Seal Of Approval Accreditation for Your Club
What is Seal of Approval?
The RFU introduced the Mini and Youth Seal of Approval accreditation programme in 2002 as a method of examining, maintaining and improving the provision of rugby in the mini and youth section of a rugby club. Building upon current good practice, the accreditation aims to recognise the effort and achievement of those clubs that reach, maintain and improve on the required standard of a club committed to the provision of quality rugby union experiences for young players.
The RFU has worked with Sport England to integrate the Mini and Youth Seal of Approval accreditation with the Sport England Clubmark Scheme to ensure that safe, effective, child-friendly club standards are met. Any club awarded the Community Rugby Mini and Youth Seal of Approval will also have achieved Clubmark accreditation.
For detailed information on the aims of the Mini and Youth Seal of Approval, a step-by-step guide to accreditation and further advice, please consult the Mini and Youth Seal of Approval Guidance Document (PDF 3.9MB).
In 2009 Whole Club Seal of Approval was also introduced to build on the success of the Mini and Youth version, aiming to spread good practice throughout the whole club. This will ensure that the whole club is sustainable and is planning to grow participation for all types of player.
For detailed information on the aims of the Whole Club Seal of Approval, a step-by-step guide to accreditation and further advice, please consult the Whole Club Seal of Approval Guidance Document (PDF 3.5MB)
Seal of Approval accreditation process
Clubs applying for Seal of Approval – and thus for Clubmark – accreditation need to complete an evidence file to show that their programme meets the required criteria. Some clubs may be in a position to complete the assessment file immediately, others may require more time and support; the RFU is committed to support all clubs who are working towards accreditation. To help with this process, the RFU has produced a comprehensive Whole Club Seal of Approval Accreditation Worksheet (MS Excel DOC 6MB) and a comprehensive Mini and Youth Seal of Approval Accreditation Worksheet (MS Excel DOC 7MB).
Information for the evidence file will be used as the basis for an in-depth discussion between a club and a Regional Development Officer (RDO) to ascertain development needs. A club development plan can then be produced by the club and ratified by the RDO and the Regional Rugby Development Manager. A template development plan is included within the programme, but clubs are encouraged to adapt/create their own plans to suit their specific needs. The club and RDO will then review the plan on an ongoing basis to assess the extent to which it has been implemented and the future development needs.
The Seal of Approval award
The Seal of Approval and the Sport England Clubmark accreditation scheme are based upon a three-year rolling award system in which a club will be assessed on its continuing ability to provide a safe and effective club environment.
A club will qualify in the first year by the completion of the assessment file and the writing of a three-year development plan. By implementing the development plan, with an annual review, a club will continue to be accredited and ensure continuous improvement in provision for the players at the club.
The award will be indicative of the quality of provision a club offers, and its commitment to the continued development and growth of rugby. A club will receive certification to confirm accreditation, both from the RFU and Sport England.
Seal of Approval – getting started
All clubs that have, or are planning to have, a mini and youth section should be working towards Mini and Youth Seal of Approval accreditation by 2011. If you are interested in Whole Club Seal of Approval or if you believe your club has the desire to provide a quality assured rugby experience for its young players, please contact your local Regional Development Officer.