Youths Rugby.

[ormond lad]

Nearly all the u17/19 regional leagues start this weekend.
4 games in the East at 19s and 6 at 17s(in 2 groups).
In the North there is 4 games at 19s level in 2 groups in the 2nd round of fixtures(though 2 of last weeks games did not go ahead.) and 6 games at 17s level in 2 groups.
17s league starts this week in South Munster with the 19s not due to start until saturday week
There is 4 groups in the South 17s league, 23 teams in total, and 2 groups in the 19s league with 17 clubs in total
2 west sides are competing in the north at 19s while at 17s a couple of rounds of the league have been played

[greenback]

at u19s ULBohs and shannon have pulled out,so you only have abbeyfeale,tralee,YM/Ennis,garryowen,thomond,bruff in N/Munster

[ormond lad]

at u19s ULBohs and shannon have pulled out,so you only have abbeyfeale,tralee,YM/Ennis,garryowen,thomond,bruff in N/Munster

Thats a shame esp Shannon considering theyre defending all ireland champions.
6 teams in north with 4 qualifying for pan munster still?

[Stretch]

at u19s ULBohs and shannon have pulled out,so you only have abbeyfeale,tralee,YM/Ennis,garryowen,thomond,bruff in N/Munster

Hard to figure, after Shannons super year and UL Bohs should be flying it with lads, believe they have got many representatives who are in college in those parts going playing with them!

[John's Garden]

think the abbeyfeale team is actually castleiland/abbeyfeale. That also means there are 4 teams in one Section and 2 in the other.

[greenback]

think the abbeyfeale team is actually castleiland/abbeyfeale. That also means there are 4 teams in one Section and 2 in the other.

yep your right it is Abbeyfeale/castleisland .i believe abbeyfeale are providing the bulk of the players...it's tough shannon could'nt
defend their title,last years team and the year before were an exceptional bunch of lads and should make their mark at 21s in the future

[ormond lad]

results from 17s/19s league games played yesterday and today
North u19
Thomond 7 Young Munster 8
Tralee 12 Garryowen 29
South u17
Section 1
Dolphin 0 Highfield 20
Muskerry 31 Douglas 0
Section 2
Skibbereeb 52 Dunmanway 14
Bandon 27 Ballincollig 0
Section 3
Fermoy 12 Mitchelstown 14
Youghal 7 Kanturk 13
Cobh Pirates 18 Midleton 17
Section 4
Sundays Well 12 Cork Con 10
Old Christians 0 Mallow 22

East u17
Section A
Nenagh 17 Thurles 17
Carrick On Suir 0 Cashel 46
West u17
Kenmare 10 Listowel 25
Tralee 53 Corca Dhuibhne 8
Tralee Colts 26 Killarney 19

[ormond lad]

Some of the regional u17 squads that help decide next seasons munster youths squads are playing games over the next few days. Tonight in castleisland the west u17 development squad play a kerry select xv at 7.30pm and on monday the north and east development squads play each other in UL Pavilion at 7pm

[locomotion]

Something needs to be done so we can provide meaningful rugby for as many of our players as possible and not just the elite few in the interpro squads. This may mean stepping back from the Pan Munster / IRFU competitions and concentrating on running competitions in our own regions where our rules would allow the maximum number of players to participate. In the long run this would keep more players in the game to go on and play for their clubs at various levels and maybe even the odd player for the Munster squad.

[ormond lad]

Something needs to be done so we can provide meaningful rugby for as many of our players as possible and not just the elite few in the interpro squads. This may mean stepping back from the Pan Munster / IRFU competitions and concentrating on running competitions in our own regions where our rules would allow the maximum number of players to participate. In the long run this would keep more players in the game to go on and play for their clubs at various levels and maybe even the odd player for the Munster squad.

Something should be done. Maybe what should be looked at is having pan munster competitions from the start and getting the best sides playing each other similar to what happens in Leinster where their is u17 and u19 premier divisions, divisions 1 and 2.
But introducing stupid u20 competitions undermines the u19 competitions.
I dont think going back to regional comps and stepping away from pan munster/IRFU comps is the answer as its a big step in the wrong direction.

[bannerman]

One simple solution-remove the school's veto on rugby in Munster. It's not them stopping the elite players that is causing the most problems, its because they are stopping young lads who will never make the side. Pan Munster is a great comp and if it was used correctly by the branch would be a fantastic tool for identifying talent aross the province. Prob is the uncertainty about who is or is not able to compete from year to year. The schools continue to destroy rugby in Munster.

[ormond lad]

One simple solution-remove the school's veto on rugby in Munster. It's not them stopping the elite players that is causing the most problems, its because they are stopping young lads who will never make the side. Pan Munster is a great comp and if it was used correctly by the branch would be a fantastic tool for identifying talent aross the province. Prob is the uncertainty about who is or is not able to compete from year to year. The schools continue to destroy rugby in Munster.

Quite hard to remove schools power but IMO eyes are beginning to kind of open in munster rugby and that something will happen soon.
Yes the biggest problem with pannelling of players is not the players 1-19 that are panelled its players 20-28 who get little rugby in the season.
Things will really have to come to a head and a proper all out debate is needed where a decision is made and kept as to how under 16-u19 rugby is played and governed in the province
The pan munster is great and has been a great way of improving youths rugby in the province the past 3 seasons through giving kids more games and better promotion of youths rugby in the province

[locomotion]

The schools panels have finally been submitted so it will be very interesting to see the impact this will have on clubs already struggling to field teams. I personally would love the Pan Munster to continue and teams from all the regions in Munster taking part, but when you see North Munster dropping from 9 teams to 4 in the space of a few weeks and some of those teams are made up of amalgamations and loan players it is time to take drastic action to provide rugby for as many players as possible.

[Stretch]

I personally would love the Pan Munster to continue and teams from all the regions in Munster taking part, but when you see North Munster dropping from 9 teams to 4 in the space of a few weeks and some of those teams are made up of amalgamations and loan players it is time to take drastic action to provide rugby for as many players as possible.

Agreed, Pan Munster is a great competition, but only for those who make it there, many who will now by default . Regarding those who don't, it can be soul destroying for coaches and some of the players involved as what you see is a collapse of a structure formed from a young age and a brick wall put in its place that will see some lads never climbing and essentially never playing again.

Through things such as lack of insight from clubs, by not amalgamating or under-estimating their numbers, or pure 'muleism', or be it a difficult age to get lads to focus, yes "drastic action" needs to be taken and I hear you loud and clear. I see lads at our clubs who are fine rugby players, have played with much skill, character, endeavour, effort and LOVE of rugby being left in limbo, and it is so frustrating and becomes even more frustrating when you try and do something about it. For say lads at 19s they say, you can play with the senior squads is not good enough and a cop-out.

I am practically out of ideas and even at this early stage of the year, the season ahead looks shot already without a ball being played. Perhaps in each division say at 19s, they could try and get those lads whose propects of playing club 19s slim to none and imalgamating these lads into "exile" squads to play in their divisions. Again there are good lads out there who want to play but can't, because they in truth are being neglected and exiled, something has to be done - rather then the alternative, nothing.

[ormond lad]

Agreed, Pan Munster is a great competition, but only for those who make it there, many who will now by default . Regarding those who don't, it can be soul destroying for coaches and some of the players involved as what you see is a collapse of a structure formed from a young age and a brick wall put in its place that will see some lads never climbing and essentially never playing again.

Through things such as lack of insight from clubs, by not amalgamating or under-estimating their numbers, or pure 'muleism', or be it a difficult age to get lads to focus, yes "drastic action" needs to be taken and I hear you loud and clear. I see lads at our clubs who are fine rugby players, have played with much skill, character, endeavour, effort and LOVE of rugby being left in limbo, and it is so frustrating and becomes even more frustrating when you try and do something about it. For say lads at 19s they say, you can play with the senior squads is not good enough and a cop-out.

I am practically out of ideas and even at this early stage of the year, the season ahead looks shot already without a ball being played. Perhaps in each division say at 19s, they could try and get those lads whose propects of playing club 19s slim to none and imalgamating these lads into "exile" squads to play in their divisions. Again there are good lads out there who want to play but can't, because they in truth are being neglected and exiled, something has to be done - rather then the alternative, nothing.

I really think its time in Munster especially at 19s level that we do what is done in Leinster at 17s/19s level and have premier, 1st and 2nd divisions with teams of a similar standard from all over the province. clubs would also play in regional leagues.
So basically there could be a premier division of Waterpark, Nenagh, Shannon, Young Munster, Highfield, Tralee, Crosshaven, Kilfeacle
A first division of Thomond, Garryowen, Sundays Well, Abbeyfeale, Castleisland, Clonmel and so on
winner of premier division represents munster in all ireland semi finals
Basically there would be 2 groups of 7/8 sides in the premier division and then depending on numbers there would be a 1st/2nd division split into north/south sections.
19s is difficult in some clubs as clubs look for those players u/age for 19s who are over 18 years of age to play 21s and/or 2nds/3rds and then those lads don play 19s.

[Stretch]

I won't argue with you, drastic times, lead to drastic measures and being realistic, nothing is going to happen in the near future which is disappointing, very similar feel this year to the start , of 'effort' of one last year. Look at the farce the East 19s was last year compared to the competition those lads had the prior two years, free-fall.

As stated on this site, Shannon not fielding is resounding. I see your point of tiers, however if I am with Tralee, trying to keep lads in on a saturday night and baby sitting them , trying to make sure they would be there to travel on a sunday morning to waterford, I'd need a miracle. A number of your teams mentioned would struggle to field, but again I don't wish to put holes in your suggestion, because at least you are suggesting something.

Again, the likes of a Clanwilliam, Listowel etc are left in wilderness, development leagues don't work as they don't last. Just think it is wrong for a lad who wants to play 19s can't, again they may not be a representative player, but I can say some of these lads are not far off it, but then they won't get the chance to show. Shame, but would be interested to know how that "loan players" system, as mentioned earlier works or can it?

[ormond lad]

I won't argue with you, drastic times, lead to drastic measures and being realistic, nothing is going to happen in the near future which is disappointing, very similar feel this year to the start , of 'effort' of one last year. Look at the farce the East 19s was last year compared to the competition those lads had the prior two years, free-fall.

As stated on this site, Shannon not fielding is resounding. I see your point of tiers, however if I am with Tralee, trying to keep lads in on a saturday night and baby sitting them , trying to make sure they would be there to travel on a sunday morning to waterford, I'd need a miracle. A number of your teams mentioned would struggle to field, but again I don't wish to put holes in your suggestion, because at least you are suggesting something.

Again, the likes of a Clanwilliam, Listowel etc are left in wilderness, development leagues don't work as they don't last. Just think it is wrong for a lad who wants to play 19s can't, again they may not be a representative player, but I can say some of these lads are not far off it, but then they won't get the chance to show. Shame, but would be interested to know how that "loan players" system, as mentioned earlier works or can it?

Wouldnt call last seasons east 19s league a farce it just wasnt as strong as previous years in many ways.
Shannon not fielding is a surprise and a pity that they cant defend all the titles they won last season
Look its an idea and if you tier the league by standards not geography IMO clubs are more likely to field as they will be facing for the most part teams of a similar standard to them even if theyve to travel.
Loaning players system is like this.
Player A plays for thurles. he is an u19. Thurles dont have an u19 team for the 12/13 season. Player A is 18 years of age and can play adult rugby with thurles 2nds but wants to play at his age group. He can apply for a season long loan and play with a club at 19s level
The loan system works. Several lads in Nenagh used the loan system to play with thomond u21s last season when Nenagh didnt field in the u21 league last season
It can work very well but clubs have to be very open as to their playing numbers from early in the season to ensure that all players get rugby for the season

[Forever young]

Problem is that there are too many problems and it's not a one solution situation. The fall off in the number of teams of teams at u19 is alarming. In GAA it can happen at u21 but very rarely and its usually very small clubs. In rugby even the big clubs are not fielding. Some 17 year olds who are too young for Senior rugby may be left without any rugby. Don't anyone tell me that a very good 17 year old rugby player still has the time to make a great one. If we agree with that statement we might also agree that he wont become that great player if he's not playing rugby. In any field sport these are the critical years and the club structure is falling apart. In relation to the representative structure club players are also being overlooked at this age grade. If you take a club player who just fails to make the squad by a whisker. Take it that he has got very average coaching and not a lot of quality rugby with his club and he is competing with schools players who have had quality coaching and games. Surely the club player has huge potential for improvement with the right coaching and quality games? But what happens? Confined to the age grade scrapheap and a club that has no u19 team. System alright but dysfunctional. Compare with GAA and look at how many players breakthrough at u21 who didn't make it at Minor. If they keep doing the same things they shouldn't be surprised that there getting the same results.

[ormond lad]

Problem is that there are too many problems and it's not a one solution situation. The fall off in the number of teams of teams at u19 is alarming. In GAA it can happen at u21 but very rarely and its usually very small clubs. In rugby even the big clubs are not fielding. Some 17 year olds who are too young for Senior rugby may be left without any rugby. Don't anyone tell me that a very good 17 year old rugby player still has the time to make a great one. If we agree with that statement we might also agree that he wont become that great player if he's not playing rugby. In any field sport these are the critical years and the club structure is falling apart. In relation to the representative structure club players are also being overlooked at this age grade. If you take a club player who just fails to make the squad by a whisker. Take it that he has got very average coaching and not a lot of quality rugby with his club and he is competing with schools players who have had quality coaching and games. Surely the club player has huge potential for improvement with the right coaching and quality games? But what happens? Confined to the age grade scrapheap and a club that has no u19 team. System alright but dysfunctional. Compare with GAA and look at how many players breakthrough at u21 who didn't make it at Minor. If they keep doing the same things they shouldn't be surprised that there getting the same results.

Yes 19s is an issue with some teams not fielding but some clubs not fielding at 19s and then fielding in a small u20 league is just crazy IMO.
Yes without proper competitions some 17 year olds will be left without rugby if theyve no 19s as they will not be able to play adult rugby.
Clubs have to swallow their pride and amalganate if they cant field at 19s and if that means 3 clubs have to combine then so be it.
I wouldnt agree with you saying the club structure is falling apart. there is issues but its not that bad.

[Forever young]

Not saying club structure is falling apart in general as that's not the case. I'm referring to period between u17 and senior. Just look at the fall off in participation in this period when boys are just developing into men. We can bury our heads in the sand or do something about. As long as the Academy have a few coming through they have no desire to change it, as long as the clubs have a few coming through every year they have no need to change it either, so where is the drive for change going to come from.

[Stretch]

Not saying club structure is falling apart in general as that's not the case. I'm referring to period between u17 and senior. Just look at the fall off in participation in this period when boys are just developing into men. We can bury our heads in the sand or do something about. As long as the Academy have a few coming through they have no desire to change it, as long as the clubs have a few coming through every year they have no need to change it either, so where is the drive for change going to come from.

Regarding my experience, the old heads in clubs, where they have much to offer and have for years are mainly interested in the senior squad/squads, and as you stated have a few coming through each yes (some too early) and happy with that. The talk of amalgamating does not get facilitated much time and typical response is do nothing, we'll be alright, sure we'll be fine for numbers. Very frustrating for those involved with the squads, some lads have played with the team for years, given what they could back to the club, love playing for the club and then get alienated and neglected, with some indeed perhaps rugby being the only sport they play and it is too young to finish with sport. Sport is great for kids, some regarding their circumstances outside of sport need it badly.

I guess the drive has to come from within the squad, including the coaches, but poor to no support there I believe. Personally I have no regard for the 'jobs in tracksuits', looking for the next star, I am interested in lads enjoying themselves, no matter what level they are at, and clubs are great to facilitate all levels, just not all age groups it seems.

[ormond lad]

Not saying club structure is falling apart in general as that's not the case. I'm referring to period between u17 and senior. Just look at the fall off in participation in this period when boys are just developing into men. We can bury our heads in the sand or do something about. As long as the Academy have a few coming through they have no desire to change it, as long as the clubs have a few coming through every year they have no need to change it either, so where is the drive for change going to come from.

I dont agree with you when you say that there is no desire for things to change because a few players are coming through each year. In my view there is many throughout the province who really want change from clubs looking for the 20s league as they dont like the 19s and prefer the 20s to 19s/21s.
There is a fall off in playing numbers but what exactly can be done.

Regarding my experience, the old heads in clubs, where they have much to offer and have for years are mainly interested in the senior squad/squads, and as you stated have a few coming through each yes (some too early) and happy with that. The talk of amalgamating does not get facilitated much time and typical response is do nothing, we'll be alright, sure we'll be fine for numbers. Very frustrating for those involved with the squads, some lads have played with the team for years, given what they could back to the club, love playing for the club and then get alienated and neglected, with some indeed perhaps rugby being the only sport they play and it is too young to finish with sport. Sport is great for kids, some regarding their circumstances outside of sport need it badly.

I guess the drive has to come from within the squad, including the coaches, but poor to no support there I believe. Personally I have no regard for the 'jobs in tracksuits', looking for the next star, I am interested in lads enjoying themselves, no matter what level they are at, and clubs are great to facilitate all levels, just not all age groups it seems.

Wrt clubs not amalgamating well that call has to come from regional/provincial youths committees at an early stage ie june/july prior to start of season so clubs have plenty of time to ensure they have numbers and can arrange things so that everyone benefits from the amalgamation.
Amalgamation doesnt come up enough imo as some people in clubs are too proud/arrogant to join with neighbouring clubs to field at an age group.

Getting back to the rugby. The South 19s league started today and the results from the 2 sections are below
South 19s
Section 1
Cork Con 55 Kinsale 5
Muskerry 15 Clonakilty 15
Highfield 40 Skibbereen 7
Section 2
Fermoy 7 Sundays Well 41
Old Christians 5 Midleton 13
Youghal 17 Mallow 3
Dolphin v Cobh Pirates Conceded by Cobh Pirates

u17
section 2
Dunmanway 36 Bandon 48
Ballincollig 0 Clonakilty 25
Bantry Bay 20 Kinsale 25

[McCloud]

munsterrugby.ie




Munster Community Rugby Officer Insight
24 October 2012, 5:07 pm
By The Editor




We catch up with Finny O'Regan, Munster Community Rugby Officer, who gives us an insight into the development of Domestic Rugby in Munster.


Former Highfield RFC scrum half and youths coach, Finny O’Regan has been employed with Munster Rugby since 1993 and is responsible for the player and coaching pathway in the Cork city and county region as part of the IRFU’s Long Term Player Development programme.
Day To Day Role


“My primary function is to work with the Munster clubs and schools in the Cork area to assist with the upskilling and development of players and coaches within stage 1 (6-12 years) and Stage 2 (13 to 17 years) of rugby.”


Talent Identification


“A major aspect of my role is overseeing the Munster Cadet squads. This focuses on identifying top players from all Munster’s four regions and bringing them together at the primary stage of progressing them towards representative rugby. There is an initial squad of 240 players selected from North, South, East and West Munster who compete against each other in a round robin series. Players are then identified through a selection process and the final squad of 30 to 40 players become the Munster Cadets”.


Munster Cadets Programme


“The cadet programme involves intense pitch and gym sessions throughout the season overseen by community rugby officers throughout the province. We start identifying players from October and whittle the squad down via a selection process in November. We keep the players all the way through to the summer and in October hand them over to the next stage RDS (Regional Development Squads). Selected players will then progress into the Munster U18 squad and compete in the interprovincial series".


How has domestic rugby changed over the years?


“There has been vast changes and improvements particularly within the youths section of Munster Rugby over the years. The recognition of the importance of developing coaches and players from a young age is what I believe has contributed to the provinces success over the last number of years.


Upskilling coaches in the clubs has created a more advance type of coaching which has led to producing better players for the cadets and the regional development squads. We are also developing mini rugby coaches within the clubs who initially get involved in the game as volunteer parents of players and just need a bit of guidance, coach education and confidence to go on".


Playing Numbers


“With the increase of rugby officers on the ground, generating interest in the sport and helping to put teams together, players are now staying in the game and the amount of ‘drop off’ numbers has decreased. I also think that the success of the Munster professional team has enticed young people to take up the sport and a well organised set up in our clubs has encouraged them to stay in the game. The Munster Community Rugby Officers also run Summer Camps on the off season throughout the province for boys and girls aged between 6 and 13 years of age. This encourages young people to take up the sport and gives the players a platform to develop their new skills and hopefully encourage them to join their local rugby club. This has also contributed to the increase in playing numbers over the years.”


Are there any players coming through now that you have previously coached that we should be looking out for?


“We started the cadet and regional development squads set up six years ago and since then there has been many talented players coming through the system. A recent example is Kerry man JJ Hanrahan who has progressed from the West Munster RDS squad through to representing his province and country at underage level. I was delighted to see him make his Heineken Cup debut last Sunday against Edinburgh in Thomond Park.


John Madigan (second row) from Charleville has also recently been involved with the RDS progamme and is now in a selection process for the Ireland U19 squad. John is one to look out for in the future and I wish him every success!!


I should also mention Idris Rqibi from Skibbereen who has progressed from the cadet programme to the RDS set up. He recently captained the Munster Youths (U18s) in this year’s interprovincial series and hopefully will progress to the Munster U19s squad next season.


The club youths are getting more and more players into the interprovincial squads because of what Munster Rugby Community Rugby Officers are now doing on the ground. The next stage for these talented players is into the pathway of the Munster Academy and then on to the red and green jerseys!"


Munster Community Rugby Officers


Cork City & County: Finny O'Regan email: finnyoregan@munsterrugby.ie


West Cork and Kerry: Ray Gadsden email: raygadsden@munsterrugby.ie


Limerick & Tipperary: Ed Daly email: eddaly@munsterrugby.ie


Limerick & Clare: Fiach O'Loughlin email: fiacholoughlin@munsterrugby.ie


East Cork and Waterford: John O'Neill email: johnoneill@munsterrugby.ie

[ormond lad]

Anybody go to the u17 regional games in UL today?
All regions played each other in short games of 15/20 mins a side.

[ormond lad]

Anybody go to the u17 regional games in UL today?
All regions played each other in short games of 15/20 mins a side.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/domestic/news/11056
9 from munster are in clongowes this week for irish youths camp
Toby Ademakin (Garryowen), Brendan Quinlan (Clanwilliam) Ben Betts (Young Munster), Aaron Hogan (Youghal), Idris Rqibi (Skibbereen), Dylan Horgan (Highfield), Fionn McGibney (Garryown), Eoin O’Carroll (Tralee), Mark Dorgan (Highfield).

[Tipp TightHead]

My young lad started playing u15s this year and so far out of 3 league games there has been no official referee....Why is this? is there an extreme shortage on a sunday morning? Are clubs preferring to ref it themselves to give their team an advantage?
What expenses do refs get at this level? This has to be addressed imo.... GAA and soccer have no problems in this regard....Bad Ref's can turn youths off the game imo especially in rugby as they can have such a huge impact on the result of any game.

I am fully aware of the assoc Ref scheme but believe it should be used for friendlies only

[McCloud]

My young lad started playing u15s this year and so far out of 3 league games there has been no official referee....Why is this? is there an extreme shortage on a sunday morning? Are clubs preferring to ref it themselves to give their team an advantage?
What expenses do refs get at this level? This has to be addressed imo.... GAA and soccer have no problems in this regard....Bad Ref's can turn youths off the game imo especially in rugby as they can have such a huge impact on the result of any game.

I am fully aware of the assoc Ref scheme but believe it should be used for friendlies only

Not had that problem Tipp TH. Only time a ref has gone missing is when he forgot the clocks were going forward. In the event of the assigned ref not turning up the rules stipulate that the home club has to provide an associate ref from their club.

[Tipp TightHead]

Not had that problem Tipp TH. Only time a ref has gone missing is when he forgot the clocks were going forward. In the event of the assigned ref not turning up the rules stipulate that the home club has to provide an associate ref from their club.

Thanks McCloud, Can these rules be found on-line ? Seems to me some clubs are making no effort to book a Ref and just appoint someone from the coaching staff for their home games.

[McCloud]

Thanks McCloud, Can these rules be found on-line ? Seems to me some clubs are making no effort to book a Ref and just appoint someone from the coaching staff for their home games.

Clubs don't make the appointment the MAR is responsible for assigning ref's AFAIK. The assigning of refs is based on the league fixture list and should be well known in advance. Don't know if the rules are available online as I'm a coach I was emailed a copy of the rules & regulations before the league started.

[ormond lad]

My young lad started playing u15s this year and so far out of 3 league games there has been no official referee....Why is this? is there an extreme shortage on a sunday morning? Are clubs preferring to ref it themselves to give their team an advantage?
What expenses do refs get at this level? This has to be addressed imo.... GAA and soccer have no problems in this regard....Bad Ref's can turn youths off the game imo especially in rugby as they can have such a huge impact on the result of any game.
I am fully aware of the assoc Ref scheme but believe it should be used for friendlies only

There is a shortage of referees and full MAR referees will be used for adult games and the older age groups ahead of u13s/15s. In an ideal world there should be full MAR refs officiating at all competitive games at all levels but unless more people go to refereeing courses and volunteer their services then you will have to make do with associate referees for a considerable number of your kids games.
the MAR appoints the refs. You can see what refs are scheduled to ref each game on the MAR website every wednesday/thursday evening when the weekly schedule is put up online.
The associate ref course was set up to deal with the shortage in full MAR referees and is the first step for people in becoming MAR referees. The associate referee course allows competitive games go ahead that otherwise would not due to the shortage in full MAR referees