Hi, I need some advice.  My 7 year old has recently taken up tag rugby, the problem is there are some very gifted players and some not so gifted but need more skills based training but the club seem to play matches nearly every weekend leaving little time for skills coaching.  There is anger amongst the parents that the club have brought in an A, B & C structure whereby, A are the best players, B players (ok but need some work) and C players, well you can guess what they are.  This weekend the club propose to set up a game for the C team to play an under 6 team! Well, let's just say that has not gone down well within the parental ranks.  I understand the model for children at this age is for them to try different activities and not focus so much on the winning at all costs model!  The kids have picked up on this A,B & C team already, which leaves the less talented players dejected.  Hard for a parent to watch that without fighting their corner!

My son is not one of the gifted players nor do I mind if he even plays in competitive rugby at this stage, nor do I want him branded with a big C. I was hoping to propose a structure of a 'playing team' made up of the gifted A squad (who may well be held back by the less naturally talented) and a developing squad where the focus will be on practising basic skills such as catching, passing, tagging and awareness.  I propose that the A/B team play most matches but the developing side play in every other leaving the sessions for coaching and not competition.  

Please could anyone who may have proposed such options offer any feedback or alternatively a solution to a what is becoming a heated topic.  Surely this is not the first time this has happened in kids sport?

Grateful for any suggestions. - Sarah