Ulster Rugby - Annual Report 2017-18

dampen the enthusiasm of the players! The final significant piece of work undertaken by the Spirit of Rugby Officer was organised around the participation of young people in decision making in rugby. Following on from the work of the IRFU Youth Council, the first meeting of the Ulster Rugby Youth Forum took place in February. This was just an initial meeting to listen to their experiences of rugby and to consider ideas for the future. This will be further developed in 2018/19. Discipline While there was a slight decrease in the number of red cards compared to the previous season, it is disappointing to note the increase in those issued to Youth/School players. It should also be noted that despite the small improvement this year, the numbers were significantly worse than those of 2015/2016. Overall the issuing of red cards related to a range of offences with striking/punching an opponent being the most common. Sanctions ranged from ‘red card deemed sufficient’ to a fifty two-week ban for a Youth coach for verbal abuse of a referee. Whilst abuse of officials has decreased compared to last season, it is disappointing that this unacceptable aspect of the game continues. If we are to retain/recruit officials this must be made an unacceptable part of the game. The following table shows the number of red cards issued in recent seasons

behaviour. It is hoped to build on this next season. While safeguarding was a major focus for the Spirit of Rugby programme, it was not the only issue to be addressed. During the season the Academy team delivered anti-doping workshops to the male representative squads while the Spirit of Rugby Officer concentrated on female representative squads, delivering workshops to both the U18 and adult squads in advance of their Inter-pro series. Two pilot workshops were also delivered to Schools’ coaches with plans in place to roll out further similar workshops early next season. The Ulster Disability Advisory Group (DAG) met four times over the course of 2017/18. Much discussion was held on the player registration form and possible variations of the game, including mixed ability rugby. The final meeting focused on planning for next season, training for coaches and increasing participation on the DAG. In addition to the usual Club blitzes which are always great events for players and coaches, there were two participation events which the Spirit of Rugby Officer was delighted to support. The first, organised jointly by Virginia Rugby Club and Cavan County Council with local primary Schools was a great success, introducing rugby skills and hopefully gaining some new members for the Virginia All Blacks. The other was organised by Killard House School, celebrating their tenth year of participation in tag rugby. Involving seven special Schools from across Northern Ireland, this was another great event supported by Ulster Rugby staff and coaches from the Newforge Taggers, Portadown Panthers and Seaside Sharkies. Not even the rain could

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT 2017/18

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