Newton-le-Willows has predominantly been a football and rugby union dominated town and the very existence of a rugby league club in this area provides a much needed avenue for local juniors to experience "the greatest game" - playing for their home town team.

Newton-le-Willows ARLFC (Newton Storm) was formed in January 2002 by Brendan O'Neill and Paul Eden who still serves as the Club Chairman . The Club was established with the barest of finances or equipment and no facilities. What they did have, however, was 20 children aged between 8 and 13 who wanted to play rugby league and parents who were willing to help them.

Newton-le-Willows has always had a great affinity with Rugby League where players such as Mike Bennett, Steve Hampson, Mike Forshaw and Dave Cotton are amongst the many professionals to have hailed from the town. Both of the town’s high schools have played the game for many years but unfortunately any child who wished to play club rugby was forced to travel to one of the adjoining towns to play the game.

Since formation, the Club has grown from one qualified coach to a team of ten. All are qualified to Moderated Games or Club Coach level and have been on Child Protection Courses, and all have had a CRB check undertaken by BARLA. We have a qualified First Aider at each age group.

Developments

Due to recent sponsorship deals, excellent fundraising activities by the club and a massive increase in player recruitment, particularly at junior level, the club have developed into a success both on and off the pitch. We have an excellent working relationship with both St Helens Council and the long established Newton Sports Club, Crow Lane East where we are now an official section. Due to ever growing numbers we use both Mesnes Park and Newton Sports Club for training and Newton Sports Club to play our home games from 7's through to open age. We have recently invested in a large quantity of training equipment, meaning that our players benefit from the very best coaching, with varied and interesting training sessions in an excellent environment.

As we look forward to next season and beyond we know that we need to plan for continued growth in the long term to keep up with the demand from children in the town to play Rugby League. The club has definite plans for further expansion and has commited to the establishment of a new under 7’s team every season.

 

 

Newton Storm Club Mark Award

 

The club are delighted to have received the "Clubmark" award from Sport England which was presented to our Chairman at St Helens RLFC in 2004. This is a tremendous achievement considering the club have only been established since 2002.

What is Clubmark?

It is a cross-sport national quality accreditation scheme for sports clubs working with children and young people.

Benfits for Parents/Guardians?

Clubmark is an easy way for parents/guardians to identify quality clubs for their children that have:

a) an active junior section

b) specialist children/young people sports coaches

c) a full understanding of child protection issues that implement best practice in this respect

d) an inclusive andequitable approach to all children and young people and a quality programme that will give their children a quality experience

Benefits for children/young people?

A focus on their participation, a quality sports experience in the club in competition, in training and coaching, a safe, friendly environment where people understand how to meet their needs and increased motivation and self confidence.

Child Protection Policy

 

 

 

 

To devise and implement a save working practice and environment for both coaches and volunteers working with young people. Newton-le-Willows ARLFC (Newton Storm), in conjunction with the Rugby Football League and Social Services, want to make sure that all young players (under 18), are protected and kept safe whilst they are in the care of officials representing this club.

This will be achieved by:

 

Codes of Conduct

COACHES

Introduction

To promote and describe the code of conduct for all coaches associated with Newton-le-Willows ARLFC (Newton Storm). This code is a Rugby League Coach Education Programme (RLCEP) policy within which an accredited Rugby League Coach MUST WORK. It should be used in conjunction with ALL other Rugby League/Coaching policies, procedures or recognised standards. Through this code, coaches who are accredited by the RLCEP accept their responsibility to sports performers and their parents and families, to coaching and to Rugby League Associated Governing Bodies, employers and all other colleagues.

Humanity

The coach must respect the rights and choices of all human beings, treating everyone equally and sensitively regardless of their gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation.

Relationships

The good Rugby League Coach is concerned with:

The good Rugby League Coach:

Confidentiality

The coach and performer must reach agreement about what is to be regarded as confidential information. Confidentiality does not preclude disclosure of information to persons who can be judged to have a right to know. For example:

Personal Standards

Coaches should refrain from drinking alcohol to the extent that it is:

Competence

All coaches must be appropriately qualified as per the requirements of the Rugby League Coach Education Programme. Coaches should regularly seek ways of increasing their personal and professional development. Coaches must be receptive to employing systems of evaluation that include self-evaluation and also external evaluation in an effort to assess the effectiveness of their work. Coaches must be able to recognise and accept when to refer or recommend performers to other coaches or structures. It is the coaches responsibility as far as possible to: a) verify the competence of the performer; b) verify the competence and integrity of any other persons or structure to whom they refer the performer.

Safety

Within the limits of their control coaches have a responsibility to:

Managing the team

The Coach will keep all players and parents up to date with matters affecting the team.

Training times/venues must be agreed at Club meetings at the start of each season between all Coaches so one venue isn’t over or under utilised.

Coaches should encourage all parents/members to attend/support club events and functions, helping to create a friendly and family orientated environment where all members can integrate.

Members should be invited and encouraged to actively participate in the club as a volunteer. Please consult with the Club Committee for volunteering opportunities.

All ideas, suggestions and concerns affecting your team should be discussed with the Club Committee at the earliest opportunity, who will help or advise where appropriate.

A club mentality must be promoted at all times. We are a rugby league community, NOT a group of individual teams. This is an essential part of the long term development of Newton Storm ARLFC.

Match-day kick off times/venues and players food arrangements need to be agreed between all Coaches on a weekly basis.

Each Coach will be issued with a key for equipment store. Under no circumstances must the key be loaned to another member/non-member, or duplicate keys obtained without prior permission of the Committee.

Match reports need to be emailed to the Press Officer no later than 5pm Sunday each week. Match reports received later than this will not be uploaded to the website until the following week.

Coaches are expected to attend North West Counties meetings (first Tuesday each month). Please liaise with all Coaches to confirm your availability on a month by month basis.

Coaches are required to attend all Club Committee Meetings (last Tuesday each month). If the Coach is unavailable, a substitute representative from each team should be present.

The Coaches and Members should take every opportunity to promote the club or team recruitment campaigns. Template leaflets and posters can be provided on request.

Financial Responsibilities

All income must be fully accounted for on a monthly basis via the Monthly Accounts Sheets (download from the website). This includes fundraising income, shop income, sponsorship income, and any other donations made to a team or Coach.

All expenditure will be fully accounted for, with receipts submitted in support of expenditure via Monthly Accounts Sheets.

Any expenditure or purchases over £100 must have prior approval of the Club Committee – approval can be sought via attendance at the first available Club meeting (or via email in exceptional circumstances).

Each team is asked to arrange or participate in club fundraising activities throughout the year. Every team has been given a target of £500 fundraising income for each season – the income generated will be re-invested back into Club for day-to-day running costs or Club development/team activities (e.g. Christmas Parties, Family Fun Day, Presentation Events etc.)

If teams would like to undertake specific fundraising activities which are not for the benefit of the Club as a whole, this is permitted, although prior approval of the Committee must be sought.

Any kit or equipment orders must be made through the Club, via one of the designated suppliers. Team Kit can be purchased each year, but full sponsorship must be sought (and agreed in writing) prior to any order being placed. This must be discussed at the Club meeting at the earliest opportunity. Further details of kit costs can be provided by the Committee on request.

The Club approved DJ has to be utilised at all functions. Club Functions must be booked by the Social Secretary ONLY.

It is the Coaches responsibility to ensure that all players/families complete a club membership form before 1 st September each year. Under no circumstances should Coaches accept direct weekly subs payments. A number of alternative payment methods are available and are detailed on the club membership form. The Club Welfare Officer will agree alternative arrangements with individual members where these methods of payment are inappropriate.

Advice or guidance is available from any Committee Member on any of the procedures outlined above.

 

COACHING QUALIFICATIONS

Newton Storm will provide financial support to all new volunteers through relevant and appropriate qualifications, including coaching, refereeing, child protection, first aid etc. In order for the Club to protect their investment, we need to ensure our commitment is reflected by agreeing some safeguards.

All Coaches or volunteers will agree to refund any expenditure incurred by the Club (to fund courses/qualifications) to the following levels should they voluntarily leave Newton Storm ARLFC:

Within 12 months of course completion - 100% of cost

Within 2 years of course completion – 50% of cost

Within 3 years of course completion – 25% of cost

 

Complaints Procedure

Any individual or organisation wishing to make a complaint against a Rugby League Coach, within the context of this code should follow the procedure below:

report the matter to the employer of the sports coach and to the relevant Rugby League Governing Body responsible for that area of the game.

N.B. (Employer in this instance refers to the organisation that commissioned the coach to do the coaching whether this engagement is paid or unpaid)

complaints that refer to the protection of children should be dealt with in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Rugby League Child Protection Policy.

The Rugby League Coach Education Programme’s Code of Ethics and Conduct closely follows the model produced by sports coach Uk.

 

Newton Storm ARLFC has agreed number of set procedures that we expect each volunteer Coach to follow. The purposes of these are that as a Club, we are efficient, equitable, and transparent. We also need to ensure that we abide fully with the RFL and BARLA endorsed RESPECT Campaign, in addition to fully supporting the Sport England Clubmark Accreditation Procedures.

 

CLUB OFFICIALS

• Must treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of their gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation.
• Accept the special role that you have to play in the establishment of standards by setting a good example of behaviour and conduct at all times.
• Do not manipulate the rules in order to benefit yourself personally or your club.
• Encourage all players and coaches to abide by the rules and spirit of the game.
• Do not use foul, sexist or racist language.
• Use your official position to take action against spectators who harass, abuse or use foul, sexist or racist language towards players, match officials or coaches.
• Ensure that proper supervision is provided by suitably qualified coaches and officials who are capable of promoting good sporting behaviour and good technical skills.
• Ensure all equipment and facilities meet safety standards.
• Respect the rights of other clubs.
• Show respect to match officials, coaches, players and others involved in the game.
• Not endeavour to influence the result of a game by any actions that are not strictly within the rules of the game.
• Remember sport is enjoyed for its own sake - play down the importance of awards.
• Always have regard to the best interests of Rugby League, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.
• Resist all illegal or unsporting influences, including banned substances and techniques.
• Promote ethical principles.
• Accept the decisions of the Match Official without protest.
• Avoid words or actions, which may mislead a Match Official.

PARENTS

• Teach your child to treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of their gender, ethnic origin or cultural background.
• Do not force an unwilling child to take part in Rugby League.
• Encourage your child always to play by rules and to respect the match officials.
• Young people are involved in organised sport for their enjoyment - not yours.
• Never ridicule or shout at your child for making a mistake or losing a game.
• Teach your child that effort and teamwork are as important as victory, so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal, physical and racist abuse from Rugby League.
• Turn defeat into victory by helping young people towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship.
• Remember that young people learn best by example.
• Do not question publicly the judgement of match officials and never their honesty.
• Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches and administrators - they give their time, energy and resources to provide recreational activities for your child.
• Insist on fair and disciplined play - do not tolerate foul play, cheating, foul, sexist or racist language.
• As a spectator you must never enter the field of play.

PLAYERS

• Treat everyone equally and sensitively regardless of their gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation.
• All non-combatants of the playing teams, e.g. substitutes, players who have been dismissed or temporarily dismissed from the field of play, should never re-enter the field of play unless otherwise authorised.
• Know and abide by the Laws, rules and spirit of the game.
• Avoid all forms of gamesmanship and time wasting.
• Safeguard the physical fitness of opponents, avoid violence and rough play and help injured opponents.
• Accept the decisions of the match officials without question or complaint (let your captain or coach ask the necessary questions) and avoid words or actions which may mislead a Match Official.
• Respect the match officials at all times.
• Exercise self-control at all times and do not use illegal or dangerous tactics.
• Give maximum effort and strive for the best possible performance during a game, even if the team is in a position where the desired result has been achieved.
• Learn to accept success and failure, victory and defeat with humility and dignity respectively and without excessive emotional displays.
• Abide by the instructions of the coach and club officials provided they do not contradict the spirit of this code.
• Treat your team-mates and opponents, coaches, club officials and match officials with respect and consideration at all times - treat them, as you yourself would like to be treated.
• Do not attempt to improve individual performance by the use of banned substances or banned techniques.
• Do not use foul, sexist or racist language at any time.
• Work equally hard for yourself and your team - your team’s performance will benefit and so will your own.
• Be a good sport, applaud all good performance, whether by your team or by the opponent.
• Remember that the aim of sport is to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
• At the end of play applaud and thank your opponents and the match officials.

SPECTATORS

Remember the players are taking part for their enjoyment not yours. They are not professional or international gladiators. All spectators, on no account, must enter the field of play unless authorised otherwise. Be on your best behaviour. Do not use foul, sexist or racist language or harass players, coaches or match officials. Verbal abuse of players or match officials is not acceptable in any shape or form. Show respect for opponents and match officials. Without them there would be no game. Acknowledge good performance and fair play by opponents as well as by your own team. Condemn the use of violence in all forms. Do not ridicule players who make mistakes. Do not overemphasise the importance of winning.

 

NEWTON-LE-WILLOWS ARLFC

Harassment-Free Environment 

Every member of the Newton-Le-Willows ARLFC has the right to participate in an environment free from harassment. Newton-Le-Willows ARLFC does not tolerate harassment in connection with any of its internal or external business, sport or related activities. All members are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Harassment is defined as any behaviour fitting one or more of the following criteria:

Personal Harassment: Behaviour, including communication, conduct or gesture, which:

(a) Is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading, or otherwise offensive to an individual or group of individuals; and

(b) Is considered by a reasonable person to create an intimidating, humiliating or uncomfortable environment.

Member Complaints and Adjudication

The Newton-Le-Willows ARLFC disciplinary committee has established procedures for members to register a complaint and to adjudicate issues related to the code of conduct. If you believe that you have a valid complaint, or feel that you should intervene on behalf of another individual; please contact a member of the disciplinary committee, who will initiate the process. Newton-Le-Willows ARLFC will take whatever action is needed, up to and including disciplinary or dismissal action, to prevent and correct behaviour that violates the organisation's code of conduct expected of its participants. The disciplinary committee will handle complaints with privacy, courtesy, and without animosity.

Disciplinary Committee

Club Chairman

Club Secretary

Club Welfare Officer

Your Team Manager/Coach