2009-11 People & Places
Most of you will be familiar with the Community Rugby Planning Cycle. We use it to focus our activity around the Rugby World Cup. Over the past two years, our focus has been recruiting and retaining players using the highly successful "Go Play Rugby" and "Play On" campaigns.
Over the next two years, our emphasis shifts to "People & Places". By this, we mean the volunteers, referees, coaches and facilities needed to create a high quality environment in which to play the game. This emphasis will enhance our "core business" rather than introduce lots of "new work".
We will invest in programmes in each of these four "pillars". The level of investment will be confirmed when the budget has been agreed by the RFU Council.
Each of the programmes will reinforce the values of rugby. Local priorities, based on club needs, will be determined by using our Whole Club Development process.
Rugby Values
Rugby union is an inclusive game, for all shapes and sizes, where teamwork, discipline, respect and sportsmanship mould together to provide a healthy sport, which also helps to develop life skills and provides fun and enjoyment.
Much of the behaviour and attitudes that define rugby are highly regarded both within and outside the sport. The erosion of these values could well undermine the game's attractiveness. Extensive research and consultation by the Ethos and Culture Task Group resulted in a clear definition of the fundamental elements that must be retained in our sport.
The core values of the game of rugby union football are;
Teamwork
For without it, the game being interdependant and reliant on others (of all shapes and sizes), there would be no game.
Discipline and Respect
For without them, particularly taking into account the game's physicality, there would be damage and injury to participants and a breakdown in authority. The game teaches life skills.
Enjoyment
For the game, at all levels, is to be fun, healthy, inclusive and entertaining for all participants players, officials and supporters alike.
Friendship
For participation in the game leads to friendships that endure, a family atmosphere full of sociability. There is no segregation. This together with teamwork creates the special camaraderie that exists in the game.
Communicating the core values to all participants (both existing and new) will be central to the Community Rugby "People & Places" programme. We want to attract and retain people who share our values.
Assessing Needs and Priorities
To be effective, we need to identify which organisations need to develop their people (volunteers, coaches, referees) or their facilities during the next two years and encourage them to use the most appropriate "People & Places" programme to achieve their goals.
Constituent Bodies' knowledge of their members, combined with Whole Club Development Plans, will be used to identify the areas of need. Participating organisations will be selected by Constituent Bodies in partnership with regional development teams.
Because we do not want to overload volunteers or executive staff, and we have to work within financial constraints prioritising the needs of members is vital.
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