’s into smaller groups this year and we now require additional coaches to assist with the smooth running of the training sessions and festivals.

I am urgently looking for an additional 3 volunteer parents to become coaches.

You will not need any particular knowledge of the game – enthusiasm and patience in guiding the children through the sessions qualifies you already!

Please email me if that is of interest to you.

I’d especially encourtage some of the mums to become involved and can ensure you will be allocated to the group your child is participating in.

There is no homework, weekday meetings or any additional effort of any kind involved (unless you request it) – assisting the other volunteers at the training sessions on Sunday to make the children’s experience more enjoyable is all that is asked of you.

5. DeA Seniors Coaching

 The DeA Seniors team will be attending our training session on the 25 October 2009 and at this stage we will most likely have 1 or 2 of the seniors available for the U8’s.

Please make sure you attend this session as these guys are giving their time in an effort to foster club spirit and help out with the development of our future rugby stars.

6. 7’s Tickets

As noted above everyone should submit their 7’s tickets request and payment this weekend.

Please go to the website, follow the instructions, print out your application and bring the cheque on Sunday.

Roi will be in the clubhouse to collect and don’t forget to keep your receipt for collection of the tickets later.

As mentioned above I have heard rumours of a ticket crunch for the 7’s tickets this year and would strongly encourage you to attend as many training sessions and festivals as possible in addition to getting your ticket application in on time.

7. Singapore Tournament:

Our U8's attendance at the Singapore International Minis & Youth Tournament on 5th December 2009 has now been confirmed.

Those attending will have received updated information and anyone still interested or needing further information should email me asap.

8. Referee Course

I’d strongly encourage all involved with the U8’s to attend these courses.

They cover the basics of the game for this level and provide a good understanding of what your child is learning at this stage of the game.

The U8 course is this Saturday – please see below.

Referee Courses for Minis - there are still places available for the U6-U8 referee course from 2-5pm at King's park on Saturday 17th Oct. and for the U11-U12 referee course from 7-10pm at King's Park on Thursday 22nd Oct. If you are interested in finding more out about the laws of the game and how to interpret them at Minis level, then please apply now by contacting our very own DeA Aussie, Brenton at: brenton.judge@gmail.com?These courses are free!!

Look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday at 8:30.

Go Tigers!

Marcus Praetorius

M 9179 6250