CLUB SUPPORT & UPDATES
START OF 2019/20 SEASON UPDATES AND SUPPORT
CONTENT:
Age grade player registration Logging into the game management system (GMS) Course booking system Electronic Match Card (EMC) 17 year olds playing adult rugby Half Game rule Game On Age grade playing calendar
AGE GRADE PLAYER REGISTRATION
What has changed?
Players must now be registered on GMS within 45 days of starting their season through the new online AG system. This is parent-driven and Registrar approved. Regulation is that all new players, U7, U8, U16, U17, U18s and players registered online last season must follow the process, however the majority of clubs have decided to do it for all their AG players. For current players/parents (who are the vast majority) this is simply them following a link provided by their club to just update their details on GMS, NOT to create a new record, registration or reregistration.
Why has it changed?
To increase the accuracy of player data in support of player tracking and retention (as per the Under 19 Commission Recommendations); to ensure parents own their own data and stop use of paper forms in line with GDPR/data security; and to reduce Registrar workload
Where is the support info/guide/resource?
https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/player-registration/age-graderegistration?jwsource=cl includes Guides/Videos for current, new and additional players.
Who to contact if the above really does not provide the answer?
What and Why queries: AgeGradeRugby@rfu.com, @AgeGradeRugby and #askagegrade
Technical System queries: GMS@rfu.com
LOGGING INTO THE GAME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (GMS)
What has changed? New users to GMS are required to verify their email address. An automated email is sent from GMS that requires users to click a verification link in an email that is sent to them upon account creation. This verification is also required if the user has not previously logged in but have an existing account. A user can request a ‘Password Reset’ from the login page should they not be familiar with their details.
Please note: There is a known issue with Yahoo mail, which includes Sky, BT and AOL. This may result in delayed delivery of the Password reset email or the Verification Email. As a result, the time limit for the validity of the links within these emails has been extended to 48hrs. Unfortunately, we currently have no way of influencing Yahoo, and this is a problem that has occurred for other organisations. We are currently looking at a way that all RFU Staff can gain access to support the user by amending the way this verification occurs.
Why has it changed? To increase the accuracy of GMS data; to ensure users own their own data in line with GDPR/data security; to improve and update communication channels between individuals and the game; and to reduce the amount of duplicate data in the database.
Should users not receive the verification email, they should contact GMS@rfu.com.
Where is the support info/guide/resource?
www.englandrugby.com/gms is the GMS Hub where there is a wealth of information and resource updated regularly.
Who to contact if the above really does not provide the answer?
GMS@rfu.com for Technical System queries.
For FSI club website enquiries, clubs should contact clubwebsites@first-sports.com
For club payments enquiries clubs should contact clubpayments@first-sports.com
COURSE BOOKING SYSTEM
What has changed?
Introduced EMS (Event Management System) to replace CAS (Course Administration System). When fully embedded this will provide greater functionality for people wishing to book on England Rugby Training Courses. The introduction of EMS coincided with the removal of group booking functionality; as this was contributing to an increase in duplicate records and incorrect data and impacted on our and clubs ability to be GDPR compliant.
Why has it changed?
The customer will see very little difference at point of booking. However EMS will allow us to offer closed courses, set variable prices i.e. early bird offers. It will also provide better insight into buying preferences and give greater reporting functionality.
The system went live in mid July 2019. Where issues have been raised they predominantly relate to incorrect data on a person’s profile. We continue to work on any ‘bugs’ that are reported through GMS.
Where is the support info/guide/resource?
https://www.englandrugby.com/courses to find a course; https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/coaching/coach-resources for Course Information and E-learning; https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/coaching/booking-a-course for more information. GMS@rfu.com for Technical System queries.
Who to contact if the above really does not provide the answer?
Your RFU Area Training Manager for What and Why queries.
GMS@rfu.com for Technical System queries.
ELECTRONIC MATCH CARD (EMC)
What has changed?
Following last season’s successful introduction of Electronic Match Cards (EMCs) down to Level 8 for men and National Challenge 1 for women, for the 2019-20 season EMC will be rolled out to all men’s and women’s RFU leagues and Cups in the English Clubs Championship and selected Age Grade Competitions.
Why has it changed?
The extended roll out to all parts of the English Club Championship was part of a three year project to ensure there is maximum competition integrity across all RFU competitions. Match Centre is an exciting way to surface EMC data that adds to a player’s journey of playing in RFU Competitions and therefore aids retention and transition.
Where is the support info/guide/resource – provide links?
Face to face training was hosted at rugby clubs across the country during the summer and the following support with be available to clubs:
o Refreshed video and written training materials reflecting technical upgrades housed on a dedicated EMC section on GMS Hub
o A dedicated EMC Helpdesk available at business critical hours at weekends in addition to the GMS Helpdesk available 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. The number for both services – 0208 831 6651
o The data collected through competition use of EMC will be surfaced through a new feature on the England Rugby website called Match Centre from early October. Here clubs and players will be able to see who is the leading try scorer or points scorer in their club, league, county or even across the country.
Who to contact if the above really does not provide the answer?
What and Why queries: Competitions-development@rfu.com
Technical system queries: GMS@rfu.com
17 YEAR OLDS PLAYING ADULT RUGBY
What has changed?
There is now a 2-stage process for a 17 year old to play adult rugby – Club Approval that they have the right things in place and Player Approval for each individual player who has been assessed by the club. The CB provides approval for both stages.
Why has it changed?
The DBS has clarified requirements for underage players/children playing in overage sport. The new regulations safeguard the players and our clubs who have 17 year olds (still children) playing adult rugby. In addition, a review of the age to play adult rugby agreed to remain at 17 but that there should be a more robust/neutral approval process introduced.
Where is the support info/guide/resource?
https://www.englandrugby.com/governance/rules-and-regulations/regulations under Regulation 15 for forms and Guides for Clubs plus @AgeGradeRugby and #askagegrade
Who to contact if the above really does not provide the answer?
AgeGradeRugby@rfu.com and Safeguarding@rfu.com and Your CB for What and Why queries
HALF GAME RULE
What has changed?
The Half Game Rule is now regulation having been optional for 2018-19. This is for all age grade rugby matches (except for the U18 Academy League).
Why has it changed?
This was a recommendation of the Under 19 Commission to ensure that all players of all standards get an appropriate level of playing time – at least half the time available on a day – and feel part of the team. The NRS shows this is the AG player’s most important factor for playing rugby and it will therefore aid retention and player transition.
Where is the support info/guide/resource?
https://www.englandrugby.com/halfgame including resources and FAQs for Clubs, Schools and Colleges.
Who to contact if the above really does not provide the answer?
AgeGradeRugby@rfu.com, @AgeGradeRugby and KidsFirst@rfu.com for What, Why queries.
GAME ON
To make sure that more games are played this season the RFU is introducing Game On. It’s based on feedback from you, the players. Game On will, hopefully, reduce cancellations by allowing teams to be more flexible with the laws to get matches played.
The Game On principles will be introduced to all adult male and female rugby outside RFU Leagues and Cups. Click here for more information.
AGE GRADE PLAYING CALENDAR
What has changed?
A pilot is being run post-Christmas which makes the calendar a priority calendar. This means that club competitions can be scheduled in school windows at U12-U16 but priority must be given to players playing for their schools and vice versa in club windows. The pilot is in all CBs from 1st January to 10th May and will be reviewed after feedback for 2020-21.
Why has it changed?
Feedback from the game is asking for increased flexibility in scheduling competitions to help those players who only play in one single environment (school/college or club) to get playing opportunities.
Where is support info/guide/resource?
Playing Calendar 2019-20 https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/coaching/age-grade-rugby/playingcalendar
The 2020-21 Calendar template will be sent to all CBs for completion on 1st November 2019 and be due for completion and return by 1st February 2020.
Who to contact if the above does not provide the answer?
Technical and non-technical? AgeGradeRugby@rfu.com