Rookie Rugby Gains Footing in Florida Schools
BOULDER, Colo. – Rookie Rugby will far surpass its goal of getting the ball in the hands of more than 100,000 kids throughout the U.S. in 2009, thanks to the Florida Rugby Union and nearly 70 Florida middle and high schools.
The third largest school district in the state of Florida – Hillsborough County Public Schools – has announced Flag Rookie Rugby as the focus team sport in its 2009-2010 Middle School and High School Physical Education curriculum. The Rookie Rugby program will be rolled out to 54,000 middle school students and an additional 46,000 high school students in the coming school year.
Out of a field of seven traditional team sports under review for inclusion as a focus sport for 2009-2010, Flag Rookie Rugby stood out from the rest due to its low implementation cost, inclusivity for participants, the variations of the game and its high degree of cardiovascular benefit for students.
Florida Rugby Union and Florida Flag Rugby have been working with the Hillsborough County Public Schools since fall 2008, providing after school programs and demos to pilot schools. The program has steadily gained prominence and support with Florida educators. Flag Rugby is viewed as an ideal sport and physical activity to implement when addressing National Standards and Best Practices in Physical Education.
“We received great feedback from the teachers we’ve worked with. The inclusivity of the game especially appealed to teachers and students because every student got a chance to play, touch the ball and have a chance to score – even if they weren’t necessarily the best athletes or regular participants in other traditional team sports,” said Mark Van Trees, Florida Flag Rugby.
In August, Florida Flag Rugby will conduct three, two–hour teacher in-service training sessions to Florida educators that showcase various small group games and the game rules of Rookie Rugby. Teachers will be required to attend the training before implementing the program at their schools.
“USA Rugby is delighted to bring Rookie Rugby into Florida schools; a very safe, non-contact, easy-to-play game for both boys and girls. Rookie Rugby is designed to give young players a fun, safe and enjoyable sporting experience,” USA Rugby’s CEO and President of Operations Nigel Melville said. “The rules are simple, the game is easy to learn and minimal equipment is required. All you have to do is pick up the ball and run with it.”
To download the guidebook, take the on-line course or for more information on how to get started with Rookie Rugby today, visit www.usarugby.org/goto/rookie_rugby or contact USA Rugby Youth Manager Katie Wurst kwurst@usarugby.org.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
USA Rugby Holds Open Youth and High School Review Session
USA Rugby Holds Open Youth and High School Review Session
BOULDER, Colo. - USA Rugby is holding an official review session on the advancements in Youth and High School rugby for 2009.
A year-to-date presentation is available for all to download and review at www.usarugby.org/goto/youth and USA Rugby’s Youth and High School development staff, Mark Griffin and Katie Wurst, will present this information by conference call on Tuesday, June 30, at 3 p.m. MST.
The first 125 members to dial in to the Conference line at:
(888)-721-8686 (code # 5780333) can listen in on this conference at no charge.
A recording of the call will then be made available via the USA Rugby website for people to download. Dramatic strides have already occurred in the Youth and High School game in 2009 and a major goal of USA Rugby is to better communicate areas of progress to the wider membership.
A range of achievements from administrative and organizational advancements to improving the profile of rugby within youth sport settings across the USA are currently taking place, including: Leadership: Mark Griffin was hired in January as the National Youth and High School Director with a primary role of managing the growth and direction of State-Based Rugby Organizations and the overall path for youth and high school rugby in America. Katie Wurst serves as Youth Manager with dedication to pre-high school advancements. Additional part-time assistance has been available for special tasks as needed.
Governance: USA Rugby’s Youth and High School committee amended its terms of reference to create greater functionality by means of assigning specific roles to committee members. All changes will become effective on January 1, 2010 to allow time for proper assessment of certain positions. Separately, USA Rugby’s Board approved the recognition of State Based Rugby Organizations in the By Laws to promote state-based growth of the youth and high school game. Rugby for All: USA Rugby created an all-inclusive developmental pathway for all those interested in participating in rugby. This national continuum includes everything from a basic introduction to the game (Rookie Rugby) to international representation as a US Eagle or continued participation as a coach, referee or administrator. This roadmap was created to instill the idea that rugby truly holds a place for all in the USA. Rookie Rugby: This new, non-contact game makes up the first segment of ‘Rugby for All’ and has welcomed a groundswell of interest on a national level. Over 10,000 new participants are currently picking up the game across the country. An online social-networking site has been created known as the ‘Rookie Rugby Club’ where players, parents, teachers and coaches can create a profile; connect with participants, view videos and much more. ‘Rookie Rugby’ is now a part of park and recreation leagues, teacher in-service trainings and physical education conferences. One specific incidence was the implementation of demonstration sessions at the national AAPHERD conference which plays host to the top physical education and youth sport professionals in the country. This conference is one of many youth rugby coaches have attended in Florida and as a result of excellent follow up by the Florida Rugby Union and Florida Flag Rugby the game has officially been introduced to nearly 100 schools with many more adding flag rugby to their curriculum for fall 2009. Promotions with Setanta and Play Rugby USA continue to increase participation statistics. In addition, a partnership with the non-profit youth charity, Schoolchildren for Children, is promoting the use of a combination rugby/physical fitness activity known as the ‘Rookie Rugby Million Miles Challenge’ to approximately 170,000 schools and youth organizations through the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sport. Rookie Rugby has everyone picking up a ball and running with it! For more information on Rookie Rugby visit http://www.rookierugby.com and join the club! State Based Rugby Organizations (SBROs): There are currently 16 organizations approved as SBROs at various stages of development. Each SBRO is assigned a developmental stage as defined by the SBRO pathway outlining organizational components such as non-profit incorporation, professional staffing and high performance programming. USA Rugby provides SBROs with support in establishing their organization, strategic planning and managing various programs. SBRO performance is then measured through a semi-annual scorecard review process. An additional ten states have expressed interest in applying for status as an SBRO. Fifteen state championships took place this year and it is estimated that there will be at least six professional executive directors in place by 2010. Monthly “SBRO Connect” calls are the primary vehicle through which USA Rugby and SBROs interact to align actions with the goals outlined in the Youth and High School Strategic Plan. Youth & High School 5 Year Strategic Plan: USA Rugby has established a 5 year plan for the growth of youth and high school rugby throughout the country. Setting some stretch targets, the plan proposes 5 main areas for game development and sets specific goals for the USA Rugby community to achieve together over the next 5 years including: 1) Participation and Development Program; 2) Sustainable Funding Model; 3) Professional State Based Governance; 4) Cohesive Competitive Structures and 5) Coordinated Coach and Referee Development. The vision of the plan is to “inspire young Americans to fall in love with rugby”. USA Rugby members may download and review the 5 year strategic plan document at www.usarugby.org/goto/youth_rugby. Coach & Referee Development: USA Rugby’s Coach Development Program has focused on providing as many educational opportunities as possible in various areas of the USA by doubling the number of workshops and clinics in 2009. Rookie Rugby is currently incorporated into the Introducing Rugby certification course to help drive down the age of introduction to the sport. Curriculum for a high school-specific certification workshop is undergoing development and is geared towards providing coaches with everything from administrative tools to practical sessions. Technical line-out and scrum seminars are continuing to take place in line with the CDP’s focus of creating more continuing education opportunities. Attending these sessions allows coaches to lengthen the credibility of their current certification. CDP is also partnering with various SBROs to create a decentralized model that will make workshops more attainable. Referee Development has experienced a similar growth in the number of Level 1 officiating courses being delivered across the US. Grants for specific projects have been issued to LAU and SBROs that are targeting a younger generation of referees. Providing funding for training at specific tournaments has created an educational and practical environment geared towards youth and high school focused officials. Officials have also contributed to the development of Rookie Rugby materials and online educational tools. Partner Organizations: A number of dedicated groups have contributed to USA Rugby’s youth and high school programs. Through the USA Rugby Direct online store, hosted by World Rugby Shop, anyone can purchase Rookie Rugby branded balls, t-shirts, education kits and other valuable items. USA Rugby also offers the ‘World Rugby Shop Challenge’ at international matches offering young people the opportunity to learn basic rugby skills. The National Guard supported each approved state championship event with donations of equipment, on-site promotion and financial resources, while also serving as the title sponsor for the High School and U-19 National Championships. The Positive Coaching Alliance continues to work with USA Rugby to provide quality coach education and administrative tools. Play Rugby USA continues to perform and has recently been awarded a significant New York City Department of Education contract to deliver Rookie Rugby programs in up to thirty public schools in addition to the many programs already in place. USA Rugby regularly works with each of these organizations to improve and grow the game at the youth and high school level. International Events: USA Rugby has dramatically increased the number of international events that are taking place on American soil in 2009. At each venue, youth and high school rugby is active and visible. Santa Clara’s USA versus Ireland match featured a halftime full-contact rugby contest featuring middle school athletes. Toyota Park was once again host to a pre-game showcase of U-19 and U-17 all-star programs. Colorado’s own Churchill Cup featured a week long series of Rookie Rugby activity sessions and educational trainings in several different cities. More events are planned for the near future as test matches against Canada and Fiji will be taking place. For more information on each focus area, don’t forget to tune in to the scheduled year-to-date review conference call with USA Rugby’s professional Youth and High School department staff set for Tuesday, June 30 at 3PM MST. Call in to conference line number (888)-721-8686 and gain access through code # 5780333. Download and follow along with presentation materials at www.usarugby.org/goto/youth_rugby. Questions can be directed to Katie Wurst at kwurst@usarugby.org.
BOULDER, Colo. - USA Rugby is holding an official review session on the advancements in Youth and High School rugby for 2009.
A year-to-date presentation is available for all to download and review at www.usarugby.org/goto/youth and USA Rugby’s Youth and High School development staff, Mark Griffin and Katie Wurst, will present this information by conference call on Tuesday, June 30, at 3 p.m. MST.
The first 125 members to dial in to the Conference line at:
(888)-721-8686 (code # 5780333) can listen in on this conference at no charge.
A recording of the call will then be made available via the USA Rugby website for people to download. Dramatic strides have already occurred in the Youth and High School game in 2009 and a major goal of USA Rugby is to better communicate areas of progress to the wider membership.
A range of achievements from administrative and organizational advancements to improving the profile of rugby within youth sport settings across the USA are currently taking place, including: Leadership: Mark Griffin was hired in January as the National Youth and High School Director with a primary role of managing the growth and direction of State-Based Rugby Organizations and the overall path for youth and high school rugby in America. Katie Wurst serves as Youth Manager with dedication to pre-high school advancements. Additional part-time assistance has been available for special tasks as needed.
Governance: USA Rugby’s Youth and High School committee amended its terms of reference to create greater functionality by means of assigning specific roles to committee members. All changes will become effective on January 1, 2010 to allow time for proper assessment of certain positions. Separately, USA Rugby’s Board approved the recognition of State Based Rugby Organizations in the By Laws to promote state-based growth of the youth and high school game. Rugby for All: USA Rugby created an all-inclusive developmental pathway for all those interested in participating in rugby. This national continuum includes everything from a basic introduction to the game (Rookie Rugby) to international representation as a US Eagle or continued participation as a coach, referee or administrator. This roadmap was created to instill the idea that rugby truly holds a place for all in the USA. Rookie Rugby: This new, non-contact game makes up the first segment of ‘Rugby for All’ and has welcomed a groundswell of interest on a national level. Over 10,000 new participants are currently picking up the game across the country. An online social-networking site has been created known as the ‘Rookie Rugby Club’ where players, parents, teachers and coaches can create a profile; connect with participants, view videos and much more. ‘Rookie Rugby’ is now a part of park and recreation leagues, teacher in-service trainings and physical education conferences. One specific incidence was the implementation of demonstration sessions at the national AAPHERD conference which plays host to the top physical education and youth sport professionals in the country. This conference is one of many youth rugby coaches have attended in Florida and as a result of excellent follow up by the Florida Rugby Union and Florida Flag Rugby the game has officially been introduced to nearly 100 schools with many more adding flag rugby to their curriculum for fall 2009. Promotions with Setanta and Play Rugby USA continue to increase participation statistics. In addition, a partnership with the non-profit youth charity, Schoolchildren for Children, is promoting the use of a combination rugby/physical fitness activity known as the ‘Rookie Rugby Million Miles Challenge’ to approximately 170,000 schools and youth organizations through the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sport. Rookie Rugby has everyone picking up a ball and running with it! For more information on Rookie Rugby visit http://www.rookierugby.com and join the club! State Based Rugby Organizations (SBROs): There are currently 16 organizations approved as SBROs at various stages of development. Each SBRO is assigned a developmental stage as defined by the SBRO pathway outlining organizational components such as non-profit incorporation, professional staffing and high performance programming. USA Rugby provides SBROs with support in establishing their organization, strategic planning and managing various programs. SBRO performance is then measured through a semi-annual scorecard review process. An additional ten states have expressed interest in applying for status as an SBRO. Fifteen state championships took place this year and it is estimated that there will be at least six professional executive directors in place by 2010. Monthly “SBRO Connect” calls are the primary vehicle through which USA Rugby and SBROs interact to align actions with the goals outlined in the Youth and High School Strategic Plan. Youth & High School 5 Year Strategic Plan: USA Rugby has established a 5 year plan for the growth of youth and high school rugby throughout the country. Setting some stretch targets, the plan proposes 5 main areas for game development and sets specific goals for the USA Rugby community to achieve together over the next 5 years including: 1) Participation and Development Program; 2) Sustainable Funding Model; 3) Professional State Based Governance; 4) Cohesive Competitive Structures and 5) Coordinated Coach and Referee Development. The vision of the plan is to “inspire young Americans to fall in love with rugby”. USA Rugby members may download and review the 5 year strategic plan document at www.usarugby.org/goto/youth_rugby. Coach & Referee Development: USA Rugby’s Coach Development Program has focused on providing as many educational opportunities as possible in various areas of the USA by doubling the number of workshops and clinics in 2009. Rookie Rugby is currently incorporated into the Introducing Rugby certification course to help drive down the age of introduction to the sport. Curriculum for a high school-specific certification workshop is undergoing development and is geared towards providing coaches with everything from administrative tools to practical sessions. Technical line-out and scrum seminars are continuing to take place in line with the CDP’s focus of creating more continuing education opportunities. Attending these sessions allows coaches to lengthen the credibility of their current certification. CDP is also partnering with various SBROs to create a decentralized model that will make workshops more attainable. Referee Development has experienced a similar growth in the number of Level 1 officiating courses being delivered across the US. Grants for specific projects have been issued to LAU and SBROs that are targeting a younger generation of referees. Providing funding for training at specific tournaments has created an educational and practical environment geared towards youth and high school focused officials. Officials have also contributed to the development of Rookie Rugby materials and online educational tools. Partner Organizations: A number of dedicated groups have contributed to USA Rugby’s youth and high school programs. Through the USA Rugby Direct online store, hosted by World Rugby Shop, anyone can purchase Rookie Rugby branded balls, t-shirts, education kits and other valuable items. USA Rugby also offers the ‘World Rugby Shop Challenge’ at international matches offering young people the opportunity to learn basic rugby skills. The National Guard supported each approved state championship event with donations of equipment, on-site promotion and financial resources, while also serving as the title sponsor for the High School and U-19 National Championships. The Positive Coaching Alliance continues to work with USA Rugby to provide quality coach education and administrative tools. Play Rugby USA continues to perform and has recently been awarded a significant New York City Department of Education contract to deliver Rookie Rugby programs in up to thirty public schools in addition to the many programs already in place. USA Rugby regularly works with each of these organizations to improve and grow the game at the youth and high school level. International Events: USA Rugby has dramatically increased the number of international events that are taking place on American soil in 2009. At each venue, youth and high school rugby is active and visible. Santa Clara’s USA versus Ireland match featured a halftime full-contact rugby contest featuring middle school athletes. Toyota Park was once again host to a pre-game showcase of U-19 and U-17 all-star programs. Colorado’s own Churchill Cup featured a week long series of Rookie Rugby activity sessions and educational trainings in several different cities. More events are planned for the near future as test matches against Canada and Fiji will be taking place. For more information on each focus area, don’t forget to tune in to the scheduled year-to-date review conference call with USA Rugby’s professional Youth and High School department staff set for Tuesday, June 30 at 3PM MST. Call in to conference line number (888)-721-8686 and gain access through code # 5780333. Download and follow along with presentation materials at www.usarugby.org/goto/youth_rugby. Questions can be directed to Katie Wurst at kwurst@usarugby.org.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
RugbyOhio U19 girls take second!
Republished from erugbynews.com
Indiana U19 Girls Win Midwest Title
Monday Jun 22, 2009 in Women Youth
St. Charles, Ill. - Indiana defeated Ohio 5-0 Sunday in the Midwest U19 all-star championships.
“What an exciting game for the players and fans,” said Indiana coach Trevor Cracknell. “Two very good teams playing great rugby always makes for a show worth watching. We worked hard, stuck to our system and finally broke their line on the outside.”
Cracknell and the Indiana ladies have played in the last 6 final games at the Midwest tournament, winning twice.
“Indiana’s backline and hard work in the breakdowns definitely gave us fits,” said Ohio coach Phil Payne. “They move the ball well and break the line at pace. We fought back several times to within inches of the try line, but they held us. All credit to a great team and our ladies really enjoyed playing them.”
The single try of the game, scored with 5 minutes left in the second half, was put over by wing Jen Peacock. Standouts for the game were Allie Lee, Lauren Barber and Rachel Carter for Indiana and Mary Jo Reddy, Danielle Foster and Jillian Getz for Ohio.
In other action Michigan bested Wisconsin in the 3rd/4th game where flanker Jaime Petelin was a wrecking ball for Michigan. Minnesota beat Illinois for 5th game.
Day One Results:
Pool 1:
Michigan 0 v Ohio 17
Michigan 31 v Minnesota 12
Ohio 18 v Minnesota 7
Pool 2:
Indiana 28 v Wisconsin 10
Indiana 20 v Illinois 12
Wisconsin 46 v Illinois 10
Day Two Results:
FINAL: Indiana 5 v Ohio 0
3/4: Michigan 28 v Wisconsin 12
5/6: Minnesota 21 v Illinois 7
Indiana U19 Girls Win Midwest Title
Monday Jun 22, 2009 in Women Youth
St. Charles, Ill. - Indiana defeated Ohio 5-0 Sunday in the Midwest U19 all-star championships.
“What an exciting game for the players and fans,” said Indiana coach Trevor Cracknell. “Two very good teams playing great rugby always makes for a show worth watching. We worked hard, stuck to our system and finally broke their line on the outside.”
Cracknell and the Indiana ladies have played in the last 6 final games at the Midwest tournament, winning twice.
“Indiana’s backline and hard work in the breakdowns definitely gave us fits,” said Ohio coach Phil Payne. “They move the ball well and break the line at pace. We fought back several times to within inches of the try line, but they held us. All credit to a great team and our ladies really enjoyed playing them.”
The single try of the game, scored with 5 minutes left in the second half, was put over by wing Jen Peacock. Standouts for the game were Allie Lee, Lauren Barber and Rachel Carter for Indiana and Mary Jo Reddy, Danielle Foster and Jillian Getz for Ohio.
In other action Michigan bested Wisconsin in the 3rd/4th game where flanker Jaime Petelin was a wrecking ball for Michigan. Minnesota beat Illinois for 5th game.
Day One Results:
Pool 1:
Michigan 0 v Ohio 17
Michigan 31 v Minnesota 12
Ohio 18 v Minnesota 7
Pool 2:
Indiana 28 v Wisconsin 10
Indiana 20 v Illinois 12
Wisconsin 46 v Illinois 10
Day Two Results:
FINAL: Indiana 5 v Ohio 0
3/4: Michigan 28 v Wisconsin 12
5/6: Minnesota 21 v Illinois 7
Lakewood player in the news
Danielle Foster, captain of Lakewood Girls Rugby team and recipient of the RugbyOhio 'Back of the Year' award, was featured on Fox News 8 in Cleveland. She had a story run about her participation in Rugby and prom on the same weekend.
Great job Danielle and thanks to Fox news for featuring rugby. Apologies to her poor date for getting picked on! ha!
View the clip here
Great job Danielle and thanks to Fox news for featuring rugby. Apologies to her poor date for getting picked on! ha!
View the clip here
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
What USA Rugby is up to for Youth
I get questions every once in a while about what USA Rugby is doing out there in Boulder. This post has a bunch of attachments with it that explain a bit about the goings on there. Mark Griffin, the new National Youth director for USA Rugby has produced these documents.
1. The coaching survey is the one we sent out to everyone for their feedback. This is the results of the survey. A bit difficult to read, but some good info in it. View it here
2. The next document is the overview of the Conference call we do every month with all the other SBROs from around the country. This is interesting stuff and allows us to share what is working and what is not. View it here.
3. The last document is the evaluation of Mark's efforts from a national perspective. He has a 100 day plan and a status document. View it here and here.
1. The coaching survey is the one we sent out to everyone for their feedback. This is the results of the survey. A bit difficult to read, but some good info in it. View it here
2. The next document is the overview of the Conference call we do every month with all the other SBROs from around the country. This is interesting stuff and allows us to share what is working and what is not. View it here.
3. The last document is the evaluation of Mark's efforts from a national perspective. He has a 100 day plan and a status document. View it here and here.
Coaching Certification in Indiana
RugbyOhio Coaches, We will host an additional certification in Ohio again next spring, but this is a great opportunity to get your coaching cert.
SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 27TH AND 28TH
Introducing Rugby & Developing Rugby Skills CDP Workshop (Indianapolis IN area)
Location: Hamilton Southeastern High School, 13910 126th ST, Fishers IN 46037
Hotel: rooms available at Hilton Hotel, 8181 Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis IN 317-849-6668 $79
What Is CDP?
The CDP is a combination of online modules and face-to-face interactive workshops that allow coaches to choose courses based on their players needs. Coaches are assessed online for understanding and then in the workshop for competency. Additionally the CDP curriculum is aligned with the IRB allowing USA Rugby's certification to be accepted throughout the world. Upon completing all the certification requirements participants receive a USA Rugby Coach Certificate for the coach’s use. CDP certification is valid for three years. The three year validity is extended with participation in any USA Rugby approved continuing coach development activity.
Registration will soon be available on the www.usarugby.org web site – another email will follow with details.
Michelle Leroux
Executive Director
Rugby Indiana
Phone: 317-408-1437 Fax: 317-577-4606
PO Box 502802
Indianapolis IN, 46250
SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 27TH AND 28TH
Introducing Rugby & Developing Rugby Skills CDP Workshop (Indianapolis IN area)
Location: Hamilton Southeastern High School, 13910 126th ST, Fishers IN 46037
Hotel: rooms available at Hilton Hotel, 8181 Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis IN 317-849-6668 $79
What Is CDP?
The CDP is a combination of online modules and face-to-face interactive workshops that allow coaches to choose courses based on their players needs. Coaches are assessed online for understanding and then in the workshop for competency. Additionally the CDP curriculum is aligned with the IRB allowing USA Rugby's certification to be accepted throughout the world. Upon completing all the certification requirements participants receive a USA Rugby Coach Certificate for the coach’s use. CDP certification is valid for three years. The three year validity is extended with participation in any USA Rugby approved continuing coach development activity.
Registration will soon be available on the www.usarugby.org web site – another email will follow with details.
Michelle Leroux
Executive Director
Rugby Indiana
Phone: 317-408-1437 Fax: 317-577-4606
PO Box 502802
Indianapolis IN, 46250
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Ladies taking the lead with Rugby in Ohio
This past weekend the Girls High School State Championships hosted 8 teams from around the state. The ladies put a product on the field that would have surprised even the most staunch rugby purist. They played a controlled, aggressive game that had flow and structure. The games were only 20 minute halves but even in that small time frame, the ladies showcased quality rugby.
Additionally, we had a game that was refereed, touch judged, coached and played; all by women. I would never put forth the idea that only women should coach and referee women but it was a great feeling watching the outreach and development pathways working. All of these ladies performed at a peak level and the game was a pleasure to watch.
After the game, I had young high school players approaching me asking about becoming a referee! How exciting and what a great commentary on our modern game!
Additionally, we had a game that was refereed, touch judged, coached and played; all by women. I would never put forth the idea that only women should coach and referee women but it was a great feeling watching the outreach and development pathways working. All of these ladies performed at a peak level and the game was a pleasure to watch.
After the game, I had young high school players approaching me asking about becoming a referee! How exciting and what a great commentary on our modern game!
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