Coast to Coast Rugby Coaching Conference

Sask Rugby is proud to partner with our other provincial unions to provide the Coast to Coast Connecting the Country: Rugby Conference running virtually March 27th to 29th, 2021. The Coast to Coast Coaching Conference will target the existing rugby coach community in Canada, including those coaching at clubs, schools, universities, and high performance environments. The full speaker list and poster and available below.

The conference will take participants through a ‘week in rugby’, where they will interact with experienced community and professional coaches, academics, and those with lived experience in sport. It will serve as an opportunity for participants to listen to and interact with local and international experts at the heart of developing sport. Conference registration is $35, with each registration fee including a $5 donation to the Monty Heald Women’s National Fund

Anyone who registered as a rugby coach in Saskatchewan in 2019 or 2020 is eligible to have their registration fees covered by Sask Rugby. Contact memberservices@saskrugby.com for details on this program.

Register here!

2020 Sask Rugby Raffle Winner

Thank you to everyone who supported Sask Rugby’s 3rd annual youth rugby fundraiser! In total there were 462 tickets sold and $1,110.00 raised, making this our largest 50/50 raffle to date. 

Sask Rugby would like to congratulate Jared Goosen, winner of half of the pot for a prize of $555.

Thank you again to everyone who bought tickets and shared the raffle, keep your eyes out for our 2021 raffle announcement coming soon!

Rookie Rugby

HSBC ROOKIE RUGBY

About Rookie Rugby

Rookie Rugby is the nation-wide introductory rugby program for ages 6 to 14 that provides both teachers and coaches with a safe, fun, and inclusive non-contact curriculum to introduce children to rugby.

Rookie Rugby is a game-based curriculum built on national guidelines for Health and Physical Education curriculums.

The program provides open-access, easy-to-follow game modules for leading a variety of activities that build introductory, non-contact rugby skills and provide teachers – including those that are unfamiliar with rugby – with new methods to promote physical literacy and practice Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS).

book your rookie rugby session here!

rookie rugby resources

The Rookie Rugby program provides clubs, schools, and community groups with all of the resources they need to develop a Rookie Rugby program. Click through the different resources below to chart your pathway to delivering Rookie Rugby in your school or community!

Rookie Rugby In the Community

Looking for Rookie Rugby activities in your community that your child can participate in? There are many opportunities available across the province, depending on whether you are looking to try rugby for the first time or looking to enroll in a weekly program. Check out the various programs below.

Please be aware that some activities on the lists below may require registration through a school, municipality, or community organization. Please contact us if you are unsure about whether a specific program requires registration.

Try Rugby Events - Led By Sask Rugby

Sask Rugby works with a number of community organizations to provide opportunities for kids to be introduced to the sport of rugby through Rookie Rugby activities. Check out the programs below that Sask Rugby participates in.

Free Children’s Summer Program or PlayEscapes is an inclusive summer program for ages 5 to 12, which offers leader-facilitated play opportunities to help develop and foster life skills, creativity, imagination, and positive self-image while promoting a physically active lifestyle.

Host: City of Regina
Type: Registration Required
Location: Various
Dates: Tuesday-Thursday
More Info: https://www.regina.ca/parks-recreation-culture/classes-programs/free-programs/

Girls in the Game provides young girls with opportunities to build their sport skills, and more importantly, to use sport as a tool build friendships, improve their self-esteem, and to teach important life long lessons.

Host: Girls in the Game
Type: Registration Required
Location: TBD , Regina
Dates: July 12
More Info: https://www.girlsinthegame.ca

The Summer Play program is a free, drop-in activity program operating at spray pads and paddling pools around Saskatoon in July and August. In addition to the water-based programming, Summer Play features community organizations providing drop-in sports, crafts, games, and music opportunities.

Host: City of Saskatoon
Type: Drop-In
Location: Various
Dates: Monday-Friday, July -August
More Info: https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/recreational-facilities-sportsfields/playgrounds

S-CAPE is a summer program based on culture, arts and physically active experiences. S-CAPES provides a safe, positive, energetic program and environment that incorporates sports, culture, arts, recreation, and leadership components for children and youth between the ages of 6 and 12.

Host: City of Yorkton
Type: Registration Required
Location: Gallagher Centre, Yorkton
Dates: July & August
More Info: https://www.yorkton.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/registered-programs.aspx

Sask Rugby Member Organizations

Sask Rugby Member Organizations run community-based Rookie Rugby programming for youth between the ages of 3 and 18. These programs typically run in the spring for 8 to 12 weeks with a goal of developing physical literacy, growing the sport of rugby, and – most importantly – having fun!

See the full list of Sask Rugby Member Organizations, sorted by age and location, HERE!

Sanctioning

SANCTIONING

Sanctioning is the process where Rugby Canada’s accident and general liability insurance coverage is extended to Rugby events outside of league play. Practices and sanctioned league matches where all athletes, team staff and support are registered in the current membership year (including coaches, managers, volunteers, organizers) do not need any additional sanctioning.

Organizations will need to apply to sanction their leagues with Sask Rugby and for additional sanctioning to cover events such as a tournament, camp/clinic, exhibition game, or tours.

league sanctioning

Any competition with scheduled matches between Rugby Canada registered members should be sanctioned by Sask Rugby and associated sub-unions as a league. 

Any contact rugby match played in Saskatchewan needs to be sanctioned, either as part of a league or with event sanctioning (below) as an exhibition match or tournament.

To sanction a rugby league in Saskatchewan:

Only registered Sask Rugby member organizations can host sanctioned leagues. To learn about how to apply and renew organization membership, CLICK HERE

Only registered members can participate in leagues. To learn more about insurance and registration for members, CLICK HERE

League schedules are essential for sanctioning and league organization. Schedules should be submitted to the sub-union where the matches will be taking place: in Regina and Southern Saskatchewan this is the Regina Rugby Union (RRU) and in Saskatoon and Northern Saskatchewan this is the North Saskatchewan Rugby Union (NSRU).  

Any changes to approved schedules (cancelled or postponed games, change of venue) should be communicated to the approving sub-union. 

Schedules submitted for approval should include:

  • Dates of each match
  • Locations of each match
  • Teams and divisions involved in each match

DOWNLOAD A LEAGUE SCHEDULE TEMPLATE HERE

Click any of the links below to read more on the rugby policies.

ALL RUGBY

JUNIOR RUGBY

More more information on Age Grade Rugby competitions (U13-U19) visit our Age Grade Rugby page HERE

event sanctioning

The following events require a sanctioning application to access Rugby Canada’s accident and general liability insurance coverage. Sanctioning is free if completed at least 2 weeks before the event.

  • Exhibition games: any game organized between two teams that is not part of an official league schedule.
    The hosting team applies for sanctioning online then both teams will submit rosters prior to the game.
  • Try Rugby: a non-contact, youth rugby Come and Try Event hosted by a Club or organization.
    Learn more about Come & Try Rugby Events HERE
  • Rugby camp: a camp or special program organized by a team or organization that will have participants from different teams (everyone must be registered with Rugby Canada).
  • Tournament: any tournament organized by a club or organization that is not part of an official league schedule.

Once Sask Rugby and Rugby Canada approve your event you will receive an email with further instructions.

tour sanctioning

All organizations (clubs, schools, academies, provincial and national teams) and individuals (athletes, referees, coaches, managers, medical staff and volunteers) leaving or entering Canada must complete a Tour Sanctioning Application in order to be eligible to play within Canada or in a foreign union. This is in compliance with World Rugby Regulation 16

When on tour, Rugby Canada members will have special access to travel medical insurance. To learn more select the Travel Medical Procedure or Insurance Claim Procedure buttons.

Refer to the sections below for more information on tour sanctioning.

For clubs and teams wishing to tour in another Union, in accordance with WR Regulation 16, all tours travelling outside of Canada must be sanctioned by Sask Rugby and Rugby Canada. International Unions and World Rugby require that all teams must have National Union Sanctioning prior to the departure date.

All high schools, colleges, universities or any other third-party organization travelling outside of Canada to play Rugby must provide adequate insurance coverage. Emergency Travel Medical and Sports General Liability Insurance Coverage (which covers contact sports) from the school/school board or third party must be presented prior to departure.

Click here for more information on applying for Outbound Team Tour Sanctioning

All tours travelling to Canada must be sanctioned by Rugby Canada and the destination Province and subsequent Provincial Union(s). Furthermore, World Rugby requires that all teams must have Home National Union Sanctioning Approval prior to touring.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Travel Medical and General Liability Insurance Coverage from the inbound tour must be presented prior to departure.

NOTE: Either the Club, the school, a liaison officer, or the touring team can initiate the process to secure tour approval for an incoming tour.

Click here for more information on sanctioning a tour to Canada

All tours wishing to travel to another Province within Canada need to be sanctioned by the home Provincial Union and the destination Provincial Union.

All registered players travelling within Canada are covered under their Provincial Health Care’s Insurance Policy. However, Rugby Canada’s accident and general liability insurance coverage is only extended to a Rugby event which is sanctioned.

The practices and league matches of registered Clubs are the only competitions considered sanctioned by default when all athletes, team management and staff and all participants (volunteers, organising committee) are registered within the current Membership year.

Click here for more information on touring within Canada

international player clearance

In accordance with World Rugby Regulation 4, players (youth & adult) looking to play rugby in another country/Union must obtain international clearance from their current Union (Rugby Canada). 

This should be completed before the athlete leaves the country.

Each Union has its own international clearance application form, which is tailored to their specific processing requirements. Rugby Canada will request its own International Clearance Form to be completed.  The incorrect form being submitted will cause a delay in your processing times.

RUGBY CANADA INTERNATIONAL CLEARANCE

It is recommended that players moving to Canada to play Rugby obtain a copy of their Unions international clearance from via their club or Union.  Players’ will need to complete and submit this form prior to their departure to Canada.

Rugby Canada can only accept approved clearances directly from the Union of the country you are leaving.  Once we receive an approved clearance from another Union, you will be notified by Rugby Canada.

RUGBY CANADA INBOUND CLEARANCE PROCESS

Policies & Procedures

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

GOVERNANCE & OPERATIONS

Governance documents are the foundation of Sask Rugby and govern how the organisation is led on behalf of its members. Operations documents set standards for Sask Rugby as an organisation and holds its members responsible for upholding the values of our sport.

Governance

Operations

Questions?

See Sask Rugby's current Board of Directors at
Contact Sask Rugby

CLUBS, PROGRAMS, & SUB-UNIONS

Provincial Team Players

Click here to learn more about opportunities with Saskatchewan's representative teams.

COMPETITIONS

These documents are used for rugby competitions by club administration and management, competition organisers, and match officials. 

Rules of Competition

Click here to learn more about the Rules of Competition Policy, Playoff Eligibility, and the Laws of the Game that Sask Rugby competitions follow.

Registration & Insurance

REGISTRATION & INSURANCE

Sask Rugby memberships are available to anyone playing rugby in Saskatchewan. Register as a player, coach, official, volunteer, medical staff, or supporter to become a member and receive insurance for your activities. Through these memberships, we continue to grow, develop, and manage rugby by offering programs for all ages and skill levels (recreational to high performance), educational opportunities and access to exclusive benefits and services.

For information on how to register and use your insurance, click the links below.

Registration

Anyone participating in rugby activities must be registered, this includes players, coaches, managers, medical staff, and volunteers. 

Management who work directly with players are required to complete the Rugby Ready course in addition to their registration. This applies to coaches, trainers, medical staff and managers.

Board members and volunteers (in defined roles) have no individual registration dues. Director and Officer Insurance is done as an annual fee to the clubs. 

More information on registration:

HOW TO REGISTER

Click the REGISTER NOW button and register with Sask Rugby (Saskatchewan Rugby Club) or with one of our Member Clubs. For a full walkthrough of the registration process, click here

Click the links below to start your registration:

FIND A CLUB

If you participated in the previous season as a player, coach, official, or volunteer, log in to your SportLomo account to renew your Membership for the new season. To find out when registration opens for the new season, contact your Club.

LOG IN TO SPORTLOMO

Member Organisations (including clubs and sub-unions) must register each year with Sask Rugby for CRU Directors and Officers Insurance by completing an online Member Organization (MO) Membership Form. 

For information on becoming a member organization with Sask Rugby, visit: www.saskrugby.com/clubs.

Community Mini Rugby Programs are 12-week, non-contact programs directed by volunteers and supported by Sask Rugby. Program organisers create a program that fits their community and deliver it using equipment, online registration, and rugby resources from Sask Rugby.

To register your Community Mini Rugby Program you must:

  1. Register your program volunteers under Saskatchewan Rugby Club 
  2. Complete the MO Membership Online Form as a “Mini Rugby Program”

Once these steps are completed, Sask Rugby can help you promote and manage your program.

MEMBERSHIPS

Registered Members

All our members benefit from insurance, as well as community programming, sport development, resources for players, coaches, and officials.

Through our new partnership with Bodylogix, a trusted producer of natural, performance-driven nutrition products, members can receive 20% off their purchases with the promo code: RUGBYSK

10% of profits from Bodylogix sales with this promo code will towards supporting rugby in Saskatchewan.

Registered Member Organizations

Directors and Officers insurance covers board executives and organizers for actual or alleged errors during their role in running a rugby organization.

Registered member organizations also receive Sask Rugby voting privileges and access to Membership Assistance Program (MAP) funding.

MEMBERSHIP FAQS

To request a refund for your registration fees, log in to your SportLomo account to initiate the request.

Automatic Refunds: If the refund is requested within 14 days of your registration date and you have not participated in any Rugby activity (game or practice), the member qualifies for an automatic refund and the money will go back directly to the credit card used to purchase the Membership.

Manual Refunds: If the refund is requested after 14 days of your registration date and you have not participated in any Rugby activity (game or practice), the refund will be manually processed by Rugby Canada, Sask Rugby and the Club separately and make separate payments to the Member.

HOW TO REQUEST A REFUND

If you are moving between Clubs, you must get a transfer release from your old Club. Log in to your SportLomo account to initiate the transfer request. The transfer process can take several days for approval between Clubs and Provincial Unions so please allow at least 5-7 days’ notice of transfer to ensure you are properly registered with your new club.

HOW TO TRANSFER TO A NEW CLUB

If you are already a registered Member and you wish to add another role to your Membership (i.e. official, coach, etc.), log in to your SportLomo account and you can upgrade your Membership to include multiple roles without having to create a new account.

HOW TO UPGRADE A MEMBERSHIP

Registered members can add additional clubs to their Sportlomo accounts by requesting a dual membership. This would allow you to appear on team sheets and membership databases of both clubs.

PDF GUIDE: HOW TO USE A DUAL MEMBERSHIP

HOW TO VIDEO: https://rugbycanada.sportlomo.com/how-do-i-request-a-dual-membership/

Insurance

Once you are a registered member, you become insured and covered under Rugby Canada’s insurance policy for the season. This includes Sports Liability Insurance, Sport Accident Insurance, Provincial Excess Medical Coverage, and Travel Coverage while on sanctioned Tours.

Under the insurance program, the activities that are covered include sanctioned or authorized activities, such as games, practices, tournaments, camps, events, and tours.

Tours, exhibition games, tournaments, and camps require all participants to be registered with Rugby Canada and additional sanctioning for the team or event, find sanctioning requirements here: www.saskrugby.com/sanctioning.

Safe Sport

SAFE SPORT

In 1975 Saskatchewan Rugby’s founding mission statement was to provide rugby under safe conditions in Saskatchewan and today we strive to make rugby in Saskatchewan as safe as possible and wlecoming for all participants. Keeping rugby healthy, safe and fun has been a priority of Saskatchewan Rugby for decades and we actively work with our membership and partners to fulfill that goal.

Saskatchewan Rugby has many practices, policies and resources available (listed below) that assist with bullying, abuse, harassment, discrimination, maltreatment and conflict in sport.

SAFE SPORT GOAL AND VALUES

Saskatchewan Rugby Safe Sport Goal

Our goal is to provide a safe and quality experience for current and future rugby communities across Saskatchewan.

Our Values

INTEGRITY is central to the fabric of the game and is generated through honesty and fair play.

The rugby community have a PASSION and enthusiasm for the game. Rugby generates excitement, emotional attachment and a sense of bolonging to the rugby community. 

Rugby provides a spirit of SOLIDARITY that leads to lifelong friendships, camaraderie, teamwork and loyalty which transcends cultural, geographic, political and religious differences.

DISCIPLINE is an integral part of the game both on and off the field and is reflected through adherence to the laws, the regulations and rugby’s core values.

RESPECT for teammates, opponents, match officials and those involved in the game is paramount.

SAFE SPORT TOOLKIT AND FRAMEWORK

Saskatchewan Rugby Safe Sport Goal

Saskatchewan Rugby Follows a very similar Safe Sport framework to Rugby Canada through their three key pillars: Awareness, Prevention, and Response. Each pillar is supported by resources and policies. The purpose of the framework is to provide a clear guide for all members to access resources and support required to implement safe and inclusive rugby programming.

Resources

SAFE SPORT POLICIES

Safe Sport Policy Index

The Safe Sport Policy Index acts as a hub for all relevant pieces within Saskatchewan Rugby’s Safe Sport Policy. This policy is intended to promote a Safe Sport environment in a manner that allows for consistent, immediate, appropriate, and meaningful action should any issues arise, but also to prevent issues from arising in the first place by communicating expected standards of behaviour.

Safe Sport Policy Document Glossary

REPORTING AN INCIDENT

Complaint Process

In the event of an incident or a breach of conduct, a complaint can be made in accordance to the Saskatchewan Rugby Safe Sport’s Discipline and Complaints Policy. The procedure is best outlined via the graphic below and if further clarification is required then please refer to the Discipline and Complaints Policy or the detailed Flowchart which outlines the Complaint Process. All complaints can be made anonymously via the IntegrityCounts Confidential & Anonymous Reporting System which will be directed to Sask Sport for further review.

Reporting an Incident

Step 1: The introduction which includes a check-box for the terms of use.

Step 2: Enter in Sask Sport as the organization then declare your identity within Sask Sport as well as whether you wish the complaint to be anonymous or to have contact information included.

Step 3: Fill the necessary fields to provide a detailed report of the complaint or breach in question.

Step 4: Provide any supporting documentation if possible through the File Dropper.

Step 5: Review your Complaint and create a password which can be used to revisit your complaint for details regarding the next step in the Complaint Process.

Sask Sport’s Dispute Resolution Officer

Sask Sport’s Dispute Resolution Officer can assist organizations with best practices regarding how to handle a complaint in sport.

Contact Nathan Cole:

Phone: (306) 780-9350

Email: ncole@sasksport.ca

OFFICE OF THE SPORT INTEGRITY COMMISSIONER (OSIC)

All persons under the umbrella of Saskatchewan Rugby, as well as those among Rugby Canada, will process Safe Sport complaints with the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC), which serves as the central hub of Abuse-Free Sport. All other organizational members will continue to have access to Rugby Canada’s independent mechanism. 

Incidents that involved alleged Maltreatment or Prohibited Behaviour involving a UCCMS Participant must be reported to the OSIC and will be addressed purusuant to the OSIC’s policies and procedures.

OSIC shall determine the admissibility of such complaints in accordance with the relevant and applicable OSIC Guidelines regarding the initial review and preliminary assessment, at their sole discretion.

Saskatchewan Rugby acknowledges the obligation of Rugby Canada, as a Progeram Signatory to the OSIC, to ensure that any sanctions or measures imposed by the OSIC’s Director of Sanctions and Outcomes will be implemented and respected within Rugby Canada’s jurisdiction (including at the provincial, territorial and club level), once Rugby Canada receives appropriate notice of any sanction or measure from the OSIC and communicates the same to Saskatchewan Rugby. The Safe Sport Liaison shall communicate any OSIC sanctions or measures resulting in a suspension of one year or longer, received from Rugby Canada to Sask Sport.

Disputes managed by the OSIC will not be subject to appeals under Saskatchewan Rugby as it will be handled in accordance with the policies and procedures of the OSIC or the Director of Sanctions and Outcomes, as applicable.

EXTRA SAFE SPORT TRAINING AND RESOURCES

Many communities and corporations make efforts to keep sport safe at every level. Using the resources and opportunities provided is crucial to breaking the stigmas, barriers, and maltreatment we see today. See below for resources provided for you and anyone else in the Saskatchewan Rugby community to grow awareness and help those in need.

Respect in Sport

The online RESPECT IN SPORT ACTIVITY LEADER PROGRAM educates youth leaders, coaches, oficials and participants (14-years and up) to recognize, understand and respond to issues of bullying, abuse, harassment, and discrimination.

The online RESPECT IN SPORT PARENT PROGRAM helps define a standard of behaviour for all parents to create a more rewarding, safe and respectful environment for everyone involved. 

Coaching Association of Canada

The COACHING ASSOCIATION OF CANADA offers a variety of training programs that empower coaches with knowledge and skills, promote ethics, foster positive attitudes, build competence, and increase the credibility and recognition of coaches.

Commit to Kids

The COMMIT TO KIDS program helps child-serving organizations reduce the risk of sexual abuse and create safer environments for children in their care.

Volunteer Canada

VOLUNTEER CANADA provides national leadership and expertise on volunteerism to increase the participation, quality, and diversity of volunteer experiences.

Sask Sport Resources

The Sask Sport offices aid in ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. The Sask Sport Resource Line is intended for providing information, bilingual support, resources and referrals for sport in Saskatchewan regarding possible bullying, abuse, harassment, discrimination or hazing. 

The List of approved Service Providers for investigations provides details on assesments and case resolutions to determine whether an allegation (or several allegations)should be heard by a discipline panel to decide whether a breach to any Safe Sport policy has been made. 

Click on the links to read more to gain insights and to get in contact! 

Mini Rugby

MINI RUGBY

Mini Rugby is an excellent way for players ages 3 to 12 to learn about rugby in a fun, non-contact environment. Players can learn about the sport, practice fundamentals like passing and catching, and participate in flag rugby games.

Mini Rugby programs run seasonally in the fall, spring, and summer in different communities. Click the button below to find a Mini Rugby program near you or scroll down to learn more.

on this page

about flag rugby

Flag Rugby is a fun and exciting form of non-contact rugby suitable for all genders, ages and abilities. There are no scrums, line-outs, or tackling in flag rugby, instead players practice their ball handling skills, offence and defence. 

Flag Rugby can be played without scrums and line-outs and teams can be as small as 5 per side. It can be played on grass, sand or on hard surfaces outdoors and indoors. There is no need for rugby posts and the pitch can be marked as a simple rectangle. Teachers, coaches, and players need no previous knowledge of rugby to get started and this makes Flag Rugby an ideal game for girls and boys of all ages and abilities.

Registration

When you sign up for your community Mini Rugby program you will complete your registration online at the Rugby Canada Registration Page.

The video below gives you step-by-step instructions on how to complete your registration. Your program organizer will give you details on which registration to select.

If you have any problems during registration, contact Sportlomo Support.

FUNDING SUPPORT

We want to see everyone on the pitch! If programs fees are too large for your family to field, there are organizations like KidSport and Jumpstart in place to help families with registration fees so all kids can play.  

Once you have processed your application let your program organizer or the Sask Rugby Office know and we can help complete your registration.

Starting a community program

Mini Rugby Programs are essential to grassroots rugby in Saskatchewan. Anyone interested in volunteering as a program organizer, manager, or coach can the Mini Rugby Program Interest Form below. For full details on volunteer roles and responsibilities, see the Volunteer Information Package on this page.

Mini Rugby volunteers manage their community program with the support of Sask Rugby, including:

  • planning and delivering youth rugby sessions
  • promoting the program in their community. 

Contact Sask Rugby and bring a rugby program to your community today!

Fill out my online form.

High School Championship