2009 Rugby Season Starter Summary

All Rugby clubs are responsible for the registration of their players and members, which is a necessity for coverage under the ARU National Insurance Scheme.

The registration process includes:
Club Registrar logs into MyRugbyAdmin (MRA) and downloads the clubs registration forms, either

• a blank ARU membership form for new players/members (it may be easier to print one and photocopy)
• a pre-filled ARU membership form with last year’s registered players and member details, or
• activate on-line renewals on MRA to renew last year’s registered players/members on-line (new option for clubs in 2009)

Players and other relevant club members complete or update and sign their membership form (parent/guardian must sign if member is less than 18 years of age).
Club Registrar collects completed membership forms, logs into MyRugbyAdmin and registers the players and members; including updating any personal information included on the membership form.
Please note, all individual Rugby participants must be registered prior to participating in Rugby, including before playing any match, trials or training.  

In February 2009, Gow-Gates, the ARU’s insurance broker will send an insurance information pack to each club with the following insurance related documents, including:

Your clubs tax invoice for 2009 seasons ARU Sport Injury Cover and Insurance Plan

• A supply of rugby insurance information brochures
• A Club administrator’s sports insurance manual and
• Your club's Certificate of Currency.    

If your club has changed your insurance contact details since last season, you will need to notify your new contact details to Gow-Gates on (02) 8267 9999 or 1800 811 371.

Click here for more information on National Insurance Scheme  

The Australian Rugby Union provides three (3) online systems for Rugby administrators:
 
MyRugbyAdmin
MyRugbyAdmin (MRA) is Australian Rugby’s online administration system that improves the efficiency of registrations, accreditations and membership communication for everyone involved in Rugby. It is important to enter your club’s player registration details as soon as possible.

For new or existing MyRugbyAdmin administrators who want to refresh their skills for the 2009 season, take a look through the MyRugbyAdmin Procedures Manual located in the Support section of MyRugbyAdmin. 

Click here to log into MyRugbyAdmin or visit www.rugby.com.au, enter your username and password, and click the MyRugbyAdmin button when it appears. To gain access you need to speak to someone who already has access such as last year’s club registrar, your competition manager or state/territory union.

Competition Management System
The ARU's new Competition Management System is designed to manage draws, results and ladders for club, school and national Rugby competitions in Australia.  Click here for more information or contact your Competition Manager.

RugbyNet Websites
The ARU provides clubs, State and Sub-Unions, and Referee Associations with access to administer their own free  website.  Click here for more information on RugbyNet websites. 

The Australian Rugby Union have developed a number of policies to provide players, administrators and any other entities involved in Rugby an additional reference for issues, that are outside the scope of the Laws of the Game and in addition to the IRB Regulations. These ARU policies are in the areas of:

Anti-Doping, Code of Conduct, Member Protection, Age-Grade Rugby, Game Regulations, and Operational Health and Safety

Click here for information on ARU policies 

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and International Rugby Board (IRB) encourage clubs and schools to take recommended measures to ensure that the game of Rugby is both safe and enjoyable to play. Following are directives and recommendations in the interest of safety.

For more information click  ARU Safety Directives 

The Serious Injury Protocol outlines the steps a club/school is to follow in the event of a serious injury to a player’s head or neck (i.e suspected spinal injury) or fatality. The protocol ensures that each stakeholder is aware of their responsibility and is underpinned by the appointment of the ARU Serious Injury Case Manager to provide support for the injured player, their family and club/school during these difficult times.

A revised definition for the reporting of a Serious Injury for clubs and schools is outlined below.

A Serious Injury Report must be completed for the following match or training related injuries:

• Any head or neck injury that results in a player being treated at an emergency department, hospital or after-hours medical centre, or
• Any injury that results in the admission of a player into hospital.   

The completion of these reports provides valuable information in relation to the nature, cause, and extent of serious injuries in the game, and allows the ARU to provide strategies to reduce the impact of injuries and improve the management of injuries in the game. 

For more information click  Serious Injury Protocol & Report 

SmartRugby is Australia's Rugby occupational health and safety program for participants and is mandatory requiring qualification every two years. It is a compulsory minimum requirement for every coach and referee participating in Rugby where there is a tackling component.

 
The SmartRugby program, therefore, focuses on correct body position and correct technique in performing skills in a range of contact situations. 

 
For more information click SmartRugby program and courses 

The Laws of the Game are formulated by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and circulated by the Australian Rugby Union in the Laws of the Game, and include the Experimental Law Variations (ELV”s): 

Laws of the Game (Senior Laws) , Seven-A-Side Law Variations, Australian U19 Law Variations , Junior Player Modified Games Laws

For more information click Laws of the Game 

The expectations of behaviour guidelines are a simple outline for parents, teachers, coaches and players to ensure everyone is given the opportunity to maximise their enjoyment of the game. Rugby has always been a game that prides itself on fair play and enjoyment for all, so please adhere to these guidelines to ensure this continues.

For more information click  the Expectations of Behaviour 

The Australian Rugby Union has established the Member Benefits Rewards Program for all members of the Rugby family to reward and thank individuals and clubs for their ongoing participation and support in Rugby. We encourage you to take advantage of these exclusive deals which are available for a limited time only.

Click here for more information on Member Benefits 

The retention and recruitment of members is critical for all Rugby clubs. A planned approach in addressing retention and recruitment is essential, and the following includes some strategies, ideas and resources to assist clubs in this important function.

Click here for more information onretention and recruitment 

There are many opportunities for you to use media, public relations and marketing activities to help achieve your Club with your Club's start of season activity.

Click here for more information on PR and Media Tips 

There are many opportunities for your club to let schools in your local area know about the Rugby season ahead and your club's sign-on day details.

Click here for more information on contacting schools