FROM OUR INTERNATIONAL NEWS DESK
by Sara John - USA Rugby (303-539-0300)

BOULDER, Colo. - The USA Rugby Coach Development Program (CDP) is excited to announce that it will be holding the first Coaching Rugby Sevens Level 1 and Level 2 courses in conjunction with the USA Sevens Tournament taking place in Las Vegas on Feb. 13-14.

Both of the courses are based on the recently released IRB Coaching Sevens program. The Coaching Rugby Sevens Level 1 course will focus on basic sevens coaching, specifically the difference between the sevens and XVs game, the principles of sevens, key factors and player functional roles. The Level 2 course will continue on to team profiling analysis and game planning. While it is recommended that coaches are certified, both courses are open to anyone.

“With the recent Olympic inclusion, it’s imperative that the Coach Development Program embrace rugby sevens and the increased interest in the game. We are excited to offer this course to U.S. Coaches as well as continue to add additional development opportunities for new coaches across our nation,” said USA Rugby’s Director of Coach Development Norm Mottram.

The Level 1 course will be offered twice, with a course on Wednesday, Feb. 10 and Friday, Feb. 12, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (PST).

The Level 2 course is a two-day course that will take place on Thursday, Feb. 11 and Friday Feb.12. from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. (PST). Participants are required to take the Level 1 course in order to gain entry into the Level 2 course. Since the Level 2 course starts from the work completed in Level 1there is no test out provision for Level1.

In addition to the courses, there will be a question and answer session taking place on Friday during the courses with USA Rugby Sevens National Team Head Coach Al Caravelli.

Cost:
Level 1 :( 2/10 or 2/12) $50
Level 2: (2/11- 2/12) $125
Level 1 & 2: (2/10-2/12) $175

Course Location:
Hooters Casino and Hotel
115 East Tropicana Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89109
1.800.584.6687

Please register by visiting http://membership.usarugby.org click on Sign up for a Coaching Course. If paying by check please use this form www.usarugby.org/media/EDocs/Sevens_paper_registration.doc.

Book your hotel rooms now by going to the USA Sevens Official website, http://www.usasevens.com/travel.aspx or by calling the number above. When booking rooms or calling to make hotel reservations, please refer to the group code: 544658.

The Courses will be led by USAR CDP Course Leaders. Below are brief bios on our Sevens Course Leaders:

Murray Wallace played for GHK throughout the Scottish Border Sevens Circuit for 12 years and then with Glasgow Hawks for three years. He was a member of the reserve squad of players selected for inaugural World Cup Sevens at Murrayfield in 1993. In 1996, he played for Scotland Sevens in Border Sevens and then represented Scotland at Dubai Sevens (RWC Sevens Qualifier), and at Hong Kong in 1997 World Cup Sevens. Wallace also coached and captained Rugby Ecosse Select Side in Jersualem, Budapest, Cayman Islands and Trinidad and Tobago Sevens.

Peter Baggetta has played sevens in New Zealand, Hong Kong and Japan and represented Guam at the 1999 South Pacific Games. He was the national sevens coach for Guam from 2002-2006 as well as being an IRB resource coach with teams at the Wellington and Hong Kong Sevens Series tournaments during that time. From 2007 to 2009 he worked as an assistant coach for both the USA Women’s National and Developmental Teams and worked as the defensive coach with the 2009 U.S. Women's Sevens Team in their preparation for the Sevens World Cup.

Nancy Fitz played for the USA Women’s Sevens Team from 1997-1999 and was coached by Emil Signes and Al Caravelli during that time. She played sevens for the Washington Furies from 1992-2008, while also co-coaching the Furies for the past ten years. In addition, Nancy has coached the Mid-Atlantic Women’s Sevens Team since 2007.

This article was originally posted on 13-Jan-2010, 11:08 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 13-Jan-2010, 11:18.