National Volunteer Recognition Program
Program Outline
Community sport organisations are the foundation stone of the sport system in Australia. They provide important, accessible and affordable pathways for children and adults alike to enter our sport system and for the most part, are managed and operated by an unpaid workforce of about 1.5 million volunteers.
Australian Rugby recognises the efforts and skills of volunteers and have implemented the Volunteer Recognition Program in an effort to encourage and lift the profile of Community Rugby volunteers who have contributed to the development, promotion and or advancement of Rugby union within Australia. Whilst in the past, clubs, schools, associations, zones/regions and affiliate unions have recognised and rewarded outstanding achievements by players and clubs, Australian Rugby identifies the need to recognise and reward those individuals that have devoted their time by honouring them with a recognition program. The recognition program is open to any person currently associated with Community Rugby in Australia, in a non-paid capacity at a club, school, sub/zone-union, or associated affiliate of the Australian Rugby Union.
The Australian Rugby Union launched the program in 2003 to reward and recognise the efforts of volunteers who devote countless hours week in week out, year after year to provide a safe and enjoyable environment at the grass roots of the game. From the canteen veteran to the weekend touchjudge to the parents that manage junior sides, clubs nominated the volunteers who give their hearts and souls to Rugby each week.
Australian Rugby invite nominees who have made significant contributions to the sport of Rugby Union up to and including June 2008. Areas of contribution may include coaching, managing, publicity, social planning, registrar, ground marshalling etc. all of which are invaluable to the success of Rugby both on and off the field.
National Volunteer Recognition Program
The Volunteer Recognition Program in 2007 took on a new, more exclusive approach which will continue in 2008. This includes one nomination from each State/Territory Union to attend the John Eales Medal Dinner where the National Volunteer of the Year will be announced.
State/Territory Unions will use their selection committee to award various volunteers, selecting one (1) volunteer as their “State/Territory Volunteer of the Year”. These State/Territory Volunteer of the Year recipients will then proceed to the national level of judging with accompanying documentation on involvement and achievements.
Nominees will be judged on their contribution to Rugby, innovation and leadership, demonstration of Community Rugby participation and their ability to meet a Rugby need at a community, regional, state or national level.
Program aims
The Australian Rugby Union wishes to acknowledge the significant contributions made by individual volunteers who have developed, promoted, contributed and/or advanced the sport of Rugby and to create awareness, encourage participation and lift the profile of volunteers in Rugby.
Program prizes
The successful nominee from each State/Territory who meet the set criteria, will be recognised for their efforts by being hosted (together with their spouse*) at the 2008 John Eales Medal Dinner where the National Volunteer of the Year will be announced.
* Airfare, accommodation and 2 x tickets to John Eales Medal Dinner for the nominee will be paid for by the ARU however State/Territory Union or nominees will be required to make travel arrangements for the nominee’s spouse.
• Nominees can be any of the following:
Coach, Manager, Match Official, Sports Medicine (or Medical) Personnel, Club or Affiliate Office Holder, Club, Affiliate or School Administrator, Trainer, Curator, Gear Steward, Committee Member, Fundraiser or any other Rugby volunteer role within a club, school, affiliate or association.
Click here for a copy of the National Volunteer Recognition Program Outline (pdf - 285kb).
The 2008 National Volunteer of the Year wil be announced on Thursday 23rd October, 2008.
