Like me, I know you will have all enjoyed England’s thrilling win over France in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations last weekend and will be looking forward to the Red Roses participating in the Guinness Six Nations and a home Rugby World Cup. I also recognise that while our national teams always attract the most attention and are used as a barometer for the state of English rugby, the present and future of English rugby is as much in the hands of you – our club administrators and volunteers, our players, match officials, coaches and parents – as it is in the hands of the 23 players in white at Allianz Stadium. It’s been just over a month since I first wrote to you when I was appointed to the role of Interim Chair of the Rugby Football Union Board and addressed the call for a Special General Meeting (SGM). In response to the calling of the SGM, I promised to hit the road on a nationwide tour to listen to the concerns, challenges and thoughts of the community game. We are now around halfway through this nationwide tour. So far, we – myself, RFU President Rob Udwin; Bill Sweeney, our CEO; Steve Grainger, Executive Director Rugby Development; David Roberts, Chair of the Community Game Board; Malcolm Wharton, Chair of the Governance Review Group: Deborah Griffin, Senior Vice President and luminaries of our game such as Jason Leonard and John Inverdale – have held 11 roadshows, eight in person, three virtual and have attended five club visits between roadshows. Representatives of around 250 clubs have attended, and a further seven roadshows are due to take place between now and 20 February. I thought it would be useful to share some insights we have heard so far. There have been three types of challenges raised – ones that have re-enforced things we were aware of and are addressing; ones we can address easily; and some we did not previously fully understand. We have heard we need to improve our governance structures, to improve representation from the community game and ensure voices of the community game are heard and involved in decision making. This is something we want too and why we have a Governance and Representation Review underway, however, the feedback we have heard underlines the need for this work to be an absolute priority and for the work to be accelerated. We hear loud and clear that the communications from the RFU to the community game have not been as clear or consistent as they could be. This letter aims to start to improve that, and I will be providing further updates once the nationwide tour is complete to reflect our desire to engage with you on the big issues facing the community game. Many of you have mentioned competition structures. We recognise that clubs’ money and volunteers’ time are precious resources and that means there is a need for more decision making around leagues and fixtures at a local level. We will consider appropriate changes which do not compromise the competitiveness of the league system whilst giving greater flexibility around structures and regulations at local level. Challenges to adult male participation were also raised. This is not a problem unique to rugby as a sport, nor to England as a Union. However, you look to us to lead and it is only right that this is a priority and we want to work with you to address this ensuring our sport stays strong. You told us the Game Management System (GMS) is challenging and confusing for volunteers administering the game. We already have a significant improvement plan in train for this as part of our wider Digital Transformation strategy. However, we take on board this feedback and will accelerate this, re-enforce the importance of user groups and look to remove some of the lower priority functions within it. You told us we need to do more to promote rugby in schools and help clubs engage with them and to support more universities to keep players playing. In response to the first of these we have already embarked on a major programme to take T1 Rugby into schools, giving teachers the confidence and support to introduce more young people to the oval ball and ultimately to help them into our clubs, whilst also committing to an investment into School Rugby Managers, locally based people helping to manage this. We have also heard some great stories of clubs doing this for themselves and we commit to engaging more with them to support their work. On Universities we are expanding the network of activators on university sites and will look to promote this more widely. In respect of the pathways, we must allow young players to follow their dreams as far as they can through the player development groups and academy systems while also working with the Premiership to actively retain good players in the community game. Finally, we have heard questions about the governance of the Union itself. Some related to financial performance or executive pay. I promised we would publish the findings of the independent Freshfields review on the bonus award, and we commit to doing so in full. More often, however, we were asked: whether the RFU governance is fit for purpose, does the current system represent the views and concerns of Clubs. We have also heard the need to devolve more decisions – on competition structures, priorities, and resource allocation to a more local level, where the needs and solutions are best known. Bill Sweeney and his team have a strategy in place – signed off by the Board and Council- to address these challenges, long before the SGM was called. In my letter of January 10, I mentioned those who had pushed for the SGM had done so without setting out an alternative vision. As I wrote last month, “we all want winning men’s and women’s England teams, and this can’t happen without a thriving community game…If we work together, we will succeed.” The listening exercise which we are in the midst of will, I believe, lay the foundations for future success for both the elite and community game. Achieving a common understanding of a shared purpose and vision for the RFU we can all get behind – just as we would get behind the national teams – is as important for me as continuing the men’s first XV’s form into the Calcutta Cup. |
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CRFU Finance AGM & Clubs Forum
All clubs are invited to the CRFU Financial AGM & Clubs Forum at Camborne RFC on Wednesday 23rd October 2024 at 7 pm.
Honorary Treasurer, Ashley Shopland will present the accounts and answer any questions you may have.
We will also be making a couple of presentations held over from the June AGM.
We will follow the formal part of the evening with a Clubs Forum. This year we will focus on “What does the CRFU do for you.”
This will be an opportunity to highlight our CRFU team and show clubs some of the work we do.
You will be able to put names to faces and ask questions about any areas within our remit.
There will be 2 rugby balls available to each club that attends.
Also, CRFU handbooks will be available for those clubs whom have not yet received or collected them.
RFU’s zero betting policy.
| With the beginning of 2023/24 professional and international rugby season, we wanted to remind you of the RFU’s zero betting policy. |
| All bets are off! Important Regulation – Anti-Corruption & Betting With the beginning of 2023/24 professional and international rugby season, we wanted to remind you again of the RFU’s zero betting policy on rugby union anywhere in the world. There are important regulations in place protecting the integrity of rugby that affect everybody in the professional and semi-professional game RFU Regulation 17 (Anti-Corruption and Betting), so please remind yourself of the following messages to ensure you and our sport stay protected: DO NOT bet on any rugby match (or ask anyone to place a bet for you) anywhere in the world. DO NOT misuse or pass on inside information e.g. details of injuries, selection, etc. if not already public knowledge. Be careful on social media! (What is Inside Information? – see below) DO NOT accept money or gifts from anyone who is betting on rugby or in return for giving inside information or underperforming in a match. DO NOT fix or attempt to fix any part of a match. REPORT any suspicious or unusual approach or activity to the RFU Anti-Corruption Officer (0208 831 7696), to an RFU, PRL or RPA official, or to the Anti-Corruption hotline on 0208 831 6789 or email confidential@rfu.com. This applies to everybody involved in the professional and semi-professional game and is regardless of whether you are directly involved in a match or whether you gain from the bet. It also applies to all forms of betting. |
| What are the regulations? To see a full version of the Anti-Corruption Regulations, please see RFU Regulation 17 (Anti-Corruption and Betting). Failure to comply with the regulations will result in sanction. What is inside information? In short, Inside Information is any non-public information relating to rugby which you are aware of due to your involvement in the sport. Depending on your role, you may have access to different types of Inside Information. Having Inside Information is inevitable in many roles and does not breach the Regulations in itself. It is how you treat that information that is important. Players, coaches and other people involved with teams If you are a player, coach, team doctor/physiotherapist, analyst or someone else involved with a team, the Inside Information you acquire could include: tactics, strategies, team selections, intended substitutions, team injuries, form, who is kicking off, winner of the toss, pitch/weather conditions (for example, before the public are in the stadium), citings and suspensions, detailed video analysis information and statistics not available to the public, etc. until/unless such information becomes public knowledge. Match officials and other people involved in officiating If you are a match official or someone involved with the match officials such as a performance reviewer or selector, the Inside Information you acquire could include: referee appointments, who is kicking off, winner of the toss, pitch/weather conditions (for example, before the public are in the stadium), how the match will be refereed, citings and suspensions, detailed video analysis information and statistics not available to the public, etc. until/unless such information becomes public knowledge. People involved in rugby administration If you are an administrator or volunteer in a Union, Association or Club, for example, the Inside Information you have could include: coaching and captaincy appointments, fixture scheduling information, team selections, referee appointments, tactics, strategies, team selections, intended substitutions, team injuries, form, pitch/weather conditions (for example, before the public are in the stadium), citings and suspensions, etc. until such information becomes public knowledge. People associated with others involved in Rugby Union If you are a family member, friend or associate of any of the above people you could also become privy to this Inside Information through your connection to that person. |
Ashley Shopland – new CRFU Hon. Treasurer
The CRFU are pleased to announce that Ashley Shopland has accepted the role as Hon. Treasurer following due process.
Ashley takes over from Andy Richards who has been in post for 5 years and feels now is the right time to call it a day, the whole County thanks Andy for all his work and for the professional and open way he has managed the role. The CRFU would also like to wish Andy every success back at Bodmin RFC where has taken on treasurer responsibilities.
Andy said ‘I’ve really enjoyed the last 5 years working with the Management Board, and wish Ashley every success. Change is good and I’m sure the clubs and County will enjoy working with him.’
In taking the role Ashley said ‘I’m delighted and honoured to have been appointed Hon. Treasurer on the Management Board of the CRFU. My long-standing passion for the game, together with the experience I’ve gained over many years in business, will hopefully prove of value on the board and for the continued development of rugby in Cornwall.’
On the appointment County Chairman Dave Saunter added ‘ I’m personally very grateful for all the work Andy has done on behalf of the County, we came almost as a package and we’ve really enjoyed the challenge of bringing the County through Covid etc. In Ashley we have found an excellent replacement who I’m sure will rise to the challenge, much as he did with his Cricket and career. I wish him every success and I’m sure all will do their best to make him welcome.
Welcome aboard Ashley.
Safeguarding & RugbySafe Club Audits
CRFU RUGBYSAFE
War a’n peryl na worth-peryl
(Risk Aware, Not Risk Averse)
Dear Chair and Club Secretary
As the season is developing momentum, it has become apparent that there are some significant lapses in
medical provision at clubs that have, in turn, become Safeguarding issues.
Both RugbySafe and Safeguarding Leads are fully aware of the burden that is placed on club volunteers and do not wish to add to their workload, but the provisions of Reg 9 and 21 with their associated processes exist to protect the interest of players, officials and club management alike.
Last season a pragmatic approach to enforcing the regulations was taken as the priority was to restart rugby.
However, as has been communicated to club RugbySafe and Safeguarding leads, First Aid Risk Assessments (RAs), Safeguarding Audits, Medical Emergency Action Plans (MEAPs) and the correct provision of trained First Aiders with associated support provisions, are something that can no longer be postponed or ignored.
The RFU have clearly publicised their stance and requirements. We as a CB have an obligation to ensure that they are in place which is why CRFU has, for the past few seasons, been providing heavily subsidised and well publicised rugby oriented first aid courses to clubs.
Unfortunately, recent incidents demonstrate that club Safeguarding and RugbySafe processes are either not in place or not being adhered to. Therefore, as a CB, we have no option but to instigate a series of no-notice audits of both areas. In doing so, the auditing team will as a minimum, in addition to observing on field activities and provision, require to see the following documents and evidence to show that:
First Aid Risk Assessment (RA) is accessible, in place and lodged with RFU/Howdens
Medical Emergency Action Plans in place and accessible for the home venues used by club teams
GMS documentation and lists of qualified first aiders used by a club are visible and up to date
Medical equipment and associated facilities are fit for purpose and reflect the contents of RA & MEAP
and RFU Standards
First Aiders having contact with U18 are clearly identifiable, DBS checked and in date
Safeguarding personnel are clearly identifiable and qualified
Coaches, Team Managers and First Aiders are in date for Headcase on line training
Pitchside protections and safety related process reflect good practice, the contents of the RA and vice
versa.
It is stressed that the intent throughout is to actively encourage and assist clubs to ensure that they have all appropriate structures and documents in place, in order to be confident in their ability to withstand
investigative scrutiny in the event of an incident or accident. In doing so they will be safe in the knowledge that the regulations and requirements of the sports governing body are met and consistently adhered to.
The auditors will conduct themselves in a way that does not disrupt the activities underway and will make
themselves known to club personnel on the day. On completion, a report will be provided to the club detailing any non compliances, guidance and timelines for rectification and exemplars of good practice.
Should your Club RugbySafe Lead or Safeguarding Officer have any questions as to what is required or
interpretations of the requirement for specific circumstances, CRFU RugbySafe and Safeguarding are on hand and willing to provide assistance.
Kind Regards
Dave Saunter
Chairman CRFU 4 October 2022
Vacancy for Chair of Finance & Governance
The CRFU management board have a vacancy as Chair of Finance & Governance. This is a key role within the MB and would require a degree of time commitment. The MB meets 10 times a year and you would also be expected to have at least 4 committee meetings of F & G. In the first instance could you log interest with County Secretary Terry Williams terry344@sky.com and we will then be in touch re interviews.
Saunts
Vacancy for a Data Officer with CRFU – still open
VOLUNTEER ROLE AT THE CRFU FOR A DATA OFFICER
Purpose
To advise and support the Cornwall RFU (CRFU) in its data management and to establish the needs of users of data within the CRFU including training, appropriate use of its systems to ensure that information is kept updated and to help to contribute to the efficient running of the CRFU.
Although the main source of data is to be found on the Game Management System (GMS),which is managed by the Rugby Football Union, there is numerous data held in minutes of meetings, CRFU Web and other records.
Key aspects of the role.
- The Data Officer will be a member of the Finance and Governance Committee which reports directly to the CRFU Management Board.
- Ensuring compliance with Data Standards requirements.
- Ensure adherence to the requirements of GDPR by monitoring user access permissions and privileges.
- Ensure that new GMS developments/upgrades are enacted and communicated to the appropriate people.
- Establish the needs of GMS users, providing basic training where required and ensuring they are kept up to date with system changes.
If interested please apply to the Hon. Secretary of the Cornwall RFU, Terry Williams, email: terry344@sky.com
Covid Support – Business Grant Scheme & VAT Reclaims
On Tuesday evening a number of Clubs (& CB’s) across the country joined the webinar – Exploring the funding & club support opportunities through Covid-19 restrictions which was promoted through the Community Game Update.
We had 230 people in attendance and feedback has been incredibly positive from both Clubs and CBs.
To follow this up, please find attached further information on two specific avenues of financial support, which CBs and Clubs can benefit from, Business Grant Scheme and VAT Reclaims. See links below.
The webinar is also now available on demand:
* Web-link: https://zoom.us/rec/share/tkWW_SM3Er9IBobIEHXPJqqVjSJvtBgtPqcADf6JWgj3S50tNxVM5XjZUmlveVPK.LnMxM3lEs26Pnb_Z
* Passcode: C%3Lm?#d
If I could encourage you to share with your Club contacts and CB Treasurer that would be most appreciated.
There will be further information through the Community Game Update, highlighting future webinars planned in partnership with Club Matters between now and January 2021.
Notice of Financial AGM
The Financial AGM of the CRFU to present the accounts for the 2019-20 season and other business contacting to the Finance AGM, is to be held on Wednesday 28th October at 7 pm.
This will be a virtual meeting held via Zoom.
Club representatives are reminded that they will need to ensure they have the Zoom app downloaded on their device and will need to receive an e-mail invitation from the Hon. Sec of the CRFU, Terry Williams to be able to access the meeting.
