Some interesting thoughts Joe. We at the NOBs took issue with Rugby Canada re the insurance program which I still feel out of line particularly for Old Boys and mini non contact rugby especially bearing in mind the $50,000 deductible. The home insurance of an old boy or the parent of a mini provides better individual protection than the Rugby Canada coverage. And everyone with personal home coverage should be aware that if they ( or a youngster living at home) is named in a lawsuit then the Rugby Canada insurers will insist that you’re coverage is brought in to the action under the contribution clause that is part of all Liability policies.
I also agree with your comments re Rugby Canada’s mandate being only the National team. I wish Canada all the best in the World Cup but in my opinion amateurs playing professionals makes a mockery of the sport and professional rugby in Canada is not on the cards in the foreseeable future. I don’t believe the general Canadian public is prepared to pay to watch the game in Canada. I believe support for grass roots rugby is more important and in the long run will be better for the game in this country.
To compete in the World Cup we need at least 35 to 40 players playing professionally in Europe or the Southern Hemisphere. The IRB might also consider a two tier cup, one for Pros and one for Amateurs.
With the 7s game now being part of the Olympics it would seem that Rugby Canada would be much better rewarded concentrating on the annual 7s World Cup which is a more level playing field, a more entertaining game for “non-rugby” spectators and will almost certainly obtain better funding opportunities from Govt. sources.
Jack Morrison. Nobs Rugby
From: Joe Ventresca [mailto:joeventresca@yahoo.ca]
Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 5:46 PM
To: general@nobsrfc.com; S & J Morrison
Subject: Fw: Rugby Canada looks for feedback about rugby development
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Caleb Smith <caleb_s51@hotmail.com>
To: info@rugbycanada.ca
Cc: ttkloetstra@yahoo.ca; aitken1965@gmail.com; mlvdhurk@talkwireless.ca; jruiter2@cogeco.ca; tommy_gun_22_@hotmail.com; sutcra@yahoo.ca; eseppala@vaxxine.com; stuart.b@sympatico.ca; probinson@biznetci.com; frank.hellwig@vincor.ca; dboal@cogeco.ca; aklnzl@hotmail.com; joeventresca@yahoo.ca; mullet.vandenhurk@gmail.com; bratpack.stewart@gmail.com; don.gibson@heartniagara.com; chrish@hcrsteel.com; heather.davis@dsbn.edu.on.ca; chrish@hodgsoncustomrolling.com; bramcotton@hotmail.com; kdavis@town.forterie.on.ca; peterd@royallepage.ca
Sent: Thursday, July 7, 2011 9:49:42 PM
Subject: Rugby Canada looks for feedback about rugby development
To Rugby Canada,
I recently read the article on your web site titled "Fixing Canadian Soccer - A call to action" and you asked for the readers opinions about how it could relate to Rugby in our country. A few thoughts came to mind, in March of 2010 I watched the Rugby Canada AGM on line and was disappointed to hear that Rugby Canada would only look after the tip of the pyramid. I do understand that the National age grade and senior teams are your priorities but, I look to USA rugby and am amazed that they are not only looking after the tip of the pyramid but, setting the course for the bottom of it as well. Their progressive packaging of youth rugby has been fantastic. Their "Rookie Rugby" program sets out a clear pathway for rugby players from 4 to 14 years old. Also, they have produced on line coaching resources and certification for rookie rugby. There are clear instructions on how to develop a youth rugby program and what procedures you must follow. They have even merchandised their youth rugby program with t-shirts, stickers and birthday cards. These items make youth rugby more organized and professional looking to parents and kids, something we don't always see in Canada. As well, USA rugby has office staff who are dedicated to developing youth rugby and can offer further guidance to a club, parent, player or community organization. If Rugby Canada could take the lead and develop a support system for youth rugby that would be amazing.
Building the base is the next item that comes to mind. I have been pleased that you have begun to lower the costs for minor rugby players in Canada. In Ontario, with the combined provincial and national dues minor rugby players must pay to those groups are $45.00. Not bad. USA rugby has the youth rate at $5.00, but that does not include any insurance. If we could get the $45.00 rate down to $25.00 that will help attract more players to the game. Even if the club added field rentals and a soccer style uniform to the mix that would bring it to about
$65. The lower the cost, the more kids we attract. Also the Rugby Canada and Ontario fees for coaches $133 and Board member $88 is too much. This cost downloaded on a developing minor rugby club can be crippling. I know, it happened to my youth rugby club so we left Rugby Canada and got our own insurance. Much cheaper and our numbers grew from 10 players to 130 players in one year.
In the article it talked about too much of an emphasis placed on winning and not on skills. I agree and feel this is also in rugby as well. In Niagara Flag Rugby's league we don't keep score or hand out trophies. We play for fun and try to teach the kids the skills and ethos of rugby. Our players love the relaxed atmosphere and the camaraderie that this approach takes.
Canadian rugby unions and clubs should rethink how they operate minor rugby. Instead of club centric perhaps they should be encouraged to look at the RFU or Morristown Rugby club models. Have a central board of directors that organizes the local league and then places coaches in the selected geographic areas. Take the responsibility away from existing rugby clubs and create youth rugby regional programs. Morris County in the USA does this and now has over 1000 children participating, Niagara Flag Rugby does this as well. This frame work takes the burden off of the volunteers at the adult rugby club and creates a new level of volunteer that will become part of the rugby culture and that is the parent. I found that I have more sponsors using a regional approach and more volunteer coaches, board members and managers then I ever did with one financially burdened club associated with Rugby Canada.
I hope these ideas help. I believe that if Rugby Canada does not set out a direction for the base and take the lead then not only will the rest of the world pass the senior men's team by but so will USA Rugby and very soon.
I also CC'd in some of my fellow flag rugby coaches and volunteers so they could also comment.
Caleb Smith
President
Niagara Flag Rugby
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