It was a rare Sunday off for parent and players from Dorchester Rugby Clubs Junior Section, as 29 coaches from the Club gathered for a coach education session. Recently appointed Community Rugby Coach for Dorset, Chris Burton got the morning started with a presentation about the new coach licensing scheme which the RFU are implementing in 2013. This is an important initiative and will ensure all coaches are kept up to date with coaching skills and best practice.

Seventeen new rugby coaches spent an enjoyable Saturday morning being put through their paces by Dorset Community Rugby Coach Chris Burton as they completed a Rugby Ready Course at Dorchester RFC. The course (although aimed at new coaches) is equally relevant for experienced coaches and is designed  to give participants, an understanding of how to deliver a safe and enjoyable practical session, knowledge of how to coach and improve contact skills and the tackle, and knowledge of how to coach and improve scrummage engagement skills.

Andy Whale (Coaching Coordinator at Dorchester Rugby Club) was delighted with the attendance and enthusiasm and outcome of the mornings activities, and said “ this is the first part of a structured programme of coach development events that we are planning to hold over the coming year, we are committed to the support and development of our coaches as this is fundamental to ensuring all our players are able to play to their full potential whilst enjoying themselves. Rugby is a great sport to be involved in and we always welcome anyone who is keen to get involved in any way they can ”

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The second session was taken by Chair of Dorset and Wilts selector Gordon Harding who explained the structure and purpose behind the selection process. This provoked some interesting questions on possible improvements particularly how to improve the standards of intermediate players.

Time to move out side. Having been divided in to groups of 4, each group had to present and take 2 simple drills, with the other coaches the willing participants. This in essence was a best practice session and everyone contributed in discussing how the drills could be improved and progressed.

The final session was a discussion/debate on the “The Winning Ethos” this again prompted some lively opinions.

Any one interested in becoming involved in rugby be it playing, coaching refereeing or any other role please visit contact Victoria Peel on 07545 280994 or email her - click here