(Application reference: EAC/18/2011/026)

AGREEMENT EAC-2011-xxxx

ANNEX I

DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTION

Title of the Project: European Governance Foundation Project

Beneficiary: European Rugby European Federation

Partners: Česká Asociace Rugby League Rugby League Deutschland Federazione Italiana Rugby League Latvijas Regbija Ligas Federacija Nederland Rugby League Bond Svensk Rugby League Förening League Fédération Française de Rugby à XIII Rugby League Rugby League

Summary of the project objectives and activities: CONTEXT Since the adoption of its new constitution and eight-year strategy [both promulgated in August 2010] the RLEF is committed to disseminate best practice in the area of governance throughout its Membership, many of whom are inexperienced NGBs to whom the importance of good governance may not be immediately obvious.

MAIN OBJECTIVES To address this, the Governance Foundation Project [GFP] has created a tiered Membership structure of the RLEF – Bronze [Observer status], Silver [Affiliate Member], Gold [Full Member] – where best practice and the principles of good governance will be promoted, and the cooperation between partners will develop the European dimension throughout rugby league, itself a young sport on the Continent, [foundation date of January 2003]. Use of Mentors and Learners provides innovation.

ACTIVITIES In addition to utilising the Mentor-Learner system inherent in the GFP throughout a series of transnational exchanges, the project will utilise partnerships with more established European sports, namely football, to explore and cultivate good governance, using a series of seminars, technical visits and on-line tutorials and resources such as e-learning.

RESULTS The objectives of the GFP are in line with the RLEF strategy, strengthening capacity building throughout and specifically elevating Learners from Bronze to Gold by project completion.

Context of the project and identified problems

CONTEXT The RLEF, associated in 2003 [incorporated in 2011], is a young organisation and the leader of a largely young sport in . Over the last nine years it has become clear that good governance is critical to ensure the effective development of the sport. The origin of a number of development problems in RL’s recent history – in the USA, in Italy, in RSA - can be traced back to flaws in governance, and when coupled with the post-2003 formation of several incipient NGBs this makes the need for best practice in the field of governance essential if RL, experiencing significant growth spurts in Europe, is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment to the civil society in the RLEF’s Member states.

IDENTIFIED PROBLEMS Convincing rugby league enthusiasts, who may choose to get involved initially primarily due to their love of the sport on the field, of the importance of governance as a fundamental foundation stone of their operation. It is an area in which the newer members have only very limited experience. These are in contrast to the more established partners who possess a sophisticated appreciation of governance. Therefore, acknowledging that our NGB staff / volunteers’ skill sets need to be developed is one identified problem.

Language. Distributing some of the subject matter in all the languages of our network when it is of a technical and legal nature.

Specific objective(s): The GFP structure divides the partners into three tiers: TIER 1: RLEF. The project leader will play the role of arbiter, administrator and assessor TIER 2: MENTORS: the five senior NGBs - RFL, WRL, FFRXIII, SRL, RLI – are all Full Members of the RLEF and will play a mentor role. Each will be twinned with one [two in the RFL’s case, as the biggest NGB] Tier 3 NGB. TIER 3: LEARNERS: the six less experienced NGBs – CZRLA, RLD, FIRL, LRL, NRLB, SwRL – will be twinned with Mentors for the duration of the GFP. This innovative twinning arrangement is a central theme of the GFP and will ensure best practice, sharing of experiences, practical training in the Preparatory Actions’ objectives through a series of activities [illustrated below], and ongoing support and assessment. The RLEF has staff fluent in English, Russian, French, Arabic, Latvian, Serbian, German, Maltese, Norwegian, Italian, Czech; these staff will assist the partners.

Detailed description:

ACTIVITY 1: LAUNCH SEMINAR - MANCHESTER All partners [Mentors – one delegate; Learners - three delegates] attend three-day launch seminar in Manchester where they will discuss the key elements of governance - financial management, legal, equity and diversity, marketing and media, business planning, risk management, competition structure and organisation including registrations, discipline, RESPECT. This key note speaker will be Mr Maurice Watkins, a Director of Manchester United.

ACTIVITIES 2-12: AGM EXCHANGE PLACEMENTS Each Learner will send 3 delegates to their Mentor partner for 5 days during the week of the Mentor’s AGM. They will use the time to observe the Mentor’s practical application of governance and correct general assembly protocols The Mentors will send 1 staffer to their Leaner partner during the week of the Learner AGM to assist with their planning and execution of the general assembly and any subsequent meetings.

ACTIVITY 13: EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL LEAGUES SEMINAR The EFPL will organise a two-day seminar where the GFP delegates will hear from experts in professional football their experiences, working practices and techniques. Learning from a different sports’ perspective will be valuable and demonstrates the support for a European dimension for sport.

ACTIVITY 14-19: TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT SIGN OFF The Mentors will send two qualified technical staff to oversee the formation of independent technical departments in their Learner’s country [three days]. This will ensure minimum standards of skills and law delivery are maintained throughout Europe as well as capacity building by empowering the Learners to produce their own staff and developing an additional local revenue stream [from coaching and match official coaching].

Expected results and their use: The GFP will use an award system to categorise levels of accomplished governance, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Currently, all Mentor NGBs are Gold category, all Learner NGBs are Bronze. The expected results of the GFP will be that all six Learner NGBs have achieved Gold award, thereby proving their excellence in governance.

CATEGORY CRITERIA GOLD – 2011 and 2012 externally audited annual accounts [no later than June 2012 and 1 June 2013]; annual reports [January 2011 and January 2012]; championship organised for minimum six clubs for 10 rounds; Proof of revenue generation by way of fees. This can be extended to include registration fees, sponsorship, government grants, gate and canteen receipts and RLEF grants where applicable. SILVER – Bank account in the name of the NGB with minimum two signatories [drawn from Directors]; constitution [which shows detailed evidence of governance, membership, elections, meetings and arrangements for dissolution]; championship organised for minimum four clubs for six rounds; internally audited accounts

BRONZE – Director biographies [minimum 3 directors]; registered association [Gold category includes all Silver criteria; Silver category includes all Bronze criteria] These results will be used to strengthen Europe’s influence within the RLIF. By achieving Gold category the Learners will have achieved all the non-quantitative elements of Full Membership of the RLIF and therefore in a good position to apply for this highest category of Membership.

Arrangements for evaluation / supervision during the operation All activities to be monitored and evaluated by the applicant, the RLEF. Its staff will monitor every project and liaise closely with the external experts that contribute to the project. A series of Membership Audits will take place following Activities 2-12 to assess the partners’ bids to achieve Gold Membership status. These will be executed in collaboration with the Mentor NGBs.