At the very successful CRFU Clubs’ Conference on Sunday 29th October clubs were advised of the benefits of the Club Accreditation scheme that will help all club sections to become stronger, more effective, more efficient and more enjoyable places in which to play rugby. Unlike other accreditation schemes, this one provides a framework for a club to show what it is doing, how it does it, and where it can improve.
The RFU hopes that clubs will be both challenged by the process and enjoy it. It will allow clubs to exhibit all that is good about rugby in their adult sections, mini and youth, women and girls and touch rugby, while demonstrating that this is all achieved in a friendly, welcoming environment.
The Club Accreditation scheme is based upon the six Key Drivers identified as crucial to a strong club:
1. Retaining & Developing Players
2. Recruiting New Players
3. Recruiting & Retaining High Quality Coaches, Volunteers & Referees
4. Effective & Efficient Facilities
5. Effective & Efficient Management and Governance
6. Integration with the Local Community
Each of these Key Drivers, together with the Core Values of the game, is represented within the Club Accreditation scheme and together they represent the component parts of a strong, sustainable club.
The scheme is straightforward and designed to both recognise and assist a club to continually improve, while demonstrating a real commitment to providing all that’s best in rugby union.
Clubs which have completed the exercise report that the process itself is very rewarding and enjoyable. It is also the gateway to access funding and is likely to become a pre-requisite for RFU and CRFU assistance.
Club Accreditation will bring many advantages for your club, including the Sport England Clubmark for your mini and youth section. It will give your club credibility with local authorities and educational establishments and confer the status of the RFU brand to attract potential sponsors.
Pictured above receiving the award are Mike Bratt (RDO), Peter James (CRFU President), Tony Knightsbridge (Liskeard-Looe) and Chris Jewels (CRFU).
For further details contact Cornwall’s RDO, Mike Bratt (
). Your club will be required to undertake a simple self-review of activities. This can be done before you meet with the RDO or you can do this together. Since this is your accreditation, the RDO will simply “coach” you through the session, asking relevant questions and details to strengthen your review.
For a copy of the self-review form click on the link below.