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HKRU CLUB ACCREDITATION SCHEME

HKRU CLUB ACCREDITATION SCHEME

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES

The Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) has highlighted in its 2020-2023 Strategic Plan the need to retain individuals in the game by “striving to provide a top class, safe and engaging experience wherever rugby is played”. The development of a club accreditation scheme is one of five strategic objectives endeavoring to “provide a top-class [rugby] experience”. Strategic Objective #2.1: 
Using the market research findings, and referencing global models, agree on best practice for Union and Clubs and schools in Hong Kong context, and develop an associated accreditation system (to be achieved by the end of the 2020/21 season).
The HKRU recognises the hard work clubs undertake to develop rugby in their local communities, and as specified in the Strategic Plan, are committed to supporting clubs achieve accreditation. Numerous resources, including document templates, workshops and courses have been developed to assist clubs achieve accreditation with the least amount of burden on the club and its volunteers.Strategic Objective #2.4:
Develop a pathway to assist clubs and schools to achieve accreditation – workshops, seminars, etc (to be achieved by the end of the 2019/20 season).

OVERVIEW

The Hong Kong Rugby Union Club Accreditation Scheme consists of a single level of accreditation that certifies that a club has met the established standards set out for an accredited club..
Specific accreditation criteria have been established for Senior, Youth and Mini clubs/sections, which can be found outlined in Tables 1, 2 and 3 respectively. 
If a club consists of two or more sections and wishes to be fully accredited, they will be required to apply for accreditation for all relevant sections e.g. both Mini and Youth sections.


The established standards or accreditation criteria can be categorized by five pillars;

01

PLAYER WELFARE

02

COACHING

03

PLAYER PATHWAYS

04

MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE

05

TEAMS

To attain accreditation, all accreditation criteria within the pillars must be achieved. However, please note that criteria pertaining to the “Teams” pillar will be waived for the 2021/22 season.
Clubs will apply for accreditation via the Sports TG system and will be able to maintain their accreditation status by updating relevant information on an annual basis e.g. providing a current list of qualified coaches.

RESOURCES

To assist clubs achieve accreditation with the least amount of burden to the club and its volunteers, the HKRU have developed document templates that clubs may refer to and alter to suit their unique circumstances. In addition, the HKRU will provide workshops and courses to help clubs fulfill other relevant criteria e.g. HKRU Child safeguarding workshop for individuals wishing to serve as Child safeguarding officers.

DOCUMENT TEMPLATES
All clubs/sections
  • “Safe playing environment” procedures [download here]
  • Constitution/Articles of association [download here]
  • Role and responsibility descriptions for Chairperson [download here]
  • Role and responsibility descriptions for Secretary [download here]
  • Role and responsibility descriptions for Treasurer [download here]
  • Mission statement [download here]
    • Senior clubs/sections
  • Athlete harassment safeguarding policy [download here]
    • Youth and mini clubs/sections
  • Child safeguarding policy [download here]
  • Child safeguarding declaration form [download here]
  • Interclub player pathways agreement [download here]
    • WORKSHOPS
    All clubs/sections
  • HKRU Player welfare [register here]
    • Youth and mini clubs/sections
  • HKRU Child safeguarding officer [register here]
  • Coach Development [register here]
    • COURSES
    All clubs/sections
  • First Aid in Sports (FIS) [register here]
  • WR Level 1 Coaching 15-a-side [register here]
  • WR Level 2 Coaching 15-a-side [register here]
    • Mini clubs/sections
  • HKRU U8 Coaching [register here]

    • The following HKRU staff may be contacted for further clarification regarding templates, workshops and courses:

    Lucy Clarke (PLAYER WELFARE)

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    Steve Jones (COACHING)

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    Kai Hang Fung (PATHWAYS)

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    Nathan Stewart (GENERAL)

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    PROCESS FLOW CHART OVERVIEW

    The following is a suggested flow chart for clubs to attain accreditation:


    CLUB ACCREDITATION CRITERIA - SENIOR CLUB / SECTION

    TABLE 01
    01 PLAYER WELFARE
    First Aid
  • Current “Safe playing environment” procedures document.
  • Qualified first aider (FIS or equivalent) at venue during games.
  • Hosting Tournaments – minimum of two qualified medics (PH-ICIS Level 2) and two qualified first aiders (FIS or equivalent) per pitch.
    • Safeguarding
  • Athlete Harassment safeguarding policy freely accessible to club members via website and other social media channels.
    • Education
  • Engage the HKRU to deliver an annual player welfare workshop (face-to-face or online) for players, coaches and managers that includes modules on positive behaviours, concussion management, and ‘Keep Rugby Clean’.
    • 02 COACHING
  • Each team has at least one WR Level 1 qualified coach.
    • 04 MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE
    Constitution/Articles of Association
  • Constitution/Articles of Association.
  • Registered society or company incorporated in Hong Kong.
    • Bookkeeping
  • Inform the HKRU of an appointed treasurer who is responsible for maintaining financial records.
  • Operate a bank account under the club’s name with at least two signatories for payments.
    • Governance
  • Role and responsibility descriptions for Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
    • Mission Statement/Strategic Plan
  • Mission Statement outlining the clubs aim, ethos and core values freely accessible on the club website.
    • Player Registration
  • All players registered with the HKRU via Sports TG.
    • 05 TEAMS
  • At least one team entered in either a Men’s Community League or Women’s National League.

    • CLUB ACCREDITATION CRITERIA - YOUTH CLUB / SECTION

    TABLE 02
    01 PLAYER WELFARE
    First Aid
  • Current “Safe playing environment” procedures document.
  • Qualified first aider (FIS or equivalent) at venue during games.
  • Hosting Tournaments – minimum of two qualified medics (PH-ICIS Level 2) and two qualified first aiders (FIS or equivalent) per pitch.
    • Safeguarding
  • Child safeguarding policy freely accessible to club members via website and other social media channels.
  • All club coaches and managers sign a child safeguarding declaration.
  • A qualified child safeguarding officer (attendance of HKRU workshop).
    • Education
  • Engage the HKRU to deliver an annual player welfare workshop (face-to-face or online) for players, coaches and managers that includes modules on positive behaviours, concussion management, load management, child safeguarding and ‘Keep Rugby Clean’.
    • 02 COACHING
  • Each team has at least one WR Level 1 qualified coach.
    • Education
  • Engage the HKRU to deliver a coach development workshop that includes specific engagement and retention modules and strategies with an emphasis on fun and skill development.
    		•
    03 PLAYER PATHWAYS
  • Senior section within the club or formal agreement with another HKRU accredited senior club.
    • 04 MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE
    Constitution/Articles of Association
  • Constitution/Articles of Association.
  • Registered society or company incorporated in Hong Kong.
    • Bookkeeping
  • Inform the HKRU of an appointed treasurer who is responsible for maintaining financial records.
  • Operate a bank account under the club’s name with at least two signatories for payments.
    • Governance
  • Role and responsibility descriptions for Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
    • Mission Statement/Strategic Plan
  • Mission Statement outlining the clubs aim, ethos and core values freely accessible on the club website.
    • Player Registration
  • All players registered with the HKRU via Sports TG.
    • 05 TEAMS
  • At least one team entered in any of the HKRU Youth leagues or tournaments at either U13,
    U14, U16 or U19.

    • CLUB ACCREDITATION CRITERIA - MINI CLUB / SECTION

    TABLE 03
    01 PLAYER WELFARE
    First Aid
  • Current “Safe playing environment” procedures document.
  • Hosting Tournaments – minimum of two qualified medics (PH-ICIS Level 2) and two qualified first aiders (FIS or equivalent) per pitch.
    • Safeguarding
  • Child safeguarding policy freely accessible to club members via website and other social media channels.
  • All club coaches and managers sign a child safeguarding declaration.
  • A qualified child safeguarding officer (attendance of HKRU workshop).
    • Education
  • Engage the HKRU to deliver an annual player welfare workshop (face-to-face or online) for coaches, managers, and parents that includes modules on positive behaviours, concussion management and child safeguarding.
    • 02 COACHING
  • U6-U8 Head Coaches (HKRU U8 qualified); at least one coach per two teams entered at festivals available to referee at the festival.
  • U9-U12 Head Coaches (WR Level 1 qualified); at least one coach per team entered at festivals to be Coacharee qualified and available to referee at the festival.
    • Education
  • Engage the HKRU to deliver a coach development workshop that includes specific engagement and retention modules and strategies with an emphasis on fun and skill development.
    		•
    03 PLAYER PATHWAYS
  • Youth section within the club or formal agreement with another HKRU accredited youth club.
    • 04 MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE
    Constitution/Articles of Association
  • Constitution/Articles of Association.
  • Registered society or company incorporated in Hong Kong.
    • Bookkeeping
  • Inform the HKRU of an appointed treasurer who is responsible for maintaining financial records.
  • Operate a bank account under the club’s name with at least two signatories for payments.
    • Governance
  • Role and responsibility descriptions for Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
    • Mission Statement/Strategic Plan
  • Mission Statement outlining the clubs aim, ethos and core values freely accessible on the club website.
    • Player Registration
  • All players registered with the HKRU via Sports TG.
    • 05 TEAMS
  • A minimum of 75 registered players between U6 and U12.
  • Regular festival entries with a minimum of one team entered at each U6, U7 and U8. In addition, provide regular joint training and playing opportunities for other age groups.

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