Entries open for popular West Wittering beach touch rugby tournament

Entries are now open for the annual West Wittering Under-19s Mixed Beach Touch Rugby tournament on 12 June 2020. The popular event, run by Chichester College, has a £40 entry fee per team (with a maximum of 2 teams per college) to cover some of the inherent costs of running the event. The closing date for applications is Friday 29 May 2020 – due to limited spaces, please book your place ASAP by emailing mark.bonar@chichester.ac.uk Last year was the tournament's tenth anniversary with about 2,400 students taking part in teams from as far afield as Birmingham, Cardiff and Luton. Chichester College’s Mark Bonar said: “It’s a great day out on the beach with mates at the end of the year. Some teams like Worthing come with well drilled teams and have won the event for the last five years, whilst others come for a social run on the beach, with many females playing rugby for the first time. For several inner-city players, it’s their first time playing on a beach. “It’s hard to tell who enjoys the event most - the RFU staff who come from all over the south of England to support the event or colleges who come to play every year and say that it is the best event they are involved in.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7_7eJJfzsA Due to the tides, it is essential the event starts on time, so timings will be as follows: 09.30hrs (registration / team briefing) 10:00hrs (matches start) Should you miss your match slot, you will forfeit the points as we will not have enough time in the day to reschedule the game – please arrive promptly at 09.30hr to register. Main Beach Touch Rugby Rules

• 5 players on the pitch at any one time (Either – 2 Boys, 3 Girls or 2 Girls, 3 Boys). Rolling subs.
• Maximum of 8 players in your team
• Touch Rugby is a NON-CONTACT sport
• The game start is non contested
• Contact with 1 or more hands to the carrier constitute as a ‘touch’.

Official touch rugby rules can be found here. Valuables / Food & Drink There is no dedicated safe storage area so valuables are brought at your own risk. Players are advised to bring a packed lunch and plenty to drink. Gazebos for shelter are also advisable if you have them. A communal BBQ will be available, bring own food, tongs etc.. There are showers and toilet facilities at the site for players and staff to use. Parking There is free parking for the team minibus/coach; however, there will be a parking charge (per vehicle) for all other spectators. To get a free parking space, you MUST inform the estate office your minibus number plate in ADVANCE of the event. Only 1 slot will be allocated per team. Directions to the Wittering Estate - www.westwitteringbeach.co.uk/directions.html Despite a nominal fee, all team players get to keep a coloured sponsored event T-shirt to play the event in, along with an event logoed water bottle in order to keep hydrated. Any colleges interested in taking part or would like further details should email mark.bonar@chichester.ac.uk or phone 01243 786321 Ext: 2362