Highlands & Islands Rugby Development Strategy 2009 2012
Foreword The Rugby Development Strategy 2009 2012 is intended to build on the successes and achievements of the 2006 2009 regional strategy and to support the national Scottish Rugby Strategic Plan. It is designed to provide continued direction for the many stakeholders involved in the development of rugby union within the Scottish Highlands & Islands. The hard work and effort of many people and organisations in the region to develop rugby is recognised explicitly. We must ensure that the good practice is built upon and shared and that we make best use of the valuable resources available, avoiding overlap, for the benefit of the whole rugby community. The strategy seeks to identify the main issues affecting progress and to generate actions with lead roles and timescales. Outlined within this strategy are the ambitious targets for growing the game further throughout the next three years. We believe that with the continued co operation between rugby clubs, schools, local authorities, funding agencies and development staff, these targets are realistic and achievable. Scottish Rugby is committed to improving the lifestyle and health of children and young people and developing their potential within the game whether as enthusiastic club players or within the elite professional ranks. We see our sport as an inclusive one, with the combination of contact rugby, touch rugby and tag/new image rugby allowing it to be played by males and females of all ages and abilities. Rugby is a sport that provides key physiological and psychological benefits as well as developing social skills. We are determined that all the residents of the Highlands and Islands, no matter their race, religion, sexual orientation or social status, should be given the opportunity to benefit from their involvement in rugby. Accordingly, at the heart of the strategy is support for volunteers who run the rugby clubs and school teams so that they can offer long lasting structures to keep people particularly young people involved in rugby for life. This document could not have been created without the input from all the stakeholders in the area. Thanks to the local authorities of the Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands, Western Isles and Highland for their continued support of rugby development within Highlands & Islands. Thanks must also go to the members of the Highlands & Islands Community Rugby (HICR), the regional development group who have supported Scottish Rugby and the development staff over the last number of years. Their 1
enthusiasm for their sport is constant and the countless hours they put into their clubs, schools and rugby generally within the region is greatly appreciated. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver a co ordinated approach to the continued development of rugby in the Highlands & Islands. Brian Bell Regional Development Manager (Highlands & Islands) 2
The Vision and Aims for Rugby The overarching vision statement that defines the way forward for Scottish Rugby is: Growing locally, performing successfully, competing globally. Within this, Community Rugby s vision is that: The three key aims are to We will create an integrated, thriving and competitive rugby community that engages and retains people of all ages and abilities, through enjoyment and fulfilment provided at sustainable and equitable clubs. Increase the number of adults (men and women) participating in the game (i.e. playing, coaching, refereeing, volunteering) Increase the number of young people (boys and girls) playing the game Develop stronger clubs (i.e. sustainable, with a range of teams at all age groups and supported by well trained volunteers) Introduction Context Following the final organisational integration of the women s and men s governing bodies in June 2009, Scottish Rugby is now the national governing body for the sport of rugby union in Scotland. It oversees all levels of the game from grassroots and schools, through youth, club, professional to international representative teams, together with coaching, refereeing and volunteering. Support is given via a regional and national structure to develop the sport from the first touch at school or club to identifying and developing talented players to the highest performance levels. Safety and Welfare Scottish Rugby is aware of the risks associated with playing contact sports and has taken considerable steps in the last few years to review player welfare and safety. Following a wide ranging review of the game in Scotland including an extensive consultation, a number of changes in policy designed to 3
increase safety were introduced for the start of season 2009/10 under the banner of the Are You Ready to Play Rugby? campaign. Challenges There are various challenges going forward and no doubt more will appear along the way. However by working together it will be possible to overcome these and ensure continued rugby development within the region. Over the last number of years the Highlands & Islands have benefited from several partnerships which have led to the appointment of two full time Development Officers (DOs) within the region. These DOs are supported in their efforts to grow the game by three SVQ Community Coaches. The whole team is overseen and supported by the Regional Development Manager. The development staff have a key role in supporting the hundreds of volunteers throughout the clubs and schools who have worked tirelessly over the last few years to develop rugby and continue to do so week in, week out. The development staff are all employed in partnership with local authorities and clubs all over the region and it is testament to the can do attitude of these organisations that has resulted in the growth of the game over the last few years and the achievement of the growth targets to date. The maintenance of the Development Officer and SVQ network throughout the region will be vital for the success of the clubs and schools to allow rugby to contribute to the achievement of local authority Single Outcome Agreements. Over the life of the previous strategy, Highlands & Islands enjoyed excellent growth, including a 45% increase in young players from 1109 to 1612; a 480% increase in girl players from 30 to 175; and a more modest 4% increase in senior players from 421 to 438. The majority of this growth has been in schools rugby and the challenge now lies with continuing this growth but also ensuring that it transfers into the club game. Clubs in the area can provide the life long enjoyment and participation within the game; from learning basic movement skills and teamwork at an early age, to retiring from playing and getting involved in coaching, refereeing or supporting the club. The focus must be on club development and creating a welcoming, safe and enjoyable environment an open door to a lifetime of fitness and enjoyment through rugby. 4
As the number of players increase; so does the need for well trained people to support and maintain the growth. The recruitment of volunteers such as match officials, coaches and helpers within clubs, are key to sustainability. Many parts of the Highlands and Islands have a long history of volunteering, however in such areas this will not be taken for granted. In areas where volunteers are proving harder to find, local volunteer recruitment strategies will be developed with all volunteers being recognised and rewarded. The growth in the number of female participants plays an important part in the growth and development of rugby in the Highlands & Islands, and Regional Action Plans will address this together with the image of the sport to attract more female participants. Achieving the target growth figures will require funding from a number of partners and sources. Whilst in kind support is being provided and welcomed, funding from local authorities will be critical to the provision of the targeted number of Club Development Officers. Access to improved sporting facilities, both outdoor and indoor, across the Highlands & Islands is required to attract and develop players. Current facilities fall short of what is required to allow increased playing standards of participants and clubs. A further challenge is an approach that is suitable for the geographical area. Highlands & Islands covers a substantial area of Scotland and the local authority areas within Highlands & Islands differ considerably in size and makeup. Therefore the individual local authority area wide plans that are developed from this strategy are vital for its success and must support the rugby clubs and schools across Highlands & Islands. There are currently 11 active rugby clubs in the Highlands and Islands; three on the Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and Western Isles and eight spread across the Highlands. Of the 55 secondary schools in the Highlands and Islands, 20 have teams and 13 others play rugby in some form within the school. 5
Strategic Context There are a number of national and local documents that direct policy. Nationally these include Scottish Rugby s Strategic Plan 2007 2012 and Reaching Higher: Building on the Success of Sport 21 which sets out the long term aims and objectives for sport until 2020 and identifies four national priorities that will build and sustain a sporting infrastructure, to deliver the national outcomes of increasing participation and improving performance. These priorities are well trained people; strong organisations; quality facilities and providing the player pathways. The purpose of the Highlands & Islands Rugby Development Strategy is to influence and contribute to the outcomes of key policy papers across sport, physical activity, health and education. National Strategies and Plans Scottish Rugby s Strategic Plan 2007 2012 Reaching Higher: Building on the Success of Sport 21 Scottish Rugby s Long Term Player Development Strategy Let s Make Scotland More Active National Physical Activity Task Force 2003 A Curriculum for Excellence Region Specific Sport & Physical Activity Strategies and Plans Shetland Islands Active Lives Strategy for Shetland (Physical Activity, Sport and Facilities) Orkney Islands Physical Activity and Sport Strategy Western Isles Sport and Health Plan Highland Council Physical Activity and Sports Strategy 6
Strategic Plan In order to achieve growth in the Highlands & Islands, this strategy will focus on a number of objectives and outputs. HICR s Annual Action Plan will detail the specific actions that will be responsible for the following outcomes: Increase the number of adults (men and women) participating in the game (i.e. playing, coaching, refereeing, volunteering) Objective Actions Timescale Responsibility KPI Increase the number of adults (men and women) playing rugby Increase team of jointly funded development officers working in communities throughout the Highland & Islands Increase the quantity and improve the quality of referees Increase the quantity and improve the qualifications of coaches Support and develop adult rugby within clubs. Provide competitive and development opportunities. Working in partnership to develop funding packages to enable recruitment of development officers. Actively recruit, retain and value referees, provide referee education opportunities and encourage attendance. Actively recruit, retain and value coaches, provide coach education opportunities and encourage attendance. Clubs / LAs funding agencies Clubs / LAs Coaching Highland 24% increase in adult players from 445 in 2008 to 550 in 2012* Increase women players from 0 to 8 2 in place 2009 5 in place 2012 16% increase in the number of qualified referees from 219 in 2008 to 275 in 2012 140% increase in the number of UKCC qualified coaches from 67 in 2009 (138 non UKCC coaches in 2008) to 160 in 2012 Increase the number of volunteers Actively recruit, retain and value volunteers. Develop volunteering strategy. Volunteering agencies *Targets will be measured from 2007/8 to 2012 to correspond with Scottish Rugby s strategic plan 7
Increase the number of young people (boys and girls) playing the game Objective Actions Timescale Responsibility KPI Increase the number of youngsters (boys and girls) playing rugby Increase team of jointly funded development officers working in communities throughout the Highlands & Islands Increase the quantity and improve the quality of referees Increase the quantity and improve the qualifications of coaches Introduce, develop and promote participation in primary school rugby (P4 7) and secondary school rugby and make links to clubs. Support and develop mini/midi and youth rugby within clubs. Provide competitive and development opportunities within the Highlands & Islands. Working in partnership to develop funding packages to enable recruitment of development officers. Actively recruit, retain and value referees, provide referee education opportunities and encourage attendance. Actively recruit, retain and value coaches, provide coach education opportunities and encourage attendance. Clubs / LAs funding agencies Clubs / LAs Coaching Highland 27% increase in young players from 1729 in 2008 to 2200 in 2012 * Increase girl players from 65 to 251 2 in place 2009 5 in place 2012 26% increase in the number of qualified referees from 219 in 2008 to 275 in 2012 140% increase in the number of UKCC qualified coaches from 67 in 2009 (138 non UKCC coaches in 2008) to 160 in 2012 Increase the number Actively recruit, retain and value of volunteers volunteers. Develop volunteering strategy. Volunteering agencies *Targets will be measured from 2007 to 2012 to correspond with Scottish Rugby s strategic plan Develop stronger clubs (i.e. sustainable, with a range of teams at all age groups and supported by well trained volunteers) Objective Actions Timescale Responsibility KPI All clubs to have their own development plans Provide support in writing and club development plans into action 2010 Clubs / RDM / RDG All clubs to have development plans in place Assist with facility development Increase team of jointly funded development officers working in communities throughout the Highlands & Islands Increase the number of volunteers Input to local authority facility/playing field strategies. Identify and source external funding opportunities Working in partnership to develop funding packages to enable recruitment of development officers Actively recruit, retain and value volunteers. Develop volunteering strategy 8 2012 RDM / Club / LAs funding agencies Volunteering agencies 2 in place 2009 5 in place 2012
Performance Development To develop, implement, drive & monitor an effective regional player identification and tracking program across a designated region linked to the National Player Pathway Skill Development, Talent ID & Performance Development Programmes Objective Actions Timescale Responsibility KPI Improve standard of individual players from U14 upwards Deliver Skill Development / Talent ID Camps at U14 & U15 levels involving all state school / HMC school & club players 2013 RDM / RAC Fully integrated program delivering U14 camps & U15 camps per year Provide effective player pathway to facilitate development of players with potential Deliver Skill Development, Talent ID and player development from U16 U18 to expose players to a progressively higher level of games 2013 RAC Pathway games at U16 U18 Regional squads at U16, U17 & U18 age groups Deliver a well planned and consistent approach to the development of our most talented players Delivery of National Rugby Curriculum during Regional Pathway Programmes National squads at U16 & U17 summer camps 2013 RAC Development of National Rugby Curriculum linked to LTPD principles To facilitate and co ordinate appropriate individual plans for identified players within a designated region to ensure training approaches, coaching and service support is optimal for each player s development To work and in a performance context to develop identified coaches from the community clubs & schools Provide player reports / assessments Work in partnership with the SIS, AIS, LAs, Scottish Rugby staff, local rugby club / school coaches and other stakeholders to manage a selected group of Regional Academy standard players To provide CPD opportunities, formal & informal coach development opportunities with coaches from our community clubs & schools 2013 RAC Reports delivered in appropriate timescales 2013 RAC / Coach Education Number of players inducted into Regional Academy Coaches involved in Player Pathway to have relevant UKCC Qualification 9
Delivery, Monitoring and Evaluation Specific delivery of the issues and associated actions will be the responsibility of the lead agent identified against each one. General progress will be monitored by the Highlands & Islands Regional Development Group at their quarterly meetings. Scottish Rugby s Regional Development Manager (RDM) shall maintain the master document. Participation figures shall be obtained annually from Scottish Rugby s online registration systems. The HICR is the group of individuals responsible for the creation, implementation and monitoring of an Annual Action Plan and ultimately responsible for the development and growth of all aspects of the game of rugby in the Highlands and Islands. This group is driven by the RDM and made up of influential, respected, knowledgeable, solutionfocussed people. These people will be selected by the RDM and represent the following stakeholders: Rugby Clubs Shetland Islands Orkney Islands Western Isles Highland Shetland RFC Orkney RFC Stornoway RFC Caithness RFC Ross Sutherland RFC Highland RFC Inverness Craig Dunain RFC Nairn RFC Strathspey RFC Skye RFC (not active) Lochaber RFC Ullapool RFC Schools Shetland Islands Orkney Islands Western Isles Highland Anderson High School Kirkwall Grammar School Back School Alness Academy Brae High School Pierowall Junior High School Bayble School Charleston Academy Sanday Community School Lionel School Culloden Academy Stromness Academy Sgoil nan Loch Dingwall Academy Stronsay Junior High School The Nicolson Institute Fortrose Academy Glen Urquhart High School Golspie High School Grantown Grammar School Inverness High School Inverness Royal Academy Kingussie High School Kinlochleven High School Lochaber High School Mallaig High School Millburn Academy 10
Nairn Academy Plockton High School Portree High School Tain Royal Academy Thurso High School Wick High School Local authorities HE/FE Shetland Islands Council Orkney Islands Council Western Isles Council Highland Council Women & girls rugby Match officials Scottish Rugby staff Conclusion Rugby has been developing well over the past few years in the Highlands and Islands and that is testament to the hard work of staff and club volunteers alike, however there is an opportunity to build on this over the next three years to ensure that this growth continues. The clubs within the region must be a focal point for rugby development and the countless volunteers must continue to be supported both by development staff and within their clubs and schools to ensure future growth continues. The Highlands & Islands Rugby Development Strategy and its associated Action Plan will evolve over time and with the input of all stakeholders will ensure that Scottish Rugby, local authorities, rugby clubs and schools achieve their goals. This will ensure that the Highlands and Islands is seen as growing locally and performing successfully and continues at the forefront of sports development in Scotland. 11