Continuum Age Grade Statement
by Community Rugby CTJ
The following statement, concerning age grades within the Continuum was released on 3 October 2003
(1) If Clubs play players outside the Continuum age grade regulations in the absence of an RFU dispensation (see below) then they are likely to invalidate the compulsory playing insurance cover available to players, coaches and match officials including the entire team in which an out of age player is playing;
(2) Clubs, coaches and officials when playing players in accordance with the Continuum age grade regulations, must still have regard to their duty of care to ensure the safety of the players. For example: they should not automatically assume that it is safe to play a 9 year old in an Under 10 squad just because he is 9. They need to take into account their physical, mental and emotional developmental abilities and playing experience. They must exercise their duty of care by ensuring that all players are properly coached taking into account the players individual circumstances before allowing them to play competitively.
(3) The vast majority of children, with correct coaching, can play in their correct age grades but in exceptional cases where child safety may be compromised due to a physical/learning disability; application to the RFU may be made for an individual dispensation. Such dispensation will only last for one season. Application should be submitted to Terry Burwell, RFU Community Rugby & Operations Director and accompanied by documentary evidence or signed statements of the player's disability. |
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