SARU launches ClubWise initiative

The new programme is approved by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (Cathsseta) and offers a NQF Level 5 approved course - the first of its kind in rugby club administration.

"The ClubWise course and guide contain the theory and practice of how to be a great club administrator," said Jurie Roux, CEO OF SARU. "In time we hope it will become the bible by which all club administrators will live their rugby lives."

The ClubWise course covers every aspect of club administration from goals and governance to player and member welfare by way of fundraising, financials and marketing, and match-day activities.

Importance of club rugby

"Every weekend around 885 clubs across South Africa field teams in a series of different leagues and if each of these clubs could function optimally, it would boost the success of the sport in South Africa immensely," said SARU general manager of development, Mervin Green. "Club rugby is the lifeblood of the sport and its administration plays a vital role in developing rugby at grass-roots level. It is with this in mind that we developed the ClubWise programme. We would urge club administrators to sign up for the course."

Club administrators should be able to plan and facilitate the establishment of structures, promote the benefits and values of sport, compile a participation profile and facilitate the establishment of committees once they have completed the course.

Objective is effectiveness

"The objective of ClubWise is to make club administrators more effective by offering practical and easily comprehensible solutions to their daily problems," said Green. "It should create an environment where the coach gets to coach, the player can play and where club members feel they have a say in how the club is run."

The ClubWise Guide and course was developed by a steering committee of SARU experts and provincial and club rugby veterans in conjunction with the Sports Science Institute of South Africa. The courses are held over two days after which participants are expected to submit an assignment to be assessed.

To register for a ClubWise course administrators should contact either their respective provincial union's development or training and education departments, or SARU's development department.