Contents
The GHA Way Handbook
Version 1.0 · Approved July 2026. Owned by the Youth Rugby Committee.
Foundations
Why The GHA Way exists, our mission, principles and objectives.
- PurposeThe GHA Way is the primary operating guide for Minis and Youth rugby — consistent, transparent and positive for everyone involved.
- The GHA Way in SummaryFive simple principles that should support every decision made within Minis & Youth rugby.
- The Role of a GHA CoachEvery GHA coach shapes both rugby players and young people. These are the expectations.
- Our Mission & About GHATo be Scotland's leading community rugby club — from Minis to the Premiership. Formed in 2002 from Clarkston, Hutchesons FPs and Old Aloysians.
- Our PrinciplesOne Club, player development before results, consistency, volunteer enablement, retention and brand protection.
- Our ObjectivesWhat Minis & Youth rugby at GHA sets out to achieve, and the Youth Rugby Committee terms of reference.
Governance & Coaches
Who owns what, how age groups are structured, and how coaches are supported.
- GovernanceThe GHA Way is owned by the Youth Rugby Committee — policy, standards, oversight, coach support and review.
- Roles & ResponsibilitiesMandatory and recommended roles within every age group so responsibilities are shared effectively.
- Coach OnboardingWhat every new coach receives, and what the Club supports — including PVG and safeguarding requirements.
- Coach DevelopmentMinimum qualification expectations (PVG, Rugby Right, Scottish Rugby Essentials) and recommended development.
- Coach Support & Specialist ResourcesSpecialist support coordinated by the Director of Youth Performance, plus referee development.
- What Coaches Can Expect from GHAWhat the Club provides in return for a coach's commitment, plus meetings and reflection.
Coaching Framework
What, why, who, when and how we coach at every age group.
- Coaching Framework — What are we developing?Player development, team development and club development — the three strands of GHA coaching.
- Coaching Framework — Why & WhoWhy we coach, and the role of coaches, players, parents and Club leadership.
- Coaching Framework — When does it happen?The coaching year: pre-season, during the season, match day and end of season.
- Coaching Framework — How we coachCoaching environment, session design, coaching style and what every session should aim to do.
Player Development
Long-term player development from Active Start through to senior rugby.
- Long-Term Player DevelopmentAligned to Scottish Rugby pathways — coach the needs of the individual, not the chronological age.
- Active Start | Ages 0–6Creating a love of being active through fun, movement and play.
- Fundamental Skills | Ages 6–9Developing core movement and introducing fundamental rugby skills.
- Learning to Play | Ages 9–13Developing game understanding alongside technical skills.
- Developing the Player | Ages 13–15Refining technical ability with greater tactical understanding and physical preparation.
- Preparing for Performance | Ages 15–18Preparing players for the transition into U18 and senior rugby.
- Player Pathway & Age Grade Law VariationsThe GHA player pathway, and how the laws evolve as players move up the age groups.
- The GHA Development JourneyEvery stage of development builds on the one before it — and no stage should be rushed.
Club Operations
Onboarding, communications, kit, tours, fundraising, brand and succession.
- Player OnboardingWhat every new player receives when they join an age group.
- Parent & Family InvolvementHow families support GHA, and why player voice matters.
- CommunicationsSPOND for fixtures, availability, selection and events; WhatsApp for operational updates.
- Player Recruitment & RetentionEvery player matters. Welcome — do not target.
- Match Day CoachingMatch days remain learning opportunities.
- ToursTours are encouraged but optional. Tours outside Scotland require Scottish Rugby approval.
- Club Kit, Tour Kit & MerchandiseApproved branding, Akuma as approved supplier, and no independent age-group designs.
- Fundraising & SponsorshipFundraising is encouraged within a Club-approved framework; sponsorship rights stay with the Club.
- Social Media, Brand & ConductOfficial channels are managed centrally, and the escalation process for operational and safeguarding issues.
- How GHA Supports GrowthSchools outreach across 80+ schools, marketing, open days and new entry pathways.
- Coach Succession & AwardsSuccession planning, handover packs, and the awards every age group presents.
- Age Group ProgressionGuidance on law changes and formats, and the key transitions the Club supports.
Welfare & Safety
Player welfare, first aid, concussion, registration and selection.
- Player WelfareThe welfare of every player is the Club's highest priority.
- First AidMinimum first aid expectations at every training session and match, plus qualifications.
- Serious Injuries & ConcussionIf in doubt, sit them out. Concussion must be managed per Scottish Rugby guidance.
- Player Registration & SCRUMSSCRUMS is the Club's official platform for player registration and welfare administration.
- School RugbyPlayers focusing on school rugby remain valued members of the GHA community.
- Selection & ParticipationSelection is based on attendance, availability and welfare — never on ability before Open Competition.
Toolkits & Appendices
The twelve toolkits, templates and standards that support The GHA Way.
- Appendix A — Season Welcome PackIssued to every new player and family at the start of the season: welcome, offer, membership and expectations.
- Appendix B — Parent Code of ConductAligned to the GHA Parent / Carer Code of Conduct — expectations, touchline behaviour and social media.
- Appendix C — Player Code of ConductAligned to the GHA Player Code of Conduct — expectations on and off the pitch.
- Appendix D — Coach Code of Conduct & Quick ReferenceAligned to the GHA Volunteer Code of Conduct, plus the season-long coach quick reference.
- Appendix E — Tour PlaybookObjectives, tour types, approval, the planning checklist, behaviour, kit and tour legacy.
- Appendix F — Fundraising GuideFundraising principles, approved examples, appropriate expenditure and purchasing guidance.
- Appendix G — Recruitment ToolkitEvery player matters. Welcome — do not target. Includes new player, retention and exit checklists.
- Appendix H — Brand & Kit StandardsOne Club. One Brand. Approved suppliers, logos, colours, merchandise and design support.
- Appendix I — Coach Handover TemplateSo no incoming coach ever needs to start from scratch — age group, volunteers, equipment, finance and reflection.
- Appendix J — Photography & Video PolicyThe welfare of children is always the primary consideration when taking or sharing images.
- Appendix K — Disciplinary & Safeguarding ReferencesSafeguarding contacts and key policies. If unsure whether an issue is a safeguarding issue, treat it as one.
- Appendix L — Annual Youth Rugby CalendarA rhythm to the season — from pre-season planning in July to the end-of-season review in June.