For Immediate Release
March 18, 2010
USA Rugby Announces its Partnership with OSU Sports Medicine Center BOULDER, Colo. -
USA Rugby has officially announced its partnership with The Ohio State University Sports Medicine Center, marking the first time that a sports medicine partnership includes a shared employee that will work with the USA Rugby National Teams as a Certified Athletic Trainer. In addition to working with the teams, the OSU Sport Medicine Center will provide support to USA Rugby in both sports medicine and sports sciences.
“The OSU Sports Medicine Center has world class facilities and staff that will provide USA Rugby with consistent and expert services that we have not had in the past,” USA Rugby Medical Coordinator, Michael Keating said. “They have been providing care to rugby players of all levels for years and we look forward to working with such an established program.” Located on the campus of The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, the OSU Sports Medicine Center has over 100 staff members that range from physicians to researchers.
Providing medical care to OSU varsity sports, BalletMet Columbus, the Columbus Clippers (AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians) as well as local schools and clubs, the OSU Sports Medicine Center has also been proactive in providing healthcare to youth rugby in Ohio.
“We are extremely pleased to partner with USA Rugby and support their sports medicine program,” says Tom Caldwell, OSU Sports Medicine Administrative Director. “With the growth of rugby and the Olympic inclusion we are excited to be part of this growing sport.” For more information on the Ohio State University Sports Medicine Center, visit their website at http://www.sportsmedicine.osu.edu/.
For more information on USA Rugby, please visit www.usarugby.org. USA RUGBY, founded in 1975, is the national governing body for rugby and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Rugby Board (IRB). The organization is responsible for the development of boys, girls, high school, collegiate and club rugby programs, as well as the nation’s rugby coaches, referees, administrators and all of its national teams that represent the U.S. in international competitions. As part of this development, USA Rugby hosts a number of courses, clinics, National Championship events and international matches throughout the year. For more information, please visit www.usarugby.org.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Great video about New Zealand Scrum Coach
Check out this video about the New Zealand All-Blacks scrum coach, Mike Cron. Good video and great site. Check out other videos while you are there.
Click here for the video
Click here for the video
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Referee Grades Announced
Below is a newsletter sent out from the national office that you have all probably seen if not, you need to make sure your CIPP reflects your status as a referee! Let me take a moment to help you understand better what this means to us in the Midwest. I will start by going through the announcement:
Local referee grades are now "L" followed by a number. L3, 2, and 1 correspond to C3, 2 and 1. L4 is recommended as the terminology for a beginning, unrated, referee.
This is the first noticeable change that starts 1 January. Our beginning referees will now be designated as L4 and rise up through to L1 the old D and up through C1]. The conversion factor is straightforward, and if you were a C2 last year, you are an L2 this coming year. This should not be too confusing and is a change in naming only.
There is a single territorial grade known as T. All current B3, 2 and 1 referees will be members of the T Panel as of the New Year. At the USA level are the National Focus Group, National Panel, and International Panel. The performance criteria for earning L1 and T were made slightly more difficult than the corresponding criteria for C1 and B3 in the old system, by moving some of the Elements down a notch. However, any reports written through the end of 2009 showing above-grade performance for a C2 or C1 referee by the old criteria will still be considered valid as above-grade reports towards promotion in the new system for L2 or L1 referees.
The impetus behind this change arose at the budget meeting of the R&L last July. The requirements for getting promoted through the B grades were essentially impossible to fulfill at the local and territorial level: the requisite-level games were all national appointments. You almost had to somehow earn national panel status in order to be assigned the games necessary to earn national panel status. Mike Cobb led a working group comprising Don Morrison, Peter Watson and Tom Coburn that considered the ramifications and developed the procedures for implementing such a system.
Merging the territorial grades increases opportunities: it allows any T panel referee to show above-average performances on games that are available to be assigned territorially. The T Panel is now a college in which you don't automatically move up, but neither do you have to spend a minimum number of years there. High scores on a series of reports will bring you national appointments and opportunities for graduate work. Territories are of course free to rank-order their Panelists if they wish, based on the scores achieved on Evaluations. These rankings may be public or not, and ways may be found to acknowledge and commemorate landmark appointments that constitute advancement within the Panel.
Impact to the Midwest B panel referees will be that they ALL will now be considered “T panel referees”. There will be a transition for making assignments…. In the past, higher level matches were usually given to B panels based on their B level: B1 highest level matches, B2 next highest, etc. This will eventually change to assignments that will be made based on the history of evaluation scores. The concept is to transition to an assignment process based on performance and not based on longevity at a particular level. As mentioned above, it may be a bit harder to get into the T panel, but once in, getting matches at the higher levels will not depend on making it up through three levels of B panels, with ‘required’ longevity at any particular level. Assignments will be based on performance and consistency of performance over time regardless of past performances or how long you have been a T panel referee. Over the next several seasons, as we get more and more evaluation scores based on the new element definitions, we will be able to transition into such a performance based assignment system.
One more change was implemented to avoid confusion over the term 'L2'. Until now we have had Level 1 and Level 2 reports written on referee performance. The old Level 1 reports are now called Coaching Reports and the old Level 2s are now simply Evaluations.
This should be self explanatory; let me know if you don’t understand the difference between a Coaching Report [no score] and an Evaluation [scored].
Local referee grades are now "L" followed by a number. L3, 2, and 1 correspond to C3, 2 and 1. L4 is recommended as the terminology for a beginning, unrated, referee.
This is the first noticeable change that starts 1 January. Our beginning referees will now be designated as L4 and rise up through to L1 the old D and up through C1]. The conversion factor is straightforward, and if you were a C2 last year, you are an L2 this coming year. This should not be too confusing and is a change in naming only.
There is a single territorial grade known as T. All current B3, 2 and 1 referees will be members of the T Panel as of the New Year. At the USA level are the National Focus Group, National Panel, and International Panel. The performance criteria for earning L1 and T were made slightly more difficult than the corresponding criteria for C1 and B3 in the old system, by moving some of the Elements down a notch. However, any reports written through the end of 2009 showing above-grade performance for a C2 or C1 referee by the old criteria will still be considered valid as above-grade reports towards promotion in the new system for L2 or L1 referees.
The impetus behind this change arose at the budget meeting of the R&L last July. The requirements for getting promoted through the B grades were essentially impossible to fulfill at the local and territorial level: the requisite-level games were all national appointments. You almost had to somehow earn national panel status in order to be assigned the games necessary to earn national panel status. Mike Cobb led a working group comprising Don Morrison, Peter Watson and Tom Coburn that considered the ramifications and developed the procedures for implementing such a system.
Merging the territorial grades increases opportunities: it allows any T panel referee to show above-average performances on games that are available to be assigned territorially. The T Panel is now a college in which you don't automatically move up, but neither do you have to spend a minimum number of years there. High scores on a series of reports will bring you national appointments and opportunities for graduate work. Territories are of course free to rank-order their Panelists if they wish, based on the scores achieved on Evaluations. These rankings may be public or not, and ways may be found to acknowledge and commemorate landmark appointments that constitute advancement within the Panel.
Impact to the Midwest B panel referees will be that they ALL will now be considered “T panel referees”. There will be a transition for making assignments…. In the past, higher level matches were usually given to B panels based on their B level: B1 highest level matches, B2 next highest, etc. This will eventually change to assignments that will be made based on the history of evaluation scores. The concept is to transition to an assignment process based on performance and not based on longevity at a particular level. As mentioned above, it may be a bit harder to get into the T panel, but once in, getting matches at the higher levels will not depend on making it up through three levels of B panels, with ‘required’ longevity at any particular level. Assignments will be based on performance and consistency of performance over time regardless of past performances or how long you have been a T panel referee. Over the next several seasons, as we get more and more evaluation scores based on the new element definitions, we will be able to transition into such a performance based assignment system.
One more change was implemented to avoid confusion over the term 'L2'. Until now we have had Level 1 and Level 2 reports written on referee performance. The old Level 1 reports are now called Coaching Reports and the old Level 2s are now simply Evaluations.
This should be self explanatory; let me know if you don’t understand the difference between a Coaching Report [no score] and an Evaluation [scored].
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Invictus Outing Pictures
Here are all the submissions for the Invictus Outing Contest. Congrats to the Cleveland Rovers for winning the contest! They will receive 10 balls from WorldRugbyShop.com and be featured in the upcoming WRS magazine.
Cleveland Rovers Rugby Club
Xavier University Rugby Team
Wittenberg Men and Women's Rugby Teams
Wright State University Rugby Team
Indian Springs Jets High School Rugby Team
Westerville Worms Rugby Team
Cleveland Rovers Rugby Club
Xavier University Rugby Team
Wittenberg Men and Women's Rugby Teams
Wright State University Rugby Team
Indian Springs Jets High School Rugby Team
Westerville Worms Rugby TeamThursday, December 17, 2009
Why the Need for Coaching Education?
This is an article from the OHSAA.
Why the Need for Coaching Education?
What makes the interscholastic sports program unique from all other levels of sports is that
it seeks, above all else, to be a part of the educational experience for its participants.
While the performance of any sports team depends on well designed plays, the structure of
educational athletics demands that our young people not only hone their athletic skills, but that
they also develop the tools educational athletics provide: skills like hard work, team work,
ethics, integrity, respect, sporting behavior, citizenship and critical thinking skills — tools that
will serve our participants in the next level of their lives.
We need to remember who we are, what we are and why we play the games. We’re educational
athletics, not big-time event promoters. We’re the builders of tomorrow’s community
leaders, not farm clubs for college and professional teams. We’re an after-school activity, not
intended to be a year-round endeavor. Our programs should allow “kids to be kids.” There is
nothing wrong with striving to be the best. But we must seek to develop all the students who
want to participate to be their best — their best as individuals, as students, as teammates, as
members of the communities — and not just their best as athletes. No one individual figures larger in this equation than the coach, and the closest link to the student-athlete is the teacher-coach.
The teacher-coach, whether or not a school faculty member, is the ultimate delivery system
of the real message and meaning of high school sports to young people. It is critical that
teacher-coaches have the correct philosophical approach to educational athletics instilled in
them first, or the only message the kids will hear will be about Xs and Os, wins and losses and
playing at the so-called “next level.” It is also critical that teacher-coaches have an approach to
the game that is philosophically in step with the mission of school sports and that they believe
educating young people comes ahead of wins and losses. Additionally, teacher-coaches must
serve as role models and not engage in unsporting behavior toward someone on the other team
or an official, and they must remember they are educators every time they go to practice or a
game.
Teacher-coaches make the difference in school sports. They affect young lives in a way no
one else can. They can be the strongest part of our extracurricular activities if they do everything every day in every way to teach our young men and women what’s truly important about interscholastic athletics.
The teacher-coach with the correct philosophical approach to school sports is the coach
who seeks to develop each participant’s character — to be their best as a person first, a student
second and an athlete third. These are the coaches who are long remembered by their former
players — from those who were the stars to those who barely remember the final scores of their
games — as the ones who had the most influence on their personal growth. In other words,
they’ll remember the relationships and the life lessons learned, not the championships.
Developing the teacher-coach and ensuring that our high school sports programs remain
unique from all other levels of sports is a huge challenge in today’s day and age. That is why the
time is right for Ohio to require that its coaches take the National Federation of State High
School Associations’ Fundamentals of Coaching course. The course will ensure that our
teacher-coaches are delivering the right message about school sports and that our participants
are receiving that message in order to continue interscholastic athletic programs as we know
them in the future.
The privilege of participating in educational athletics should be one of the most exciting
experiences of young people’s lives. It is imperative, then, that teacher-coaches be given the
proper tools to work with their student-athletes since they are the single most important person
in determining the experiences our young people receive.
Why the Need for Coaching Education?
What makes the interscholastic sports program unique from all other levels of sports is that
it seeks, above all else, to be a part of the educational experience for its participants.
While the performance of any sports team depends on well designed plays, the structure of
educational athletics demands that our young people not only hone their athletic skills, but that
they also develop the tools educational athletics provide: skills like hard work, team work,
ethics, integrity, respect, sporting behavior, citizenship and critical thinking skills — tools that
will serve our participants in the next level of their lives.
We need to remember who we are, what we are and why we play the games. We’re educational
athletics, not big-time event promoters. We’re the builders of tomorrow’s community
leaders, not farm clubs for college and professional teams. We’re an after-school activity, not
intended to be a year-round endeavor. Our programs should allow “kids to be kids.” There is
nothing wrong with striving to be the best. But we must seek to develop all the students who
want to participate to be their best — their best as individuals, as students, as teammates, as
members of the communities — and not just their best as athletes. No one individual figures larger in this equation than the coach, and the closest link to the student-athlete is the teacher-coach.
The teacher-coach, whether or not a school faculty member, is the ultimate delivery system
of the real message and meaning of high school sports to young people. It is critical that
teacher-coaches have the correct philosophical approach to educational athletics instilled in
them first, or the only message the kids will hear will be about Xs and Os, wins and losses and
playing at the so-called “next level.” It is also critical that teacher-coaches have an approach to
the game that is philosophically in step with the mission of school sports and that they believe
educating young people comes ahead of wins and losses. Additionally, teacher-coaches must
serve as role models and not engage in unsporting behavior toward someone on the other team
or an official, and they must remember they are educators every time they go to practice or a
game.
Teacher-coaches make the difference in school sports. They affect young lives in a way no
one else can. They can be the strongest part of our extracurricular activities if they do everything every day in every way to teach our young men and women what’s truly important about interscholastic athletics.
The teacher-coach with the correct philosophical approach to school sports is the coach
who seeks to develop each participant’s character — to be their best as a person first, a student
second and an athlete third. These are the coaches who are long remembered by their former
players — from those who were the stars to those who barely remember the final scores of their
games — as the ones who had the most influence on their personal growth. In other words,
they’ll remember the relationships and the life lessons learned, not the championships.
Developing the teacher-coach and ensuring that our high school sports programs remain
unique from all other levels of sports is a huge challenge in today’s day and age. That is why the
time is right for Ohio to require that its coaches take the National Federation of State High
School Associations’ Fundamentals of Coaching course. The course will ensure that our
teacher-coaches are delivering the right message about school sports and that our participants
are receiving that message in order to continue interscholastic athletic programs as we know
them in the future.
The privilege of participating in educational athletics should be one of the most exciting
experiences of young people’s lives. It is imperative, then, that teacher-coaches be given the
proper tools to work with their student-athletes since they are the single most important person
in determining the experiences our young people receive.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
National Youth Conference Underway
The National Youth Conference on the Game is underway and spreading some great information. The conference serves to review the past year, look to the coming year(s) and distribute some of the new items from USA Rugby. It is also a great opportunity to share information with other organizations.
Indiana, Colorado, California, Virginia and Oregon are all in a position of full time staff and professional youth organizations. These groups are taking huge leaps forward, much like Ohio, to grow the game, make it more consistent and safe and put a new, fresh face on the sport of rugby.
Much of the information from this conference will be available at the state meeting on January 24th in Columbus.
Indiana, Colorado, California, Virginia and Oregon are all in a position of full time staff and professional youth organizations. These groups are taking huge leaps forward, much like Ohio, to grow the game, make it more consistent and safe and put a new, fresh face on the sport of rugby.
Much of the information from this conference will be available at the state meeting on January 24th in Columbus.
An amazing Rugby Story
Check out this video. It is Hyde Rugby in Washington, DC playing rugby with a deaf school. An amazing story.
Click here for the video
Click here for the video
Monday, December 7, 2009
Invictus Movie is exactly what we need!!!
I had the privilege of seeing a pre-screening of the Invictus movie tonight. In addition to great stars and a good story line, the movie really did showcase rugby. Nearly the entire second half is all rugby!
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
I brought a ball with me and immediately after the movie people were asking all kinds of questions. Make sure you wear a jersey and bring a ball when you go see this movie and people will approach you. When they ask questions make sure you finish up your conversation with a point of access for them; i.e. 'Our website is www.xyz.com' or 'there are all ages of rugby being played in the area, check it out'. Make sure you drive them to a rugby source and get them involved.
I was at the theater about 20 minutes after the movie let out just chatting with interested people!
Keep it positive, highlight the good parts, give them an access point for the game and share your passion with the viewing public. This movie will bring people to our sport!!!!!!!!!
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
I brought a ball with me and immediately after the movie people were asking all kinds of questions. Make sure you wear a jersey and bring a ball when you go see this movie and people will approach you. When they ask questions make sure you finish up your conversation with a point of access for them; i.e. 'Our website is www.xyz.com' or 'there are all ages of rugby being played in the area, check it out'. Make sure you drive them to a rugby source and get them involved.
I was at the theater about 20 minutes after the movie let out just chatting with interested people!
Keep it positive, highlight the good parts, give them an access point for the game and share your passion with the viewing public. This movie will bring people to our sport!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Successful Conference Adds Rookie Rugby to Schools
I attended a conference this past week that brought together hundreds of PE teachers, health professionals, professors of College Education programs, and many others. The Ohio Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance hosted their conference at the Columbus Convention center December 3 and 4.
Immediately upon showing up on the first day, it was evident this even would produce many leads. Rugby was definitely the new kid on the block and many teachers and attendees wanted to know more about us.
We had 70 teaches sign up to bring rugby into their PE programs!!! These teachers were interested in bringing a new, fun and fast paced game to their PE classes. They are always looking for new ways to engage the kids and found Rookie Rugby as a great option for them.
In addition to teacher, I met with the professors from many Ohio Universities and colleges. They are interested in teaching rugby as part of educating the next generations of PE teachers!
After two long days, it was clear the benefits of being part of the main stream education systems. I was really impressed by some of the organizations who are out there 'doing it right' already, such as USA Tennis and Speed Stacks (the cup stacking organization). I learned a great deal from these other groups and how they engage the teachers, kids and public.
Immediately upon showing up on the first day, it was evident this even would produce many leads. Rugby was definitely the new kid on the block and many teachers and attendees wanted to know more about us.
We had 70 teaches sign up to bring rugby into their PE programs!!! These teachers were interested in bringing a new, fun and fast paced game to their PE classes. They are always looking for new ways to engage the kids and found Rookie Rugby as a great option for them.
In addition to teacher, I met with the professors from many Ohio Universities and colleges. They are interested in teaching rugby as part of educating the next generations of PE teachers!
After two long days, it was clear the benefits of being part of the main stream education systems. I was really impressed by some of the organizations who are out there 'doing it right' already, such as USA Tennis and Speed Stacks (the cup stacking organization). I learned a great deal from these other groups and how they engage the teachers, kids and public.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Great new Podcast about USA Rugby
Click Here to go to Ruggamatrix, the new podcast about rugby in the USA and internationally. Interesting stuff!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
IRB new online Strength & Conditioning resource
FROM THE IRB STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING DEPARTMENT:
Click here for the IRB site
Dear colleague,
We are delighted to announce that the IRB Strength and Conditioning web site is now fully available to you once you have completed the Rugby Ready online test.
On this site, you will learn about the basics of Health and Safety, Exercise Instruction, Gymnasium Induction & Environment and via our online learning system you can start on the pathway to achieving Strength and Conditioning accreditation, as recognized by the IRB.
This exciting format connects basic exercises to the dynamics of the Game. The learning process uses the written word along with video demonstration and real time international game footage, as shown opposite and below.
Modular additions will logically be provided on a quarterly basis followed by the Level 2 qualification in September 2010.
I wish you well in your coaching,
Mark Harrington
Click here for the IRB site
Dear colleague,
We are delighted to announce that the IRB Strength and Conditioning web site is now fully available to you once you have completed the Rugby Ready online test.
On this site, you will learn about the basics of Health and Safety, Exercise Instruction, Gymnasium Induction & Environment and via our online learning system you can start on the pathway to achieving Strength and Conditioning accreditation, as recognized by the IRB.
This exciting format connects basic exercises to the dynamics of the Game. The learning process uses the written word along with video demonstration and real time international game footage, as shown opposite and below.
Modular additions will logically be provided on a quarterly basis followed by the Level 2 qualification in September 2010.
I wish you well in your coaching,
Mark Harrington
Monday, November 30, 2009
High School players looking for a College Team?
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.
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.
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
Friday, September 4, 2009
Youth Conference on the Game 09 announced
From USA Rugby:
Save the Date!
Youth Conference on the Game “Growing the Game” 2009
Dates: December 11-13
Location: Jesuit College Prep City: Dallas, TX Hotel: Hilton Lincoln Centre, Dallas, TX
Who Should Attend? Anyone involved in Youth & High School Rugby (i.e. Coaches, Administrators, Referees, and anyone else!)
Conference Highlights: *Practical Coaching Clinics put on by USA Rugby Coaching Experts
*Presentations on High Performance and Coaching Philosophy
*Learn how to run a Rookie Rugby Teacher Training
*Networking with fellow Ruggers around the nation
*And much more! ~Agenda and more details to follow~
Questions? Contact Erin Kennedy, USAR Youth Manager at ekennedy@usarugby.org
Save the Date!
Youth Conference on the Game “Growing the Game” 2009
Dates: December 11-13
Location: Jesuit College Prep City: Dallas, TX Hotel: Hilton Lincoln Centre, Dallas, TX
Who Should Attend? Anyone involved in Youth & High School Rugby (i.e. Coaches, Administrators, Referees, and anyone else!)
Conference Highlights: *Practical Coaching Clinics put on by USA Rugby Coaching Experts
*Presentations on High Performance and Coaching Philosophy
*Learn how to run a Rookie Rugby Teacher Training
*Networking with fellow Ruggers around the nation
*And much more! ~Agenda and more details to follow~
Questions? Contact Erin Kennedy, USAR Youth Manager at ekennedy@usarugby.org
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