Hi to the Grammar Junior Rugby Community,

A warm welcome to the preparation phase for the 2012 season. I know you are just getting back into the swing of things with post Xmas summer sports, so rugby emails seem a little crazy to comprehend.  We do however have quite a lot of work to do to ensure the season gets off on the right foot in April.
 
The first critical piece is to ensure we get the registrations process underway. The online system through our website is open as from now. The system will automatically place your child in the grade one up from the one they played in last year based on their age as of 1st January 2012.  I am pleased to report that we will be keeping the membership fees the same as last season. You have the option to add a donation when you register and all donations will be gratefully received.
 
Registration (and weigh in) dates/times have been set as:

22nd February (Wednesday) - 4pm to 6pm
25th February (Saturday) - 11am to 1pm
26th February (Sunday) - 10am to 12pm
2nd March (Friday) - 4pm to 6pm
3rd March (Saturday) - 11am to 1pm
6th March (Tuesday) - 4pm to 6pm 

All these sessions will be held at our clubrooms at Shore Rd, Remuera. Please use our website www.grammarjuniors.co.nz for all the information you need to know about the forthcoming season. You can also email us with any queries via admin@grammarjuniors.org.nz.
 
One question we do get asked frequently is in terms of the weight limits by grade. These are listed on the website. Your child needs to aim to be at or below their respective grade weight by the weigh in dates. In borderline cases the final weigh-in date will be late March but no later, as we will be sorting and advising all teams by the end of March prior to the school holidays. Remember ages are as of 1st January 2012:

·       U6 and U7 – no weight limit – Rippa Rugby
·       U8 – 31kg
·       U9 – 35kg
·       U10 – 39kg
·       U11 – 43kg
·       U12 – 49kg – champ final weigh in date May 5th
·       U13 – 55kg – champ final weigh in date May 5th
 
If you know of anyone who is interested in joining the Grammar Rugby Community can you please on-forward this email and get them to register online and then come down for the weigh-in.  Our database contains only previous members details, thus we need you to “spread the word” to both newcomers to Auckland, older children who are keen to try rugby or transfer from another club, as well as our budding 4 and 5 year old incoming members. Our club has a great spirit and word of mouth recommendations are our best form of marketing. We welcome, and need, help from as many parents as possible for coaches and managers roles. Please note your interest when you are registering your children online. It is a thoroughly rewarding experience and your children love you being involved.
 
In terms of sponsorship we are working on a plan that will see a “family of sponsors” approach with potentially tiers of involvement. As we survive on predominantly membership fee income we rely on sponsorship to give the children the extra little pieces that make the club successful. If you are interested in looking at how your business could be involved please note this in your online registrations and we will follow up with you.
 
We are also likely to be invited to field some teams (Grades U8-U11) for curtain raisers to some of the Blues home matches at Eden Park. More details to follow as they come available.
 
We look forward to seeing you at registration over the next few weeks and keeping you posted via email. But in the meantime go online and register and let’s get the season off to a great start.