Getting+Started

toc Before you step into your coaching role here a few general guidelines.



Start up costs
Costs for rugby in comparison with other sports are minimal. Here are some basic items you need to secure before you start the season
 * Rugby Balls
 * Cones
 * Ball Bag
 * Medical Kit
 * Jerseys
 * Pinnies
 * Tackle/Rucking Pads
 * Goal Post Pads
 * Field Flags

Some other costs to consider as your season starts Contact your Local Area Union - They can guide you on any additional start up costs specific to your region.
 * EMT/ Trainer fees (most high school athletic directors take care of this)
 * Referee Fees
 * Transportation
 * Team water bottles
 * Tackle suits

Recruiting.
A very important component of building a successful program is recruiting athletes. Rugby is played in almost every country in the world by some of the best athletes. With the introduction of Rugby as an olympic sport many colleges are also building their programs. To achieve this many schools now offer scholarships to see scholarships available check HERE

In order to effectively recruit you must build a relationship with other coaches in your school or area. Good sports for transitioning to Rugby include, Football, Soccer, Basketball and Wrestling. Hand out flyers, drum up interest and focus on communicating that there is a position in Rugby for everyone.

Parental Involvement
Parental involvement is essential in building a successful program. Send parents an overview of the game and information on safety. This is important because if parents know "what is going on" they will be more likely to support the team, and if parents are the supporting the team it is easy to build support and get parents involved in the program. Send parents a flyer with a basic overview, such as the one HERE from USA RUGBY.

Initial Team Meeting
Before the season starts you should organize a team meeting. This should be publicized as widely as possible and a time and date should be chosen that optimizes the potential for EVERYONE to attend. The more people at the meeting the better. At this meeting you should collect following information You should also give students a basic fitness requirement that athletes should aim for before the season starts. (This should be realistic and set at a level that does not deter athletes from participating) Do not go into too much detail. Keep the meeting focused and short. Give parents/athletes an equipment list they are responsible for. This should include 1. Cleats (soccer cleats are fine - football and lacrosse cleats are not acceptable) 2. Mouth Guard 3. Rugby Socks and Shorts 4. Training Shirts
 * Names
 * Emails
 * Experience (if relevant)
 * Parent Contact details

When a calendar of games and training is available, publish it and make it available to your athletes. Then hold athletes accountable.