Club Info – Sai Kung Stingrays

CLUB INFORMATION

THE STINGRAYS ETHOS

“Fun and enjoyment are at the core of what we do”

Stingrays Rugby Philosophy

Love for the game
To be passionate about rugby and the lessons it provides;

Sportsmanship
Treat all people fairly, respect the game and all involved.

Excellence
We aim high and challenge ourselves through participation, enjoyment and inclusive participation.

Selflessness
We operate as a team at all times; and we accept responsibility as a whole.

Community
To work with the wider rugby communities to improve rugby for everyone involved and strive to be increasingly inclusive to elements of the Hong Kong Community not traditionally drawn to rugby.

Stingrays Girls Section

Encourage Participation

Promote all girls to continue enjoyment elements (especially at the younger age);

Promote an inclusive attitude and language across the club to ensure inclusivity of all ability levels – understand the benefits of rugby are wide ranging and many are personality development regardless of competitive level of participation;

Share time and coaching opportunities to girls of all ability level to nurture both skills and also the ideology of participating for the love of the game;

Educate parents that rugby is truly a sport for all – gender and ability regardless;

Create female role models; incorporate U16 girls (upwards) in younger girls’ sessions;

Keep girls rugby based on FUN and develop the competitive element on top of this fundamental foundation.

Mission Statement

“Sai Kung Stingrays Rugby aims to provide an inclusive, enjoyable playing environment to foster development, sportsmanship and community in a safe and fun atmosphere.”

More girls and women are playing rugby than ever before throughout the world and Hong Kong is no exception. Sai Kung Stingrays pride themselves on their inclusivity and, as a result of this, the involvement of girls in the Club and their successes, make Sai Kung Stingrays a leader in the development of girls’ participation in the sport.

The Stingrays Code for Coaches, Players and Parents

HKRU minis / youth code for coaches

You have the responsibility for your team and supporters – EXERCISE IT!
Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment. Don’t overload them with technical information and tactics.
Be reasonable in your demands on young players’ time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time.
Ensure that all players get a game. The “just-average” players need and deserve equal time to those who are more capable.
Players develop at different times and in different ways. Make allowances for their physical, emotional and mental maturity and development.
Winning isn’t everything. Teach your players to enjoy taking part and performing to the best of their ability. Encourage each player to reach his or her potential.
Never abuse, yell, criticise or ridicule children for making mistakes or losing a game.
Remember that young people need a coach they can respect. Be generous with praise when it is deserved and set a good example.
Teach young players that the laws of the game are mutual agreements that no one should evade or break.
Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship, just as you would in teaching the basic skills.
INSIST ON FAIR PLAY. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player.
Develop a team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgement of referees and opposing coaches.

Code for parents

Do not force an unwilling child to participate. Young people are involved for their enjoyment, not yours.
Encourage your child to understand and play within the rules.
Teach your child that taking part and trying their best is more important than winning.
Focus your child on practicing skills, sportsmanship and being part of a team. Winning isn’t everything and not everyone can score the winning try.
Support and encourage your child – never criticise them for making mistakes. Console them for losing, but encourage them to try harder next time.
Turn defeat into victory by helping your child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
Do not publicly question the referee’s judgement and never his/her honesty. There is no place for touchline rage in mini or youth rugby.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth rugby. Young people learn best by example. Applaud good play by your team and by members of the opposing team.
Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees and administrators. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.

Code for players

Play to enjoy rugby, not just to please your parents or coach.
Always try your best to improve your skills and play well.
Play within the rules and laws of the game.
Never argue with referees or coaches – their decision is final, even if you think that they are wrong. Let your coach or your captain ask match officials any questions.
Control your temper – do not mouth off.
Treat everyone as you yourself would like to be treated. Don’t bully or take unfair advantage of any player.
Rugby is a team game – do your best for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
If you lose, accept it with good grace and try harder next time.
Be a good sport. Applaud all good play, whether by your team or your opponents’ team.
Cooperate with your coach, team mates, referee and opponents, for without them you don’t have a game.

Laws of Rugby

Rugby laws are in place for the protection of all rugby players. New rugby laws are introduced as a player advances in age and becomes more aware of the dynamics associated with rugby. The following guides provide in-depth knowledge of rugby laws across all the various age groups.

Click on the link to view and save/print the rules applicable to your age group.

The HKRU’s website includes laws for each age group along with some great coaching resources and videos. www.hkrugby.com/pages/courses-resources