The GHA Way Handbook

What we stand for

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.

Who does what

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.

How we coach

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.

How players grow

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.

Running the season

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.

Keeping players safe

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.

Templates & toolkits

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.