Ulster Rugby Annual Report 2016-17

With a 6% rise in the number of male adult rugby games being played and referee numbers basically the same as last season, it is a challenge to ensure that all games have suitably qualified referees. As reported last year, there are peaks for referee requirement, such as a high number of Ulster based AIL fixtures on a Saturday, or when the Ulster team has a home fixture on a Saturday. When you add this to illnesses, injuries and various domestic issues, there is a strain on the supply of referees, especially at the higher grade points required to effectively cover all available games. Whilst recruitment targets have been exceeded, the conversion rate from recruit to trial referee and then on to being a fully qualified referee is not as high as required. It is important that clubs work with the Referees’ Society to encourage members to take up refereeing. It is disappointing to note that there are eleven clubs who do not have a referee. When there are no referees available for games, it is the clubs who will complain first! Targets for training and referee development programmes have been successfully met and thanks are due to David Wilkinson Junior who has organised and run more than fifty one training workshop courses at all levels till in the period to the end of March which is an increase of 8.5% on last season. There have been seventy eight one to one coaching sessions, an increase of 42%, which underlines the onus put on this area of personal development opportunities for referees. This season again saw the extensive use of video analysis to support referees’ development. It has been a significant development tool with forty two games reviewed and reported upon as well as the personal attendance of the RDO at a further nine matches. The introduction of the Development Group Program led by Jack Young and the work that Ian Thompson and his team of assessors carry out with the greater pool of referees is of great value. This season saw three hundred and thirty three assessments carried out. With regards to the IPAS system, the USRFR put forward three referees - Lee Evans, Chris Lough and Johnny Wilson. Their performances exceeded expectations and it is hoped that they will progress into the all Ireland panel. Ulster currently supplies fourteen referees to this panel of forty nine. The Society is pleased to offer ever increased support to the Youth Sections of Ulster Rugby in the hope of aiding continuous improvement within the player base. However, there is a continuing difficulty in certain geographical areas. It is acknowledged that if referees want regular rugby, they must participate fully in the age grade program. The days of only doing adult rugby are gone. With regard to player discipline, referees this season have actively followed IRFU directives on foul play which has seen a dramatic rise in the number of red card issued. It is important that coaches and players understand changes to law interpretations which are notified to all clubs and schools at the start of the season. Unfortunately, there has been an increase in referee abuse and dissent. These cannot be tolerated and the Society is grateful that the Ulster Branch 20

Disciplinary Committee has taken such a firm stance on these offences. The Ulster Branch continues to be very appreciative and grateful for the work of the USRFR, the value of whose work and commitment cannot be overstated.

SCHOOLS RUGBY Ulster Schools Report

Every week there are in excess of three thousand boys involved in the game of rugby union across the schools in the province. This opportunity for each boy is provided by a large number of people. Firstly, the many school teachers who are largely volunteer coaches supported by other coaches from the school community. Secondly, those who do not coach teams but travel with them to provide supervision along with those who help host teams. Thirdly, the non-teaching staff such as ground staff, cleaners and office staff who carry out pitch preparation and maintenance, keep changing rooms clean and tidy and help the administration required are amongst the many tasks that need to be completed. The Ulster Branch and the Schools Committee are indebted to the work and commitment of all these people who are essential for the introduction to rugby and the development of our young players. Schools and clubs are also generous in providing their facilities for competition semi-finals and finals. This year gratitude is expressed to: Ballymena RFC, Banbridge RFC, Belfast Harlequins RFC, BRA, Campbell College, Methodist College, Queens’ Sport, Rainey ES, RBAI and RS Dungannon. In the actual competitions RBAI completed a hat trick of wins in the Schools Cup. Down HS, Bangor GS and Foyle College won the Subsidiary Shield, Bowl and Trophy respectively. Methodist College featured in all three senior finals winning both the 2nd and 3rd XV Cups with Ballyclare HS and Campbell College picking up the Plate in the 2nd XV and 3rd XV competitions respectively. A new name was added to the Medallion Shield this year as RS Armagh won the competition for the first time with the Plate, Bowl and Trophy being won by Sullivan Upper, Enniskillen Royal GS and Ballyclare SS respectively. The High Schools’ Trophy was won by Dromore HS and the Girls’ Schools’ Cup by RS Dungannon. Campbell College once again hosted a very successful Schools Sevens competition with Dalriada School, RS Dungannon and Wallace HS winning the Senior, Junior and Medallion competitions respectively. The work done by the various competition convenors is invaluable in the successful running of all the competitions and thanks go to each and every one of them. Our thanks and gratitude also go to Danske Bank who sponsor all of these competitions. This year the IRFU ran a Sevens Festival including an U19 schoolboy competition. Ballyclare HS, Dalriada School and Friends School entered this competition. Congratulations to Dalriada School who won the Plate and to Ballyclare HS who won the Bowl. A number of smaller competitions are also superbly organised by individual schools at U12 – U14 level which are invaluable to these boys in providing them with competitive action.

IRFU ULSTER BRANCH ANNUAL REPORT & STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS 2016/17

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