The EGM was triggered by 34 clubs who have proposed that the current section of funding allocated to all community clubs based on a points system – governed by the WRU’s annual ‘audit’ of their respective rugby activities and provisions – should revert to terms used in the previous season.
The ’audit’ is a points-based system through which the WRU allocates £1.8m of the £2.8m direct funding received by clubs in Wales. The criteria are reviewed annually to ensure clubs are encouraged to embrace the WRU community game strategy.
The remainder of the direct funding – the ‘core grant’ – is allocated to clubs who enter and compete in the National Leagues.
The audit system changes year on year to reflect the priorities of the WRU strategy.
Changes between the ‘old’ and ‘new’ audit included increased points for mini and junior festivals and ‘round robins’ and for clubs committing to the Half-a-Game initiative whereby all age group players are promised at least half a game of rugby when attending matches. Further points were awarded for alternative formats of rugby and greater usage of rugby clubs, intended to broaden the appeal of the game and make clubs more sustainable.
The ‘new audit’ was completed online and drew in ‘live’ participation information from self-registration – a newly implemented system whereby players and coaches self-register, providing up to date information and reducing the administrative burden on volunteers.
Whilst the IT system suffered from significant performance issues as the deadline loomed, which led to frustration for many club volunteers, now fixed, the information is the most accurate picture of the game in Wales and will inform planning for the future health of the game.
This £1.8m in community funding allocated through the audit is part of a larger ringfenced £11.8m which all goes to the community game as a whole.
The average funding allocated to an individual club by virtue of the ‘new audit’ points system is approximately £6,500, and this number was the same under the ‘old audit’ – five years ago this average number was around £5,800. This funding is provided in addition to the ‘core grant’ of £4,000 for eligible clubs.
The majority of the 34 clubs who called the EGM are from District D, namely: Aberavon Quins, Aberavon Green Stars, Baglan, Bridgend Sports, Bridgend Ravens, Briton Ferry, Bryncethin, Bryncoch, Cwmavon, Glyncorrwg, Heol Y Cyw, Kenfig Hill, Maesteg, Maesteg Celtic, Maesteg Quins, Nantyfyllon, Neath, Neath Athletic, Ogmore Vale, Pontrhydyfen, Pontycymmer, Porthcawl, Pyle, Skewen, TATA, Taibach, Tonna, Tonmawr and Tondu.
Brynmawr from District A and Llanishen from District B, Carmarthen Athletic and Felinfoel from District G and Penygroes from District F were the other signatories.
Clubs will be informed of the impact the vote will have on their funding, Gilbert ball allocation and ticket allocation ahead of the EGM.
In order for the EGM to be quorate, so that a vote can be taken, a third of member clubs (around 100) would need to send the allowed two representatives each. Clubs not in attendance can submit ‘proxy’ or postal votes, but these will only be counted if the meeting is quorate and its chair WRU President Gerald Davies moves from a show of hands in the room to a ballot vote.
If the meeting is not quorate a further EGM must be called in a timely manner at which a voting decision must be reached regardless of number of attendees.
The full proposal to be voted on at the EGM is:
‘To rescind the decision of the Community Game Board (Dated 17/12/2019), wherein they resolved to implement a new funding model “New Audit” to replace the previous season’s “Old Audit” and to reinstate the “Old Audit” forthwith. And that the final instalment of the WRU development grant is calculated and paid in accordance with the “Old Audit” and not by any reference to the “New Audit”.’
