CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (2020 – 2023) Junior Rugby Union is a game for players of all shapes and sizes, boys and girls, combining fun, fitness and teamwork. Find out how to register players online through the Rugby Xplorer app, competition details for 2020, representative pathways, player fees and training times. Come and meet our great coaches and volunteers, and enjoy a sausage sizzle, cold drinks and some drills. 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Central Highlands Grass Roots Junior Rugby Union Development Strategy is the first developed by the CHJRU; it commences from the start of the 2020 season and covers three years until the end of 2023. The Strategy is designed to respond to the unique regional and remote challenges faced by players and potential players, and to create a pathway for Rugby to flourish in the Central Highlands. It does this by: • addressing significant geographic barriers for rural communities through supporting locally-held competitions; • reducing the expenses of families and teams; • facilitating safe and secure options for boys and girls to travel when required; and • providing access to regional communities to high quality rugby union professionals that encourage participation in physical activity. It is a combined effort from all teams who put individual interests aside for the greater benefit of the whole region. 2. OVERVIEW About the Central Highlands Junior Rugby Union Association Inc. (CHJRU) The Central Highlands Junior Rugby Union Association is a not-for-profit incorporated entity which whose purpose is to: • Facilitate the playing and practice of Rugby Union in all its forms • Promote the game in all its forms • Foster the development of members as players, coaches, referees, supporters and individuals The CHJRU is committed to supporting boys and girls aged 6 to 18 from all backgrounds enjoy Rugby Union at primary, secondary school levels and in team competitions across the entire Central Highlands region. Two types of membership support the CHJRU: Individual membership which is available for individuals aged over 18 who have a genuine interest in Junior Rugby and support our values and initiatives, and Affiliate membership which recognises our sponsors. The Association is governed by an eight-member Management Committee and holds regular, friendly and inclusive General Meetings in order for all Members to collaboratively solve any issues or challenges, and progress Junior Rugby in our region. Our core values enable players and supporters to understand the character of the game and what makes it distinctive as a sport. • Fun • Integrity • Performance • Passion • Respect • Teamwork CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2020 – 2023 Pg 1 of 6 3. Purpose of the Strategy Our Challenge: The Central Highlands region spans more than 60,000km2 – an area the size of Tasmania. While around 15,000 people live in the central hub of Emerald an equal number live in regional communities across the area. Geographic distance and lack of transport options are a significant barrier for all families wishing to participate in regional sports but particularly in rugby union. Until 2019, all rugby union games were played in Gladstone, Rockhampton and Mackay which represents a 1000km round trip for some families. In addition, the region has recently experienced drought, bushfires, and its workforce is characterised by a significant percentage undertaking shift work which limits time available for volunteering. National Rural Health Alliance Fact Sheet on Physical activity in rural Australia, (2011) summarised barriers to physical activity which CHJRU has observed and seeks to address: • lack of time, confidence and motivation to engage in physical activity; • limited available transport to sporting facilities and events; • inability to pay for sporting equipment, fees and transport; and • reduced access to professionals that encourage participation in physical activity. The Opportunity: Over 26% of Central Highlanders are aged under 15 years (7800 children), compared to the Queensland average of 20%. There are 31 primary schools and 9 secondary schools in the Central Highlands region; 80% are located outside of Emerald, but all fall within a 150km radius from Emerald. It is well documented that sports participation in rural, remote, and regional Australian communities has been shown to improve social cohesion and health outcomes. It can bring regional communities together; contribute positively to community identity and sense of place; promote social interaction and community inclusion; and play an important role in providing opportunities for physical activity and improved health outcomes. Rugby union is unique in that it is a game that can be enjoyed by boys and girls of all sizes and shapes, and it also can support young people’s leadership opportunities in a number of non- playing roles - referees, administrators, coaches, trainers, etc. The Strategy: The Strategy has several key aims, these being to identify 3-year strategic priorities and key actions for the CHJRU which; • address geographic considerations for rural communities; • reduce the expenses of families and teams; • facilitate safe and secure options to support travel; and • provide access to regional communities to high quality rugby union professionals that encourage participation in physical activity. It also aims to: • Communicate a common understanding of the CHJRU strategic priorities and player potential; • Provide a mechanism to strengthen relationships between key stakeholders relevant to Junior Rugby Union • Support the CHJRU to accurately measure the success of planned actions. The Strategy was developed with extensive input from members and endorsed at Management Committee meeting 25 March 2020. CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2020 – 2023 Pg 2 of 6 Central Highlands Grass Roots Junior Rugby Union Development Strategy Purpose: To connect schools and teams in the Central Highlands with resources and opportunities to significantly grow player numbers and support quality and enjoyable local competitions for boys and girls. Vision: By 2023, CHJRU will double the number of players and teams playing Junior Rugby Union from within the Central Highlands region CHJRU Unique Value Proposition: Rugby Union is an inclusive game for boys and girls of all sizes and shapes, played in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Priority Areas Coach and Referee Competitions (Schools Player Clinics Celebration and Mentors Association Governance Development and Clubs) Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? • Education level of • Clinics introduce new • More teams enhance the • Reinforce the CHJRU • To achieve its goals the coaches is reflected in boys and girls to the quality of competitions values that characterise CHJRU must be run in the skills of players game in non-rugby throughout Central good competitions legal, responsible and • Quality refereeing and playing areas Highlands • Support a family-friendly effective way coaching ensures a safe • Teach correct technique • Provide new avenues for Assoc. • Sponsors and supporters playing environment for to ensure boys and girls boys and girls to play • Support children to can be happy and boys and girls play safely and enjoy Rugby Union make smart life choices confident investors of time and resources How? How? How? How? How? Facilitate the delivery of • Conduct an annual • Deliver key events in the • Seek an Assoc. • Facilitate the delivery of programs that: program of skill clinics at Central Highlands: ambassador to programs that upskill • Ensure all teams meet schools / with junior Waitangi Day and champion and mentor Management Committee ARU requirements teams. Western 7s, CQ Junior CH Juniors members • Grow the number of • Provide the opportunity Rugby Muster • Promote player and • Maintain a sound available coaches and to learn from high level • Provide playing Assoc achievements financial position referees coaching and playing opportunities requiring through traditional and • Meet all legal and • Upskill junior coaches staff. no greater than 300km social media regulatory compliance • Upskill junior referees • Facilitate access to travel for players • Provide social requirements financial or travel • Facilitate access to opportunities for assistance to help financial or travel families and friendship engage new and assistance to help new CENTRAL HIGHLANDS GRASS ROOTS JUNIOR RUGBY UNION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2020 – 2023 Pg 3 of 6 geographically isolated and geographically • Ensure succession for players. isolated teams establish. retiring Management • Advocate for home Committee members games in Capricornia • Facilitate volunteer blue competitions. cards 2020 Year 1 Results What? What? What? What? What? • 100% Smart Rugby • 3 x Rookies to Red • Waitangi Day, Western • QRU Reds player • 10 x committee online course for all clinics run for 50 players 7s hosted and delivered. originating from a members from all coaches at 3 locations • U10s and 12s regional town regions undertake • 6 x U10 & 12s coaches • 3 x Rugby Skills competition run in volunteered as CHJRU governance training complete Coaching kids Academy clinics run at 3 Central Highlands ambassador • All Office of Fair Trading skills Certificate course locations • Bus provided for U14 • Sausage sizzle, cold returns are compliant & • 6 x coaches – all ages – and U16 to engage in drinks etc provided for submitted on time complete Foundation Capricornia