The Rugby Coordinator and Pre-Season Preparation

It seems that every year that passes there is more and more of a demand on schools and clubs to be highly organised with their pre-season preparation.

The larger rugby schools have full time coordinators in place, right through to the Saturday morning clubs and schools who will have one nominated person to organise almost everything and motivate those around them in amongst their weekly work. It is a task requiring much enthusiasm and energy and if it is not underway just yet it will no doubt kick off very soon.

Depending on your level the following is a list of ideas from which you can tick off the appropriate boxes.

Sort out coaches and managers for your teams.

• This should be carried out in conjunction with the appropriate committee members.
• It will entail plenty of thought, many phone calls and many meetings.
• Coaches should be in place long before the season starts.
• As much as possible make sure the coaches meet the criteria that will meet the needs of the particular group of players.

Meet with the Coaches as a group. Discuss and sort out the detail – go through the requirements.

• Compulsory coaching courses – Small Blacks and Rugby Smart.
• Coaching sessions within the school and club. What they would like to learn. Who could be utilised. When are the best times?
• What are the expectations as far as the actual coaching sessions are concerned – fun, well organised, use of other coaches/parents.
• Organise a pre-season calendar – family days, BBQ’s, opening day, practice times.
• Form a Coaching group. Provide a whistle, coaching booklet, and maybe a coaching jacket or similar. Make sure the coaches are looked after.

Delving in to the specifics

• What playing philosophy needs to be developed based on playing personnel, coaching strengths, historical strengths. Plan the detail as a basis from which to start. This needs to be flexible and developed further once the players are on board.
• Organise and monitor pre-season strength and power programmes, rugby running fitness, games to develop fitness and skill development.
• Focus on specifics that are going to make the game plan work.

Checklist

• Balls – sufficient for each team. At least 6 per squad.
• Cones
• Bibs
• Scrum machine safety
• Hit shields.
• Equipment that will assist your training concepts – agility poles, lineout hoops, tackle suits, stop watch.

Early On

• Player registrations.
• Player subs
• Player and parent contacts

Delegate where necessary and constantly monitor. Pass your enthusiasm on to the others.