The re-introduction of Sevens Rugby to the Olympics has created a wonderful opportunity for the ARU to promote Rugby in schools Australia wide, especially in primary cchools where the game is well suited to be played by both young boys and girls.
In my region, on the Central Coast, we have struggled to get playing numbers in the 10 to 14-year old age group.
This is evident at representative carnivals, which start at Under 12, where our teams struggle to complete.
This year our Under 13 rep side was chosen from a total pool of 90 players, in comparison Sydney clubs chose from a pool of around 400.
To further facilitate the uptake of the Sevens opportunity and address junior playing numbers, is it time for the ARU to take the next step into commercialism and offer a challenge cup with cash payments for the winning schools?
For example a ‘Schools Sevens Cup’ could be introduced for promoting Sevens Rugby in primary schools in each state – where the winning school picks up a cheque for say $25,000 for boys and another $25,000 for girls, with $10,000 for runners up and $5,000 for making the semis – a total of $90,000 per state (money that could come directly from sponsors and be cost neutral to the ARU).
All schools are in need of extra funds, this would present such an opportunity while introducing kids the fun of playing Sevens Rugby.
The ARU has adeptly introduced a user pay model which caters well to the Rugby faithful but does little to introduce the game to the uninitiated. This would take the game to new markets while addressing Rugby’s weakest point – its juniors.
Bakkies
Guest
''In my region, on the Central Coast, we have struggled to get playing numbers in the 10 to 14-year old age group.'' Shows how important it is to have success at pro level to increase numbers. Tahs concentrating on Rugby rather then politics, Wallabies being more consistent and in the hunt for RWCs (which is how we have boosted numbers in the past). Then it's up to coaches and club to ensure that kids stick at it and show that Rugby is more then just a fad.
Bakkies
Guest
Getting the nod from Principals and parents is another thing.
Working Class Rugger
Roar Guru
I personally think using those funds to provide schools with the resources and support in developing structured Rugby competitions would serve a greater purpose then offering cash prizes. By funneling the funding that Rugby is entitled to from the AOC directly toward schools Rugby in this manner will greatly enhance the games development.
sheek
Roar Guru
Hi Rickety, Yeah, 7s is a good, cheap way to get a toe-hold into league & aussie rules dominated schools. But there must also be follow-up otherwise momentum will stall.
ncart
Guest
RK I like your idea, but I think that part of successfully getting into schools is to address the PE teachers directly - run some seminars for them on what the Sevens game is about and how it could be fun for the kids in the school while also meeting a lot of the PE teaching outcomes that they need to address. That way you overcome the potential resistance within the schools - the cash prizes are of course attractive bonuses but I don't think you can ignore the attitudes and perhaps misconceptions about rugby being dangerous amongst the PE teachers, so educate them and get them onside first to get the game into non rugby schools, which is where growth is needed.
Johnno
Guest
Rickety i want all this , but i'd like to know your thoughts. Do you think it;s okay for private schools to be sponsored by the corporate world. Like big sponsor logos on jerseys , schools being sponsored and on the school oval, tv deals,merging divisions eg like scrapping GPS .