The Wombat
Herbert Moran (7)
Petersham
Subbies 2023!
- Thread starter Pfitzy
- Start date
TheBigArvo
Sydney Middleton (9)
Rumour doing the rounds is that it’s Petersham but there’s been nothing official. The St Pats announcement suggested people with in the club were being told through other unofficial sources so it’s all a bit of a mess.
LongTimeListener
Bob McCowan (2)
IMO its time to stop "assuming" we have the answers.
Unfortunately, it seems that the board or at least some people that have authority are making decisions with the common opinion that the clubs do not no best. They are of the opinion that they know best which, in previous times, is probably right. But we are entering an unprecedented time for rugby and the best approach is going to be to work things out transparently and cooperatively together.
What the fuck does that mean?
Step 1 - send out a survey for at least 2/3 people per club to complete. This means you get a true understanding of what they club feels and believes is the right way forward. Include in that survey; How is your club going? What do you need from us to improve? What is your opinion on club support and education? How can we help you GROW RUGBY in your area (social events, coaching, participation, fun and games whatever)
Step 2 - Digest and READ EVERY SINGLE RESPONSE! Get it together and play back to the clubs what they have said with some action plans on how to move forward
Step 3 - Get everyone together to discuss how this will be able to move forward.
Acknowledge that not everybody is going to agree (that is the same in every sport). But everyone collectively is likely to sacrifice and work within a unfavourable structure if they are given the reasoning and appropriate tools to overcome any of the challenges.
Yes, subbies is financially stable. Yes, subbies still has a higher number of clubs than other competition. But it is clear that we are in a post-covid subbies world where things need to be rethought and this can only happen fairly if every club contributes to improving the game as a whole..
Rant Over
Unfortunately, it seems that the board or at least some people that have authority are making decisions with the common opinion that the clubs do not no best. They are of the opinion that they know best which, in previous times, is probably right. But we are entering an unprecedented time for rugby and the best approach is going to be to work things out transparently and cooperatively together.
What the fuck does that mean?
Step 1 - send out a survey for at least 2/3 people per club to complete. This means you get a true understanding of what they club feels and believes is the right way forward. Include in that survey; How is your club going? What do you need from us to improve? What is your opinion on club support and education? How can we help you GROW RUGBY in your area (social events, coaching, participation, fun and games whatever)
Step 2 - Digest and READ EVERY SINGLE RESPONSE! Get it together and play back to the clubs what they have said with some action plans on how to move forward
Step 3 - Get everyone together to discuss how this will be able to move forward.
Acknowledge that not everybody is going to agree (that is the same in every sport). But everyone collectively is likely to sacrifice and work within a unfavourable structure if they are given the reasoning and appropriate tools to overcome any of the challenges.
Yes, subbies is financially stable. Yes, subbies still has a higher number of clubs than other competition. But it is clear that we are in a post-covid subbies world where things need to be rethought and this can only happen fairly if every club contributes to improving the game as a whole..
Rant Over
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
Really like it.
Step 1. Something that is done in a lot of organisations annually to gauge the environment. Only effective if it's valued by the creator as you elude to in Step 2.
People involved and playing Subbies in general really love their Rugby and Club. Can't always say the same about Prem Rugby where at the top it is a means to get into Professional programs. People get the shits here but I think they do genuinely want to see the game improve and not just their little kingdom.
(I'm not fully across the St Pats issue. cbf reading it all but,) All Clubs should be aware of what they are being marked and critiqued. Imagine is St Pats were able to answer or remedy the issues if they were aware.
Step 1. Something that is done in a lot of organisations annually to gauge the environment. Only effective if it's valued by the creator as you elude to in Step 2.
People involved and playing Subbies in general really love their Rugby and Club. Can't always say the same about Prem Rugby where at the top it is a means to get into Professional programs. People get the shits here but I think they do genuinely want to see the game improve and not just their little kingdom.
(I'm not fully across the St Pats issue. cbf reading it all but,) All Clubs should be aware of what they are being marked and critiqued. Imagine is St Pats were able to answer or remedy the issues if they were aware.
LongTimeListener
Bob McCowan (2)
1. Absolutely Agree mate! Personally, I think this should be a sub committee or a group run outside of the board so that clubs feel like there is a mediator.. Not that I don't think Subbies will be able to put together the effort, if they like the idea theyll be able to execute. But its also whether the clubs are willing to participate without an agenda or influence from previous poor decisions (eg. Epping, St Pats etc.)
2. Agreed again. However, where I have seen these works is hearing what every "kingdom" feels individually and then getting a holistic view of everyones thoughts before making decisions on where to next.
This all comes down to people willing to do the work to listen and play it back to the clubs on everyones opinions. Even with this suggestion, someone is going to be pissed off. However, explaining thoroughly why there is an issue with what a club desires is a good start to getting them to be more understanding.
Again - not saying there is a problem with the board as a whole. There are some absolute LEGENDS on the board currently.. But my criticism is the way it communicates and also the inability to act like a MEMBER organisation, leaving some members pissed off and also in the dark about key decisions that impact them greatly.
HogansHeros
Syd Malcolm (24)
The board does talk to clubs during the organising of divisions. Not really sure what you want to come of this survey idea?
For example how is the subbies board meant to help you grow rugby in your area? Legitimate question. Not sure it is their responsibility. They are just volunteers trying to run a rugby competition.
However im all for more transperancy, can only be a good thing at this stage.
21mm
Frank Nicholson (4)
Well then, the bar has been set.
St Pats to win 4 x premierships, 2 of which are undefeated, have all grades make Grand finals and win the Cowboy cup. Anything less will be unacceptable.
21mm
Frank Nicholson (4)
100%
To use some Boardroom Speak, the 'optics' of this is super shithouse.
St Pats are a great Subbies club, whom are making strides in areas not many other are even trying to do, IE Womens game and also Special needs teams.
'Optics' suggests that they have looked at the Kentwell table, and made a ruling from there, which is not the only measure of performance of a club, (albeit a large proportion)
Eastcoast
Larry Dwyer (12)
This is a debacle. Ive never been the biggest fan of St Pats only due to the banter/advice given to me at Hudson. Very strong club, Great Culture and a great Div 1 club..
This is a massive loss for Div 1 and Kentwell. Hopefully subbies review and change their mind.
In my opinion, Div 1 will be better with 10 teams.
Div 2 will still be strong and the Divisions below will also survive. Cant make an 8x8x8 competition, when there are only 18 clubs suitable.
18 clubs - 10- 8. Simple maths really.
Feel sorry for Div 2 1st grade clubs who were getting done by 40 by Lindfield. It will be 60+ by St Pats.
This is a massive loss for Div 1 and Kentwell. Hopefully subbies review and change their mind.
In my opinion, Div 1 will be better with 10 teams.
Div 2 will still be strong and the Divisions below will also survive. Cant make an 8x8x8 competition, when there are only 18 clubs suitable.
18 clubs - 10- 8. Simple maths really.
Feel sorry for Div 2 1st grade clubs who were getting done by 40 by Lindfield. It will be 60+ by St Pats.
DaSchmooze
Syd Malcolm (24)
You know you've made a horrible mistake if it compels Eastcoast to come out in support of St Pats!!
Seriously though, if results on the table isnt the metric (finishing 6th on CC table) and ability to meet the requirements of the grade (5 opens and 2 colts) and ensuring responsibilities are met (no forfeits) as well as extras such as the Women's 7s program, THEN WHAT THE HELL IS? What is the criteria and why aren't any clubs aware as to what they are?
Someone needs to be called to account here as this is a stitch up. An arbitrary decision, concluded with criteria that nobody knows of, with no formal notification nor justification. "We're dropping you to 2nd division becuase that's what we're doing". That's it.
It's an utter nonsense and a shameful act.
KentwellCup>ShuteShield
Jimmy Flynn (14)
Im assuming Petersham will be relegated too?
TheBigArvo
Sydney Middleton (9)
Fully agree about discussing with clubs etc but when they did this in 2022 a number of clubs lied about there numbers until the night before the season started. Western Raptors barely had enough to field 1 team.
With all of this there needs to be a clear metric as to what the criteria is for promotion/relegation. We change the goal posts each year then clubs need to know this what they are being assessed on. As mentioned the “optics” of this are shocking as St Pats have been competing strongly in Div 1.
Heavyd
Nev Cottrell (35)
Firstly agree St Pats totally shafted by subbies.
St Pats 2023
1st grade: 9th
2nd grade: 5th
Colts 1st: but didn't make the GF
3rds: 9th
4th: 8th
On behalf of 2nd Division: Challenge accepted, we welcome the increased competition which will make us all lift our game.
LongTimeListener
Bob McCowan (2)
Really? It is a constant discussion point that clubs have decisions made for them and don't get the full picture as to why these decisions are made.
Few ideas;
- Introduction of womens teams?
- Work with fixtures incl. kick off times to coordinate with time slots to attract supporters for a night game, joint fixture with premier club, school game? Coordinate with Sydney Rugby to host join junior/senior fixtures.?
- A kitty that can be accessed for clubs looking to host promotional events (within reason). Could be granted on an annual basis to clubs with a plan.
- 7s,10s,pre season, trial days, gala days
- Cup style knockouts that could include country clubs, hunter region, CC etc.
- Lobby for tickets to Super Rugby or Wallabies games (we know they aren't sold out)
- Rep fixtures
- Build hype around derby days and help support the advertising of these through appropriate channels
- Media Content (they tried on Stan before) but could use Cluch for interviews, blogs, TOTW etc.
- Formalising the post match functions
Maybe not all good but hey.. Worth a crack at this point.
LongTimeListener
Bob McCowan (2)
Agree this is a problem. Timing is hard here as clubs don't really know what numbers they will have until 2 weeks before round 1. But setting the expectation earlier may have helped give them time to recruit?
HogansHeros
Syd Malcolm (24)
To your first point. Yes 100% agree more transperancy is needed around why decisions are made. To say the board doesnt communicate with clubs at all is just wrong. There are discussions had.
A kitty? Where is this money coming from? Are we increasing regos for everyone to pay for clubs with enough volunteers to put on functions?
All for more comps, I for one would love to see a weekly 7s comp run over the off season. However all these things can only happen with more volunteers, thats outside the boards control?
There used to be wednesday night U85kg comp that was good, but like everything, someone needs to put up their hand to run it...
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
1. Many in here are probably sick of me saying Friday night is a go. I'd love to see them trial it at least in a division to see. I've always thought a Tahs game should be a triple header. Schools (any level), Club (SS or Subbies) then the Waratahs. Got to give people bang for their buck.
2. This is a fun idea. I like it and probably start with Div 1 and whoever may want to nominate from lower divs. Plenty of very good country sides that would give as good as they got.
3. If your a paid up player, coach or volunteer you should get a $10 entry to every Tahs game in GA. You'll make it back in beer.
Rugbybloke123
Herbert Moran (7)
Realistically it seems that volunteer administrators are taking a leaf out of NSW Rugby's book and ensures rugby does not go further then the Gladesville bridge, keeping rugby in the East and North. With this decision, outside of the Western Sydney Two Blues, there is no competitive, high grade rugby clubs in Sydney's Western Suburbs (Blue Mountains are not Western Syd) which clearly shows that RA and NSW rugby's culture and lack of foresight into the West is flowing into grassroots rugby administrators.
It is clearly a high functioning, well run club who had a few results not go their way which saw them finished mid table. I had a look at their results last year (2022) and their 2s made the final, with 1s, colts and 3s making it to the semi's, clearly they are of the standard.
Decisions like this are killing grass roots rugby and Australian Rugby, and if you think St Pat's or Subbies doesn't have a role in the next gen, they do. The club looks to have strong juniors, a womens team, 2 colts teams (I read above), their 1st grade captain, Musico, has won a Ken Catchpole and last time I was there Mark Nawaqanitawase was on the sidelines watching his mates. Something doesn't add up here.....
It is clearly a high functioning, well run club who had a few results not go their way which saw them finished mid table. I had a look at their results last year (2022) and their 2s made the final, with 1s, colts and 3s making it to the semi's, clearly they are of the standard.
Decisions like this are killing grass roots rugby and Australian Rugby, and if you think St Pat's or Subbies doesn't have a role in the next gen, they do. The club looks to have strong juniors, a womens team, 2 colts teams (I read above), their 1st grade captain, Musico, has won a Ken Catchpole and last time I was there Mark Nawaqanitawase was on the sidelines watching his mates. Something doesn't add up here.....
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KentwellCup>ShuteShield
Jimmy Flynn (14)
Blue Mountains?
DaSchmooze
Syd Malcolm (24)
Agreed - still trying to think of a metric that they've failed so badly at that they need to be dropped to Div 2.
Seriously- can anyone think of one?