Job Opportunity – Sport for All Sessional Coaches

Rugby is seeking energetic, organized and collaborative people to join their team on behalf of Rugby Canada who is supporting the financial means for this position through Sport Canada.

The position requires great organization, communication and problem solving skills. Prior experience organizing sporting programs is ideal.

Reporting to Saskatchewan Rugby’s Development Officer, the position is a Part Time (9 hours per week) seasonal position running from March 2024 to July 2024. The YDO/Sessional Coach  will be expected to work approximately 10 hours per week although workload may vary.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL JOB POSTING:

Sport for All – Sessional Coaches Ad

David Jukes | 2023 Sports Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Moose Jaw’s David Jukes who has been inducted into the Moose Jaw and Districts Sports Hall of Fame for 2023.

From 1970 to 2010, Jukes established himself as a premier rugby player, coach, and administrator. David was named to the Saskatchewan provincial team from 1974-1987 and in 1980 he was named to the National team as an alternate.

Administratively, Jukes has spent countless hours supporting the community rugby program at the Barry MacDonald Rugby Field. He has been an executive member of both the Moose Jaw and Saskatchewan Rugby boards and has an award named after him: The Dave Jukes Award, for most outstanding junior forward.

Please join us in congratulating David Jukes on this great accomplishment.

2023 Western Championships

Saskatchewan Rugby sent three teams to compete at the annual Western Championships in Calgary, Alberta from August 4-6th 2023. Our three teams competed against many other great teams from across Canada, fought hard and learned a lot on and off the pitch.

The U16 Girls team included athletes from Manitoba and Saskatchewan and was composed of: Chloe Flanagan, Rayne Youngblut, Zara Wilson, Ginger Newstead, Cyan Beeching, Abigail Hall, Kaia Nolan, Katryna Mattern, Molly Watson, Aubrey Perillat, Rayan Abdelkerim, Sarah Murphy, Tatumn Milligan, Kieran Milligan, Keeley McMaster, Felicity Sahulka (MB), Paityn Bourgouin (MB), Bella Reid, Ava Page (MB), Adeline Dunwoody (MB), Kayel LaBelle (MB), Austyn LaBelle (MB), Samidhri Galhenage, and Kendra McEwing.

The U18 Girls team was made up of Saskatchewan and Alberta athletes named: Kathrina Klassen, Emma Dziurzynski, Kianna Gonie, Nessa Ross, Kendra Brown, Jessica Perepelitza, Emry Marchand, Shaylee Haftner-Lett, Tayler Parkinson, Erika Jimenez, Emilie Gatin, Hailey Temple, Josephine Tolentino, Raelyn Reinson, Mikayla Hamel-Sronchenski, Ella Rondeau, Nevada Weisbrod, Chloe Hedges (AB), Anela Murrel-Hebert (AB), Julia Michalczyk (AB), Larissa Atamanchuk (AB), Cass Steel (AB), Katie Share (AB), and Kiana Bryne.

 

The U18 Boys team saw one British-Columbia athlete join the Saskatchewan roster composed of: Jonah Lopez, Jaru Steyl, Hunter Burant, Owen Watson, Moe Norsten, Nolan Hall, Ayden Scrimbitt, Kaden McCarthy, Bryn Rondeau, Jaxon Rondeau, Cameron Neudrof, Carter Speidel, Chance Rivers, Steven Stadnyk, Finn Grahame-King, Walker Millbury, Mason Topley, Matthew Tysiaczny, Iain Anderton-Teasdale (BC), Erik De Necker, AJ De Necker, Sam Wagner, Austin Kemp, and Ray Monks.

Sask FlagX Rugby

SAsk FlagX Rugby

We are very excited to be offering a new brand of Rugby for children and youth in Saskatchewan this spring.  In partnership with TagX international,  Regina Minor Rugby, Howlers U14, and SaskRugby are offering a new format of Rugby that is accessible from ages 4-12 You and your athletes are invited!

Why Flag Rugby? In Saskatchewan? In Winter?

Rugby teaches

  • Advanced evasion technique (It’s baked in)
  • Spatial awareness

  • Communication and decision making in a fluid space

  • A crucial component of Rugby life is character and community development.

  • We have fun, but we learn respect, we learn to face challenges.

What is Sask FlagX Rugby? 

The game moves fast, does not involve contact, is tons of fun, keeps kids moving and teaches fundamentals of the game.  The one hour sessions will make the athletes work hard and have fun learning new concepts, making new relationships along the way.

Our partners TagX international are helping us deliver a high quality rugby program for your children.

Who is involved? 

The Regina based Rugby community are delivering this program along with our TagX ambassadors.

If you are new to Rugby and have been worried about contact or lack of Rugby knowledge, this is a program that can open the door for you and your athletes.

Where and When? 

We have secured the Regina Sports Performance Centre as our facility, for seven weekends in a row.  Your athlete will be assigned a group or team for one hour sessions that will be assigned within the time blocks below based on program registration.

Group A 4 & 5 Years old. 

Group B 6 & 7  Years old.

Group C 8,& 9 Years old

Group D 10 & 11 Years

Group E 12 Years plus

TBD-To be determined.

While we will strive to follow this schedule changes may be needed based on registrations.  Refund policy here.

 $175 for seven sessions.  Click the button to register.

Any further enquires about the program please direct them to SaskFlagX@saskrugby.com

Here’s to a great season! 

Junior Rugby in Sask

After losing out on 2 seasons of summer rugby programs due to COVID-19, Saskatchewan’s junior rugby players have been busy catching up this summer. A number of junior programs and events brought our players back to the pitch, including training with local senior clubs. 

These activities wouldn’t have been possible without the support of community coaches, managers, organisers, and players, and the Sask Rugby High Performance Committee who continue to drive rugby’s progress in the province. Your sport thanks you. 

NORTH VS SOUTH

Organised by a group of women’s coaches, junior girls will be taking the pitch in Saskatoon on August 21 and Regina on August 28 for some North vs South 15s exhibition games. Each day will consist of 2 games with 20 minute halves, and team lunch in between. Good luck ladies!

U18 BOYS CANADA CAMP

Sask Rugby is hosting a U18 Boys Canada camp August 21-22 in Regina for invited athletes. Out of those selected a number of Saskatchewan athletes will have their shot at a tour with the national team in December 2021 to January 2022. Good luck boys!

CANADA SUMMER GAMES TEAM TRAINING

Initially planned for 2021, the  Niagara Canada Summer Games were rescheduled for August of 2022 due to COVID-19. Team Sask started its training with coaches Kayla Mack-Thiel and Gillian Allen in June of 2021. Any U18 girls interested in participating can learn more here: www.saskrugby.com/canadagames

RUGBY ID COMBINE

Organised by the Sask Rugby High Performance Committee, Sask’s first ever Rugby ID Combine took place in July 2021, open to all athletes interested in developing in sport. The all-day session in Regina brought in over 30 athletes and tons of talent.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Regina Minor Rugby

Formerly Regina Mini Rugby, Regina Minor has expanded in recent years to include players ages 15 to 18. After getting cancelled in 2020, the program returned in full force August of 2021 and plans to run until October. One of the longest standing community rugby programs in Saskatchewan, RMR is an excellent option for juniors looking to get into the game or develop in a fun environment.

RMR still delivers Minis for its 4-14 ages and the kids love it.

MacDowell Prairie Academy

The Prairie Academy was one of the only training opportunities for juniors during 2020, running sessions whenever possible. The program restarted in May of 2021 and is slated to return for fall sessions in September.  The academy focuses on developing high performance rugby athletes but is open to all ages and skill levels.

NSRU Minor Rugby

Formerly Saskatoon Mini Rugby, the NSRU came together to deliver minor and junior rugby sessions in Saskatoon at the beginning of June 2021. The junior side of the program brought a number of North juniors back to the field and helped in reconnecting them with senior clubs.

Lloydminster Mini Rugby

Lloydminster Mini Rugby

Lloydminster

THE LATEST

Volunteer Coaches Required for All Age Groups 

No experience or rugby knowledge required, training and support will be available 

Don’t be shy! 

Enjoy the game of rugby as a family, or return to the game you once loved.

All registrations must be completed online. If access to credit card is not available please contact us.

FUNDRAISING

In an effort to help fundraise for the Mini Rugby we are asking all Mini members with the involvement of their parent or guardian to help with the collection of unwanted, unused, or unneeded Canadian Tire Money. Mini members are encouraged to collect Canadian Tire Money at home and from family or friends

SMR LLYD FUNdraising.pdf

Contact

E-Mail:  lloydminster.minis@saskrugby.com


If you haven’t yet, join our Facebook group “Saskatchewan Mini Rugby – Lloydminster” for the latest updates, notifications, and photos.

Proudly Supported in Lloydminster by the Lloydminster Reapers Rugby Club, visit them at www.reapersrugby.com

Referees

REFEREES

Welcome to the Resources section for Match Officials. These useful resources and tools can help you get started as a match official.

Become a Referee

There are many benefits to officiating in Rugby. It is a great way to stay involved in Rugby after playing and give something back to the sport. Officiating also helps with your own personal and professional development, and it helps broaden your Rugby knowledge. It keeps you both physically and mentally fit and is incredibly rewarding. 

To become a referee in Saskatchewan, follow the steps below:

Register for a World Rugby Passport and complete these three online certificates:

World Rugby Laws

World Rugby – Rugby Ready

World Rugby Concussion Management for the General Public

After each course you will be able to download, save and print your certificate in order to give it to your course facilitator.

Make sure you take your time when completing the online modules so you can absorb as much information as possible. Make note of any questions you want to ask your facilitator.

Can’t find a course in your area? Contact our Rugby Development Officer, Andrew Shaw at rdo@saskrugby.com

 

After completing all the relevant courses, it is now time to put those referee skills to use! To be able to referee, you must first register here.

You can register as a Match Official under Sask Rugby Referee Society or with your Club.

After you have registered to become a Rugby referee, it is important to stay both mentally and physically sharp. 

We recommend training physically! A Rugby Referee can expect to run an average 5.5km during an 80-minute match. At tournaments, you could officiate multiple games and cover more ground. So being in good physical condition is a must.

Becoming a Rugby Referee has more scope than you might think! Your career as a referee has the potential to take you to Local, Regional, Provincial, National and even International tournaments. You choose the pathway and Sask Rugby is here to support you every step of the way. 

Talk to your peers and mentors within the Refereeing world and see where officiating has taken them. 

Always remember to renew your World Rugby Concussion Management and Rugby Ready courses every year. 

Check out Sask Rugby’s Training & Education page for training, education & professional development opportunities.

Saskatchewan 2020/2021 Gilbert Champions

8 Saskatchewan athletes, Gabrielle Senft (Regina, SK), Elle Douglas (Saskatoon, SK), Molly Watson (Avonlea, SK), Laney Aikens (Briercrest, SK), Brett Kannenberg (Lumsden, SK), Madisyn Pluhowy (Regina, SK), Matt Klimchuk (Regina, SK) and Owen Watson (Avonlea, SK), were named Gilbert Champions in the 2020 Gilbert Champions program. These players received a Gilbert training kit and the opportunity to promote and mentor the growth of rugby in their communities with Gilbert Canada. Senft and Douglas will also be working with and mentored by the incredible team of 2020 ELITE GILBERT CHAMPIONS: Kayla Moleschi, Josiah Morra, Britt Benn and Jake Thiel – ALL members of the Rugby Canada team, and passionate advocates for how rugby has provided incredible life experiences both on and off the pitch.

Gabrielle Senft started as a high school player in Saskatchewan and quickly gained a reputation in the sport for her athleticism, talent, and tenacity. Senft has now played both 15s and 7s across Canada in British Columbia and across the world in Australia and England, all while being a force to be reckoned with on the Canadian National Team. In her Gilbert Canada profile, Senft reflects on the value of community in rugby: “Most importantly the community that rugby holds is something that has really drawn me to continue playing rugby all over the world”. 

Elle Douglas started as a mini player in the Saskatoon Mini Rugby program and has since played for the Saskatoon Sirens, North Sask Wolverines, and Team Saskatchewan. You might recognize her from Sask Rugby’s 2016 #ChampionHer video. In her Gilbert Canada profile, Douglas recalls this experience as an inspiration for her rugby dreams: “A big role model for me would be Kayla Mack. I first met her when I was 11 years old and I was doing an interview for women’s rugby. I remember being super excited to meet somebody who had played for Canada and was from Saskatchewan. She gave me a signed Canada warmup jersey from her playing days. I was so starstruck! Kayla really inspired me to pursue my dreams!”. 

Molly Watson started as a mini rugby player with Regina Minor Rugby, and has been apart of the Macdowell Rugby Academy and has continued with these programs. In her Gilbert Canada profile Watson expresses her interest in the sport: “I like all the different skills you can do and learn! I like that it can be challenging and I can be competitive when I play”.

Laney Aikens is currently playing rugby for the national senior women’s 7s team and has helped coach at the Macdowell Rugby Academy in Saskatchewan. In her Gilbert Canada profile Aikens explains why she loves rugby: “I love the aggression that comes along with rugby. Ever since I was a small child I have always had so much grit and now that there is a sport where I can use my aggressiveness as an asset, it makes for more success”.

Brett Kannenberg is the head coach at Macdowell Rugby Academy in Saskatchewan. His Gilbert Canada profile explains that he enjoys the sport of rugby because “[e]veryone has a place… [t]he inclusiveness of the sport makes it possible to be invilved at all age levels, abilities, desired competition, not to mention it is global”.

Madisyn Pluhowy started playing on the provincial team in 2019 and is currently playing senior rugby with the Lady Condors in Regina. In her  Gilbert Canada profile Madisyn expresses her love for the sport and the community: “I love the community that surrounds rugby as a whole. After losing a great deal of weight one of my friends mentioned rugby and I’ve never looked back. Rugby has revealed true friends that have supported me in the continuation of my weight loss journey and overall in life. I’m forever thankful for being included and excepted in such a tight nit community that rugby brought to me”.

Matt Klimchuk started playing rugby in high school and has since played senior rugby and in the U.S.. In his Gilbert Canada profile Klimchuk shows his admiration for the sport: “I love not only the immense culture behind the sport, but also the dynamics of the game. To me, a rugby player is not only a prime example of a incredible athlete, but also a person of strong character and work ethic. To me rugby Is the ultimate sport”.

Owen Watson has played both high school and provincial rugby, with a bright future ahead of him. In his Gilbert Canada profile Watson shared why he loves rugby: “I love the fact that Rugby has provided me with opportunities to travel to Florida to play in the Tropical 7s last April and play in the LA 7s tournament this past March. I love how much fun I have playing and learning new skills and meeting new people. I love the fact that I am not a very big kid but there is a position for me to play in a sport that I love!”.

emPowering the Prairies Club Development Standards

emPowering the Prairies Club Development Standards

The emPowering the Prairies Club Development Standards is a benchmarking and evaluation tool for rugby organizations that is intended to help such organizations measure themselves against best practice and create action plans for the future. The Club Development Standards is a sister program to the Club Development Series and is a joint partnership between Rugby Alberta, Saskatchewan Rugby, and Rugby Manitoba.

The Club Development Standards consists of an easy-to-complete self-evaluation that organization administrators can complete in under an hour. The self-evaluation helps organizations answer the question “are we a well-run organization?” It is intended for rugby organizations of all sizes and athlete demographics – having a lot of members, winning games, or having teams in all playing divisions does not necessarily equal a well-run organization. The Standards will help you understand whether the underlying structures of your organization are healthy and how they can improve.

For more information on any aspect of the emPowering the Prairies program and the Club Development Standards, please contact rdo@saskrugby.com.

How The Standards Work

Here’s what you need to know before taking the self-evaluation:

  • Organizations will be evaluated on questions in the categories listed to the right. There are between 5-7 questions per category. Organizations will only be evaluated on the playing divisions that they have or aspire to have.
  • Questions have a range of answer options that represent the spectrum from an ad-hoc approach (0 or 1) to best practice (4). Individuals completing the self-evaluation should select the answer option that best represents the current situation of their organization from the drop-down menu below the question graphic.
  • Respondents should make sure to review the questions and answer options in the section below before starting the self-evaluation to help make the self-evaluation as painless as possible. The self-evaluation should take less than an hour to complete.
  • It is recommended that organizations complete the self-evaluation as a Board/Executive. In addition to having everyone’s knowledge, doing this exercise as a group will help everyone get on the same page for future planning.
  • Some important information that organizations may wish to have handy when filling out the self-evaluation are:
    • knowledge of the organization’s governing documents, policies, and procedures;
    • the organization’s financial information over the past three years (i.e. a budget);
    • thorough knowledge of the club’s membership over the past three years (overall numbers, retention rates, past junior/minor participation, etc.);
    • the registration and certification statuses of coaches.
  • Once the self-evaluation is completed respondents will receive a copy of their answers and an official scorecard showing their scores across the different categories. Provincial union staff can and will help organizations interpret scores, access resources, and create action plans.

   Evaluation Categories:

  1. Organization Profile, Governance, & Administration
  2. Strategic Planning
  3. Financial Health
  4. Policy & Risk Management
  5. Club Assets, Equipment, & Commercial Activity
  6. Volunteer Management & Member Engagement
  7. Club Staff – Coaches & Medical Staff
  8. Playing Divisions

The Questions

As noted above, each category of the Club Development Standards self-evaluation has 5-7 questions contained within. The questions are a mix of things that administrators may be able to answer off the top of their head and things that may require research into organization documents.

Individuals and Boards/Executives who are preparing to fill out the self-evaluation can review all of the questions on the self-evaluation and the answer options by clicking through the gallery to the right. Use the arrows to click through all of the questions.

Please remember that organizations will only be evaluated on the playing divisions that they have or aspire to have so respondents will not see all 65 questions unless they have senior men’s, senior women’s, junior, and minor playing divisions administrated under a single club or organization.

Testimonials

Dennis Ng – Treasurer, Winnipeg Wasps

I thought it was an extremely useful exercise, it’s not always easy to identify what needs to be improved from an organizational standpoint when most of our focus has to do with keeping the teams running. In addition, seeing we were at a 1 in some categories, for example, and seeing what it would take to get to a 3 or 4 was also useful because it showed us some possibilities for what could be implemented or what we could achieve with a bit of work.

Access Club Development Resources

Looking for resources on how to improve your club or organization? The Club Development Series is a sister program to the Club Development Standards that focuses on providing instruction, education, and resources for club administrators. Access presentations from expert speakers, training and education opportunities, and the shared resource folder by clicking the button below.


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