IDRU Annual Report 2012 - Illawarra Rugby

ARU Development Manager’s Report contd.
The main outcomes from this day have been tabled and forwarded onto the clubs and key focus areas
moving forward are:
• Competition Structure and Format
• Administration of IDJRU/Committees
• Recruitment/Retention of players
• Coach/Referee Education
The Club presidents committee was at the forefront of decision making which I feel was for the better
of the competition and long term development of the players and coaches involved.
This year we had a good growth throughout the age groups with 1176 players registered across the
junior clubs. This is a jump of nearly 15%.
Looking at a numbers projection for the 2013 season we can field at least 4 teams in each age group
from under 7 – 18’s. I have communicated this information to the Clubs and have asked them for an
invitation to be involved in their planning for next year.
Coach Education
The Foundation, Smart Rugby, Coaching Kids Rugby courses and refereeing kids Rugby were run in the
region again this with over 310 coaches and match officials attending. Students from Wollongong
University PE Department were also put through a Coaching Kids Rugby module this semester, which
will have benefits to Illawarra Rugby in the long term with potentially another group of teachers hitting
the ground in the next few years armed with rugby knowledge and skills to spread the word.
A large number of coaches have also been assessed as competent level 1 and level 2 coaches this year.
This hopefully will provide more clubs and schools with accredited coaches to assist with player
development.
Waratah Match Rewards
The junior clubs were again able to participate in the Waratahs rewards program which included the
Super Rugby game experience.
On the Waratahs v Crusaders Family friendly Sunday match on the 29 th April the Kiama and
Campbelltown clubs had the chance to be in the Guard of Honour that leads the teams on the field.
This coupled with watching the warm up from on the field was a great experience for the kids and
coaches alike.
The Waratahs also hosted the Schools and Junior Club March past at ANZ Stadium with over 5000
players/coaches/and support staff involved, in a lap around the stadium prior to the last home match
for the Waratahs v REDS match in July.
Bledisloe Cup Roadshow
In the build-up to the Sydney Bledisloe Cup test match the Bledisloe Cup was part of a nationwide
tour. We were lucky enough to have the Cup arrive and stay in the Illawarra for a few days.
Illawarra District Rugby Union Inc.
Annual Report 2012 Page 15 of 61