The RFUW would like to form a Regional Programme Review Group to consider the future of the programme and to discuss its rationale. The Regional Programme for 06/07 will not change from the 05/06 format, however, the RFUW would like to consider any changes for 07/08 and beyond to formulate a 3 year plan in line with our current strategy.

We are inviting all members (including parents and Development/Programme Staff) to submit your views on the Regional Programme as it stands and any suggestions for change in the future. This can be done in writing to Claire Sanderson (Regional Programme Review, Hockey Pavilion, Loughborough Uni, Loughborough, Leics, LE11 3UT) or via e-mail to clairesanderson@rfu.com and all feedback received will be considered by the Regional Programme Review Group. Please include “Regional Programme Review” in the subject line of all e-mails.

We are suggesting that the main areas for discussion are the following:

DEVELOPMENT vs Talent Identification  -           currently the programme serves a number of purposes.  Although it does act as a Talent Identification System for both Youth and Seniors, it also plays a vital role in allowing women and girls the opportunity of playing the full sided game and receive new coaching ideas to feed into their clubs.  However, a number of issues need to be addressed to ensure that the programme is best serving the needs of the membership.  For example: is there too much emphasis on Talent Identification and should the programme be all about development?  Alternatively do you think the programme does not reflect the competitive needs of those aspiring to be England Players of the future?

Questions to consider:

Youth

1. How should young people be selected for the Regional Programme?  Should Trials be open or through County/Club nominations?  Are the trials in their current format suitable? 

2. Should the Regional Programme for U14s and U17s be purely developmental or should it focus on Talent Identification? Is it possible to combine the 2? How?

3. Should all Youth Players selected for a Regional Squad have the right to equal playing time within the programme or should the emphasis be on allowing the more talented players time on the pitch?

4. Should the ethos for the programme be about performing to the highest level or about having fun?  Is it the same for both age groups? 

5. Should the Royal Sun Alliance Tournament be about winning or about ensuring that everybody gets at least 1 game?

Senior

6. How should Senior Players be selected for the Regional programme?  Trials and/or County/Club nomination?  Should there be a guideline on which players would be suitable? 

7. Should the Senior Programme be development or Talent Identification orientated?

8. Should players who have climbed the Pathway to England and are on their way down by eligible?

9. Should Representative players (i.e. England U19s and England Students) be considered for the relevant age-groups?  Should players selected for Super 4s and Super League but not selected for the England 44 be allowed to trial for Senior Regional? 

10. Should there be an age-limit for Senior Programme candidates e.g. U23s or U25s?

NB These questions are not exhaustive and are a guideline for your suggestions.  If you wish to discuss one of the questions, clearly state which one in your feedback.  If you wish to discuss elements of the programme not included so far please feel free to do so.  We would greatly appreciate suggestions as well as constructive criticism.

 These suggestions and comments will be considered by the Regional Programme Review Group, and their findings will be presented to the RFUW Board of Directors once the consultation has been completed.   The Development & Performance Departments will then examine ways in which these findings can be implemented for the future running of the Programme. 

We are also interested in thoughts about the current format. The RFUW have strived to improve the programme year on year and most comments about the format for seniors and juniors are very positive.  As always funding is limited, but suggestions on how we can make the most of the funding available are also welcome. 

For more information on the Regional Programme, its format and current rationale, please read the Regional Programme Rationale 06/07 (insert link).  Remember this review Group will make recommendations for season 07/08 and beyond and no major changes will occur for this coming season. 

Expressions of interest are invited from those wishing to be considered to sit on the Regional Programme Review Group to consider all feedback and the appropriate course of action to be recommended to the Board by July 2007. The Review Group is expected to meet no more than 4 times over the next season and to convene in the first instance on Saturday August 12th. Venue is TBC, this will largely depend on the geographic spread of those sitting on the review group. The other review dates will be: Sat 7^th Oct, Sunday 12^th Nov, Sunday 1^st April.  We would like to encourage players, staff, volunteers and parents to apply to be part of the group.  Expressions of interest should be forwarded to Claire Sanderson on clairesanderson@rfu.com