Program Outline
The Australian Rugby Union 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 August 2012. 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 extends an invitation for one volunteer 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 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 2012 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.
Nomination Process
Nominations for the National Volunteer of the Year must be made by the State/Territory Union using the Nomination Form. The submission, details of the person you are nominating, background information, and the contact details of the nominator are required. Nominations must be received from State/Territory Union by close of business (5.00pm AEST) on Friday 14 September 2012.
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."
Contact your respective State/Territory Union for your State/Territories nominations process.
Further information is available below.
2012 National Volunteer Recognition Program (pdf - 296kb).
2012 National Volunteer Recognition Program - Nomination Form (word - 205kb).
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