In attendance
Vaughan Parry WilliamsChairman (Nottingham)
Ian ElvinMember (Northumbria)
Barry SinclairScotland
Bob ReevesChair SRFU
Alan BuzzaMember (Loughborough)
Katie StorieRFUW
Ian CampbellWales (representing Mike Wall)
Anna LiddellBUSA Sports Programme Manager
Observers
Peter BathRFU
Apologies
Matt DehatyMember (Student)
Keith GreenEngland
Steve HillMember (Oxford)
The Chair welcomed the members to the meeting and thanked Bob Reeves for hosting the meeting in Bristol. He also wanted to record his thanks to Graham Kilgour (SRU) for his support over recent seasons and wished him well for the future.
RUG / 05 / 33MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS – 14 June 2005
33.1These were signed and approved as an accurate record of the meeting.
RUG / 05 / 34MATTERS ARISING
34.1RUG / 05 / 22.4: Neutral Referees – it was agreed to ask Castlecroft for assistance in appointing neutral referees to the BUSA Home Nations fixtures.
ACTION: BR
The representatives from Wales and Scotland would also make every effort to appoint neutral referees.
ACTION: MW/BS
34.2RUG / 05 / 22.5: Women’s Representative Rugby – the committee were informed that there would not be a blanket ban on players being involved in matches outside of the England set up. Moreover each player would have a programme developed between themselves, the RFUW and the University which would allow them to take part in some matches over the season. The RFUW would be issuing a statement to clarify the position, however, should players or universities have queries they should contact Nicky Ponsford of the RFUW.
The committee noted the issue of promotion and relegation for the season, given that some teams would be weakened as a result of World Cup preparations. Following discussion it was
RESOLVED
that promotion and relegation should continue as in previous seasons since the impact would be minimal.
It was asked whether there was any compensation to institutions who offered scholarships to players on condition that they played in all BUSA fixtures. It was agreed this should be dealt with on a case by case basis by both the institution and the RFUW.
34.3RUG / 05 / 22.6: RUU 8.2 – it was noted that the wording for the regulation had been agreed post meeting. It was further noted that any changes in our regulations should be communicated to the relevant Governing Bodies as a matter of courtesy and to ensure that officials were aware of BUSA’s competition specific regulations.
34.4RUG / 05 / 23.4 – the Chair asked if the President of OURFC had been responded to. It was noted that the Head of Sports Programmes had been asked to and no communication had been received to suggest that he hadn’t.
POST MEETING NOTE:Correspondence has been sent.
34.5RUG / 05 / 24.2 – concern was raised over the number of fixtures for teams in the lower part of the league structure. It was noted that with lack of fixtures a number of players were turning to other sports which contradicted governing body aims of increased participation. It was further noted that whilst “friendly” fixtures could be arranged a number of institutions only supported (financially) BUSA fixtures and therefore it was difficult, although not impossible, for clubs gain more fixtures. The Chair indicated that teams in the bottom of the structure could become involved in their local CB/Region Pennant/Merit tables over the weekend periods against 2/3/4 teams from non University Clubs, which would not involve much travelling. In most instances these games could be arranged during the Academic terms.
It was noted that the BUSA competition should reflect Governing Body strategies and therefore members of the SMG should review the structure of the BUSA competition to cater for the needs of both the top and bottom of the structure.
ACTION: VW
34.6RUG / 05 / 27: Premier League Contracts 05-06 – it was noted that none of the recommendations were approved for inclusion in the Premier League Contracts. An explanation of the non-approval would be sought from National Competition Sports Committee. It was noted however that all teams in the Premiership had signed the contracts as received.
ACTION: NCSC
34.7It was noted that 4 institutions
Guys, Kings and St Thomas’ Hospital RFC
Hartpury College RFC
Imperial Medicals RFC
South Tyneside College RUFC
were deemed by the RFU to be eligible for club conditional funding and had yet to start the 2005 questionnaire. It was noted that it was note entirely clear whether or not these institutions were members of the SRFU and on what basis they were eligible for club funding. Clarification was sought.
ACTION: PB
RUG / 05 / 35DOMESTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS 05-06
35.1The committee asked of the consequences of not adhering to the Premier League Contracts. It was noted that in the first instance the institution would be written to and asked to address the situation. Should the infringement reoccur, the institution would be liable for disciplinary action which may incur financial penalties.
In the case of English Institutions, it was noted that the funding available from the RFU/SRFU would be held back should the contractual obligations not be met.
35.2It was further noted that a tick box for whether the contract had been adhered to would be added to the team sheet that is submitted to the BUSA Office thereby ensuring that action could be taken if necessary.
RUG / 05 / 367S CHAMPIONSHIPS 05-06
36.1It was noted that the 7’s Championships would take place on the weekend of 29-30 April. The BUSA event, at present, is planned for the Saturday however, it will be requested that it take place on the Sunday to allow club players to take part.
ACTION: VW
RUG / 05 / 37DOMESTIC REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY05-06
37.1There was lengthy discussion on whether to adopt a tournament format or maintain the status quo for the Home Nations 05-06. Whilst the English Universities preferred the tournament format the Welsh and ScottishUniversities wished to remain with the current structure. It was therefore
RESOLVED
to maintain the status quo for the 05-06 season.
37.2It was noted that the fixtures for the forthcoming season would therefore be, subject to confirmation:
English Universities v Welsh Universities on Friday 3 February in London. KO TBC
Scottish Universities v Welsh Universities is still to be confirmed between the two teams
Scottish Universities v English Universities on Friday 24 February in Edinburgh. KO 2.30
English Universities v Combined Services on Saturday 6 May at Twickenham. KO 12 noon.
It was noted that the Combined Services may field an U23 or development team for the fixture at Twickenham.
RUG / 05 / 38FISUWORLDUNIVERSITYRUGBY 7S CHAMPIONSHIPS
38.1It was noted that the Chair had submitted a bid for a GB Men’s team to attend the FISU Championships. The bid would be considered at the next International Sports Committee in October.
RUG / 05 / 39ANY OTHER BUSINESS
39.1The Chair informed the meeting of correspondence he had received inviting suggestions for an event or other appropriate means of commemorating the life of Derek Prout. It was suggested that a Freshers’ Tournament, held at Derek’s home club Trojans, should be put forward.
ACTION: BR/VW/PB
RUG / 05 / 40DATE OF NEXT MEETING
40.1The next meeting will take place on 19 June at 1pm in the new BUSA Offices in London.
RUG / 05 / 41CLOSE OF MEETING
There being no other business, the Chair thanked the members and closed the meeting.
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