| Community Game Update UPDATED PROTOCOLS for dealing with matches and pitches in hot weather and drought conditions. As a reminder it has been agreed not to introduce a blanket delay to the start of the league season due to the current weather conditions. There are protocols in place should either team wish to request a postponement due to pitch condition and/or player preparation. Protocols have been updated and are included in the guidance on Pitch and Player Readiness link below. Updated Guidance |
RFU Community Game Update 17 August
| Community Game Update Important notice: Following a prolonged period of hot weather and monitoring of pitch conditions across the country it has been agreed not to introduce a blanket delay to the start of the league season and to continue to consider each individual case. This week’s Community Game Update is split into two sections. The Pitch Guidance link below will take you to information on pitch and player readiness in drought conditions. The second section includes remaining game updates. Pitch Guidance |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED There are no immediate actions for clubs to take in this edition 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Pitch Up For Rugby and Social Media Support Webinar Let us know if your club is running a ‘Pitch Up For Rugby’ event via the link in this communication. Information is also included on a Social Media Support Webinar which will provide details on how your club can make the most of the upcoming player recruitment & retention campaign. Girls Age Banding Support You can find information in this article on Regulation 15, the rules of play and coach/referee support and training bursaries. Free Vouchers for England Rugby Coaching and Refereeing Award To help increase the number of women coaching and refereeing in the game we have a limited number of vouchers for women who want to get into these roles. Find out how to apply in this communication. Merit Leagues and Tables 2022/2023 Setup and performance grants are available for competition organisers of merit leagues for 2022/2023 with access to performance data and support. Discover how to access support and funding in this communication. Allianz Inner Warrior Camps return this autumn Women’s sporting success continues as we head towards the Rugby World Cup, and the next set of Allianz Inner Warrior Camps are just around the corner. If your club is looking to recruit, why not take up this opportunity to attract players? The Touch Union in Education The new academic year is only a few weeks away and we are introducing a new Squad Leader programme, supporting existing, or new, young leaders in a six-week block around The Touch Union. Read online to find out how they can sign up. Developing the Next Leaders The Rugby Leaders Network allows rugby leaders to connect, exchange ideas and collectively develop clubs that are fit for the future. We are looking for aspiring rugby leaders who can take their club to the next level. Find out how in this communication. 3. FOR AWARENESS Game Management System Support and Enhancements To support clubs and provide solutions to challenges, two improvements have been made based on clubs’ feedback. These are the addition of a button to note a suspected concussion on the Electronic Match Card and a new feature allowing individuals to cancel their course booking. Find out how to access these enhancements in this communication. Papa Johns become naming rights partner for new men’s and women’s Community Cup competitions The Papa Johns Community Cup will focus on providing a boost to adult community club rugby across England, ending with the ultimate prize of a showpiece finals day at an iconic venue. Read Online |
RFU Community Game Update 2 August
| Community Game Update Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED There are no immediate actions for clubs, please be aware the regulations for 2022/2023 are now in effect and can be found in the ‘for awareness’ section. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Confirm Your Pitch Up for Rugby Event for a chance to win £2,000 of Umbro Kit! With Pitch Up 2022 just around the corner on 17-18 September, confirm that you will be holding an event here by Friday 26 August for your clubs chance to win £2000 of Umbro Kit Vouchers. Age Grade Rugby – Ready For 2022-23 As outlined above updates on the regulations for 2022-23 and to the Summer Activity Framework have now changed. You can see the specific changes to the Age Grade regulations here. Please share the information through your Age Grade networks. HMRC and Unincorporated Rugby Clubs Some clubs may be affected by new rules relating to trusts owning property (and other assets), introduced for anti-money laundering purposes, requiring registration on the Trust Register (TRS) with HMRC. The deadline for action is initially 1 Sept 2022 or ASAP thereafter. 3. FOR AWARENESS Regulations for 2022/2023 are now in effect Regulations for both the adult and age grade game are now in effect. Read on for the headline changes. Club and Player insurance for 2022 – 2024 The insurance protection for RFU community clubs and all players has been renewed from 1 August 2022 . Cover will continue for another two years with the existing insurer. You can read more on what clubs and players are covered for here. RFU Council vote to change gender participation policy Friday 29 July saw the RFU Council Vote on a new policy which has a direct impact on the women’s game and transgender players. You can read more on this vote and further information here. Read Online |
RFU Community Game Update 12 July
| Community Game Update Read Online |
| Headline News: National Participation Campaign & Adult Male Recovery Plan Click read online to learn about additional RFU investment and resourcing to address participation challenges in the adult men’s game. As part of a 9-point recovery plan, we will launch a national participation campaign – ‘Play Together, Stay Together’. A further communication is scheduled for 22 July, which will detail how to get involved and contain a range of resources and promotional assets. Also included below is how to capitalise on the anticipated interest around Rugby Sevens at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games later this month. 1. ACTION REQUIRED New Regulations From 1 August August will see changes to both adult and age grade regulations. Read on for the headline changes. First Aid & Immediate Care Pitch-side Provision 2022-23 Overview Changes to Regulation 9 will come into place in the 2022-23 season, demonstrating the importance placed on player welfare. All age grade contact matches and training sessions will require a level of pitch-side first aid that aligns with the RFU’s Pitch-side First Aid & Immediate Care Standards, or a club’s specific risk assessment. Age Grade Affiliation & Summer Activity Age Grade Affiliation went live on 1 July and has seen over 15,000 players affiliate with clubs across the county. We have included the email sent to parents/guardians with verified email addresses alongside the club guide around the switch-over. July also brings the next stage of the summer activity guide, which you can access from this article. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Red Roses Open Training Session 11 August The RFU and O2 are collaborating on a Red Roses open training session, to be held at Twickenham on 11 August, and you are invited! Read on to find out how to attend and how to wish the Red Roses luck before they fly to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup. Girls’ Age Banding Update As we approach the start of the season, a ‘growing the girls’ game’ resource is available, outlining how best to support and build an inclusive experience for new and existing players. 3. FOR AWARENESS Red Roses: The Next Generation August 2022 will see the launch of the new U16 Girls England Rugby Developing Player Programme (ERDPP). The programme is designed to be a coach and player development programme and will focus on raising the standards of coaching as well as playing to support raising standards across the game. The programme, delivered by CB’s, will provide the first step in the England Rugby Player Pathway and give thousands of girls the same opportunity as the boys’ pathway. Reminder of Needs Based Travel Funding Last week clubs should have received an email regarding the needs based travel funding for the 2022/2023 season. Like last year, clubs will need to apply for funding; you can find the application form in this section. International Ticket Allocation 20 July will see clubs’ international ticket contacts receive an email regarding the indicative ticket allocation. Clubs now have until Friday 30 December to upload any missing fixtures for season 2021-22. After this date, you will be unable to add any further matches. Read Online |
RFU Community Game Update 28 June
| Community Game Update Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED While there are no immediate actions in this edition if you have Age Grade sections in your clubs please take note of the Age Grade changes document and Girls resources below. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Age Grade Rugby Update & 2022-23 Regulations As we move into July and the next stage on the Summer Activity Guide, we have a shareable image for clubs to use when communicating this to their coaches and players. Also in this article is a document regarding the Age Grade changes for 2022/2023 which we would advise clubs to read ahead of 1 August. Girls Age Banding and Growing the Girls’ Game Resource The new girls’ age banding comes into effect from 1 August and we have some updates and support materials to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are also two webinars on coaching the new age bands and bursaries for girls’ rugby training. You can find all the information ahead of 2022/2023 within this communication. Sport England Governance and Business Transformation support for rugby clubs The RFU is working with Sport England to develop a programme of governance and business transformation which will be supported by the Government Winter Survival Programme. The main focus of the programme will be for levels 1-6 (Gallagher Premiership, Championship, National, Regional 1 and 2) and Allianz Premier 15s clubs to help them develop their governance activities and business operations. It is hoped that the learning and tools developed as part of the programme will have wider benefits for all clubs moving forward. 3. FOR AWARENESS 1 July Game Management System (GMS) Season Switchover and additional support On 1 July, clubs and age grade parents will receive information around the season switch over in GMS. Parents will receive information on how to reaffiliate age grade players, while club administrators will receive information on enhancements and useful guides related to their role. We will be increasing support around GMS in peak times and you can read what this support looks like here. Read Online |
RFU Community Game Update 21 June
| Community Game Update Read Online |
| Pitch side Care for 2023-2024 – Changes to Regulation 9 Last week Council voted in favour of changes to Regulation 9. From the 22/23 season all age grade contact matches and training sessions will require a level of pitch-side first aid that aligns with the RFU’s Pitch-side First Aid & Immediate Care Standards or a level determined by a club’s specific risk assessment. Similar changes will come into place for the adult game in 23/24. You can read an overview as well as a detailed guide here. Age Grade Regulation Changes The 2022-2023 season will see some changes in Regulations for the age grade game. We have included an overview of the areas the changes will affect, with a detailed Age Grade Changes document to follow. Code of Conduct We are committed to the ongoing promotion of all rugby participants welfare. Everyone is entitled to feel safe and protected from any form of abuse or neglect and has the right to take part in rugby in a safe, respectful and enjoyable environment. For this reason we have created a code of conduct template for clubs to use as they wish. Promotion and Relegation for Men’s and Women’s Community Game Following Friday 17 June’s Council Meeting, promotion and relegation has been agreed for both the men’s (National 1 and below) and women’s (Championship and below) community game. You can find out how many teams will go up and down per league here. RFU 2022 Hybrid Annual General Meeting Friday 17 June saw the RFU annual AGM take place at which New Board and Presidential roles were ratified. You can watch back the meeting or read more about it in this article. Read Online |
RFU Community Game Update 14 June
| Community Game Update Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED Age Grade – Regulations 2022-23, Rugby Camps and Summer Activity A planning note including updates on regulations to be aware of ahead of 2022/23 season. Reminder of the June Activity Guidance and the need for approval for festivals and rugby camps, as per Regulation 15.9. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST RFU 2022 Hybrid Annual General Meeting A reminder the RFU will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 17 June 2022 at 18:00. Members are encouraged to record their votes prior to the AGM. More information contained within. Deadline 1st July – Entries for National Boys and Girls Cup Competition Read on for full entry process information. The primary club contact should complete the entry form by 1st July 2022. Player Panel call to 17 & 18-year-olds Please share this opportunity with players you think would be interested. The panel will run from the 22nd June to 28th June and will involve short daily activities lasting 10-15mins. Prizes available. Pro-active Reporting for Rugby The incident report smartphone app is already used by many rugby clubs across the country. The Proactive app allows for quick pre-session checks, as well as on and off-field incident and injury reporting. Read online to find out more about the app, including details of a limited period subsidised offer. GMS 1 July Switch Over, Update and Checklist ahead of 2022/2023 season In response to club requests to have more time to prepare ahead of the new season, players will become de-affiliated on 1 July 2022 and players will be able to be re-affiliated from this date. This is in GMS only; 1st August remains when the age grade game, regulations and age bands all move over to 2022-23. All new affiliations will also be able to be submitted for club approval from 1 July 2022. Included is also a checklist for clubs to support key tasks in GMS. More details included on webinar to support this process as well as GMS enhancements responding to Platform for Rugby feedback. 3. FOR AWARENESS Community Game Fixture Release Yesterday, in line with previous years, the fixtures for men’s and women’s community rugby were released to clubs by National League Rugby and Regional Organising Committees. Read online for more information and the full fixture list. Getting Ready for Girls Age Bandings 2022-23 Information included on new girls’ age banding, Girls CB U16 England Rugby Developing Player Programme. Honda Rugby Grounds Connected Roadshow From 22 to 29 June, RFU Head Groundsperson Jim Buttar will be visiting clubs around the country to share pitch advice as part of the Honda Rugby Grounds Connected roadshow. Read on to find your nearest event and how to attend for free. The Touch Union The Touch Union is the RFU endorsed and promoted format of non-contact rugby, perfect for summer rugby and pre-season prep. Find out more about how clubs can use The Touch Union either to transition players in and out of contact rugby, or as a stand-alone format for those who prefer to play non-contact rugby. Read Online |
Community Game Update 17th May
| Community Game Update Read Online |
| Rugby World Cup 2025 coming to England England will host Rugby World Cup 2025! Here we begin to look at the RWC2025 Legacy programme and how it will grow the women’s and girls’ game across the country. 1. ACTION REQUIRED Age Grade Cup Entry On 10 June 2022, we will release the entry criteria and application process for the 2022/23 season’s age grade club cups. Before then, we are asking clubs to ensure roles in GMS are up-to-date, with the correctly named person and their current email address for roles listed within this communication. Age Grade Summer Activity Guide 2022 The age grade rugby framework is now in effect. This replaces the normal age-grade out of season regulations for this summer, 2022. Click Read Online above for more information. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Save the Date 17/18 September – Pitch Up For Rugby 2022/23 Our ‘Pitch Up For Rugby’ campaign will return for 2022/2023 with a particular focus on the transition of age-grade players to adult rugby. Please share the ‘Save the Date’ included within this communication with your rugby community. 19 May deadline for GMS User Group interest & 23 May for Support Trainers Nearly 200 people have expressed an interest in joining the new User Groups to help support the future Platform for Rugby. There is still a chance to apply ahead of 19 May. We are also looking for GMS Support Trainers ahead of the new season to support clubs. Age Grade Affiliation & GMS Support Webinars Ahead of the new season, we will be running a GMS Summer Series webinar programme to support volunteers. You can find out when and how to register within this online communication. International Ticketing A reminder that Friday 20 May is the deadline for entering all 2021-2022 matches to ensure they count in the indicative International ticketing allocations. The actual allocations will be finalised once the results from the 2022-2023 season have been collected. 3. FOR AWARENESS Future Competition Structure – Leagues for 2022/2023 Next week, clubs will receive information on the new RFU leagues structure as well as details on a new cup competition for levels 5 and below. Last chance to become part of the National Youth Council Monday 23 May will see the application period close for this year’s National Youth Council. Please share this opportunity with 18-24-year-olds who you feel would like to influence the future of rugby. Volunteers’ Week & UK Coaching Week 2022 As part of Volunteers’ Week between 1 June and 7 June we will be providing templates for clubs to use to thank those in their clubs for their many contributions. Another date for your diary is UK Coaching Week which runs between 6 – 12 June. Read Online |
Community Game Update 3rd May
| Community Game Update Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED Age Grade Summer Activity Guide 2022 – From 3 May A reminder to all involved in age grade rugby that an RFU Summer Activity Framework again replaces the normal age-grade out of season regulations for this summer, 2022. Click Read Online above for more information. We hope this helps to continue to address the impact the pandemic has had on player activity, retention and safety. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Platform for Rugby User Groups & GMS Update We are keen to increase the number of players and parents, coaches and match officials joining their relevant Platform for Rugby user group. Details are included online, alongside information on GMS Support Trainer Recruitment. Age Grade Affiliation & Support Webinar 19 May As clubs have told us they need more time to prepare ahead of the new season, players will become de-affiliated on 1 July 2022 and players will be able to be re-affiliated from this date. All new affiliations will also be able to be submitted for club approval from 1 July 2022. More details included on webinar to support this process. FREE Introduction To Rugby Training Courses – Summer 2022 – BOOKING NOW OPEN! We have listened carefully to schools, colleges and universities about the high demand to have rugby trained teachers and coaches across the education sector, and a nationwide summer training programme of FREE introduction to rugby courses has been launched. Save the Date 17/18 September – Pitch Up For Rugby 2022/23 To give volunteers time to plan ahead, we’re sharing a ‘Save the Date’ for next season’s ‘Pitch Up For Rugby’ events. The theme for next season is supporting clubs to transition age grade players into adult rugby + engaging 16-22-year-olds. 3. FOR AWARENESS Bill Sweeney – recuperating well Thank you to all members of the rugby community who have shared kind wishes for RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney, who is being treated for pulmonary embolism. Bill is expected to make a full recovery and return to work, he is in good spirits and is being well looked after. Bill would also like to thank everyone who has sent their best wishes for his recuperation. Read Online |
RFU Community Game Update 19th April
| Community Game Update Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED Summer Activity Framework 2022 – Now Available! After positive feedback last year, an RFU Summer Activity Framework will again replace the normal age-grade out of season regulations for this summer. The 2022 version is a hybrid of the usual regulations and 2021 Summer Framework. We hope this helps to continue to address the impact the pandemic has had on player activity, retention and safety. Girls Age Bandings Implementation – Under 11s Clarification A reminder of the new U12, U14, U16 and U18 girls’ age bands and clarification of the options available for U11’s next season. Applications For 2022-23 Women’s Leagues & Allianz Inner Warrior Series A reminder that the application for entry into the 2022-23 RFU women’s league structure and the Allianz Inner Warrior Series is open. All new and existing teams are invited to complete the online entry form to confirm they wish to participate in the 2022-23 competition. Deadline for entries is Sunday 24 April. Reminder Of Payment Of Players – Regulation 7 The 2022 Payment of Players declaration closes on 30 June 2022. It is mandatory for clubs whose men’s first XV team play at Level 3 to Level 7 to complete this declaration in order to remain eligible for RFU Benefits. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Free Introduction To Rugby Training Courses – Summer 2022 A nationwide summer training programme of FREE introduction to rugby courses has been launched. Funded by England Schools RFU and England Colleges RFU, 60 courses based on Kids First Contact courses will run across the country in May and June. 3. FOR AWARENESS Game Management System (GMS) Review And Future Platform For Rugby Recommendations Full review recommendations from Deloitte are available to read online. To increase two-way communication, we are also creating five new Platform for Rugby user groups who will be instrumental in continuing to help us understand the game’s priorities for the system. Expression of interest form included online. Read Online |
