Please see below an email from Bruce McLane (NYAC Coach) who has started an initiative to collect college information in an attempt to promote college rugby to High School aged players. This initiative will not only encourage players to go to college but also should help us retain more players in the game. It is a great resource which should support SBROs in working with LAU’s & TU’s to keep players in the game.
The college information collected so far has been compiled into a PDF document hosted on USA Rugby’s website (see the link below) and will be updated monthly. Colleges are able to input their information into the online form and we will then export the data each month to create an updated PDF file. If you know college coaches locally, please pass on the link so they can ensure their information is included. You can also of course pass on the link to all the High School coaches in your States, for them to provide to their players.
Click Here or past the following link into your browser:
www.usarugby.org/goto/hs_player_info
The current document is obviously a work in progress as it was compiled manually. By distributing through all our our respective rugby channels, we should get it updated, cleaned up and completed pretty quickly.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
An Update from the USA Congress meeting
To members of the Midwest Rugby Union
From Tom Schmitt Congressional Rep-Midwest
November 23, 2009
A special joint meeting of the USA Board and Congress was held this weekend in Florida. Adrian Gannon attended in person, I was able to attend via teleconference.
The purpose of the meeting was to bring together 5 workgroups made up of congress reps, board of directors and USA Rugby staff. The intended result was to assist in defining 5 key areas of USA Rugby's strategic growth plan. This plan will guide USA Rugby decision making and goal setting for 3-5 years. Those areas are: High Performance, College and High School, Governance/Finance and International Relations, Events Marketing and Communication, and finally Game Development. The groups were formed in September and will stay together until each section of USA Rugby's 3-5 year strategic plan is in place. The purpose of this meeting was to benchmark issues that need to be addressed in the Strategic Plan.
The meeting started at 8:30 EST and ended approximately at 3:00 EST. After a brief introduction, the five groups went to work. At the end of the workshop, the 5 groups reported.
Adrian may add to my notes as I lost the connection for the last 15 minutes of the wrap up, but the following are key issues raised, some proposed solutions and some overall feedback. Since I spent 5 hours with the Events, Marketing and Communication group, I can report on that groups work in greater detail. Our group will be meeting on November 30, 2009, via teleconference, so any feedback from this report is appreciated.
Communication: The group was in agreement that communication, while better, continues to be problematic, especially in terms of getting information down to individual members. The current web site design was cited as somewhat flawed, in so much that it is not very interactive. As the goal of the group was to form a baseline/benchmark, not necessarily to solve the problem, the group will seek out all opinions/methods to improve. Budget constraints continue to hamper some of the efforts/solutions, but all ideas are welcome
Marketing/Branding. The USA Rugby product is our National teams and Championships. Numerous issues about problems with branding/product/image were discussed. An issue that was brought up in our group as well as at least two others is that to properly market rugby, USA Rugby may need to develop two tracks. A "commercial"track which will focus on promoting the best and most appropriate parts of our game (Men's National team, Super League, Collegiate Championships) which media and sponsors will embrace, and then a members services track which would include events that may not have marketing appeal (lower divisions) As part of the discussion, several groups put forth the suggestion that the number of national championships (currently 11) be reduced. As part of the discussion, it was asserted, that the television broadcasts of events actually hurt rugby's image if there are no spectators in the stands. A discussion was had to bring back "rugby in a box" where by local and regional events could be held with a consistent and appropriate USA Rugby presentation element. A discussion was had to promote rugby in a consistent and positive manner by having rugby presented as "USA Rugby" at local or regional celebrations, other sporting events, fairs and similar venues. Upshot is that public sees a consistent presentation of our positive sport. Downside is that there is no revenue generated.
Promotion. The inclusion of Rugby Seven's into the Olympics has generated a lot of buzz within the rugby community, but how is that going to get out to the public? After the top 5 sports, rugby is fighting for time with Hockey, major league soccer and boxing. To get the media's attention, we have to have a winning product. It was discussed that to have a winning product, we have to put "appropriate" energy into our products versus gender specific or strata specific "equal" energy. This may cause some factions of rugby to feel cheated. Suggested that at a national level, with limited funds, the best products have to be funded to a greater degree then a segment of the sport that may be best served at a local or regional level.
New Rugby Movie directed by Clint Eastwood about the 1995 South African World Cup team. How can USA Rugby capitalize on this high profile, top star quality production? Local and regionally there should be tie ins. What are they? All ideas are welcome. I am waiting on summary reports from the other 4 group leaders and will forward as I receive them. This process to design a 3-5 strategic plan really will be formed by every bodies input.
Please take the time to forward all ideas, comments and observations. We are still in the define problems stage. If you see problems in anything USA Rugby does, what are those problems? If you see something positive and would to see it continue, what is it? We are putting together a plan to guide USA Rugby for 3-5 years. It will include measurables and metrics. At the end of the day, it is our sport and needs our imput. The more the better.
Send your feedback to wirugby@aol.com. If you wish to discuss, send me your phone number and I'll call you Best Regards,
Tom Schmitt
From Tom Schmitt Congressional Rep-Midwest
November 23, 2009
A special joint meeting of the USA Board and Congress was held this weekend in Florida. Adrian Gannon attended in person, I was able to attend via teleconference.
The purpose of the meeting was to bring together 5 workgroups made up of congress reps, board of directors and USA Rugby staff. The intended result was to assist in defining 5 key areas of USA Rugby's strategic growth plan. This plan will guide USA Rugby decision making and goal setting for 3-5 years. Those areas are: High Performance, College and High School, Governance/Finance and International Relations, Events Marketing and Communication, and finally Game Development. The groups were formed in September and will stay together until each section of USA Rugby's 3-5 year strategic plan is in place. The purpose of this meeting was to benchmark issues that need to be addressed in the Strategic Plan.
The meeting started at 8:30 EST and ended approximately at 3:00 EST. After a brief introduction, the five groups went to work. At the end of the workshop, the 5 groups reported.
Adrian may add to my notes as I lost the connection for the last 15 minutes of the wrap up, but the following are key issues raised, some proposed solutions and some overall feedback. Since I spent 5 hours with the Events, Marketing and Communication group, I can report on that groups work in greater detail. Our group will be meeting on November 30, 2009, via teleconference, so any feedback from this report is appreciated.
Communication: The group was in agreement that communication, while better, continues to be problematic, especially in terms of getting information down to individual members. The current web site design was cited as somewhat flawed, in so much that it is not very interactive. As the goal of the group was to form a baseline/benchmark, not necessarily to solve the problem, the group will seek out all opinions/methods to improve. Budget constraints continue to hamper some of the efforts/solutions, but all ideas are welcome
Marketing/Branding. The USA Rugby product is our National teams and Championships. Numerous issues about problems with branding/product/image were discussed. An issue that was brought up in our group as well as at least two others is that to properly market rugby, USA Rugby may need to develop two tracks. A "commercial"track which will focus on promoting the best and most appropriate parts of our game (Men's National team, Super League, Collegiate Championships) which media and sponsors will embrace, and then a members services track which would include events that may not have marketing appeal (lower divisions) As part of the discussion, several groups put forth the suggestion that the number of national championships (currently 11) be reduced. As part of the discussion, it was asserted, that the television broadcasts of events actually hurt rugby's image if there are no spectators in the stands. A discussion was had to bring back "rugby in a box" where by local and regional events could be held with a consistent and appropriate USA Rugby presentation element. A discussion was had to promote rugby in a consistent and positive manner by having rugby presented as "USA Rugby" at local or regional celebrations, other sporting events, fairs and similar venues. Upshot is that public sees a consistent presentation of our positive sport. Downside is that there is no revenue generated.
Promotion. The inclusion of Rugby Seven's into the Olympics has generated a lot of buzz within the rugby community, but how is that going to get out to the public? After the top 5 sports, rugby is fighting for time with Hockey, major league soccer and boxing. To get the media's attention, we have to have a winning product. It was discussed that to have a winning product, we have to put "appropriate" energy into our products versus gender specific or strata specific "equal" energy. This may cause some factions of rugby to feel cheated. Suggested that at a national level, with limited funds, the best products have to be funded to a greater degree then a segment of the sport that may be best served at a local or regional level.
New Rugby Movie directed by Clint Eastwood about the 1995 South African World Cup team. How can USA Rugby capitalize on this high profile, top star quality production? Local and regionally there should be tie ins. What are they? All ideas are welcome. I am waiting on summary reports from the other 4 group leaders and will forward as I receive them. This process to design a 3-5 strategic plan really will be formed by every bodies input.
Please take the time to forward all ideas, comments and observations. We are still in the define problems stage. If you see problems in anything USA Rugby does, what are those problems? If you see something positive and would to see it continue, what is it? We are putting together a plan to guide USA Rugby for 3-5 years. It will include measurables and metrics. At the end of the day, it is our sport and needs our imput. The more the better.
Send your feedback to wirugby@aol.com. If you wish to discuss, send me your phone number and I'll call you Best Regards,
Tom Schmitt
Friday, November 13, 2009
Concussion Video
This is for everyone, players, coaches, trainers, parents, etc. Watch this video produced by the National Trainers Association. Good information and good tips. Watch it here
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Scholarship Fundraiser for Rugger's memory
The following letter is requesting items for an upcoming fundraiser for Melissa Fortener McLaughlin's Scholarship Fund. Melissa played rugby for Ohio University and the Cincy-Dayton women before she lost her 5 year battle with breast cancer. Please consider attending, giving or donating items.
Thanks
Kurt Weaver
Melissa Fortener McLaughlin was a 1996 Fairmont High School graduate. She LOVED being a Firebird! Fort was a talented member of the FHS varsity volleyball and basketball teams. She also participated in USB government as the Commissioner of Communications, where she was pivotal in raising funds to open a Battered Women’s/ Children’s Shelter in Dayton. In the years after high school, Melissa attended numerous FHS athletic events and planned both her 5 and 10 year high school reunions. Fort was a devoted Firebird who truly loved her alma mater.
Just over five years ago, Melissa was diagnosed with stage IIb breast cancer. She was 25 years old. In the years that passed, through chemo, hair loss, a myriad of physical ailments, and the loss of her son...one thing remained the same...Fort’s positive spirit and outlook on life. She lived more in the past five years of her life than most us will do in our lifetimes. She was able to put a positive spin on anything and she always said that, “No matter how bad it gets, there is always someone out there who would love to have your problems.”
On January 3, 2009, just two days before turning 31, Fort passed away ending a five and a half year struggle with breast cancer. This world will never be the same without her, but it has been forever changed because of her. Fort inspired hundreds of people to smile and laugh. She made us all remember that life is precious and should be lived to its fullest no matter how tough it gets. Your outlook on your life is what you choose it to be...Fort chose to be happy...period. She was an example to all who knew her and our hope is that her story and life will continue to be examples for years to come.
To honor her legacy, we are starting the Melissa “Fortener” McLaughlin Fairmont Scholarship Fund. Our hope is to annually reward students with a financial need who exemplify spirit, a positive attitude, athleticism, and are active in philanthropy/service... all of the traits that Fort embodied during her time at Fairmont and throughout her adult life. You can read more about her life and legacy at www.fortscancersux.blogspot.com and www.fortscancersux1.blogspot.com
Our request is for a donation/gift to add to the success of the 1st Annual Firebirds for Fort Scholarship Fundraiser which will occur on October 17, 2009 from 6-midnight at 1675 Woodman Drive, Dayton, OH. Donations can come in the form of gift certificates, apparel, services, food, sponsorship of event t-shirts,cups or monetary contributions. Any donation would be greatly appreciated and valuable to this worthy cause. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and for your consideration in honoring Melissa Fortener McLaughlin. If you are interested in making a contribution please contact: Angie Warner at (513) 295-2423 or awarner24@yahoo.com OR Pam Fortener at (937) 238-4075 or pfort@erinet.com
Thanks
Kurt Weaver
Melissa Fortener McLaughlin was a 1996 Fairmont High School graduate. She LOVED being a Firebird! Fort was a talented member of the FHS varsity volleyball and basketball teams. She also participated in USB government as the Commissioner of Communications, where she was pivotal in raising funds to open a Battered Women’s/ Children’s Shelter in Dayton. In the years after high school, Melissa attended numerous FHS athletic events and planned both her 5 and 10 year high school reunions. Fort was a devoted Firebird who truly loved her alma mater.
Just over five years ago, Melissa was diagnosed with stage IIb breast cancer. She was 25 years old. In the years that passed, through chemo, hair loss, a myriad of physical ailments, and the loss of her son...one thing remained the same...Fort’s positive spirit and outlook on life. She lived more in the past five years of her life than most us will do in our lifetimes. She was able to put a positive spin on anything and she always said that, “No matter how bad it gets, there is always someone out there who would love to have your problems.”
On January 3, 2009, just two days before turning 31, Fort passed away ending a five and a half year struggle with breast cancer. This world will never be the same without her, but it has been forever changed because of her. Fort inspired hundreds of people to smile and laugh. She made us all remember that life is precious and should be lived to its fullest no matter how tough it gets. Your outlook on your life is what you choose it to be...Fort chose to be happy...period. She was an example to all who knew her and our hope is that her story and life will continue to be examples for years to come.
To honor her legacy, we are starting the Melissa “Fortener” McLaughlin Fairmont Scholarship Fund. Our hope is to annually reward students with a financial need who exemplify spirit, a positive attitude, athleticism, and are active in philanthropy/service... all of the traits that Fort embodied during her time at Fairmont and throughout her adult life. You can read more about her life and legacy at www.fortscancersux.blogspot.com and www.fortscancersux1.blogspot.com
Our request is for a donation/gift to add to the success of the 1st Annual Firebirds for Fort Scholarship Fundraiser which will occur on October 17, 2009 from 6-midnight at 1675 Woodman Drive, Dayton, OH. Donations can come in the form of gift certificates, apparel, services, food, sponsorship of event t-shirts,cups or monetary contributions. Any donation would be greatly appreciated and valuable to this worthy cause. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and for your consideration in honoring Melissa Fortener McLaughlin. If you are interested in making a contribution please contact: Angie Warner at (513) 295-2423 or awarner24@yahoo.com OR Pam Fortener at (937) 238-4075 or pfort@erinet.com
Monday, October 12, 2009
Rugby in The Olympics!!!
October 9, 2009
To: Chief Executives / Secretaries of all Unions & Associations in Membership of the IRB
Re: IOC decision on Rugby Sevens
I am writing to you from Copenhagen where today the IOC Session voted to include Rugby
Sevens in the 2016 Olympic Programme. This is truly an historic day for the development of the Game. The continued global expansion of Rugby is greatly strengthened by today’s decision.
I wish to personally thank you and all of the Rugby stakeholders in your jurisdiction for all of your work and continued support for this project. It was a great team effort from all of the Rugby Family and I am proud of our achievement.
This decision will have a profound impact on the Game and while there will be challenges ahead,
we can also look forward to the many benefits that Olympic inclusion will bring. As an Olympic
sport, Rugby will attract new commercial partners and spectators. At the same time all of our
Unions will enjoy new levels of government and access to facilities for training and development
from National Olympic Committees and Government agencies as an Olympic Sport.
The IRB has already been approached by a number of NOCs eager to find out how they can
develop Rugby in their respective countries. Added to this, Olympic inclusion now means that
Rugby will be given a greater opportunity to feature on the school curricula in many countries.
With today’s decision Rugby will be able to play an even greater role on the global, regional and
national sporting and governmental stages allowing us to work with other sports to try to ensure
that legislation and funding is in place to benefit Rugby and the greater sporting community.
Working together with a clear global vision we can drive the growth of Rugby over the next 10
years.
Thank you once again for your support and passion in helping Rugby achieve its Olympic dream.
Yours sincerely,
Bernard Lapasset
Chairman
To: Chief Executives / Secretaries of all Unions & Associations in Membership of the IRB
Re: IOC decision on Rugby Sevens
I am writing to you from Copenhagen where today the IOC Session voted to include Rugby
Sevens in the 2016 Olympic Programme. This is truly an historic day for the development of the Game. The continued global expansion of Rugby is greatly strengthened by today’s decision.
I wish to personally thank you and all of the Rugby stakeholders in your jurisdiction for all of your work and continued support for this project. It was a great team effort from all of the Rugby Family and I am proud of our achievement.
This decision will have a profound impact on the Game and while there will be challenges ahead,
we can also look forward to the many benefits that Olympic inclusion will bring. As an Olympic
sport, Rugby will attract new commercial partners and spectators. At the same time all of our
Unions will enjoy new levels of government and access to facilities for training and development
from National Olympic Committees and Government agencies as an Olympic Sport.
The IRB has already been approached by a number of NOCs eager to find out how they can
develop Rugby in their respective countries. Added to this, Olympic inclusion now means that
Rugby will be given a greater opportunity to feature on the school curricula in many countries.
With today’s decision Rugby will be able to play an even greater role on the global, regional and
national sporting and governmental stages allowing us to work with other sports to try to ensure
that legislation and funding is in place to benefit Rugby and the greater sporting community.
Working together with a clear global vision we can drive the growth of Rugby over the next 10
years.
Thank you once again for your support and passion in helping Rugby achieve its Olympic dream.
Yours sincerely,
Bernard Lapasset
Chairman
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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