Annual General Meeting 2018
Edmonton Rugby Union Annual General Meeting Agenda
Saturday November 24, 2018 Ellerslie Rugby Park, 12:00 p.m.
A. Administration
1. Call to order 2. Attendance / Absent 3. Agenda a. Amendments / Additions b. Motion to adopt the agenda
4. Previous Meeting a. Review of minutes from November 19, 2017 b. Motion to adopt 2017 AGM Meeting Minutes
B. Board Reports and Questions from the Membership
1. President 2. Treasurer 3. Secretary 4. VP Administration 5. VP Ellerslie 6. VP Senior Rugby 7. VP Junior Rugby 8. Director of Discipline 9. ERURS 10. Members at Large 11. Motion to confirm the reports as presented
C. Resolutions and New Business
1. Proposed AC Championship Structure and E2 Structure – Graeme Moffat
D. Election of Officers / Selection of Auditors
Members at Large (3 positions, 1 year term each, open for election) Director of Discipline (2 year term, open for election) VP Junior Rugby (1 year remaining on a 2 year term, open for election) VP Ellerslie (2 year term, open for election) VP Administration (2 year term, open for election) President (2 year term, open for election)
Selection of Auditors
E. Motion to Adjourn Bylaws The Edmonton Rugby Union Constitution / By-Laws
1. Name
1.1 The name of the Society is “THE EDMONTON RUGBY UNION,” referred to as the ERU.
2. Objects and By-Laws
2.1 To administer, control, organize, encourage and promote all aspects of the game Rugby Football in Central and Northern Alberta at Mini, Junior and Senior levels for both males and females. 2.2 To develop programs that will improve the standard and quality of play, coaching and officiating of amateur rugby football for all age levels. 2.3 To plan, organize and coordinate the various matches, competitions, programs and activities among the member clubs and associated junior levels. 2.4 To encourage fair competition and arrange matches and tours for Representative sides and any other matches which the ERU may deem necessary. 2.5 To obtain income to cover all the annual costs of operating the various activities of the ERU. 2.6 To assist member clubs and recognized affiliates so far as possible in the obtaining of playing fields and facilities.
3. Affiliations
3.1 The ERU shall have power to belong to other societies or associations similar or beneficial to the ERU. The ERU may be a member of the Alberta Rugby Football Union and/or Rugby Alberta and Rugby Canada.
4. Membership
4.1 Classification of Memberships: The ERU may admit to membership, subject to the following, Persons, associations or organizations including Union Clubs, Associated Members, Honorary Life Members, Affiliated Universities, Colleges or Schools. 4.2 A Member Club: Membership is open to any amateur rugby club or similar organization provided that: (1) A Senior Team regularly plays matches and has done so for two or more complete seasons. A Senior Team shall be defined as a team which pays the appropriate dues to the ERU. (2) It is administered by a Committee appointed by its members at a duly convened Annual Meeting. (3) It conforms with the Laws of the game of Rugby Football as laid down by the International Board, the Canadian Rugby Union, the Alberta Rugby Union, and the Edmonton Rugby Union. (4) It has permanent mailing address being either its premises or a postal box number. (5) It pays any fee required by the ERU. (6) It makes application in writing to the ERU and is proposed and seconded by two member clubs, and is approved by a majority vote of approval at a general meeting. 4.3 An Affiliated Club (1) Membership is open to any Rugby Club which plays its home matches in an area within the jurisdiction of the ERU provided that: It complies with Clauses 4.2.2 to 4.2.6 inclusive and 4.5.1 (2) The affiliate member club pays any annual dues levied by the Board. An Affiliate Member Club shall have the privilege to relieve notice of and to attend all general meetings of the ERU but shall not have any voting rights. 4.4 A Referees Society Membership is open to any referees’ society in good standing provided that: It complies with Clauses 4.2.2 to 4.2.6 inclusive. 4.5 An Associate Member
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(1) Membership is open to any organization interested in the game provided that: The associate members pay any annual dues levied by the Board. An Associate Member shall have the privilege to receive notice of and to attend all general meetings of the ERU but shall not have any voting rights. 4.6 An Honorary Life Member (1) At any General Meeting the Board may propose to the membership that any individual, because of his interest, support and service to the game and the ERU, be elected an Honorary Life Member. If elected by a simple majority such as an Honorary Life Member shall have the rights of an Associate Member but shall pay no dues. (2) All Life Members currently recognized by the ERU shall have the same privileges and rights as the new Honorary Life Members recognized in 4.6.1. 4.7 An affiliated University, College or School (1) Any university, college, high school or junior high school in central and northern Alberta may become an affiliated provided that: (a) it has one or more rugby teams (b) it pays annual dues that may by approved by the ERU board (2) Such affiliated organizations shall have the same rights as an affiliated member as outlined under 4.3.(2)
5. Conditions for Membership in Good Standing
5.1 A member organization, union club, affiliated club or referees ‘society shall continue in membership and remain in good standing provided that: (a) It pays the annual dues fixed each year by the ERU and pays any monies owing to the ERU within a reasonable time after receipt of notice from the Treasurer. (b) It continues to be involved in rugby at any level: Mini, Youth, Junior, College, University, Senior, and Old Boys/Ladies. (c) It maintains a permanent mailing address and informs the ERU Secretary immediately of any change. 5.2 Persons, clubs, associations or organizations shall cease to be a member of the Union: (1) By delivering a resignation in writing to the Secretary, or by mailing or delivering it to the address of the ERU, or (2) On his/her death, or in the case of associations or organizations, on dissolution, or (3) On being expelled, or (4) On having been a member not in good standing for twenty four consecutive months.
6. Annual General Meeting
6.1 Time of Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the ERU shall be held each during the period from November 1st to December 15th 6.2 Notification All members of the ERU and all members of the Board shall be notified in writing by the Secretary at least 21 days in advance of the time, place and agenda of the Annual General Meeting. 6.3 Voting Rights (1) Persons entitled to make motions and to vote shall be: (a) one representative, to a maximum of five per club, for each member club, based on the number of teams in good standing during the previous season. (b) one representative of each member referees society N.B. (Non-Board) Motions will be circulated, in writing, no later than 14 days prior to a special or annual general meeting to each member organization. Floor motions will be allowed if cosigned by 4 club presidents or their designates.
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(2) Voting by proxy is not permitted. Senior teams from the same club may appoint representatives to carry one vote each, providing the total number of votes does not exceed the number of votes outlined in 6.3.1 (a). (3) Each voting representative, before being entitled to vote shall present to the Secretary a written notice of his/her appointment from the member organization which he/she represents. (4) Any member of the Board shall be entitled to speak to but shall not be entitled to make motions or to vote, except: (a) in the case of the Chairman of the Meeting only as outlined in 6.4.3, or (b) a member of the Board who is a voting representative as described above in Clause 6.3.1. 6.4 Voting Procedures (1) Voting shall be by show of hands, unless a secret ballot is requested by any one voting representative. (2) All motions, unless otherwise required by the By-Laws, shall be decided by a simple majority. (3) In the case of an equality of votes the Chairman of the Meeting shall have the deciding vote. 6.5 Quorum and Procedure (1) The presence of voting representatives holding 51 per cent of the total number of authorized votes shall form a quorum. (2) Unless inconsistent with these By-Laws, procedure shall follow Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised (1970). (3) The President of the ERU elected at the previous Annual General Meeting shall be the Chairman of the Meeting or in his/her absence a Vice President and in his/her absence a Chairman shall be elected at the Meeting.
7. Special General Meeting
7.1 Special General Meeting Requested by members The Secretary of the ERU shall convene a Special General Meeting if at any time he/she receives a requisition to that effect signed by not less than 30 percent of the voting membership. 7.2 Special General Meeting Requested by the Board The Board shall have the power at any time to convene a Special General Meeting for the transaction of such business as it considers necessary or expedient in the interests of the ERU’s proposals for revision of the objects and By-Laws. 7.3 Notification of the Special General Meeting All members of the ERU and all members of the Board shall be notified in writing at least 21 days in advance of the date, place and time of a Special General Meeting and of the business proposed to be transacted. 7.4 Voting rights, Procedures and a Quorum at any Special General Meeting shall be as described for an Annual General Meeting in Clauses 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5.
8. Appointment and Removal of Officers
8.1 Officers The ERU shall be directed by an Executive Board which shall consist of the following officers: (1) Officers elected at the Annual General Meeting (a) President (b) Vice President/Administration (c) Vice President/Rugby (d) Vice President/Ellerslie (e) Treasurer (f) Secretary
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(g) Director Discipline All above positions are subject to re-election after two years. The President, Vice President/Administration, Vice President/Ellerslie, and Director Discipline will be elected in the even years. Vice President/Rugby, Treasurer, and Secretary will be elected in the odd years. (h) Three Directors at Large The three Directors at Large are one-year terms. (2) Officer – President of the Referees’ Society The Referees’ representative on the board will be the President or their designate. (3) Alberta Rugby Union Directors The President of the ERU or their designate shall be the Edmonton representative on the Rugby Alberta Board. (4) Other Officers (a) Immediate Past President (5) Individuals deemed necessary for the effective functioning of the Board to a maximum of three in instances where three Directors at Large are not elected. 8.2 Powers of the Board The Board shall administer and control all of the affairs of the ERU and shall have full power to take such action, including the investment of the ERU funds, as it shall consider necessary to achieve the objects of the ERU, subject to any limitations placed upon it by the membership at a General Meeting. Except with the written consent of 80 percent of the members entitled to vote on the issue, the Board of Directors shall not authorize the ERU to: (a) take or institute any proceedings for the winding up, reorganization or dissolution of the ERU; (b) amalgamate or merge with any person or organization; (c) increase or decrease the authorized or issued capital of the ERU or alter its capital structure in any way except as specifically required by this agreement; (d) enter into any financial commitment of any type whatsoever including, without limitation, any purchase, sale, lease, loan, borrowing or expenditure where such financial commitment, individually, is in excess of the sum of Twenty Five Thousand ($25, 000) Dollars; or (e) purchase, lease or otherwise 8.3 Vacancies on the Board Any vacancy occurring during the year on the Board, for any reason, may be filled by the Board appointing a replacement until the next Annual General Meeting. 8.4 Voting Rights at Board Meetings All the aforementioned Directors of the Board, except any paid employee and excluding those officers described in 8.1.5, shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of the Board. 8.5 Voting Procedures at Board Meetings (1) Voting shall be by a show of hands unless a secret ballot is requested by any one of the voting representative. (2) All motions, unless otherwise required in these By-Laws, shall be decided by a simple majority. (3) In the case of an equality of votes, the Chairman of the Meeting shall have the deciding vote. 8.6 Quorum and Procedure at Board Meetings (1) A quorum at all meetings of the Board shall be one-half of the voting Directors of the Board. (2) Unless inconsistent with these By-Laws, procedure at meetings shall follow Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised (1970). 8.7 Nomination of Officers (1) Prior to Annual General Meeting each year the Board shall appoint a Committee to obtain nominations for positions that will be vacant. Nominations from the floor may also be accepted each year for the following officers: (a) President
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(b) Vice President/Administration (c) Vice President/Rugby (d) Vice President/Ellerslie (e) Treasurer (f) Secretary (g) Director Discipline (h) Three Directors at Large (2) The Chief Electoral Officer appointed at the meeting shall conduct the elections at the Annual General Meeting and shall present the names of officers and directors nominated for election to the meeting. (3) Nominations may be accepted from the floor at the Annual General Meeting for any position provided: (a) the nomination is made by a voting member (b) the nominee, if present, indicates his/her willingness to stand for office (c) the nominee, if not present, has a voting member submit his/her written consent to the meeting. (4) The elections shall be decided by a simple majority and in case of an equality of votes the Chief Electoral Officer shall be entitled to and shall give a deciding vote. 8.8 8.9 Removal from Office The members may, by special resolution at either a General Meeting or a Special General Meeting, remove any officer or director before the expiration of his/her term of office and may elect a successor to complete the term of office.
9. Exercise of Borrowing Power
9.1 In order to carry out the purposes of the ERU the Executive Board may, on behalf of an in the name of the ERU, raise or secure the payment or repayment of money in such manner as they decide. 9.2 The members may by special resolution restrict the borrowing powers of the Executive Board as outlined in 8.2
10. Duties of the Board Officers
10.1 The duties of the officers and directors of the Board shall be defined in the ERU Policies and Procedures Manual.
11. Committees
11.1 The Board, or the President, may if they consider it necessary appoint standing or subcommittees to which may be delegated such specific objectives as they consider proper. 11.2 Such committees may: (1) be delegated specific powers by the Board or the President in order to obtain their objectives, such powers not to exceed those of the Board or the President. (2) be required to consider and make recommendations regarding their objectives to the Board or the President.
12. Discipline and Disputes
12.1 The Board shall have the power to discipline: (1) any member club team or club official (2) any player, referee, touch judge or spectator (3) any officer of the Board (4) any employee or individual member of the ERU (5) any member of a visiting club or team
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For infringement of any ERU By-Law, Law of the Game or for any conduct or behavior which in the opinion of the Board is prejudicial to the interest of the ERU or the Game. 12.2 The Board may act as a discipline committee or the President may appoint and delegate a separate discipline committee composed of members of the Board and/or others to administer discipline. 12.3 The discipline committee shall have the power to: (1) determine its own procedure and what evidence it will hear with the exception of player discipline on the field, in which case the current ERU discipline procedure as outlined in the ERU Policies and Procedures Manual will apply. (2) call witnesses, hear representations, and may at its own discretion hear statements from any other person or persons relating to the incident in question. (3) proceed in the absence of the accused party if satisfied that such party has had sufficient notice of the time and place of the hearing (4) decide upon what action, if any, is to be taken. A decision of the majority of the committee shall be the decision of the committee 12.4 The Board may delegate its power of discipline for: (1) all matches and activities under its jurisdiction (2) all club and representative matches (3) all matches with visiting clubs or teams except the Board shall: Hear and rule on appeals against the disciplinary decisions of its own discipline committee. 12.5 Misconduct A person or party is subject to any one of the following: (1) An absolute discharge: wherein no further action is to be taken and the proceedings not referable in any subsequent hearing. (2) A conditional discharge: wherein no action is to be taken but the incident is recorded and may be taken into account in any subsequent proceedings. (3) Fine: wherein the accused party is required to pay a fine in money. (4) A period of suspension: wherein the accused party is prohibited from playing and/or taking part in the administration of the game of rugby for a specified period of time and may be required to comply with additional terms and conditions. (5) Expulsion: wherein the accused party is prohibited from playing and/or taking part in the administration of the game of rugby and is expelled from membership. 12.6 Appeals (1) The discipline committee may take disciplinary against any member club or individual member of such club for actions that are deemed detrimental to the sport of amateur rugby football. Any disciplinary action taken may be appealed to the full committee of the Edmonton Rugby Union, and if satisfaction is still not received, to the Board of Directors of the Alberta Rugby Union. 12.7 No club or player shall knowingly play in any match with any fixture with a club which has been formed by members of one suspended or expelled by the Board. 12.8 Expulsion A member may be expelled by a special resolution passed by three quarters of the voting members present at a Special General Meeting. 12.9 The discipline committee must examine any written discipline complaint brought to its attention within 14 days.
13. Termination Of Existence
13.1 In the event of the dissolution of the ERU, all assets, after the discharge of the liabilities and payment of all debts, any remaining money or assets of the ERU shall be distributed as follows: (a) If the game of amateur rugby football is being played in Edmonton or within 25 miles of the boundaries of Edmonton at the time of dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the assets of the ERU shall be distributed for the purpose of advancing the game of amateur rugby football;
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(b) If amateur rugby football is no longer being played in Edmonton or within 25 of the boundaries of Edmonton a the time of dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the assets of the ERU shall be distributed or disposed of for the purposes of advancing amateur sport or to charitable organization or to other organizations, the objects of which are beneficial to the community.
14. Interpretation Of The Objects And By-Laws
14.1 Any difference of opinion which may arise as to the meaning of any part of the Objects or By-Laws shall be resolved by the Chairman at a General Meeting. Such resolution shall be deemed to be the meaning of that part of the Objects or By-Laws until such time as the majority of members voting at a General Meeting otherwise direct.
15. Amendment of The Objects and By-Laws
15.1 The Objects and By-Laws shall only be amended at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special Meeting called expressly for the purpose. 15.2 Suggested amendments must be proposed and seconded by two members and submitted in 28 days before the meeting at which the proposed amendment is to be presented. 15.3 Notice of the suggested amendments must be sent by the Secretary to all members and members of the Board with the notice of the General Meeting. 15.4 No motion proposing the amendment of these Objects or By-Laws shall be passed unless it receives the consent of two thirds majority of the votes at a General Meeting.
16. Remuneration
16.1 There shall be no remuneration of officers, directors or members.
17. Books and Records
17.1 The books and records of the Edmonton Rugby Union shall be audited annually. The selection of an auditor shall take place at the Annual General Meeting of the Edmonton Rugby Union. The books and records of the Edmonton Rugby Union may be inspected by any member of any member club at the Annual General Meeting or upon giving reasonable notice and arranging a time, satisfactory to the Treasurer. Each member of the Union committee shall at all times have access to such books and records.
18. Indemnity
18.1 Subject to the limitations contained in the Societies Act, the ERU shall indemnify a Board member or Officer, a former Board member or Officer, or a person who acts or acted at the ERU’s request as a Board member or Officer of a Society of which the ERU is or was a member or creditor, or a person who undertakes or has undertaken any liability on behalf of the ERU or any such Society, and his heirs and legal representatives, against all costs, charges and expenses, including an amount paid to settle an action or proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of being or having been a Board member or Officer of the Corporation, or undertaking or having undertaken any liability on behalf of the Corporation or any such body corporate, if; (a) he acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the ERU; and (b) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is enforced by a monetary penalty, he had reasonable grounds for believing that his conduct was lawful.
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19. Ellerslie Rugby Park
The Edmonton Rugby Union acknowledges that it hold title to 10950 Ellerslie Road, Edmonton (Plan 2146 T.R., Block 2, Lot 22) as trustee for the benefit of Ellerslie Rugby Park Incorporated only, and that the Edmonton Rugby Union will transfer title to the property for One ($1.00) Dollar to Ellerslie Rugby Park Incorporated forthwith upon written notice from Ellerslie Rugby Park Incorporated of its request for transfer of title. This Resolution is irrevocable. Nb: Transfer of title includes all encumbrances.
These By-Laws were adopted by special resolution passed at a meeting of the members of the Edmonton Rugby Union on November 26, 2011 at Ellerslie Rugby Park and were endorsed by the following Board Members:
President Ron Allen Vice President/Administration Kady Martin Vice President/Rugby Jo Reinbold Vice President/Ellerslie Judy Seddon Treasurer (vacant) Secretary Nikki Cloutier Director Discipline Mike Dowell Director at Large Chuck Bonsant Director at Large Brent Gallagher Director at Large Trevor Macaulay
The Registrar of Companies of the Province of Alberta issued a Certificate of Incorporation under the “Societies Act” on October 9, 1991. Registration number 50004708.
Page 8 of 8 2017 AGM Minutes Title: Edmonton Rugby Union Annual General Meeting Date / Time: November 19, 2017 – 1:00 p.m. Location: Ellerslie Rugby Park – 11004 Ellerslie Road, Edmonton, AB Recorder: Jasmine Jarvis President Devin Vandenberg ✓ VP Ellerslie Judy Seddon X Member at Large Jeff Berg ✓ VP Rugby Treasurer Juliette Bradley X Jo Reinbold ✓ Member at Large Simon Healy ✓ Board of (Senior) Directors: Secretary Jasmine Jarvis ✓ ERURS Mick Graham ✓ Member at Large John Frame ✓ Director of VP Admin Anna-Liza Aguilar ✓ Ron Allen X VP Rugby (Juniors) Peter Weran ✓ Discipline ITEM DISCUSSION GENERAL Attendees:
Edmonton Rugby Football Club (Pirates): Levi Fournel, Angela Lieu, Kate Childs Leprechaun Tigers RFC: Bill Winterton, Janelle Romanchuk, Alanna Fittes, Simon Abel Strathcona Druids RFC: Shawn Thomas, Brent Gallagher, Liam Mills, Sarah Johnston, Ravic Ahrens Edmonton Clansmen RFC: Danielle Weran, John Frame, Devin Vandenberg, Helen Wrist, Jack Mager, Tamara Kulyk, Steve Saunders Nor’Westers Athletic Association: Eve Fletcher, Stan Dilworth, Anna-Liza Aguilar, Simon Healy, Alastair Hancock, Sean Thomlison Fort McMurray Knights RFC: Tim Van Vliet Attendees: Edmonton Rockers Athletic Club: Jo Reinbold, Carmen Duursoma L.A. Crude RFC: Trevor Macaulay, Zach James, Candace McGowan St. Albert RFC: Simon Hill, Craig Kerswell, Jasmine Jarvis Cold Lake Penguins RFC: Erin Bowman, David Brown Parkland Rugby Club: Graeme Dawes Drayton Valley Riggers Rugby Club: Todd Muir Lloydminster Reapers Rugby Club: Rugby Alberta: Sandy Nesbitt, Chris Cooke, Sean Hofstetter ERURS: Terry Laniuk RAMOA: Kristi Forsyth AJRA, Grande Prairie RFC, Edson Axmen: Absent
ERU Meeting Summary Page 1 of 4 November 19, 2017
• Meeting call to order at 1:07 p.m. • Motion to accept the agenda by Graeme Dawes (Sharks), seconded by Liam Mills (Druids) Administration • 51% of quorum has been met – total votes: 35 • Motion to accept 2016 AGM Minutes • Motioned by Tamara Kulyk (Clan), seconded by Helen Wright (Clan) BOARD OF DIRECTORS • See attached report • Tim Van Vliet (Knights) asked if any particular group has been the cause of the increase in match official abuse – Devin advised that the abuse is across the board, from players to coaches to spectators. Mick to address further in his report. • Tamara Kulyk (Clan) asked for a definition of abuse – Mick advised anything that causes a match official to feel threatened or abused President • Devin stressed that club and player buy-in will been needed moving forward as there will be zero tolerance • Tamara Kulyk (Clan) asked if there were specific ideas for realigning funding – Devin advised that if we understood the AJRA mandate, then we could come up with a funding model. Hopeful that we will determine this prior to next season. • Sean Hofstetter (RA) stated that RA, AJRA, ERU and CRU have struck a committee who will work together and implement bylaw changes to allow junior rugby to develop, and to allow the ERU and CRU to build junior rugby and have programs become financially sustainable
Treasurer • See attached report
Secretary • No report to give
VP Administration • See attached report
VP Ellerslie • See attached report
VP Rugby (Juniors) • See attached report
VP Rugby (Seniors) • See attached report • Helen Wright (Clan) asked if the ERU had a plan to address senior men’s fixtures? Clubs have to register teams without knowing
ERU Meeting Summary Page 2 of 4 November 19, 2017
how many members are registering, which leads to defaults. Helen proposed a subcommittee –Jo advised have this for the women already, and can work on creating a technical committee for senior rugby. • Helen and Steve Saunders (Clan) asked for clarification on who rules on which bylaws – RA vs. ERU? Jo clarified that the ERU can rule on E2, EW2, E3 and U21, however AC and AWP fall under RA. ERU also has to follow RA rules and regulations unless there has been a specific ERU rule change on the issue. • Helen proposed allowing clubs to only field an AWP team without having to field EW2 – this will be further discussed at the women’s committee meeting. Jasmine Jarvis (SARFC) asked how clubs would build and develop their younger/newer players if there was only a premier team – Helen suggested friendlies with out of town teams. Carmen Duursoma (Rockers) agreed that clubs should be able to play just AWP, so that AWP players are not playing down into Division 2 in order to fulfill a fixture. • Devin asked RA to speak to this – Sandy advised that the rules/regulations come from membership, the RA Rules and Regulations committee just enforces/reviews. He spoke to the AC/AWP proposals from Graeme Moffatt, which were proposed as a way to make things better. These will be discussed further at the RA AGM – however, there is no timeline on the decision. • Devin proposed that the ERU strike a technical committee and discuss their findings with RA. • Tim Van Vliet (Knights) offered the opinion that clubs/the league is too focused about competition at the top level, versus participation in all levels. Suggested meeting to talk about what clubs are doing well to bridge gaps between junior and senior rugby. • Devin suggested a rural U21 team, who can travel and play Saturdays, to use as a club development team. • Tim Van Vliet (Knights) advised that the AC proposal would demolish Division 2, and lead to Division 1 or 2 players playing in Division 3, which would hurt development. • Jo asked Sandy (RA) if the CRU has the same issue with Rules and Regulations, and determine which body hears what – he advised that the CRU does not have this issue. • Al Hancock (NWAA) suggested that further fixture discussion take place at the fixtures meeting. • Tamara Kulyk (Clan) asked about thoughts on a U21 Women’s league. Group discussion came to the conclusion that the numbers were not there yet to support this league.
Director of • See attached report Discipline • See attached report • Tamara Kulyk (Clan) said that she thought the referee development program was awesome. • Ravic Ahrens (Druids) suggested that the Senior referee make their selves known to the coach, so feedback can be given ERURS • Steve Saunders (Clan) asked how many online feedback forms were received and Terry Laniuk (ERURS) advised three. Steve suggested a way of letting people know when received as he had submitted and didn’t know if things were addressed. Terry advised they will ensure to do this next year. • Craig Kerswell (SARFC) asked if referees can view film on CoachLogic to get feedback and review their games – Janelle Romanchuk
ERU Meeting Summary Page 3 of 4 November 19, 2017
(LTs/RA) advised that referees can access this. • Helen Wright (Clan) advised that clubs need to take leadership when dealing with referee abuse and operate within the ERU. Devin agreed, and suggested that when club have issues, they attend the ERU Board Meetings.
Member at Large • No report to give (Jeff) Member at Large • No report to give (John) Member at Large • See attached report (Simon) Motion to confirm reports as presented by Trevor Macaulay (Leduc), seconded by Bill Winterton (LTs) Members at Large – One Year Term • Jeff Berg (standing for re-election) – returns by acclamation • John Frame (standing for re-election) – returns by acclamation • Simon Healy (standing for re-election) - returns by acclamation
VP Rugby (Junior) – Two Year Term • Tim Van Vliet – Nominated by Rockers, Seconded by Clan • Tim Van Vliet is elected
VP Rugby (Senior) – Two Year Term Nominations and • Jo Reinbold (standing for re-election) – returns by acclamation Voting
Secretary • Jasmine Jarvis (standing for re-election) – returns by acclamation
Treasurer • Juliette Bradley (standing for re-election) – returns by acclamation
Auditors • Craig Kerswell • Levi Fournel CONCLUSION Adjournment • Meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m.
ERU Meeting Summary Page 4 of 4 November 19, 2017
2018 ERU Club Votes Axmen - 1 vote Centaurs/Sirens - 2 votes Clansmen -5 votes Druids -3.5 votes Knights -2 vote LA Crude -3 votes Lep\Tigers - 5 votes NWAA -5 votes Penguins -0.5 vote Pirates -2 votes Reapers - 0.5 vote Riggers - 1 vote Rockers - 1 vote Sharks - 3 votes St Albert -4.5 votes ERURS - 1 vote
TOTAL = 40 (2 less than 2017) 2018 Director’s Reports Edmonton Rugby Union FY2018 President’s Year End Report
November 20, 2018
It has again been an honour to serve as the Edmonton Rugby Union President this past year. The 2018 season was the second of my two year term as President. I would like to thank the ERU clubs, their respective boards, the referees and all volunteers for their support and hard work this past season. I as well want to thank those of your who have helped us by participating on our subcommittees. I particularly want to thank the ERU board who have done a wonderful job this past season and for all the help you have provided me. To a person you have been an absolute pleasure to work with.
I know a number of the clubs have already held their AGMs and I want to congratulate the new faces on your boards and welcome the old faces back.
Overall, 2018 was another successful year for rugby in Edmonton. It was an exciting year full of successes but we certainly had a few challenges to keep everyone on their toes. My report is intended to provide a brief summary of the year. I will be highlighting our goals, summarizing some of our accomplishments, as well, as some our challenges from this past year. Finally I will discuss what I believe some of our focuses should be for the upcoming season.
At the beginning of the 2018 season, and as discussed at last year’s AGM, a number of items were identified as those we wanted to focus on. • Develop a more formal player, coach and spectator abuse policy. • Continue to improve finances of the ERU. • Improve junior rugby funding. • Continue to improve cooperation and communication with our member clubs. • Work with Rugby Alberta to bring senior regional representative rugby back to Edmonton. We were able to work on each one of these focus areas and make progress. More detail will be provided in the remainder of my report.
2018 Successes:
Club Cooperation and Communication: I was personally very happy with the open and collaborative relationship the ERU had with our member clubs. One example of this is the quarterly calls I have been hosting with the club Presidents. The goal of these calls was to discuss issues and concerns and get consensus amongst the clubs and the ERU. The participation was very good, the discussions have been well received and we have been able to deal with a number of issues on these calls.
Prairie Super League and the Edmonton Senior Men’s Gold: The reintroduction of the Prairie Super League was an important step in the revitalization of senior representative rugby in Edmonton. The league had mixed success this past season but a lot of lessons were learned and I see great room for improvement. This was a good first step and I look forward to the upcoming season.
Edmonton Rugby Union 11004 Ellerslie Road SW, Edmonton AB T6W 1A2 www.edmontonrugby.com Edmonton Rugby Union FY2018 President’s Year End Report
Finances: The Edmonton Rugby Union has had some challenges financially over the past few years. I’m happy to announce that the ERU did not run a deficit in 2018 for the first time in a number of years. More details will be provided in the Treasurers report.
Canada – Scotland International: On June 9th Edmonton hosted another successful rugby international, this time at Commonwealth Stadium. A big congratulation goes to MB Events and all those who volunteered to make this a great event.
Junior Program Funding: We have been able to resolve some of our junior program funding issues with the help of Rugby Alberta and the AJRA.
Volunteer Recognition: I was extremely happy and proud that our very own Judy Seddon was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, in recognition of Judy’s contributions to our community. Judy was, as well, selected as the Rugby Canada Volunteer of the Year which was awarded at Rugby Canada’s past AGM in Vancouver. These are truly great recognitions and a testament of Judy’s tireless work in the rugby community over the years. We are lucky to have her.
2018 Challenges:
Referee and Volunteer Abuse: As mentioned at last year’s AGM we have seen an increase in abusive behavior at our fields. Most of the incidents of abuse have been directed towards referees and our volunteers. Much, but not all of the abuse is happening at the youth level which is very concerning and clearly not acceptable. Last year, the ERU had to enact a zero tolerance abuse policy and this year we had to develop a formal sanctioning policy to deal with this ongoing problem. I am happy to say that we have received strong support from the clubs and that no fines were handed out since the sanction policy was introduced.
Focus for the Upcoming Year:
We will continue to build on our successes from the previous seasons. For the upcoming season there are a few items that I recommend the ERU board focus on.
• Increase our investment in Youth Rugby: In 2019 I am recommending to the ERU board that we increase our investment in our junior rugby program by ensuring we have the proper resources to manage our growing youth program. • Improve age and club dispensation rules. Please refer John Frame’s report. • Encourage clubs to get more involved with the ERU by having more clubs represented on our board and subcommittees • Continue to improve cooperation and communication with our member clubs. • Continue to work with the Edmonton rugby community to make rugby in Edmonton a safe and abuse free environment.
Edmonton Rugby Union 11004 Ellerslie Road SW, Edmonton AB T6W 1A2 www.edmontonrugby.com Edmonton Rugby Union FY2018 President’s Year End Report
I would like to remind every member that the Rugby Alberta and Alberta Junior Rugby Association’s AGMs are being held in early December. It is important to the long-term success of rugby in Edmonton that all clubs participate. This is where our collective concerns are heard and where changes can be made. This is also your opportunity participate on these boards, including the Edmonton Rugby Union. If interested, you can be directly involved in improving the development of our sport.
I am looking forward to another exciting season of rugby.
Regards,
Devin Vandenberg President; ERU [email protected]
Edmonton Rugby Union 11004 Ellerslie Road SW, Edmonton AB T6W 1A2 www.edmontonrugby.com
Treasurer's Report
In my summary of the 2016-17 financial year, I pledged to work with the Board to address the challenge of reducing our annual operating deficit whist maintaining support of our programs. I am pleased to say that I am now reporting - for the first time in my three-year stint as Treasurer - an operating profit (as opposed to a loss) for the year. As a Board, we’ve worked to both keep our overall expenditure in line with last year, as well as increase our revenue, and I would like to thank all my Board colleagues for their support in this – particularly Anna-Liza for securing a sizeable operating grant from the City of Edmonton.
Alongside this, we’ve changed our funding relationship with AJRA (Devin & Jo worked hard to make this happen, thank you!), and this has lead to an increase in expenditure on our burgeoning junior program. This is a continuing focus for the upcoming year, as the Board looks for the right ways to invest in the support and development of rugby programs for our youth.
Juliette Bradley, ERU Treasurer November 16, 2018
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80.*77*5&)0*<#5*&685*5 39*1'*5 Edmonton Rugby Union Comparative Income Statement
Actual 11/01/2017 to Budget 11/01/2017 to Actual 11/01/2016 to 10/31/2018 10/31/2018 10/31/2017 REVENUE
Gaming Revenue WEMBA 18,717.90 12,000.00 11,640.31 Casino 34,570.54 35,000.00 35,000.00 Subtotal Gaming Revenue 53,288.44 47,000.00 46,640.31
General Revenue Playing Dues 37,050.00 38,000.00 35,875.00 Interest 0.00 0.00 1,444.05 Fines 0.00 0.00 750.00 Special events 600.00 0.00 0.00 Grants 18,500.00 17,000.00 2,000.00 AJRA 48,270.00 23,000.00 20,235.00 Fundraisers 7,926.11 6,000.00 9,910.42 Sponsorship 318.94 10,000.00 0.00 Kinsmen Junior Sessions 2,645.00 2,000.00 2,785.00 Subtotal General Revenue 115,310.05 96,000.00 72,999.47
TOTAL REVENUE 168,598.49 143,000.00 119,639.78
EXPENDITURE
Administration Advertising & Promotions 1,222.73 1,410.00 1,569.75 Audit & Legal 0.00 0.00 19.57 Awards, Trophies & City Finals 1,900.96 1,500.00 1,763.43 Bookkeeping 3,600.00 3,600.00 3,600.00 Bank Charges 1,423.68 1,400.00 1,584.06 Donations 200.00 800.00 0.00 Website & SportLomo 2,117.49 1,100.00 1,145.66 Directors' Expenses 868.83 500.00 565.21 AGM Expenses 563.06 150.00 67.20 ID Registration Program & League Management 7,510.00 5,000.00 6,104.05 Hall of Fame 183.75 500.00 674.26 Ellerslie Rugby Park 20,000.00 20,000.00 30,000.00 Subtotal Administration 39,590.50 35,960.00 47,093.19
Juliette Bradley, Treasurer November 16, 2018 Edmonton Rugby Union Comparative Income Statement
Actual 11/01/2017 to Budget 11/01/2017 to Actual 11/01/2016 to 10/31/2018 10/31/2018 10/31/2017
Rugby Program Expenses Sr Men's Elite 15's 11,215.34 10,000.00 0.00 Sr Men's Elite 7's 0.00 0.00 0.00 Men's & Women's 7's 0.00 0.00 0.00 U19 Men Wolfpack 0.00 0.00 2,500.00 U20 Women Wolfpack 0.00 0.00 2,472.00 Sr Men's Wolfpack 0.00 0.00 2,500.00 Sr Women's Wolfpack 0.00 0.00 2,500.00 Sr Gold 0.00 2,000.00 2,945.56 Junior Co-ordinator - Development 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 Junior Co-ordinator - Representative Rugby 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 YDO Matching Grants to Clubs 4,373.00 6,000.00 3,000.00 RDO's 9,795.66 12,700.00 12,500.00 Volunteer Screening 0.00 2,000.00 0.00 Match Officials 34,071.25 30,000.00 29,330.80 Development - Age Grade 0.00 2,000.00 2,591.36 Field Rentals 8,625.00 0.00 0.00 Medics 3,386.96 0.00 0.00 Challenge Cup 500.00 750.00 0.00 Hosting - City Finals & Provincials; Incoming tour 186.25 2,000.00 2,840.00 Equipment, Kit & Storage 4,552.52 12,200.00 2,000.02 Kinsmen Junior Sessions 1,275.00 1,750.00 1,612.00 Subtotal Rugby Program Expenses 97,980.98 101,400.00 86,791.74
Write offs & posting error 2,840.00 0.00 -1,455.71 Depreciation 15,436.00 0.00 0.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURE 155,847.48 137,360.00 132,429.22
Gold Academy Program - Income Fees 5,347.84 0.00 7,045.22 Tours 65,846.00 0.00 61,063.76 Summer 15s & Winter 7s 23,987.25 0.00 16,893.75 Subtotal Gold Academy Income 95,181.09 0.00 85,002.73
Gold Academy Program - Expenditure Operations 5,347.84 0.00 7,045.22 Tours 65,846.00 0.00 61,063.76 Summer 15s & Winter 7s 23,987.25 0.00 16,893.75 ERU Funding 2,500.00 2,500.00 0.00 Subtotal Gold Academy Expenses 97,681.09 2,500.00 85,002.73
NET INCOME 10,251.01 3,140.00 -12,789.44
Juliette Bradley, Treasurer November 16, 2018 VP Administration Report 2018 Anna-Liza Aguilar
The Edmonton Rugby Union was one of the recipients of the 2018 Community Investment Operating Grant in the amount of $16,500 with payment in March 2018. The City of Edmonton Community Investment Operating Grant (CIOG) program provides operating assistance to Edmonton's non-profit organizations whose activities benefit citizens of Edmonton. It is my hope that the Edmonton Rugby Union will be successful again in our application for this grant in 2019.
Ellerslie Rugby Park 2017/2018
The following chart shows the locations of the 300-regular league & playoff games in the various ERU age grades; U18, U19, Senior Men and Women.
~300 League & Playoff Games for teams in ERU Sr Men & Women, Boy & Girls U17 & U19 Airways 27 Lep/Tigers 24 Cold Lake 2 Lloydminster 2 Drayton Valley 5 NorWesters 29 Edson 3 Pirates 9 ERP 55 Southern Alberta 30 Fort McMurray 10 St Albert 39 Grande Prairie 10 Stony Plain 0 Leduc 19 Strathcona Druids 30
In addition, the ERP fields were used for other rugby activities: . 42 High School Regular League Games & Championships . Rugbyfest 7’s Tournament; 50th Anniversary . Edmonton Gold Junior training, camps and exhibition games . EPSB Junior High Flag Tournament . 9 Saturday morning U5 to U11 Festivals . 3 Saturday sessions for Junior Fall 7’s
The ERP Inc. AGM was held in January 2018 where the Owner clubs elected the following persons to a working Board of Directors. These are volunteer working positions target such things as such as Finance, Marketing, and Maintenance. . Leprechauns & Tigers: Ryan Thomas & Andrew MacKechnie . Clansmen: Dave Logan . Druids: Darrell Holowaychuk . Pirates: Rob Burstall . NorWesters: Mike Walchuk . ERU: Judy Seddon . Graeme Dawes was asked to stay on as Chairman
I can never say enough about how lucky the ERP and ERU have been to have long-term, loyal and hardworking facility staff. It makes our volunteers’ easier to have people we can depend on. Thanks Carmen Maday and the rest of our wonderful staff for your continued dedication.
Judy Seddon VP Ellerslie 2018 Registration Numbers by Club; Edmonton Rugby Union
U5 U7 U9 U11U13 U15 U17 U19 Senior Temporary Master Coach Social Board Total CLUBMixed F M F M F M F M F M F M M Antediluvians 24 24 Clansmen 2 14 16 25 9 17 14 15 11 28 15 27 31 51 2 13 6 296 Cold Lake Penguins 4 1 25 10 20 1 61 Druids 20 15 19 35 11 20 23 8 27 41 13 37 24 49 4 16 362 DV Riggers 39496 3 3 1817 4 471 Edson Axmen 29 2 31 Fort McMurray Knights 19 10 16 10 1 6 2 1 1 3 22 34 16 16 1 2 160 GP Centaurs/Sirens 3 8 6 20 29 12 10 1 4 93 Leduc LA Crude 16 10 22 3 13 9 3 15 5 32 34 2 7 3 174 Lep/Tigers 2 8 12 83222 1912463261231021 200 Lloydminster Reapers 16 16 Nor'Westers 9 10 24 14 34 10 20 19 17 16 15 15 54 2 14 6 5 2 286 Parkland Sharks 3324 1 52112183214 5 93 Pirates 6641 2 212119610 241094 Rockers 9891 1 23 2 53 St. Albert 80 54 50 47 22 36 22 36 23 31 16 15 23 57 10 4 14 13 259 812 Totals 163 142 182 163 54 143 113 95 126 121 108 103 279 486 60 84 54 48 266 36 2826 2017 Registration Numbers by Club; Edmonton Rugby Union
U5 U7 U9 U11U13 U15U17 & U18 Senior Temp Masters CLUBMixed F M F M F M F M M Total Antediluvians 28 28 Clansmen 6 10 20 25 3 15 11 26 25 36 35 99 26 1 338 Cold Lake Penguins 9227 38 Druids 14 8 18 23 6 8 14 21 10 43 28 64 11 268 DV Riggers 1 7 10 2 11 14 5 1 20 1 72 Edson Axmen 28 3 31 Fort McMurray Knights 13 12 5 3 8 32 2 75 GP Centaurs/Sirens 2 2 4 13 2 3 2 3 33 42 11 117 Leduc LA Crude 5 14 10 6 4 6 2 10 24 38 14 133 Lep/Tigers 6 10 13 11 1 1 7 1 46 3 36 74 18 14 241 Lloydminster Reapers 2 11 22 9 44 Nor'Westers 22 17 17 11 20 10 24 35 28 24 69 18 11 306 Parkland Sharks 2 6522 1 11 12 19402 93 Pirates 3 7 1 1 1 16 3 40 31 22 125 Rockers 10 4 3 3 12 29 1 62 St. Albert 72 35 37 13 36 25 24 32 22 45 69 19 429 Totals 61 168 138 151 40 99 89 101 208 136 361 631 163 54 2400
VP Rugby 2018
We had several clubs struggling and we need to find a way to help them. When I say we, I mean the entire ERU – clubs, administrators and officials need to work together instead of trying to split everyone apart for their own agendas. Rural clubs need more help in recruiting and retaining their player base as we see two clubs combined and one dropping to one team. I believe it was good to share ideas at the review/planning meeting earlier this month but maybe we need to address issues in the early spring again as well.
Our senior men’s and women’s leagues do not have the numbers and clubs are having a difficult time fielding 2-3 teams on the same day. Scheduling the clubs to only play one team at home when one team is travelling is difficult and the committee does their best to accommodate everyone.
We resurrected the senior men’s GOLD team to play in a Prairie Super League competition. I think this is a good way to get our young players competing at higher level than club rugby and it gives everyone another step in the player pathway for Rugby Canada. We played home and away with the Calgary Mavericks and then spent a weekend in Regina playing Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Because of the back to back weekends, both the Mavericks and GOLD lost several players and we had to combine as an Alberta team for the final tournament. I think we need to have the schedule for these games earlier in the season but not back to back weekends as players cannot commit to taking days off work and also do not schedule this when there are other events on.
The ERU had less players this year representing the Prairie Wolf Pack in the senior men’s Canadian Rugby Championship. Due to budget restraints, we held a week-long tournament in Calgary for all 4 teams. The Wolf Pack struggled in their games and lost to the Rock and the Bears. The Ontario Blues claimed another title beating the Atlantic Rock in the final.
The senior women played as the Prairie Wolf Pack team with 10 players from the ERU. They did not have a great tournament and placed last out of 5 teams with only one win. The west is not as strong as the east and we need to start getting more women into the sport as the numbers are dropping from previous years.
Congratulations to the following clubs on winning Championships Titles:
City Champions: E1 Men – St. Albert RFC E2 Men – LA Crude E3 Men – Clansmen EW2 Women – Clanswomen Provincial Champions: AC Men – St. Albert RFC AWP – Leprechaun/Tigers Division 2 Men – LA Crude Division 3 – Clansmen
In closing, I would like to thank the players, coaches, referees, trainers/physios and administrators who enjoy this great sport and work diligently to keep it on the field. Thanks to the ERU board for all your support throughout the season and your commitment to rugby. To the Ellerslie Rugby Park staff – you are by far the best in the country and go beyond your duties to assist us in show casing our game. Thank you for your efforts in making this a world class facility.
Jo Reinbold November 2018 Representative Programs
Edmonton GOLD – Senior Men Jeff Berg Nor’Westers Rugby Club Cory Billen Nor’Westers Rugby Club Adam Bontus St. Albert Rugby Football Club Connor Botha Clansmen Rugby Club Robert Blunden St. Albert Rugby Football Club Gareth Brown Nor’Westers Rugby Club Derek Dicks Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Kaden Duguid Nor’Westers Rugby Club Adam Elmais Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Tyrone Gersch Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Cameron Hall Druids Rugby Club Aidan Holland Nor’Westers Rugby Club Cooper Kenda St. Albert Rugby Football Club Dewald Kotze Druids Rugby Club Simon Miller Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Rhett Moore Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Kyle Morrison Nor’Westers Rugby Club Tyler Nicolson Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Adam Orr Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Auston Pinnell Nor’Westers Rugby Club Connor Pullin Clansmen Rugby Club Jordan Roberts St. Albert Rugby Football Club Antoinio Seaone Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Evan Thomas Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Thomas Winters Nor’Westers Rugby Club
Prairie Wolf Pack – Senior Men Cameron Hall – Druids Rugby Club Brock Gallagher - Strathcona Druids Kyle Morrison – Nor’Westers Rugby Club Jordon Roberts - St. Albert Rugby Football Club Adam Bontus - St. Albert Rugby Football Club
Prairie Wolf Pack - Senior Women Abby Duguid – Pirates Rugby Club Sarah Farley – Pirates Rugby Club Alanna Fittes – Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Sarah Haring – Pirates Rugby Club Kristy Sargent - Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Liz Steele – Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Amanda Smith – Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Jayne Isherwood – Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Ashley Holt – Lep/Tigers Rugby Club Steffany Hoffman - Lep/Tigers Rugby Club
2018 Final Standings - ERU and Interlock AC - FINAL (for ERU) E3 FINAL Team Pld W D L PF PA Diff BP Pts Team Pld W D L PF PA Diff BP Penalty Pts Calgary Rams 12 11 0 1 492 319 173 13 57 1 Parkland Sharks 8 7 0 1 479 145 334 8 0 36 1 Nor' Westers 10 9 0 1 385 193 192 10 46 2 Leprechaun Tigers 8 7 0 1 371 113 258 7 0 35 Canucks 11 7 1 3 401 246 155 11 41 3 Clansmen 8 5 1 2 374 142 232 10 0 32 Hornets 11 6 0 5 424 252 172 10 34 4 LA Crude 8 5 0 3 327 244 83 6 0 26 Bow Valley Grizzlies 11 5 1 5 292 280 12 7 29 5 Nor' Westers 8 5 0 3 229 258 -29 6 0 26 2 St Albert 10 5 0 5 297 289 8 9 29 6 Penguin/Reapers 8 2 1 5 177 352 -175 3 0 13 3 Strathcona Druids 10 5 0 5 268 314 -46 6 26 St. Druids 8 2 0 6 177 326 -149 5 -5 8 4 Leprechaun Tigers 10 4 0 6 250 299 -49 6 22 Edson Axmen 8 2 0 6 150 386 -236 3 -5 6 Clansmen 10 4 0 6 208 286 -78 3 19 Edmonton Pirates 80 0 8 98 416 -318 1 0 1 Saints 12 1 0 11 214 430 -216 4 8 CCIAC 11 1 0 10 173 496 -323 3 7 EW2 E2 - FINAL (merged) Team Pld W D L PF PA Diff BP Penalty Pts Team Pld W D L PF PA Diff BP Pts 1 St Albert 9 8 0 1 437 154 283 9 0 41 1 LA Crude 12 10 0 2 542 255 287 11 51 2 Leprechaun Tigers 9 8 0 1 445 138 307 9 0 41 2 Nor' Westers 12 10 0 2 491 262 229 10 50 3 Clansmen 9 7 0 2 454 114 340 9 0 37 3 GP Centaurs 12 6 0 6 416 363 53 11 35 4 LA Crude 9 6 0 3 307 175 132 8 0 32 4 FM Knights 12 6 0 6 426 443 -17 10 34 Rockers 9 5 0 4 294 285 9 5 0 25 Leprechaun Tigers 12 5 1 6 336 283 53 12 34 GP Sirens 9 4 0 5 272 250 22 8 0 24 Parkland Sharks 12 5 1 6 438 472 -34 10 32 Nor' Westers 9 3 0 6 309 354 -45 6 0 18 Clansmen 12 5 0 7 289 386 -97 7 27 FM Knights9 2 0 7 146 460 -314 5 0 13 St Albert 12 2 0 10 260 442 -182 8 16 Parkland Sharks 9 1 0 8 164 561 -397 4 0 8 Strathcona Druids 12 2 0 10 208 514 -306 5 13 DV Riggers 9 1 0 8 76 413 -337 2 0 6 Edmonton Rugby Union
2018 Report of the Interim VP of Junior Rugby for presentation at the Edmonton Rugby Union Annual General Meeting held on November 24, 2018
Following my election as a Director at Large, I assumed the position of VP of Junior Rugby in July of 2018 due to the elected VP being unable to complete his term. In accordance with the bylaws of the Edmonton Rugby Union (ERU), my interim appointment will expire at this year's annual general meeting whereupon a new VP of Junior Rugby will be elected to complete the term, which expires at the conclusion of the 2019 term.
Stepping into this role as I did, I relied heavily upon Alanna Fittes, the ERU Development Director and Danielle Weran, the ERU Junior Representative Rugby Coordinator, for their guidance and input in concluding the season. I thank them both for their work during this transition period and for their assistance throughout.
Additionally, the ERU Board wishes to extend our sincere thanks to all of the coaches and other Club volunteers who have made this junior year a great success. Without your time and commitment,there would be no junior rugby, so thank you.
Attached to this report are the following:
• ERU Mini and Junior registration statistics for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018; and
• The report of the ERU Junior Representative Rugby Coordinator with Gold Academy Income Statement.
In looking at the registration numbers, 2018 saw an increase in the total number registrants in the junior category. Significant increase was seen in the under 5 category, and it should be noted that the under 17 and 18 categories were changed in 2018 to under 17 and 19. By most accounts, the transition to the 17 to 19 age range was a successful one.
Below, are some important items (in no particular order and by no means exhaustive) that were considered and will need to continue to be considered for the 2019 year:
• We experienced a unique weather phenomenon this summer with the smoke that entered the Edmonton area due to forest fires. Some games were cancelled and rescheduled as a result of this. We were learning as we went. For the 2019 year, I would recommend that standards be put into place for the playing of games during such occurrences. Certain air quality measurements are available, and as we have learned, other sporting organizations have air quality standards in place which we may wish to look to for guidance;
• This season saw the use of the Sportlomo software for game registrations, both in terms of players and coaches. As the season developed, discussion took place as to whether this practice was sufficient, and whether in place of or in addition to the Sportlomo game registration, actual hard copy game sheets be prepared prior to 2
kick off by the coaches with player, coach, referee and score identification filled out and signed off on. This issue should be considered for 2019;
• The issue of sanctioning junior players to play for other clubs should be discussed. That is, examining the process whereby a player may register for a club which does not offer a junior team that they are eligible to play on, and in those circumstances, which club that player can go to for the purpose of playing at their age grade. For the last two years at least, there have been loose discussions and directions given on this issue, and it may be worthwhile to implement a formal policy so as to add clarity;
• As a Union, we will need to continue to be mindful of the number of games players are getting. A talking point that was raised was whether players are getting value for money, and as such, this should continue to be monitored in 2019;
• The dispensation process should continue to be monitored. During my brief time in this position, much time was occupied by the ERU Development Director in managing the dispensation requests for the various age grades. Prior to the 2019 season getting underway, this process should be examined and evaluated and any processes to streamline should be considered;
• For 2019, it would be my recommendation that the rules and regulations regarding the timing of submission for player rosters be followed more stringently. It appears that the rule for submission of playoff rosters, while read as a mandatory requirement in the Rugby Alberta Rules and Regulations, has been loosely applied at times. To avoid any issues, it should be made clear to all clubs at the beginning of the season that this rule will be strictly enforced with no exception;
• Guidelines and rules relating to the number of players that a team may field during regular season play and playoffs should be made clear to our Clubs. There were issues this year, particularly during the playoffs, when teams would not have sufficient players to field a full fifteen player roster for a playoff game. Questions arose as to what the minimum and maximum roster size was, and whether there were circumstances where a team with a full roster would have to, or be able to via election, match numbers with a team with fewer than fifteen players available. Clear guidelines should be put into place at the beginning of the 2019 season on this topic;
• In addition to this, prior to the 2019 season commencing, the topic of player eligibility as it relates to playoffs should be raised and if possible, a clear statement in writing be developed and circulated so as to avoid any uncertainty when the playoffs start;
• For 2019, the ERU Board made a change to the ERU Junior Representative Rugby Coordinator position. The ERU has divided that one role into two, such that there will now be a Junior Representative Rugby Technical Director and a Junior Rugby Administrator. This change came as a result of recommendations and comments made by various stake holders in our junior program including coaches and administrators. As this is a new initiative, the incoming VP of Junior Rugby will be 3
able to comment on the results during the 2019 season and at next year's annual general meeting;
• As stated above, the under 17 and 18 age grades which ran in 2017, were changed in 2018 to under 17 and under 19 age grades. This came in the wake of recommendations received from Rugby Canada as to their preference in these age categories. This change was met, for the most part, with approval from the participating clubs. With some fine tuning, it should be even better next year; and
• 2018 saw the implementation of a Referee Abuse Policy. While this Policy was put into place for all age levels, it was put forward as a point of emphasis at the junior level particularly as it related to parental and coaching behavior. As a board, we were pleased as to how it was rolled out and the conversation it generated in relation to junior rugby. It would be my hope that this policy continues to be a point of emphasis in 2019.
In conclusion, as an overall observation during my short time in the junior portfolio, I believe the 2018 junior season should be characterized as a successful one. While we continue to discover that there are areas and policies which need to be improved upon and developed, our junior program appears to be in good health.
Personally, I would like to thank those who assisted in my transition into this position. While only occupying it for a few months, I do not know how we could have concluded this junior season without your valuable assistance.
As I do not intend on letting my name stand for another year on our board, I wish to take this opportunity to thank my fellow board members for their efforts and guidance over the last two years. Volunteering is never easy. It was pleasure to serve with a professional group such as yourselves who by my observation have the best interests of our Union and the game of rugby in mind. ERU Mini and Junior Registrations 2016 to 2018
2018 U5 U7 U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 U19 CLUB Mixed F M F M F M F M Clansmen 2 14 16 25 9 17 14 15 11 28 15 27 Cold Lake Penguins 4 1 25 10 Druids 20 15 19 35 11 20 23 8 27 41 13 37 DV Riggers 3 9 4 9 6 3 3 Edson Axmen Fort McMurray Knights 19 10 16 10 1 6 2 1 1 3 GP Centaurs/Sirens 3 8 6 Leduc LA Crude 16 10 22 3 13 9 3 15 5 Lep/Tigers 2 8 12 8 3 2 2 2 19 1 24 6 Lloydminster Reapers Nor'Westers 9 10 24 14 34 10 20 19 17 16 15 Parkland Sharks 3 3 2 4 1 5 2 11 2 Pirates 6 6 4 1 2 2 1 Rockers 9 8 9 1 1 St. Albert 80 54 50 47 22 36 22 36 23 31 16 15 Totals 163 142 182 163 54 143 113 95 126 121 108 103
2017 U5 U7 U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 & U18 CLUB Mixed F M F M F M Clansmen 6 10 20 25 3 15 11 26 25 36 Cold Lake Penguins Druids 14 8 18 23 6 8 14 21 10 43 DV Riggers 1 7 10 2 11 14 5 1 Edson Axmen Fort McMurray Knights 13 12 5 3 GP Centaurs/Sirens 2 2 4 13 2 3 2 3 Leduc LA Crude 5 14 10 6 4 6 2 10 Lep/Tigers 6 10 13 11 1 1 7 1 46 3 Lloydminster Reapers 2 Nor'Westers 22 17 17 11 20 10 24 35 28 Parkland Sharks 2 6 5 2 2 1 1 1 12 Pirates 3 7 1 1 1 16 3 Rockers 10 4 3 3 12 St. Albert 72 35 37 13 36 25 24 32 22 Totals 61 168 138 151 40 99 89 101 208 136
2016 U7 U9 U11 U13 U15 U17 & U18 CLUB Mixed F M F M F M Clansmen 11 11 14 7 18 9 13 4 49 Cold Lake Penguins 0 0 0 0 0 0 Druids 12 12 12 3 15 9 20 12 38 DV Riggers 6 18 0 0 0 0 4 0 Edson Axmen 0 0 0 0 0 0 Ft. McMurray 0 0 0 0 0 0 Gr. Prairie 0 0 0 0 0 0 Leduc LA Crude 1 1 0 0 4 2 0 0 Lep/Tigers 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lloydminster Reapers 0 0 0 0 1 1 Nor'Westers 25 13 23 3 22 8 18 43 37 Parkland Sharks 3 9 2 0 0 0 0 14 3 Pirates 4 6 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 Rockers 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 St. Albert 57 31 40 8 27 20 21 18 23 Totals 117 88 129 21 82 52 74 96 152 ERU JR Rep Coordinator Report 2018
This year was a successful year for the Gold programs. Our numbers across the board were up and reached a bunch of new athletes who were new to joining the rep program and pathway.
We had approximately 100 athletes in our academy during the winter at our sessions at Commonwealth We took 4 teams (u16 boys and girls, u18 boys and girls) to Vancouver for the 7s festival where we placed 1st in U16s boys! - There were 11(6 on the boys squad, 5 on the girls squad) athletes who were selected to Team Alberta squads for U18 National 7s tournament the same weekend. We had over 250 players tryout for our summer Gold 15s programs which was amazing. Some of our athletes that did not make our Gold team still had the opportunity to play at ARC with the Deep South or Red Deer teams who were short players and were able to be selected for the Wolf Pack squads We won the U16 boys division at ARC this year. The number of Gold players who moved on to make the Wolf Pack squads (2 teams per age category) are as follows ➢ U16 Girls- 19 players ➢ U16 Boys- 18 players ➢ U18 Girls- 19 players ➢ U18 Boys- 18 players In the fall for the 7s we won U18 girls and U16 boys against the Mavericks when we went to Calgary the weekend of Mens Provincials Tryouts for our Vancouver squads for March will be happening in December. - Academy will begin in January, information to be coming out shortly.
Right now, Rugby Alberta has informed me of the following:
That the 7s ARC tournament in the dome will be held Jan 19/20. They will not be going to Vancouver, but will host a Western Championship in Edmonton Feb 17/18 at the dome. Alberta will use the Jan tournament as part of their selection process for the Western Championship. The ARC tournament for 15s will be held in Red Deer in 2019 on July long weekend with Alberta selections being made from that tournament. U16 Westerns will be July 27-30 in Kelowna and U18 Westerns will be in Saskatchewan Aug 1-4. This is all to be confirmed.
If anyone has any feedback or questions regarding the Gold program please do not hesitate to contact myself Danielle Weran at [email protected] Gold Academy Income Statement
REVENUE Players dues 44players x 150.00 $6,600.00
Total $6,600.00
EXPENSES
Facility rental 3950.45 Coaches gifts 1072.39 Medics 325
TOTAL 5347.84
Sub total NET INCOME $1,252.16 Deferred funds to 2019 academy -1252.16
NET INCOME $0.00 2018 Season Review: Jr. Development Coordinator, RDO Team Lead, RDO
2018 Season review and suggestions for the future (U7-U19 boys & girls) ● U11 - We had 1 field that was only for U11 girls and this was very successful! Highly recommend a U11 Girls only field becomes mandatory as we have set the stage for a U11 girls league ● U13 girls - 6 teams/week - SA Red, SA White, LT/Rigger/Shark, Clan, NWAA, Druid ● U15 girls - Had an early & late pool of games - highly recommend for scheduling next year. Consider scheduling 10s games to transition to 15s ● U13 boys - Clubs with 2 teams had to declare their teams for playoffs but could share players as numbers needed throughout season ● U15 boys - Played 1 league game + 2 shortened exhibition games/week to provide more game opportunities. Highly recommend for next year if necessary. ● U19 girls - Had a lot of conflicts with this age group playing senior women. It is a good developmental tool for women new to rugby but it may be more beneficial to run U16 & U18 girls
Saturday Sessions We played U9-U11 and the U13 & U15 at different locations this year and it was successful. There were some minor hiccups with officials/medics/ERU personnelle not attending but parents and coaches adapted well and we were able to move forward and play more games. The league has definitely outgrown one venue, and the split locations was extremely beneficial for timing and field space. However, on top of hosting the festivals in two venues, in 2018 we saw a big decrease of the ERU’s paid junior staff, as well as an inability to maintain a VP Junior that is available to assist where needed. As the hired staff, and likely anyone who is willing to fill these positions compete in highly competitive rugby themselves, providing these ERU representatives for every festival at every venue was not realistic. In the future I believe the U13 & U15 locations should be continued to played at a different location that the U9 - U11 as it allows for more game play by all age grades. The clubs hosting U13 & U15 must provide a field marshall as we had continuing difficult with an ERU representative. If we are able to set up the clubs, coaches and parents with game schedules then this age group should have no problem adapting to changes and running without constant supervision.
U13 & U15 score sheet submissions Trialed a new method of score reporting for U13 & U15. Coaches would hand in completed score sheets to the host club and I would collect and input them. Believe it simplified game reporting as we could clearly see what matches were recorded or not. Would recommend we go forward with this again.
U15 league The season set up called for a few week day games and some festival style matches for the boys and the girls. A consideration for next year is the U15 girls to play some full field 10s / 12s games to help with transition in to 15s. Half-field 7s are great for development but allowing for opportunities to play a bigger game and further the game.
U17 & U19 league This year we moved to U17 and U19 league based on the Rugby Canada ruling - we had a bit of turmoil in both the boys and the girls age grades but all coaches were open to adapting and suggesting alternative game dates/locations. Overall was a successful season as there were more teams and more opportunities to play! The schedule was released online (thank you Judy!) and it made scheduling a simple process but again we had to adapt to many changes requested by teams. It is important to note that athletes eligible to play U17 & U19 were able to up until playoffs where the coach was asked to declare their set teams. For the future would recommend that we use an online platform again and work to minimize changes mid-season; we want to accommodate requests but for simplicity and ease of the league we must work together to have a set schedule.
Fall 7s Many thanks to Rick Oldring being the organizer of this. There were some weather conditions to deal with but overall it was a success.
Weekly declarations → Again went well. Should definitely continue with this in the future!
Medical Presence We partnered with Mahikan and they were able to cover the U7 - U11 + U13 & U15 festivals and games very well. We ran into problems during the U17 & U19 season as there was an increase in games and a higher demand for medics. We attempted to schedules games at the same location to make assigning medics an easier process but still we had problems. For the future if the ERU is unable to provide medics for all games the home team must be prepared to supply someone to stand in. All that is required is an adult with First Aid training who is comfortable in basic injury assessment - especially concerning potential Head injuries. A physiotherapist or Athletic Therapist is not required for this position. Again clubs, coaches, families and the ERU must work together to find medical presence and ensure the safety of the athletes.
Quarterly Meetings This season we hosted two quarterly meetings (April and June) to discuss the upcoming league structure. These were very beneficial as we reviewed rule changes and discussed league structure and team declarations. Highly recommend these meetings continue in the future.
Kinsmen Sessions Average attendance increased from 2017! The average attendance in 2017 was in the 70s while 2018 high 80s and 90s. We had a great group of young volunteer coaches (thank you for all your hard work!). Would love to see more young coaches at these sessions. Special thanks to RJ Parfitt and David Dashwood for assisting with the weekly registration. ● 2019 Session Dates (7:00- 8:00pm): February 7, 14, 21, 28. March 7, 14, 21, 28
Rugby Development Officer Program 2018 Goals & Key Workons: 1. Update RDO & schools rugby program. Ideally we need 4 RDO’s: 1 leader to help with administrative tasks, and 3 to work directly with schools and clubs. This did not happen. We had the least number of RDO’s this year - realistically only 1 with the RDO Lead position taking on a lot of the RDO duties. If we want the ERU to outreach and support both clubs and schools then the RDO positions are crucial. Would recommend we look into Federal Grants for student positions to fill these roles. The expectation of the RDO’s this year was to reach the same amount of schools and programs as they have in the past, with less staff. This put a lot of pressure on us as RDO”s as this is a part-time position. We had to manage an extremely high workload and our second or even third jobs on top of our high-level rugby commitments. If we want to have the same outcomes as past years these positions should either be made full-time paid, or increase the amount of staff present. It became extremely busy during May and June, so we brought in another staff member to assist in schools. I would recommend bringing in at least one more RDO for these busy periods if not for the whole term.
2. Work with club Youth Development Officers (YDO’s) and volunteers to find Field Marshals for our Junior festivals. This did not happen in the 2018 season and all the field marshalling and coordination fell on to myself and the 2 RDO staff. This caused a lot of stress and a bit of trouble. For the future we must have club volunteers to marshall the age grade Saturday games/festivals. A “Club Hosting Expectations” information sheet was shared at the beginning of the season to help with this but I do not believe it was followed. Would recommend this information is shared multiple times throughout the season. The Junior Development Director & RDOs should be working together with the clubs to balance the load of organizing the festivals as they are increasing every year.
3. Continue to run “Try Rugby” events & Coach Development seminars. We did not run any Coach Development seminars from the ERU as Rugby AB took it on as an initiative. We worked with Rugby Canada and MB Events to organize “Try Rugby” events leading up to the Canada vs Scotland game. This was a good idea in theory but due to mixed messages and unclear statement of roles we faced a multitude of problems. Overall, we were able to organize multiple events and reach out to different school and community groups using the Rookie Rugby avenue. For the future would recommend we continue with the Rookie Rugby branding and work to involve community groups (i.e. YMCA, Green Shacks, KidSport) to promote Rugby to a wider network of people.
Junior Development Coordinator Closing Comments
This past year was extremely frustrating for the three of us as our workload increased dramatically. Unfortunately, due to professional commitments our VP Junior Rugby had to step away. This year we felt undervalued as employees as every year our workloads have increased while our wages decrease, and we received a large amount of criticism for our efforts. Quite simply we do not have the staff and/or resources. ith the growing success and demands of the junior leagues our work loads have steadily increased while the funding, the amount of staff hired to fulfill these demands, and our wages are always decreasing. This program demands more than three staff. The need for the to increase the budget for this program in order for it to be successful is steadily growing. Thank you to all the support from the ERU and to John Frame for stepping in and helping us when asked. I am very grateful for all of the work both Kelsey and Liz put in the RDO program - they attended multiple schools and organized multiple Try Rugby Events with very little thanks. Additionally, they did an amazing job marshalling and organizing the U7-U11 and U13 & U15 Saturday Sessions. Solving numerous problems on the day and fielding many questions and complaints. The RDO’s and the programs they facilitate are a crucial aspect of the continued development of Junior Rugby in Edmonton and we must work to support this program. The demands of the Junior Rugby Development Coordinator are also increasing as the age-grade leagues are steadily increasing. This position is moving away from a casual side-project to a fully-fledged full time position. To ensure the future growth of junior rugby in Edmonton these positions call for increased support from the ERU.
2018 RDO Team Lead Review - Kelsey Ewert
Term & Pay → February 1 to September 30, 2018 at $833.33/month Comments: My term ended up being from March 1 to July 31 at $833.33/month. With the amount of hours I worked and the travel costs associated with going from school to school, I would have made less than minimum wage.
Purpose → To assist with the coordination of the Edmonton Rugby Union development programs year-round including but not limited to the organization and operation of: - Winter Drop-in Session at the Kinsmen Fieldhouse (February & March) - Leadership of the part time temporary RDOs - Leadership of the Mini Festival and Fall 7s - Assistance for all Junior U17 and U19 scheduled rugby (not festival) Comments: ● The winter drop-in sessions were successful. With the young volunteers that we had coming out to coach, I supervised the sessions and became a resource for them to obtain coaching materials and strategies as they needed. ● As there was only one other RDO, I felt we took on equivalent levels of responsibility and we were much more a partnership instead of me taking on a leadership position. Ideally, if the appropriate amount of RDOs were hired, I would’ve taken on a more administrative position to coordinate the RDOs and session schedules. ● I did not take part in the Junior U17 and U19 rugby as other than scheduling and medic staff, the coaches and referees were able to organize sufficiently. ● I did not take part in Fall 7s as I ended my term prior
Main Duties & Responsibilities: 1. Winter Drop-In Skill Sessions (February and March) - Organization of program dates and facility bookings - Assist with the creation of budget, costs and fees Recruitment of volunteer coaches - Recruitment of a volunteer or handle personally the registration desk including balancing of payments and ensuring proceeds are given in weekly for deposit - Communication to Athletes and Parents by providing details to ERU webmaster and FB coordinator Comments: Most of these tasks were completed by Alanna or Judy. I assisted in recruitment, coordination, supervision, and mentoring of volunteer coaches.
2. Edmonton RDO’s (February - September) - Working with the Junior Development Coordinator to determine the scope of RDO program - Assist with the organization of program dates and any facility bookings if required - Assist with the vetting and selection of RDO staff - Provide leadership and support to the Schools/Clubs in their efforts to develop new coaches - Promote integrity and respect in the Rugby community at large. Comments: Most of our hours are spent here. All schools want our instructors to come out and teach rugby for them when the snow melts. As much as we’ve wanted to target our efforts into mentoring P.E teachers instead of simply teaching the children, it doesn’t seem to be what most schools want out of our program. This would likely change if our sessions had a small cost to them or we limited how many sessions we come out to a school for.
3. Mini Festivals (May to July) - Ensuring clear communication to parents of alternate location for the U13 and U15 age grade festivals - Support RDO’s administration of the U13/U15 festivals - Adherence to program budget, costs and fees - Regular communication to Club Junior Directors - Creation of weekly schedule for age grades U15 and down, providing to webmaster for posting. - Maintain standings for the U13 and U15 age grades, provide to webmaster for posting - Leadership of/to Exhibition, Alberta Regional 7’s Championship, and the Edmonton Gold spring tour to the Vancouver Sevens (as possible) - Leadership of fall sevens for age grades with enough interest (3 to 4 Saturdays in September) Comments: I did none of this. My hours were spent being an on site presence at the minis festivals and instructing in schools instead of the administrative tasks that fell onto Alanna’s already massive workload. Club Junior Directors do not care to work with the ERU. We do not have the staff or resources to provide the clubs in need with the support they require, and the clubs who are flourishing on their own would rather grow their own empire than contribute to building a well rounded rugby community within the Edmonton and surrounding area.
Junior Rugby U17 and U19 - Attendance to quarterly meetings with Club Junior Directors - Assistance in determination of age grades offered in each gender - Assistance in determining the nights of play per age grade/gender, the start and the finish date for the league - Confirmation of booking of facilities, medical personnel and match officials Comments: Again, this was taken on by Alanna in addition to her already huge work load.
ERU Regional Development Officer - Liz Steele
Term & Pay → February 1, 2018 – July 31, 2018 @ $800 monthly from February to July 2018 + $20/hr in August and September to a maximum of 40 hours Comments: In the months of May and June, without the costs of travel to all the schools, I was making less than $10/hour. It may be beneficial to increase the salary during the very busy times. The salary does spread out as I did not work many hours during the early months. May be beneficial to include the cost of gas in our wages.
Purpose → To work within the Edmonton area’s schools and clubs, supporting clubs and their YDO’s in their quest to start teams and recruit good people to the game. Comments: Club Junior Directors do not care to work with the ERU. We do not have the staff or resources to provide the clubs in need with the support they require, and the clubs who are flourishing on their own would rather grow their own empire than contribute to building a well rounded rugby community within the Edmonton and surrounding area.
Main Duties and Responsibilities 1. Aid the clubs and schools to source and support adults in the community who can run programs. - Provide them with the resources and moral support necessary to convince them to volunteer their time to build Rugby in their communities. Comments: We attempted to increase the amount of knowledgeable teachers within the community, but I do not believe that the numbers of adults building rugby will increase based on our work. Unless we can develop a Professional Development experience for teachers, they will continue to use RDO’s to educate the students, not the teachers.
2. Increase the recruitment and retention rates of boys and girls aged 7-15 years for Edmonton based rugby clubs. - Work with ERU clubs to identify areas of improvement in junior clubs. - Aim to start one new junior team in the U13, U15, U17 & U19 boys and girls age grades.
3. Deliver ERU Schools Rugby program in identified Elementary & Junior High schools. - Identify schools to contact, names of teachers, and contact information. Provide sessions plans, and work with teachers to help them learn the sport. - Deliver rugby in gym classes in Junior High & High schools within Edmonton throughout March and April. - Work with Junior High Flag & High School teams skill development throughout May & June. - Assist with the flag rugby league through skill development sessions & attending school tournaments. Comments: The session requests started out slow but as word travelled we were able to run sessions in a large amount of schools and target all grades. We compiled a document with schools and teacher contact information in order to continue the relationship into the coming seasons. Some of the teachers were eager to learn and some saw it as a break for them. There was very little work with the Junior High Flag program. Alanna did the coordination with them and we set up and attended one Rookie Rugby event for the teams.
4. Plan and implement two Community Rugby events. - Work with clubs & schools to develop a “Try Rugby” event within local Edmonton communities. - Promote the event to schools visited in the spring and use this event to promote Club rugby.
Comments: As the workload in the schools was hard to manage I focused on that part of the job description. If there were more RDO’s we would be able to spread the load and organize more try rugby events. The Junior High Flag Rookie Rugby event went well and the half-time Rookie Rugby games were very successful. I recommend working with Rooke Rugby and KidSport again.
5. Lead U13-U15 Festivals throughout the 2018 Season. - Act as a field marshal, ensuring the pitches are properly marked, schedule is adhered to and the event is running smoothly. - Assist in the administration of the Junior Development Coordinator’s surveys. Comments: Once the coaches got used to handing in their game sheets in the clubhouse that portion of the festivals went very smoothly. Some were still resistant to filling out their player rosters online so they would hand in one roster for the whole day. I think it would be good to keep pushing for online rosters. As a field marshal I had to make sure we had enough refs to cover all the fields. As this did not always happen I worked with the ref coordinator and the coaches to find refs for some of the games. I was more of a middle man as all I can do to assist in the situation is to phone to attempt to get more refs or ask parents/coaches to coordinator refs for their games.
RDO Expectations & Job Description Hours ● March – June & September: 6-9hrs coaching sessions in schools, with clubs etc each week. ● May - July & September you are expected to attend the Junior Festivals as a field marshal (2-3hrs). ○ February is mainly admin & getting the ball rolling for getting into schools ○ July is only the Field marshaling + working with clubs and helping out their junior teams. Clubs ● Contact designated clubs to introduce yourself and arrange meeting with club junior coordinator and YDO (Coordinator will provide information) to arrange support & needs analysis for each club ○ Collaborate with your club and organize ONE “Try Rugby” community event ○ Meet with Jr Directors & explain your goal of promoting U13 & U15 age grades. Pick a date for the “Try Rugby”event before May ideally. ● Collaborate with identified clubs to start up new teams in the following age grades: - U13 Boys (10s/15s) - U13 Girls 7s - U15 Boys - U15 Girls 7s - U17 Boys (15s) - U19 Girls & Boys (15s) Comments: Met once at the beginning of the season to discuss our plan with the jr directors. Some were very excited about our program and wanted to know what schools we were reaching out too and some were not.
Schools ● Compile database of schools in your designated area: ○ Update google doc with scheduled bookings at schools ○ Contact all schools introducing yourself/role/aim of the RDO program ○ Offer schools free coaching sessions (non-contact) in March, April, May, September & October. Book in 2-3 days at each school (avoid 1-off sessions). ○ Goal: Get into at least 6 schools throughout March & April & the Fall and invite these schools to a “Try Rugby” event hosted by a club in April/early May/Fall to promote club rugby. Please note: February, March & April we are focusing on schools who have Flag teams and High school teams to promote kids trying out! Important to get in ASAP and get going! Once season has started, return to these schools to help coaches with skills sessions, safe contact awareness and so on. ● May and June you will be helping coaches as well as going into schools without teams. ● Keep in contact with schools and look to book in again for a Fall session in September! ○ After you have finished teaching and invited them to the community event, contact them regarding setting up a Fall session for a few days. ● Ensure the online RDO Calendar & Contacts Database is kept up to date with current contact information. ○ This is very important as we are keeping stats on the number of schools visited and which ones had a positive response. Comments: Our timelogs are not reflective of how many hours go into contacting and coordinating schools. The administrative component of this job is often overlooked and under-appreciated.\ RDO Calendar and Database is a very useful tool for this job, the more contact info we can get the better. We mostly had sessions scheduled at elementary and junior high schools, only two high schools throughout the spring. Much of the work came with admin, sending emails and scheduling sessions. We needed Doug for some of the sessions because we had three schools scheduled for one day. It would be good to try and get into schools earlier, even if it’s just in the gym so there isn’t a 3 week period where we are massively hit.
Key Deliverables ● Ensure monthly reviews & goals are completed by the 25th of each month. ● Attend a monthly meeting with RDO team.
2018 Age Grade Team Declarations & Standings U5 - U11 Age 2018 Clubs 2017 Clubs 2016 Clubs Grade
Increasing more! 20 - 50kids (ish) Unsure of exact numbers but a Unsure of exact numbers U5 We moved this age group to their definite increase - they will need (20-30?) own ¼ of a field and it was very own field space in 2018 vs just the successful end zone!
- Clan - Clan - Clan - Druids - Druids - Druids (red & green) U7 (co-ed, - Leduc - Leduc - LTs flag) - LT (Green & yellow) - LT - NWAA (gold, maroon, & - NWAA (Gold & maroon) - NWAA Gold black) - Rockers - NWAA Maroon - SARFC (Red, white & blue) - SARFC (blue, red & - Piranhas - Pirates white) - Sharks - Rockers - Sharks/Rockers Teams/week = 12 - 13 - SA Red - Pirates/Riggers - SA White Teams/week = 10 - 12 - SA Blue Teams/week = 11 - 13
- Clan Red - Clan (blue & red) - Clan - Clan Blue - Druids (green & red) - Druids U9 (co-ed, - Druid Red - Grande Prairie - NWAA flag) - Druid Green - Leduc - Leduc Yellow - LT - Riggers - Leduc Black - NWAA (gold & maroon) - SARFC (blue, red, & - LT/Rigger - SARFC (red, white, blue) white) - NWAA gold - Pirates/Sharks/Riggers - Pirates/Sharks/Rockers - NWAA Maroon Teams/week = 11 - 13 Teams/week = 8 - 10 - Piranhas - Rockers - SA Red - Sa White - SA Blue Teams / week = 12 -15
Boys = 8 teams/week - Clan (red & blue) - Clan - Clan - Druids (red & green) - Druids U11 (co-ed, - Druid Red - LT/Rocker - NWAA (gold & maroon) contact) - Druid Green - NWAA - LT/Leduc - Pirates/Riggers/Sharks - Riggers - NWAA - Leduc - SARFC (blue, red & - Rigger.Shark - Grande Prairie white) - SA Red - SA (red, white & blue) Teams/week = 8 - 9 - SA White Teams/week = 10 - 12 Girls= 3 - 4 teams/week *combo as necessary - Clan - Druids - SARFC - Leduc - NWAA - Rigger - Shark U13 - U15 Age Grade 2018 Clubs 2017 Clubs 2016 Clubs
1. Druids 1. Druids 1. SARFC 2. Leduc/Rigger/Shark 2. NWAA 2. LT/NWAA/Clan U13 Girls (7s) 3. NWAA 3. SARFC Teams/week = 2 4. SA Red 4. Riggers/LT/Clan 5. SA White Teams/week = 4 6. Clan Teams/week = 6
1. Druids (Red & Green) 1. Riggers 1. NWAA/LT 2. NWAA 2. St. Albert Red 2. Clan U15 Girls (7s) 3. SA White 3. NWAA/LT 3. SARFC 4. SA Red 4. Druids/Leduc 5. LT/Leduc/Rigger 5. St. Albert Blue Teams/week = 3 6. Clan 6. Clan Teams/week = 6-7 Teams/week = 6
1. NWAA 1. NWAA 1. NWAA U13 Boys 2. Druids 2. SARFC 2. SARFC (15s) 3. SA Blue 3. Clan 3. Clan 4. SA Red 4. Druids 5. Clan Teams/week = 4 4. Druids 6. Leduc/Rigger/LT Teams/week = 4 Teams/week = 6
1. SRFC (Prov. Champ) 1. Druids 1. Druids U15 Boys 2. NWAA 2. SARFC 2. NWAA (15s) 3. Clan 3. NWAA 3. SARFC Teams/week = 3 4. Clan 4. Clan *withdrew* Teams/week = 4 Teams/week = 3 - 4
U17 - U19 Age Grade 2018 Clubs 2017 Clubs 2016 Clubs
1. Druids Red 1. NWAA 1. NWAA U17 Boys 2. NWAA 2. Druids 2. Druids (15s) 3. Clan Blue 3.Clan 3.Clan 4. Clan Red Teams = 3 Teams = 3 5. Druid Green 6. SARFC Teams = 6
1. Druids 1. Druids (Red) 1. Druids U19 Boys 2. Clan 2. Druids (Green) 2. Clan (15s) 3. LT/NW 3. Clan 3. SARFC 4. SARFC 4. SARFC 4. NWAA Teams = 4 5. NWAA 5 LT *withdrew Teams = 5 Teams = 4 *U18* *U18*
1. NWAA Did not run Did not run U17 Girls (15s) 2. Druids 3. Leduc/Rigger 4. LT 5. SARFC Teams = 5
1. SARFC 1. NWAA 1. SARFC 2. NWAA 2. SARFC 2. LTs U19 Girls (15s) 3. Druids 3. Druids/Leduc 3. NWAA 4. LT 4. Sharks/Riggers 4. Sharks 5. Shark/Rigger 5. Clan 5. Clan 6. Clan/Pirate 6. LT Yellow 6. Druids *withdrew from finals* Teams = 6 7. Pirates Teams = 6 8. LT Green *withdrew before finals Teams = 8 *U18* *U18*
Fall 7s - U19 1. NWAA 1. NWAA Girls 2. Titans 2. Druids *withdrew from finals 3. SARFC *withdrew from finals 3. Sharks/riggers 4. Riggers/Sharks 5. Clan 4. LTs Teams = 5 5. Clan *U18* Teams = 5 *U18*
Fall 7s - U19 1. Clan Did not run Boys 2. SARFC 3. NWAA Teams = 3 *U18*
2018 RDO Sessions
Try Rugby & Coach Development Events
Club Date Notes
Ellerslie Rugby Park May Flag rugby, Rookie Rugby event. Targeted schools that already had flag teams. The inflatable pitch was exciting for the athletes and had the trucksicle come by. Overall a very fun event.
Rookie Rugby half June 9 Highly successful try rugby event for time show kids to play flag games during the half- time of the Canada Scotland game.
Elementary & Junior High Schools
School Grades Hours / Days Hours
Parkland Village 4 4
Ecole Broxton Park 1-6 6
Nellie Carlson 4-9 9
Riverbend Junior High 7-9 30
East Elementary, Leduc k-6 6
Michael Strembitsky 4 3
Ecole Corinthia Park, Leduc k-6 6
David Thomas King 7-9 3
Jan Reimer 7-9 2
Morinville 5,6 2
Esther Starkman 7-9 4
High Schools School Grades Hours / Days Hours
Salisbury Composite 10 3 days 9
Sturgeon 10,11 3 days 9 *various classes - spent entire day **school session & after school team help
Total School Sessions Schools Visited Sessions Hours
13 93 **This does not include the Try Rugby or Coach Development sessions
U13 Girls
May 12 (NWAA) Point For Points Against Plus Minus Time Field Home Score Away Score NWAA 375 155 3A SA Red 5 LT/Riggers/Sharks 40 LT/Riggers/Sharks 420 215 205 9:25 - 9:45 3B NWAA 15 Druids 15 Druids 355 260 95 3A Clan 20 SA Red 25 SA Red 210 280 -70 10:15 - 10:35 3B SA White 5 NWAA 25 SA White 195 300 -105 3A LT/Riggers/Sharks 20 Clan 15 Clan 170 515 -345 11:05 - 11:25 3B Druids 25 SA White 0 3A SA Red 5 NWAA 15 NWAA 375 155 11:55 - 12:15 3B LT/Riggers/Sharks 25 Druid 20 LT/Riggers/Sharks 420 215 3A Clan 20 SA White 10 Druids 355 260 12:40 - 13:00 3B U15 Girls games SA Red 210 280 SA White 195 300 May 26 (NWAA) Clan 170 515 Time Field Home Score Away Score 2A Clan Druid 10:30 - 10:55 2B NWAA 35 SA White 10 2A SA Red 40 Clan 15 11:30 -11:55 2B LT/Riggers/Sharks NWAA 2A Druid 40 SA Red 15 12:30 - 12:55 2B SA White 20 LT/Riggers/Sharks 25
June 2 (NWAA) - AC @ 16:00 Time Field Home Score Away Score 1A SA White 40 Clan 10 10:00 - 10:25 1B NWAA 35 Druid 10 1A LT/Riggers/Sharks 25 SA White 15 11:00 - 11:25 1B SA Red 5 NWAA 20 1A Clan 10 LT/Riggers/Sharks 45 12:00 - 12:25 1B Druid 25 SA Red 10 1A LT/Riggers/Sharks 20 SA Red 20 1B Druid 40 SA White 15 2A NWAA 20 Clan 0 13:00 - 13:25 2B pick up game! U13 Boys
Date Day Venue Kick Off Home Score Tries Con. Bonus Away Score Tries Con. Bonus Notes Exhibition festival - games do not 05-May Saturday NWAA count towards league standings 12-May Saturday NWAA 9:30 - 10:20 Druids 49 7 7 1 Clan 0 0 0 0 Round 1 (25' per 1/2) 10:30 - 11:20 Leduc/Rigger/LT 7 1 1 0 SARFC Blue 32 6 2 1 11:30 - 12:20 NWAA 29 5 2 1 SARFC Red 5 1 0 0 26-May Saturday NWAA 10:00 - 10:50 Leduc/Rigger/LT 29 5 2 1 NWAA 37 7 1 1 Round 2 11:00 - 11:50 SARFC Blue 17 3 2 0 Clan 38 6 3 1 12:00 - 12:50 Druids 56 10 3 1 SARFC Red 5 1 0 0 02-Jun Saturday NWAA 9:30 - 10:20 Clan 32 6 2 1 SARFC Red 27 5 2 Round 3 10:30 - 11:20 Druids 29 5 2 1 Leduc/Rigger/LT 22 4 1 2 11:30 - 12:20 SARFC Blue 14 2 2 0 NWAA 46 8 3 1 06-Jun Wednesday SD 18:30 - 19:20 SARFC Red 25 5 0 1 SARFC Blue 24 4 2 1 Round 4 18:30 - 19:20 Clan 31 5 3 1 Leduc/Rigger/LT 46 8 3 1 19:30 - 20:20 NWAA 29 5 2 1 Druids 28 4 4 1 16-Jun Saturday SARFC 11:45 - 12:35 NWAA 60 10 5 1 Clan 10 2 0 0 Round 5 11:00 - 11:50 SARFC Red 48 8 4 1 Leduc/Rigger/LT 10 2 0 0 12:00 - 12:50 SARFC Blue 17 3 1 0 Druids 35 5 5 1 23-Jun Saturday SD 10:00 - 10:50 Clan (3rd) 0 SARFC Blue (6th) 48 5 4 1 Quarter Final A 11:00 - 11:50 SARFC Red (4th) 22 4 1 1 Leduc/Rigger/LT (5th) 43 7 4 1 Quarter Final B 1st & 2nd bye 04-Jul Wednesday SD 19:00 - 19:50 Druids (2nd) SARFC Blue (wiiner QF A) Semi Final A 19:00 - 19:50 NWAA (1st) Leduc/Rigger/LT (wiiner QF B) Semi Final B 07-Jul Saturday SD 11:45 - 12:45 Clan (Loser QF A) SARFC Red (Lose QF B) Consolation 11:45 - 12:35 Lose SF A Lose SF B Bronze 12:00 - 12:50 Win SF A Win SF B City Final 14-Jul Saturday CRU TBC CRU 1 ERU 1 Provincials - city champion attends
U13 Boys Team # Played # Wins # Losses # Ties Bonus PF PA W L T P / M Pts NWAA 5 5 5 201 86 20 n/a 0 115 25 Druids 5 4 1 5 197 73 16 n/a 0 124 21 Clan 5 2 3 3 111 199 8 n/a 0 -88 11 SARFC Red 5 2 3 2 110 151 8 n/a 0 -41 10 Leduc/Rigger/LT 5 1 4 4 114 177 4 n/a 0 -63 8 SARFC Blue 5 1 4 2 104 151 4 n/a 0 -47 6
Win 4 points Tie 2 points Loss 0 points Bonus 1 point for scoring 4+ tries in a match Bonuses 1 point for loss within 7 U15 Girls
Win Loss Tie Point For Points Against Plus Minus Druid Red 210 115 95 Druid Green 145 90 55 NWAA 175 135 40 SA White 100 85 15 SA Red 160 155 5 LT/Leduc/Rigger 185 275 -90 Clan 165 370 -205 SARFC 65 45 20 Druids 60 40 20 U15 Boys
Date Day Venue Kick Off Match Home Score Tries Con. Bonus Away Score Tries Con. Bonus Notes Exhibition festival - games do not count 05-May Saturday NWAA 10:30 Festival Clan NWAA towards league standings 12-May Saturday NWAA 10:30 - 11:30 League Clan 0 0 0 0 NWAA 37 7 2 1 League = 60' game (30' per 1/2) 11:40 - 12:10 Ex. 1 SARFC Clan Exhibition = 30' game (15' per 1/2) 12:20 - 12:50 Ex. 2 SARFC NWAA 26-May Saturday NWAA 9:30 - 10:30 League SARFC 90 16 5 1 Clan 0 0 0 10:40 - 11:10 Ex. 1 NWAA SARFC 11:20 - 11:50 Ex. 2 NWAA Clan 02-Jun Saturday NWAA 10:00 -11:00 League NWAA 10 2 0 SARFC 66 12 3 1 11:10 - 11:40 Ex. 1 Clan NWAA 11:50 - 12:10 Ex. 2 Clan 15 3 SARFC 15 3 06-Jun Wednesday SD 19:30 - 20:30 League NWAA 72 12 7 1 Clan 22 4 1 1 Ex. n/a week night game 16-Jun Saturday SARFC 15:00 - 16:00 League Clan 7 1 1 SARFC 75 13 1 1 12:40 - 13:10 Ex. 1 NWAA Clan 13:20 - 13:50 Ex. 2 NWAA SARFC 23-Jun Saturday SD 12:00 - 13:00 League SARFC 43 7 4 1 NWAA 24 4 3 1 10:40 - 11:10 Ex. 1 Clan SARFC 11:20 - 11:50 Ex. 2 Clan NWAA 04-Jul Wednesday SD 19:00 - 20:00 Semi-Final NWAA (2nd) Clan (3rd) semi final - full length game 07-Jul Saturday SD 13:00 - 14:00 City Final SARFC (1st) winner semi final city final - full length game 14-Jul Saturday CRU TBC CRU 1 ERU 1 Provincials - city champion attends
U15 Boys Team # Played # Wins # Losses # Ties Bonus PF PA P / M W L T Pts SARFC 4 4 4 274 41 233 16 n/a 0 20 NWAA 4 2 2 3 143 131 12 8 n/a 0 11 Clan 4 0 4 1 29 274 -245 0 n/a 0 1
Win 4 points Tie 2 points Loss 0 points Bonus 1 point for scoring 4+ tries in a match Bonuses 1 point for loss within 7 ERU U17 & U19 Final Standings - Adjusted
ERU U19 Girls - Final Standings U19 Girls - Adjusted for SARFC Defaults Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA Diff BP Pts 1 Nor' Westers 5 5 0 0 330 29 301 5 25 1 Nor' Westers 5500330293015252 Druids 5 4 0 1 316 123 193 4 20 2 St Albert RFC 5401222751474203Leprechaun Tigers 5 2 0 3 149 281 -132 5 13 3 Druids 53023361861504164 Sharks/Riggers 5 2 0 3 124 185 -61 2 10 4 Leprechaun Tigers 5104129301-172 4 8 5 St Albert RFC 5 1 0 4 29 95 -66 1 5 5 Sharks/Riggers 5104104295-191 1 5 6 Clan/Pirates 5 1 0 4 66 301 -235 1 5 6 Clan/Pirates 510466301-235 1 5
U17 Girls Final Standings Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA Diff BP Pts 1 Nor' Westers 431020015185317 2 Druids 430116511649315 3 Leduc/Riggers 420286166-80311 4 Leprechaun Tigers 411256140-8417 5 SARFC 400469139-7055
U19 Boys Final Standings Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA Diff BP Pts 1 Druids 650122475149626 2 Clansmen 6402229117112420 3 LT / NW6204150238-88412 4 SARFC 610587260-173 1 5
U17 Boys Final Standings Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA Diff BP Pts 1 Druids RED 550032466258525 2 LT / NW530214811632315 3 Clansmen BLUE 5203129209-80513 4 Clansmen RED 520317214626513 5 Druids GREEN 5113137294-157 3 9 6 SARFC 511396175-7928 Director of Discipline Report - 2018
For the third year in succession there has been a significant decrease in the number of Red Card/Send Off sanctions.
There were 3 red cards handed out in Senior Men's rugby and 1 in Junior Boy's rugby (there was also a red card given out to a CRU player in an Alberta Cup game played in Edmonton).
While the play on the field has made positive strides from a disciplinary perspective - the negative behavior on the sidelines continues to be a blight on the sport. Sadly, most of the complaints to the ERU and Director of Discipline involve incidents in the Junior and Mini levels. This year we adopted a zero tolerance towards referee abuse and will continue to enforce going forward. There simply has to be more accountability and leadership on the part of each individual club to address these issues.
Thank you
Dr. Ron Allen Director of Discipline Edmonton Rugby Union
Referees’ Society
November 19, 2018
2018 ERU AGM Remarks
Once again the ERURS presided over hundreds of games at all levels. As in past years, we continue to improve the quality of rugby in the ERU through training the members of our society. This can take the form of group information sessions, individual coaching and mentoring. It was a successful year for us because we didn’t lose money and we successfully recruited a few more referees and were able to retain their commitment through to the end of the season.
The highlight for our Society this year was the ERU’s adoption of a policy directed at abusive coaches. The reason for this policy is that we have observed that more serious referee abuse arises when the coaches start offering pointers to the referee from the sidelines. This behaviour tends to empower the players to offer their comments and then the spectators and pretty soon our Society loses another ref.
I would like to acknowledge that we had a few games this year where a ref didn’t show up. These instances were mainly due to the organization learning how to use Sport Lomo. I think we’ve sorted out the new system now and will see very few no-shows next year for this reason. We also had some no-shows because we simply don’t have the numbers. If we have any hope of growing our sport in Edmonton, we also need to grow our numbers of referees. All of our referees were members of a club at one time. Please help us by being aware of potential referees within your clubs and sending them our way for training and mentoring.
Mick Graham President - ERURS
Resolutions and New Business
Proposed Competition Structure 2019-2021
Rugby Alberta acknowledges that there are more challenges facing clubs than ever before, particularly in areas such as finance, player retention, player availability, coaching and volunteers.
This is a new approach driven by Rugby Alberta with the aim of supporting clubs to address these challenges and support them to operate on a more sustainable basis. The foundation of this new approach is based on the sport for life quality sport checklist;
Good Good People Places
Good Programs
One of key findings from the Inaugural Summit was the appetite for quality and meaningful competition. We believe that meaningful competition will help improve the engagement and retention of players’ coaches and referees. Building a structured season plan, which allows players of all abilities to participate in XV’s and Sevens to achieve their aspirations within the game. We need to optimize the quality of experience provided for male and female players in Alberta to have a vibrant club game. (Appendix A)
The proposal outlined in this document is the result of consultation, collaboration, and communication with the membership, ensuring we achieve the goals outlined in the terms of reference. (Appendix B)
Please also note the additional recommendations from the Championship Committee to be implemented (Appendix C) along with the current rules and regulations (Appendix D).
Team Declaration form (Appendix E) must be completed and returned to Rugby Alberta [email protected] by January 7th 2019.
1.1. Objective
(a) Support the growth and development of Rugby in Alberta and Canada
(b) Provide the quality and quantity of playing experiences to develop more male players in Alberta to lead to Canadian National Teams to success; and
(c) Support the growth and development of Rugby at the Club, Regional, Provincial and National levels.
2.1 Calendar
(a) Premier League – the Men’s Premier Leagues will commence May Saturday 25th 2019 and the
Provincial Finals will take place September 21st 2019 within which time 12 regular season matches will have been scheduled.
(b) Club Competitions –shall be scheduled with the aim to achieving the following objectives: i. Provide fairness in home/away scheduling and parity in teams’ traveling commitments. ii. Compress the season length to reduce the number of gaps in the season.
iii. Provide ‘bye’ weekends for as many public holiday weekends as possible, not including make-up matches;
3.1 Team Eligibility
For any team that will host any match of a competition, that team must have access to satisfactory facilities. As minimum standards, teams must ensure that home or alternative fields meet the following:
(a) Field of Play – any playing field must continuously meet World Rugby’s Law 1 and, if an artificial turf field, must comply with World Rugby’s Regulation 22;
(b) Goal Posts – throughout any match, goal posts are padded to a height of not less of 1.5 meters;
(c) Facilities – any home or main field must have access to potable water and at least one usable toilet within 400 meters.
(d) Spectator restraints – when more than 50 spectators in attendance, appropriate restraints are in place to keep spectators at least 2 meters back from the touch lines and/or dead ball lines. No aspect of the restraints should themselves be a potential source of injury to players or others.
4.1 Player Eligibility (a) Registration – all players must be registered with the competing club, and therefore insured, prior to playing in any match. (b) Age – a player’s age is determined as at December 31 in the year that the first match of a competition takes place (i.e. birth year). Players aged 18 and older are eligible to play without restriction. (c) Players aged 17 must apply for dispensation in order to play senior rugby (d) No more than 3 import players per match day squad (e) A player is no longer deemed an import after playing 3 consecutive Alberta Cup seasons (f) Visitor Players – a player may be registered as a two-week visitor
5.1 Obligations.
The Club must: (a) Be and remain a member of the Union during the season; (b) Sign and return the acceptance form by no later than the deadline stated by Rugby Alberta; (b) Maintain a disciplinary record to Alberta Rugby’s satisfaction; (c) Not act, or fail to act, in any way which may, in the reasonable opinion of Rugby Alberta, be prejudicial to the goodwill, image or reputation of Rugby Alberta, the Union or the sport of rugby union; (d) Promptly provide Rugby Alberta with any information, documentation or materials that Rugby Alberta may reasonably request from the Club from time to time in respect of the Club’s participation in Competitions, or the subject matter of this Agreement;
5.2 In Respect to the Alberta Cup the club must: (a) A Club must field a Premier league team with an accompanying 2nd division team. (b) A Club competing within the Men’s Premier League must meet the conditions for entry throughout the season and fulfill the Premier League schedule, in its entirety. (c) A Premier team must have an appointed head coach that is registered and NCCP Competition Introduction / World Rugby level 2 trained or equivalent. (d) Submit Premier team sheet to Rugby Alberta by 10am the day prior to the game. (e) Return the official game sheet to Rugby Alberta within 48 hours after the relevant match kick off time indicating who was the player of the game for your team. (f) Field no more than 3 overseas players per match day squad of 20 players. (g). The home team is responsible for filming the game and sharing the footage with the opposition within 48 hours.
Rugby Alberta Must: • Schedule, set early, March 1st 2019 • Educate all AC coaches World Rugby L2/NCCP Comp Intro • Plan and run regional pre-season 10 aside tournament in partnership with CRU/ERU (May 11th 2019) • Appoint league commissioner (Sandy Nesbitt, Rugby Alberta) • Appoint disciplinary committee (CRU-ERU VP Discipline, RA Representative) • Provide RA branded game balls • Monthly Awards, Try of month, player of month • Stream 1 or 2 games per week when games are at Calgary Rugby Park and Edmonton Rugby Park
6.1 Match Conduct & Protocol Endeavor to play: Clubs and Teams alike are expected to make all efforts to play each of their scheduled matches. When feasible, Clubs must cancel or default Teams from the lowest division upwards unless approved in writing by Rugby Alberta
(a) Weather Conditions – electrical storms and exceptionally poor weather conditions that jeopardizes player safety or make playing rugby near impossible. (b). Field Closures – home and alternative fields are closed within 24hrs of the scheduled kick-off time of the first scheduled match. (c) Other – any other reasonably unforeseen, uncontrollable circumstance.
7.1 Laws of the Game
All matches shall be played in accordance with World Rugby’s Laws of the Game and shall comply with the rules and regulations of World Rugby, Rugby Canada and Rugby Alberta.
8.1Concussion Management
All matches are to adhere to World Rugby’s ‘Recognize and Remove’ policy whereby any player suspected of or suffering from a concussion is to be immediately removed from the field of play and is not permitted to return to play that same day. Any decision to remove a player must err on the side of caution, not certainty. In accordance with the Laws of the Game, the appointed Match Official has absolute authority to remove a player if they suspect that player is suffering from a concussion.
9.1 Game Day Management
(a)Game sheets must list all players that participated as well as all coaches, managers, trainers or therapists. For all Alberta Cup games, rosters must be completed in full and submitted online to the Rugby Alberta office via the provided league management platform by the following deadlines: (b) Must submit a Roster for each Team no later than 10am the day prior to each scheduled match. Changes may still be made up until 2 hours after the final whistle and should include all substitutions made.
5.8 Reporting of Scores & Point Scorers
The appointed Match Official is responsible for submitting the match score. The score submitted by the appointed Match Official is final; unless categorical evidence is submitted to Rugby Alberta that proves beyond doubt an incorrect score has been submitted.
5.10 Point Tabulations
(a) Competitions of Fifteens or Tens Rugby – team standings shall be determined by the total number of match points earned by a Team in regular season, which shall include bonus points. The allocation of match points shall be as follows:
i. Four points for a win. ii. Two points for a draw. iii. One bonus point for finishing within a score of seven points of less of the winner. iv. One bonus point for scoring four or more tries in a match. v. A defaulted game shall count as five points and recorded as a 20-0 score, as if the non-defaulting team scored four non-converted tries. The defaulting team shall lose four points in the league standings.
Alberta Cup/ Championship 2019-2020
Calgary Calgary/Edmonton Conferences th th Calgary Hornets -May 25 to July 13 Calgary Saints -7 games in local conference to determine placing in the Calgary Canucks Alberta Cup or the Alberta Championship. Calgary Rams
Calgary Irish -Top 3 placed teams in each conference after seeding matches Bow Valley Grizzles will be placed in to the Alberta Cup. Edmonton St Albert -Teams placed 4-6 in each conference will make up the Nor’Westers Alberta Championship Strathcona Druids Leprechaun Tigers Edmonton Clansmen Leduc Crude
Alberta Cup /Championship Alberta Cup -July 20th to August 24th Calgary 1 Edmonton 1 -5 games in Cup/Championship (Single round robin) to Calgary 2 determine play off standings. Edmonton 2 Calgary 3 -Teams ranked first in the Calgary and Edmonton Edmonton 3 conferences will be awarded the additional home game.
Alberta Championship -Teams ranked 4th in the Calgary and Edmonton Calgary 4 conferences will be awarded the additional home game. Edmonton 4 Calgary 5 Edmonton 5 Calgary 6 Edmonton 6
Alberta Cup/Championship Play off Structure 2019-2021
Proposed AC Playoff Seeding 2019
Two Conference Alberta Cup
North Conference South Conference ERU #1 CRU #1 ERU #2 CRU #2 ERU #3 CRU #3
Playoff structure - Top two spots from each conference to make playoffs - Semi-finals o ERU #1 vs ERU #2/CRU #3 Venue ERU o CRU #1 vs CRU #2/ERU #3 Venue CRU
- Top ERU and CRU team to host semi-final game at the corresponding sub-union’s home field.
- If the lowest ranked team in one conference has a higher ranking then the second seed of the other conference this team will cross-over for the semi-final playoff game. The second seed lower ranked team will not make the playoffs.
- This will allow both sub-unions to host semi-final games with a local club in the game.
- This will allow for the top four teams to always make it to the playoff round.
E2/ SA2 Cup and Championship 2019-2020 Recommendation
Calgary SA2 Calgary Hornets E2 and SA2 Calgary and Edmonton Conference Calgary Saints -May 25th to August 10th
Calgary Canucks Calgary Rams -Single Round Robin (8 games) to determine seeding for Cup or Calgary Irish Championship Bow Valley Grizzles
Lethbridge R.F.C -Teams ranked 1-4 will form the SA2 and E2 Cup Calgary Saracens
Red Deer Titans -Teams ranked 5-9 will form the SA2 and E2 Championship
E2/SA2 Calgary and Edmonton Cup and Championship Edmonton E2 August 17th to September 7th St Albert
Nor’Westers -Single round robin in Cup and Championship to determine play
Strathcona Druids off positions. Leprechaun Tigers
Edmonton Clansmen
Leduc Crude Play Off Structure Cup /Championship Grand Prairie
Parkland Sharks -September 14th Fort MacMurray City Final 1 v 2
SA2/E2 Cup st Calgary/Edmonton 1 September 21 Calgary /Edmonton 2 Provincial Final Calgary/Edmonton 3 Calgary 1 V Edmonton 1
Calgary/Edmonton 4
SA2/E2 Championship Calgary/Edmonton 5 Calgary/Edmonton 6 Calgary/Edmonton 7
Calgary/Edmonton 8 Calgary/Edmonton 9
Appendix A
Appendix B
Rugby Alberta Championship Committee
Terms of Reference:
The Rugby Alberta Championship Committee is responsible for reviewing the current championship formats for the Alberta Cup and (Alberta Women’s Premiership). It is also responsible for advising and creating the competition structure for the 2019 and 2020 seasons through Consultation, Collaboration and Communication with our Sub Unions and member clubs.
Role/Purpose:
The role of the Rugby Alberta Championship Committee will be to provide strategic direction and leadership to ensure that the Premier Competitions in Alberta best supports the development of the game for Players, Coaches and referees.
The Rugby Alberta Championship Committee is to complete the following tasks:
I. Review the 2018 season and gather feedback/evidence from the playing membership. II. Review the rules of Competitions and make recommendations to Governance on alterations and interpretations III. Develop and propose a competition structure for the Alberta Cup and AWP which will be presented to the membership at the Rugby Alberta AGM on December 1st/2nd 2018
Term:
This Term of Reference is effective from Sunday 23rd September 2018 and will be ongoing until it is revised by February 5th 2019.
Membership:
The Advisory/Network group will comprise of:
Sandy Nesbitt, Vice President, Rugby Alberta Graeme Moffat, Director of Rugby, Rugby Alberta Peter Rowe, Representative, Calgary Rugby Union Steven Arnold, Representative, Calgary Rugby Union Stephen Saunders, Representative, Edmonton Rugby Union Graham Thompson, Representative, Edmonton Rugby Union
Roles and Responsibilities:
Specific areas to be discussed with the Championship Committee may include.
• Reviewing and researching current competition format • Reviewing and researching other competition formats • Proposing new competition format for Alberta Cup/AWP
The committee is accountable for: • Fostering collaboration within and outside the group including coaches, players, referees and administrators • Maintaining at all times the focus of the Network on the agreed scope, outcomes and benefits. • Monitoring and managing factors outside the Network’s control that are critical to its success.
The membership of the committee will commit to: • Attending all scheduled Network review committee Group meetings • Wholeheartedly championing the network within and outside of work areas • Sharing all communications and information across all Championship Committee group members • Making timely decisions and taking action so as to not hold up the project • Notifying members of the Championship Committee group, as soon as practical, if any matter arises which may be deemed to affect the development of the Network • Attending all meetings and if necessary nominate a proxy.
Members of the committee will expect: • Each member will be provided with complete, accurate and meaningful information in a timely manner • To be given reasonable time to make key decisions • To be alerted to potential risks and issues that could impact the project, as they arise • Open and honest discussions, without resort to any misleading assertions • Ongoing ‘health checks’ to verify the overall status and ‘health’ of the network.
Meetings:
Sandy Nesbitt, Rugby Alberta will chair all meetings
• A meeting quorum will be 4 members of the advisory group • Decisions will be made by consensus (i.e. members are satisfied with the decision even though it may not be their first choice). If not possible, advisory group chair makes final decision.
Graeme Moffat, Rugby Alberta, will provide meeting agendas and record all the zoom meetings: • Preparing agendas and supporting papers • Preparing meeting notes and information
Meetings will be held using remote communications i.e. Zoom
Specific meeting dates and times: September 23rd, 2018 at 10.30am September 26th 2018 9.00pm September 30th, 2018 at 9.30am October 3rd, 2018 at 9.00pm October 7th, 2018 at 9.30am October 14th, 2018 at 9.30am October 21st, 2018 at 9.30am October 28th, 2018 at 9.30am November 4th, 2018 at 9.30am November 11th, 2018 at 9.30am
AGM Nov 17th CRU AGM Nov 24th ERU AGM Dec 2nd RA AGM
If required subgroup meetings will be arranged outside of these times at a time convenient to subgroup members.
Amendment, Modification or Variation This Terms of Reference may be amended, varied or modified in writing after consultation and agreement by Network Group/Advisory Group members.
Appendix C
Championship Committee Recommendations
Season Length May 25th to September 21st 2019 Leagues start May 25th with Provincial Finals taking place on September 21st 3rd Division to finish at the end of August Season compressed, less breaks and bye weeks other than long weekends
Cap number of teams in the League for Alberta Cup 10 team competition for 2020 (5 in each conference, Edmonton and Calgary) 12 teams in competition for 2019 (6 from each conference, Edmonton and Calgary)
Promotion/Relegation The top SA2/E2 teams can challenge the bottom teams from their respective sub unions in the Alberta Championship to join the league in 2021
Squad Sizes Reduction in match day squad size from 23 to 20. 12 replacements can be made throughout the game not including blood subs
Play Off Percentage Rule When involved in 2 match squads in the same day, only the higher division game will count If you start that game.
Kick Off times All AC games to kick off at 1400hrs or 1600hrs
Coaching All Alberta Cup/Championship coaches must be World Rugby/NCCP level 2 or equivalent
Filming Home team responsible for filming and sharing within 48 hours
Senior Men’s Representative Rugby Schedule Recommendations Prairie Super League April 28th Calgary Mavericks V Edmonton Gold May 4th Calgary Mavericks V Manitoba, Edmonton Gold V Saskatchewan May 11th Calgary Mavericks V Saskatchewan, Edmonton Gold V Manitoba
Alberta Wolf Pack June 28th, Alberta Wolf Pack V BC at Alberta Regional Championship (Red Deer, Great Chief park) July 27th, BC V Alberta Wolf Pack at Western Championships (Apple Bowl, Kelowna)
Appendix D. Rules and Regulations
3.3 TEAM ELIGIBILITY
3.3.1 A member Club must be in good standing with Rugby Alberta, CRU, ERU, AJRA, and RAMOA to enter a team into annual leagues or any competition. 3.3.2 The Rules and Regulations Committee (RRC) and the Rugby Alberta Board shall determine the eligibility of all teams wishing to compete in all Alberta provincial leagues, Men’s Alberta Cup (AC) & Alberta Women’s Premiership (AWP) based on their results and disciplinary record in the previous season. The eligibility of all senior teams outside of AC or AWP competition will fall to the respective Sub-Union in which the team is wishing to play games. 3.3.3 Teams that have defaulted games in the prior season will be reviewed in advance of a new season and the (RRC / RA Board) will have sole discretion on whether that team will be permitted to compete in any provincial league program under the jurisdiction of Rugby Alberta. 3.3.4 The eligibility of all teams wishing to play in the Sub-Union non-interlock leagues will be governed by the respective Sub-Union. 3.3.5 All Clubs wishing to enter the Men’s Alberta Cup (AC Competition) or Alberta Women’s Premiership (AWP Competition) must follow the minimum criteria below:
DIVISION ADDITIONAL MANDATORY ADDITIONAL TEAMS RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRED BY ALL CLUBS WITH (AC) & (AWP) BY MAY 1st Men's Alberta Cup 2nd Division Team and U19 or Mini's Program and one of the U21 Boys team following U13 or U15 boys Alberta Women's Premiership Another senior women’s Team or Mini's Program and one of the U19 Girls team following U13 or U15 girls
3.3.6 Clubs may request dispensation to (3.3.5) at the time of making team declarations to the Rules and Regulations Committee. A Club must present in writing, clearly stating the reason for dispensation and a development plan on how the Club will meet the criteria laid out in section (3.3.5) over a set time period. On this basis the Rules and Regulations Committee will make a ruling on the dispensation request.
Appendix D: Alberta Cup Team Declaration Form:
Executed as a deed by: PARTICIPATING TEAM
______Participating Team Name
Dispensation Request as 3.3.6 YES NO
Dispensation Request Letter attached: YES NO
Development Plan Attached YES NO
______Club President Witness
______Print Name Print Name
______Date Date
Executed as a Deed by League Commissioner
______Commissioner’s Signature Date
______Print Name
Graeme Moffat | Director of Rugby | Alberta Rugby Union | Percy Page Centre, 11759 Groat Road | Edmonton, AB Canada | T5M 3K6 | [email protected] | Phone: 403.862.7505 | www.rugbyalberta.com 2018 Election of Officers
President - 2 year term VP Admin - 2 year term VP Ellerslie - 2 year term Director of Discipline - 2 year term VP Junior Rugby - 1 year remaining Members at Large - maximum 3 positions available - 1 year term
2018 Review of Continuing Executive
Treasurer - Juliette Bradley - 1 year remaining Secretary - Jasmine Jarvis - 1 year remaining VP Senior Rugby - Jo Reinbold - - 1 year remaining