NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 2007
Rules
OF THE
Northumberland Rugby Union
DRAFT
CONSTITUTION OF THE UNION
1. The Union shall be called ‘THE NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION’
(hereinafter referred to as “the County”) and that its objects shall be the promotion,
playing and administration of the game of Rugby Football in the County of
Northumberland in accordance with the Laws of the Rugby Football Union.
2. The County shall consist of such clubs as are allocated by the RFU to the County of
Northumberland and play under the Rugby Union Laws and have been admitted into
membership together with such individuals as Rule 4 provides for subject to election as
specified.
3. Each club whose subscription is not in arrears shall be entitled to send one of its
members to attend and vote at all General Committee Meetings of the County, as shall all
members for the time being of the County committee as constituted under the provision
of Rule 5.
4a. The Annual General Meeting on the recommendation of the General Committee may
from time to time elect such persons as Honorary Life Members of the County whose
past services have, in the opinion of the General Committee, justified such election.
4b. The Annual General Meeting may from time to time elect persons as Privileged
Members in recognition of their services to Rugby in Northumberland and who are not
members of the General Committee, and who upon such election shall be entitled to all
the rights and privileges accorded to members of the General Committee except they
shall not be entitled to vote at General Committee meetings.
4c. The General Committee may elect County Members, who shall be entitled to
admission to Ground and Stands for all Home County Championship Trials and Matches,
County U20, U18, U17, U16 & U15 [all levels] and the final ties of all County Cup
Competitions. County Members may also apply for International match tickets subject to
availability. The annual subscription for County Members shall be such as the County
General Committee shall from time to time decide, payable on 1st September. County
Members shall not be entitled to attend County General Committee meetings. They shall
be entitled to receive a copy of the Annual Report and attend the Annual General
Meeting but may not vote thereat.
5a. The County General Committee shall consist of:
1. The Officers:
i.
The President.
ii.
A Senior Vice President and two other Vice Presidents.
iii.
The Honorary Secretary and the Honorary Assistant Secretary.
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iv.
Honorary Treasurer and the Honorary Assistant Treasurer.
v.
The RFU Representative.
vi.
Upon the election of the President, Honorary Secretary or
Honorary Treasurer his or their club shall be entitled to another
nominee on the General Committee provided that no club shall be
entitled to more than one nominee.
2.
i.
ii.
Honorary Life Members.
One Nominee from each Club elected to Full Membership of the
County. [Full Membership of the County is for clubs who have
played adult fixtures for more than 2 years.]
A Club representative may only vote at General Meetings if a representative has attended
50% of the meetings [6 General] in the preceding season. Club[s] who wish to be
considered for membership are invited to send a non voting representative to General
Meetings.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
One Nominee from the NRU Referees’ Society.
One Nominee from the Northumberland Schools’ RU Committee.
Past Presidents of the County provided they have attended two
General Committee meetings during the preceding season or have
obtained special leave from the General Committee for nonattendance.
One member from each Club in Associate Membership. [Associate
membership is for any club playing rugby union in
Northumberland]. Associate Members are invited to attend
Annual and General Meetings but may not vote.
The RFU RRDM and RDO who shall have full rights, save the
right to vote.
5b. The General Committee shall be entitled to co-opt such persons as may be required
from time to time to serve on the General Committee save that they shall not be entitled
to vote thereat or at any Annual General Meeting of the County.
5c. Urgent matters should be dealt with by a quorum of the Executive Committee.
5d. Subject to any guidance which may be given from time to time by the County
General Committee, the Management [Executive] Committee [or such name as may be
adopted] may take executive decisions regarding the day to day running of the County
and its business provided that:
i.
It shall have no power to alter or amend the existing rules
ii.
No sums of money shall be expended beyond those sums agreed in
the budget by the County General Committee plus a contingency
sum of no greater than £5,000. Any further expenditure must be
approved by a meeting of the County General Committee.
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iii.
The quorum of the Executive Management Committee shall be 6
members attending of whom three shall be officers and three
elected by the General Committee.
iv.
The Chairman, or in his absence, the Acting Chairman shall be
entitled to a second casting vote.
5e. Eligibility - The President, the Vice-Presidents, the Honorary Secretary, the Honorary
Treasurer and the RFU representative shall be non-players and only non-players may
serve on the County Committee’s Disciplinary Sub-Committee or as County General
Committee representative on the Referees’ Sub-Committee.
6. The County General Committee shall have full control over the Union Funds and shall
have power to appoint Committees and Sub-Committees it may wish. The Chairman and
Secretary of the Committees [Representative Rugby, Community Rugby [RDP], Finance,
Marketing and Communication & Governance] will be proposed by the Executive to the
General Committee meeting after the AGM. Sub-Committee shall elect their Chairperson
and Secretary at their first meeting held after the Annual General Meeting of the County,
with the exception of the Northumberland Schools’ and the Northumberland Referees’
Society both of whom have their own Constitution.
Meetings
Clarification on the Constitution:
 General Meeting – a meeting of the County General Committee [6 times per year
in alternate months].
 Annual General Meeting – no later than 30th June of each year.
 Extraordinary General Meeting – Honorary Secretary shall call an ExtraOrdinary General Committee meeting when he receives a written request to do
so, signed by any four members of the General Committee or 25 County
Members.
7. The Annual General Meeting of the County shall be held no later than the 30th June in
each year at such time and place as the County General Committee shall appoint when it
shall elect a President, one Senior and two other Vice Presidents. An Honorary
Secretary, an Honorary Assistant Secretary, an Honorary Treasurer, an Honorary
Assistant Treasurer, and these with the RFU representative, Nominees from each eligible
Club, and from the Northumberland Referees Society and Northumberland Schools’ SubCommittee with any Honorary Life Members and Past Presidents eligible under rule
5[a](2)[v] shall form the General Committee for the ensuing year.
8. The auditors shall also be elected at the Annual General Meeting.
9. The Union shall have four Trustees who shall be appointed by the General Committee
on recommendation from the Executive Committee and shall meet when required.
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10. The quorum for General Committee meetings shall be fifteen members entitled to
vote. In the event of the vote being only for club representatives the quorum shall be 66%
of the eligible clubs.
11. In the event of a club nominee not being able to attend a General Committee Meeting,
the Club concerned shall be entitled to send a replacement provided the name of the
replacement is notified to the Honorary Secretary in writing in advance of the meeting.
12.
a. The Honorary Secretary shall call the Annual General Meeting and General
Committee meetings by letter to members and to each club giving fourteen days
notice.
b. The Honorary Secretary shall call an extra-ordinary General Committee
meeting when he receives a written request to do so, signed by any four members
of the General Committee or 25 Committee Members.
c. Objections to any business notified on the agenda for a General or Annual
General Meeting must be received by the Honorary Secretary 7 days before the
date of the meeting.
d. A.O.B. should be notified to the Honorary Secretary 7 days before the date of
the meeting.
13. The General Meetings are to consider, discuss and agree/disagree with the proposals
of the Executive Committee.
14. Where a vote is needed a simple majority of those eligible to vote shall count.
15. When major items and items that will have a major financial implication are being
voted on only the club representatives may vote. In all other situations the Past
Presidents, Life Members, elected representatives: President, Hon. Sec, Assistant Hon
Sec, Hon. Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, RFU Representative. Also, Schools’, Referees’
and Women’s and club representatives may vote.
A major item is one that is proposed as such by a club representative and seconded by
the representative of another club.
Subscriptions
16.
a. The annual subscription from Clubs to the County shall be an amount to be
determined at the Annual General Meeting.
b. All annual subscriptions are payable in advance not later than 1st September.
c. Any Club whose subscription remains unpaid by the 1st November following
shall be liable to expulsion by a vote of the majority present and voting at any
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General Committee after that date. The representative of any Club so in arrears
shall cease to be a member of the General Committee.
d. In case the above subscription be insufficient to meet the current expenses, the
General Committee shall be empowered to make such calls on the subscribing
Clubs as it may deem fit, subject to appeal to the Annual General meeting.
Admission to Members
17. Any Club eligible under rule 2 and wishing to join as a member must give notice in
writing to the Honorary Secretary who will give fourteen days notice to all subscribing
Clubs prior to the next General Committee meeting when the application for membership
will be considered, the General Committee having absolute discretion in respect thereof.
Representation on the General Committee
18. Application by a Club for representation on the General Committee must be made in
writing to the Honorary Secretary who will give fourteen days notice to all members prior
to the next General Committee Meeting when such application will be considered; the
General Committee have absolute discretion in respect thereof. Such application will be
considered only from such clubs as satisfy Rule 5[a](2){ii} above.
Resignation of Members
19. Any club may resign by advising the Honorary Secretary, in writing, any time before
the Annual General Meeting in June, provided its subscriptions and calls [if any] due
from it up to date be paid.
Elections and Duty
20. The nominations for Officers shall be made by a Nominations Committee consisting
of the members of the Executive Committee excluding those members who have not held
the office of President. The Nominations Committee which shall not be less than 5 in
number shall be entitled to co-opt former Presidents of the County but no other.
21. All elections of Officers shall, if demanded by those present, be conducted by ballot;
each member present desirous of voting, writing the names of those persons for whom
they wish to vote, with their respective office, on a paper, and placing the same in a ballot
box, which shall be handed to two or more scrutineers appointed by the meeting; these
persons shall hand the result of their examination to the Chairman who shall
communicate the result to the meeting. If any person who shall be declared elected to
any office, shall decline to act, or shall be ineligible, then the person with the next highest
number of votes for that office shall be declared elected.
22. The Honorary Secretary shall call all Annual General and General meetings, attend
the same, be responsible for the taking of minutes of all that transpires and shall further
conduct all the correspondence of the County under the direction of the General
Committee.
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DRAFT
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23. The Honorary Treasurer shall receive and collect all subscriptions and calls, and,
under the direction of the General Committee, make all disbursements. All receipts and
expenditure to be entered into proper books kept for this purpose, which books shall be
audited each year prior to the Annual General Meeting by the Auditor appointed in
accordance with rule 8; after which the Honorary Treasurer shall prepare and present the
same to the Annual General Meeting. A copy of the Balance Sheet shall be sent to each
Club subscribing to the County seven days prior to the Annual Meeting – 2nd Part in
September.
24. Committees and sub committees shall vote by a simple majority with the Chairperson
having a casting vote as and when that may be required.
25. The number of General Committee meetings per year shall normally be 6. Meetings
should be minuted as per the County system. Items for further discussion and the
responsibility for action should be identified in the minutes. The agenda notice of date,
time, venue should also identify the topics for further discussion and be received by
members 14 days before the date of the meeting.
26. No business may be voted on that has not been notified to the General Committee
members in the Notice of Meeting received 14 days before the General Meeting. In an
emergency the Executive may ask the General Committee to discuss and make a
decision.
27. The following Officers of NRU are ex officio of all Committees and Sub
Committees: President, Honorary Secretary, RFU Representative and the Senior Vice
President.
Regulation for matches
28. The Rugby Committee shall ensure players are selected for all County Matches.
29. REMOVE THIS? The Rugby Committee shall appoint a Captain for each match,
who shall have entire control over the team while on the pitch ground.
Miscellaneous
30. The uniform shall be a Green Jersey with Red and Yellow Hoops, Green Socks with
Red and Yellow tops, and White Shorts, which must be worn by all members playing in
County Matches.
A County Cap shall be awarded to players who have made 3 consecutive appearances as
a starting player in the Senior County Championship or other approved matches or 5
appearances in all as a starting player [non-consecutive] or as a replacement.
Replacement for a blood injury would not count for this purpose.
31. The General Committee is empowered to make such Rules as it from time to time
deems expedient, but such rules may be cancelled by a majority of two-thirds of the votes
at any Annual General Meeting; and no Rules shall alter or nullify any of these Rules.
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DRAFT
A notification of all new Rules or alterations to existing Rules shall be sent to the
secretary of each Club who must have fourteen days notice thereof, such notice
containing the proposed alterations.
32. In case of any Club breaking any of these Rules, or in case of its members misconducting themselves on the field of play, or in case of any other gross instance of
misconduct, it shall be liable to be expelled, unless the Club entirely repudiates the
conduct of such members by immediate expulsion. Notice of such motion must be sent
to the Honorary Secretary, in writing, who shall call a Special General Meeting stating
the business for which the meeting is called. At the meeting a clear majority of twothirds of those present is required to carry the resolution to expel the club.
33. In the event of any differences of opinion arising as to the meaning of any of these
Rules, the General Committee shall determine the meaning of such Rule or Rules. Such
decision shall be recorded in the minutes of the General meeting, and shall, on all
subsequent occasions, be binding on the County.
NB. Clubs in membership of the County who are provided with referees supplied by the
Northumberland Rugby Union Referees’ Society are required to pay to the Referees
Society each season a sum to be agreed by the Finance Committee.
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DRAFT
Committee Terms of Reference
Role of the Club County Representative
The County Club Representative should be on the Senior Management /Executive of their club
and shall ensure
 Liaison between County and Club is appropriate by reporting relevant County and RFU
matters to the club and expressing considered club view to the County General Meetings.
 The Club County Representative is expected to be willing to support County Committee
activity by being a member of committee[s] that are appropriate to the expertise and/or
interests of the Club Representative.
 Support the County teams.
 Attend [or arrange a substitute to attend] General Meetings – see rule 9.
 Attend the Annual General Meeting and ensure a second representative from a club is
in attendance as per rule ?
 After suitable service to the County the Club Representative should be available for
consideration for the Honour of Vice Presidency of NRU.
Executive Committee
The duties of the Emergency Committee are now referred to the Executive Committee.
There should be a quorum of 6 members – 3 Officers and 3 other members.
General Committee
The Secretary to call a General Meeting giving 14 days written notice to Club Secretaries and
General Committee members.
I have spoken to Claire, this is possible if included are minutes that are draft; or in the case of
facilities and administration notes.
Minutes from sub to committees should have a front page [an extract] highlighting topic[s] to be
discussed and action[s]; similarly from Committees to the Executive and from the Executive to
General. The period of 14 days should give clubs and their representatives opportunity to
consider and discuss at General Meetings.
The structure of NRU was reviewed as it related to the RFU plan of 1994/95 and 2000/01
to 20007/08 and recent initiatives e.g. RDP.
The structure is essential in explaining to clubs how they relate as institutions and
individuals to NRU. At this meeting the structure was considered.
The proposals are included in the NRU Strategic Plan for season 2007/08. The
alterations are proposed to improve communication in NRU and to make decision
making more efficient – there is often a 6 month gap between a decision and action!
Meetings should produce minutes that identify:
 Where further discussion is needed at the Committee or Executive or General
Committee levels.
 Bullet points on information.
 Designated action where appropriate.
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Standing Orders for Committees
DRAFT
1. The NRU structure is established to enable the bi-monthly County General
Committee to endorse decisions made by the 5 main Committees: Finance,
Marketing and Communication, Representative Rugby, RDP and Governance
who report to the Executive Committee.
2. The General Committee should receive notice of the agenda 14 days before a
meeting. The agenda notice should highlight areas for discussion and decision e.g
GoPlayRugby and include appropriate draft minutes from committees, sub
committees and individuals.
3. To enable the above individuals and Sub Committees report to the 5 Standing
Committees.
4. Each Sub Committee and Committee should produce numbered minutes as per
the NRU system which emphasise the responsibility for action of
groups/individual[s].
5. The minutes of Sub Committees should be forwarded to the County Office asap in
a draft form to allow circulation to the Committee, in the case of Committees to
the Executive and in the case of the Executive to the General. The draft minutes
must be available for the next stage 14 days before the date of the next meeting.
6. The Committee Chairman is appointed by the July General Committee following
recommendations from the Executive Committee.
7. Sub committees should elect their own Chairperson and minutes secretary.
8. Northumberland Referees’ and Schools’ should nominate a Representative to the
Honorary Secretary following their AGMs’.
9. Where a vote is needed the Chairperson shall have a second casting vote.
10. Committees and Sub Committees may co-opt individuals for specific/specified
items of business.
11. A quorum of a Committee or Sub Committee is 50% of those entitled to attend.
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DRAFT
The Proposed dates for Management and General Committees 2007/08 are:
General Committee 23 July 2007
Management Committee 28 August 2007
General Committee 24 September 2007
Management Committee 23 October 2007
General Committee 26 November 2007
Management Committee 18 December 2007
General Committee 28 January 2008
Management Committee 26 February 2008
General Committee 25 March 2008
Management Committee 22 April 2008
General Committee 19 May 2008
Management Committee 17 June 2008
AGM
25 June 2008
June a different sequence to
allow the Executive to end
season 2007/08 and lead into
2008/09
General Committee
 Within powers delegated by the RFU to CB’s establish policies to govern and administer
the game within Northumberland.
 Review and monitor such policies on an annual basis to ensure they remain effective,
relevant and cost effective.
 Delegate the implementation of policy to the Management Committee [Executive
2007/08].
 Approve the annual budget.
 Discus then confirm, or otherwise, any proposals brought to the General Committee by
the Management Committee [Executive] or by member clubs according to the Rules of
the County.
 Meet at 2 monthly intervals throughout the year, normally in July, September, November,
January, March and May in addition to the Annual General Meeting in June.
 The General Committee will be Chaired by the President or, in his absence, the Senior
Vice President present at the meeting.
Management Committee [Executive 2007/08]
 To receive reports.
 Manage the affairs of the CB within the approved budget.
 Prepare strategies to implement policies of the RFU and NRU. Regularly monitor,
review and amend these as necessary.
 Make policy recommendations to the General Committee on NRU and RFU matters.
 Receive reports directly from: Representative Rugby, Governance, Marketing &
Communication, Finance and Rugby Development Partnership Committees. Other Sub
Committees will report through these Committees according to the NRU structure plan.
 Act as necessary upon the recommendations of these NRU Committees and, where
appropriate, make recommendations to the General Committee for adoption.
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DRAFT
Approve any contracts, commitments and expenditure within agreed limits and subject to
endorsement of the General Committee.
Through the County Honorary Secretary co-ordinate and monitor the work of all other
committees and any employees who are the responsibility of NRU.
Ensure NRU meet requirements of the RFU in order to receive a full share of conditional
funding.
Ensure that NRU plans ahead in a strategic manner in order to ensure the future
development of rugby at all levels within the County.
Ensure that all NRU Committees and Sub committees are Chaired/Led by suitable
qualified personnel.
Chairman of Management – possible terms of reference
 Chairs Management Committee meetings.
 Has a coordinating role.
 Ensures that under his Chairmanship the Management Committee efficiently directs and
co-ordinates the business of NRU.
 Co-ordinates the work of all Committees, Sub Committees and Task Groups and ensures
they meet regularly.
 Ensures that NRU’s Strategic Plan is regularly reviewed and updated.
 He should have no other major administrative role within NRU e.g. be a Chair of a
Committee or Sub Committee.
Community Rugby Development Partnership (RDP)
 To receive updates on present projects and suggestions for the continuation of these or
the introduction of new projects.
 To prepare an annual Rugby Development Plan in order to access RFU funding for
specific projects.
 To liaise with all relevant RFU Committees to ascertain priorities for the inclusion in the
Rugby Development Plan. The delivery and evaluation of projects arising from this plan
will be the responsibility of those committees, sub committees and or named individuals.
 The RDP will continue to develop Women’s rugby as appropriate until such time as
clearer guidelines concerning CB responsibilities in this area are received from the RFU.
Adult rugby
 Co-ordinate and develop player development programmes for Clubs, Further and Higher
education establishments within Northumberland.
 Liaise with the NRU Competitions Sub Committee to ensure appropriate Club, League
and Cup Competitions.
 Liaise with the NRU Coaching Sub Committee to develop appropriate levels of coaching
to achieve rugby development aims within the community game.
 Liaise with the NRU Referees’ Sub Committee to develop appropriate levels of
refereeing to achieve rugby development aims within the community game.
U18 rugby - working in conjunction with the RDO and Community Rugby Coaches to:
 Manage and administrate the Continuum through the NRU Mini and Youth Forums.
 Manage County Schools competitions through the NRU Schools Union.
 Manage County Festivals for Schools and Clubs.
 Interface with the PE School Sport Club Links (PESSCLs) programme.
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DRAFT
Manage County Club age grade competitions in conjunction with NRU Competitions Sub
Committee.
Chairman
 Chairs meetings of the RDP.
 Co-ordinates the work of the adult and U18 sub committees and any other sub
committees which are established under the auspices of the RDP as well as ensuring firm
links are maintained with other NRU Committees and Sub Committees involved with the
development of Community Rugby: Referees, Coaching, Schools, Welfare and
Womens’.
 Ensure the work of the RDO and CRC’s is within the NRU Development Plan.
 Ensure the production of an annual Rugby Development Plan in order to access RFU
developmental funding.
 Monitor and evaluate the progress of projects identified in the Development Plan.
 Provide the RFU with interim and final reports of projects within the NRU Development
Plan.
Governance Committee
 To receive reports from the following Sub-Committees of NRU: Administration,
Competitions? Disciplinary, Facilities, Nominations, RDO Management, Seal of
Approval and Welfare.
 Report and make recommendations to the Management Committee on issues arising from
these reports.
 Make policy recommendations to the Management Committee in regard to all aspects of
efficient and effective administration of NRU and Clubs including appropriate changes to
NRU rules.
 Review policy and monitor all club actions with regard to safety & welfare of players and
monitor implementation by Clubs of RFU and NRU policies to promote ways of making
the game as safe as possible at all levels and ages.
 Ensure that the NRU Strategic plan is prepared and up-dated on an annual basis. Monitor
progress on achieving objectives laid out in the plan.
 Make recommendations on policies for NRU Competitions and Leagues.
 Ensure Clubs are aware of the growing importance of Local Authority and recreational
bodies in the support and funding of sport.
 Liaise as necessary with the Disciplinary Panel.
 Investigate possible breaches of Rule 5.12 as advised by the RFU.
Chairman
 Chair meetings of the Governance Committee.
 Ensure the proper functioning of those NRU sub committees for which Governance
Committee has responsibility.
 Ensure that NRU Officers and Management Committee are kept fully informed of
matters for which Governance is responsible.
Finance Committee
 Report to the Management Committee.
 Prepare annual budget and establish a system of budgetary control.
 Make recommendations on policy on all aspects for funding the game in
Northumberland.
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DRAFT
Manage NRU assets.
Make recommendations on policy for distribution of International tickets ? M&C or
When appropriate create and manage a system of conditional funding for clubs from
NRU resources.
Review financial stability of member Clubs [receiving an annual report on member clubs
financial position] and make recommendations on loan, grant and lottery applications etc.
as necessary.
Chairman
 The Chair of the Finance Committee is normally the County Treasurer.
 Liaise with the County Auditor.
 Oversee the income and expenditure of NRU and the financial systems related to these.
Marketing and Communications Committee
 Report and make appropriate recommendations to the Management Committee upon
areas of NRU business for which the Committee is responsible.
 Monitor the work of the NRU Web Master/Manager, Press Officer, Sponsorship Officer
and Volunteer co-ordinator.
 Actively market, promote and seek out sponsorship and fund raising opportunities for
both NRU and its Clubs.
 Establish effective communication with media on all issues affecting the NRU and its
Clubs.
 Edit and publish the NRU handbook and other publications such as newsletters as
appropriate.
 Establish a programme of club development activities each season.
 Establish a volunteer recognition programme for NRU and its clubs.
 Promote the playing of rugby within Northumberland and liaise with Newcastle Falcons
Community Rugby programme.
Chairman
 Chair meetings of the M&C Committee.
 Ensure the proper functioning of those areas of activity for which the M&C Committee
has responsibility.
 Ensure that each area of M&C responsibility is appropriately supported with volunteer
help.
Representative Rugby Committee
 To develop excellence in playing, coaching and refereeing.
 To Co-ordinate all of the various Sub-Committees responsible for the administration of
representative aspects of the game itself within Northumberland Rugby Union."
 To plan a coherent structure for the playing of the elite game of rugby at all levels and
ages within Northumberland.
 To provide a structure to ensure that the progress of players, coaches and referees are
developed and monitored.
 Ensuring the integrated development of the game through coordinating the work of
relevant sub-groups and sub-committees.
 To make recommendations to the Executive/General Committees regarding the
implementation of these objectives.
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DRAFT
Chairman
 Chairs meetings of the Rugby Committee.
 Attends meetings of sub-committees as appropriate.
 Ensure the proper functioning of those areas of activity for which the Rugby Committee
has responsibility.
 Attends and submits written reports to the Management Committee.
POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE for the COMPETITIONS SUB-COMMITTEE
 Manage and administer all Community Club Competitions within NRU and recommend
appointments of officials to help administer league rugby.
 Introduce new competitions that cater for the development and retention of young players
and those returning to the game.
 Liaise with neighbouring CB's regarding integration and coordination of competitions.
 Receive reports from the Northumberland representative(s) to the RFU (North)
Competitions Committee.
POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE for the CB DISCIPLINARY PANEL
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Under delegated power from the RFU it is required to hold inquiries and impose
sanctions or take such action as it seems fit subject to a right of appeal to the RFU, for
infringement of any law of the game or for any conduct which is prejudicial to the
interests of the Union or of the game as authorised by RFU Rule 12.13.
Submit regular reports on CB disciplinary matters to the Governance Committee
POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE for the COACHING SUB-COMMITTEE
In conjunction with the Rugby Development Officer:
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Establish Club and Schools Coach Education Programme.
Undertake Coach development and identification.
Provide Coach mentor, assessor and tutor programmes.
Establish a Coach database and tracking system.
Recommend appointment of coaches to playing squads and for schools rugby.
Liaise with the RFU (North) Coaching Development officer (CDO) for the development
of coaching initiatives in Northumberland.
POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE for the ADMINISTRATION SUB-COMMITTEE
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To implement NRU administration policies.
To identify NRU administration needs and propose appropriate solutions.
To liaise with the NRU Administrative Assistant(s) and supervise workload.
To make recommendations concerning office accommodation and equipment.
To monitor NRU administration costs.
To conduct annual employee appraisals.
To make recommendations on employee remuneration.
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NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 2007
DRAFT
POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE for the CHAIRMAN OF THE ADMINISTRATION
SUB-COMMITTEE
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To chair meetings of the Administration Sub Committee.
To submit written reports to the Governance Committee.
To act as line manager for NRU administrative staff.
POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE for the RDO MANAGEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE
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Liaise with the RFU and appropriate RFU Rugby Development personnel on their role
and work in Northumberland particularly with reference to the Rugby Development
Partnership annual development plan.
In association with the Rugby Development Partnership ensure the input of NRU
priorities and plans into the Northumberland based work of RFU Development personnel.
Ensure that the RDO submits regular reports relating to representative rugby to the
Representative Rugby Committee.
Receive regular written reports from the RDO on development work in Community
rugby with particular relevance to club liaison and the RDP development plan.
Consider the NRU Strategic Plan in addition to RDP and Representative Rugby e.g.
2007/08 Go Play rugby and Area Rugby squads.
Administration of the RRDM, RDO and CRC programme will be a standing item on
agendas.
Submit written reports to the Governance Committee.
This sub committee will meet 3 times per year

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April/May to evaluate the past season and discuss the Strategic Plan for the following
season and the involvement of the RDO {for this season there will be an additional meeting
at the end of May}.
August/September.
January/February.
The members of the sub committee shall be: RDO, RRDM, a representative of the
Northumberland Youth Charitable Trust, RDP Chair or representative, Honorary Secretary of
NRU and a member of Governance.
POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE for the NOMINATIONS SUB-COMMITTEE


To make recommendations to the Management Committee on the appointment of NRU
officers. For all annual nominations recommendations to be received by the Management
Committee by 15th January each year to allow due consideration.
To make recommendations for proposal of Privileged and Honorary Life Members of
NRU as appropriate.
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NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 2007
DRAFT
POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE for the CB FACILITY DEVELOPMENT
COORDINATOR
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Establish CB Facility Development Sub Committee reporting to Governance Committee.
Produce a three year Facility Development plan for the CB.
Ensure Club facilities data entered in RFU Club web page questionnaire is correct.
Act as CB point of contact with RFU Funding and Facilities team and other agencies.
Manage and develop a Club Facilities Strategy for Northumberland.
POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE for the CB WELFARE MANAGER
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Support clubs to produce a Child Protection Policy.
Monitor club implementation of Child Protection Policies within the CB.
In consultation with the RFU Ethics and Equity Manager, advise on the management of
all reported cases (in line with RFU procedures) and ensure that all cases are reported to
the RFU.
In consultation with the RFU Ethics and Equity Manager, plan the implementation of
CRB disclosure within the CB.
Have a formal role on relevant committees within the CB.
POSSIBLE TERMS OF REFERENCE for the CB PRESIDENT

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Head of NRU Chairing all meetings of NRU General Committee and the AGM.
Member of the Management Committee.
Represents NRU at all county games, competition finals and various meetings and events.
Visits Clubs in membership of NRU on match days during the season.
Acts as an ambassador for Northumberland Rugby Union.
Referees Sub Committee


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To meet the demands for referees from clubs in the County.
To determine the training and development needs of members of the Society and inform
the appointed RFU official.
To provide appropriate training and development for the needs of the members.
To provide:



A management structure whereby all those involved in rugby in the County have
representation through the advisers and training & development sub committees.
To meet the training and demands of other organizations e.g. H.E., youth and schools’
rugby.
Regular re-appraisal of referee capabilities and seeking opportunities to provide higher
quality games for progressing referees. Implicit in this is an active involvement in the
Northern Federation of Referees.
Terms of Reference for the County Schools’ Sub Committee
 The Northumberland Schools’ Union will represent the interests of all schools in
Northumberland and encourage the further development of schools’ rugby and the
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NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 2007

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DRAFT
recruitment of new member schools.
Advise the CBRDP, Representative Rugby Committees on educational matters.
Appoint a County Schools’ Union Disciplinary officer.
Organise and support with and through the Competitions Sub Committee local school
rugby competitions, festivals, events and leagues as set out in the NRU Development
Plan.
Liaise with the Representative Rugby Committee on Area and County teams and the
School of Rugby.
Organise a budget for School finances.
Advise the ERFSU on schools’ tour applications.
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NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 2007
DRAFT
COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
All Sub-Committee-Committee Chairmen are asked to appoint a vice-chairman to assist in
continuity and a secretary to ensure that minutes are recorded and passed to the
appropriate committee in the reporting structure.
Nominations Committee [6]
Past Presidents: John Reid, Alan Lockey, Jim Coulson, Richard Appleby, Chris Davy, Wes Dixon
[Dudley]
Quorum 3
Executive Committee
Chairman
- Alan Lockey
Chairman of Representative Rugby
- David Pringle
Chairman of Governance
- John Reid
Chairman of RDP
- Andy Thomson
Chairman of Marketing and Communication
- Jim Coulson
Hon. Secretary
- Chris Davy
Hon. Treasurer (Chairman of Finance)
- Alan Woolhead
RFU Representative
- Richard Appleby
President
- John Saunders
Vice-President
- Andy James
Immediate Past President
- Wes Dixon
RRDM
- Matt Carter [no vote]
Total membership 12
*
Quorum 6
Meetings:
Coaching Sub-Committee
Chairman Vice Chairman –
Secretary –
RDO/CDO – Alan Moses
Falcons Academy – Richard Metcalf
School of Rugby Coach – Rob Snow
WRFU –
Dave Massie, Dave Reed, Gary Fleming, Carlo Nardini
Meetings:
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NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 2007
DRAFT
Competitions Sub-Committee
Chairman - Ken Fraser
Secretary – Trevor Morrison
NRU North Competitions representative – Dudley Gibbs
+ 3 representatives from the County Committee + 3 representatives from clubs competing in County Leagues + Claire Sharpe (as leagues and cups administrator)
NB. Membership if receiving notification of RDP [Community] competitions and assisting the
RDP to complete their plan and submit reports.
Meetings:
Disciplinary Sub-Committee
Chairman Vice Chairman –
Secretary Jim Coulson, Alan Lockey, John Armstrong, Alan Beddis, Wes Dixon, Doug Hamilton, Bill
Hewitt, John Robinson, Richard Appleby
Finance Committee
Chairman - Alan Woolhead
Assistant Treasurer - T.O'Neill
Member of RDO Management Committee –
Richard Appleby, John Atherton, Jim Coulson, Wes Dixon, Ken Fraser, Doug Hamilton, Alan
Heinzman, Richard McEvoy, Gordon Miller, Geoff Parkinson, Stuart Reay
Meetings:
Governance Committee
Chairman – John Reid
Immediate Past President - Wes Dixon
Treasurer –
John Atherton, Jim Coulson, Stuart Bainbridge, John Gray, Dudley Gibbs, John Armstrong, Alan
Woolhead, Peter Jones and Peter Robertson.
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NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 2007
DRAFT
Ground Sub-Committee
Chairman Alan Lockey is this needed? Responsibility to Competitions and/or County
Representative team chairpersons
Marketing and Communications Sub-Committee
Chairman - Jim Coulson
Chairman of Sponsorship Sub-Committee –
Wes Dixon, Dean Gray, Carlo Nardini,
Meetings:
Representative Rugby Sub-Committee
Chairman - David Pringle
Secretary – Ken Fraser
Senior Selection – Willie Allen
Development XV – Tom Gallon
U-20's – Andy James
Coaching –
Ground and Venue –
Referees – Malcolm Jarvie
RDO Mgt & RRDM – Alan Moses
School of RugbyGraham Ward, John Gray,
Falcons - Richard Metcalf
15-18 County Teams
Meetings:
Referees Sub-Committee
- 2 representatives of the County Committee + members appointed by Referees' Society
County Representatives are John Armstrong and John Saunders.
The Management Committee of the Referees Society meets at the Resource Centre, Northern on
the first Thursday of each month.
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NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 2007
DRAFT
Senior Selection Sub-Committee
Chairman - Willie Allen
Secretary – Richard Hall
Coach – Tom Borthwick
Committee Selectors: Alan Old, Richard Parker, John Reid and David Pringle.
U-20 Selection Sub-Committee
Chairman - Andy James
Secretary –
Principal Coach –Alan Young
Hon Treasurer – Peter Jones
Resources –
Coach –
Asst Coaches – Dave Reed and Gary Fleming
Travel –
Venue Committee – needed?
Chairman – Alan Lockey
Secretary – Chris Davy
Assistant Secretary – Ken Fraser
First XV County Selector RDP
Chairman - Andy Thomson
Vice Chairman of Youth –
Budget Co-ordinator – Terry O’Neill
Mini, School and club <16 from a Youth Forum
Club 16>, FE, HE from an Adult Forum
County representative RFU Representative Coaching Representative Referee Representative RDO Schools -
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NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 2007
DRAFT
Womens/Girls –
Secretary – Claire Sharpe
Meetings:
Player and Coach 15-18 Development Committee
(Sub-Committee of the Representative Rugby)
Chairman –
Treasurer – Terry O’Neill
Secretary –
17/18 Groups – Carlo Nardini
16 Group – Max Proud
15 Group –
Coaching & RDO – Alan Moses
Meetings
(Please note, this sub committee has a remit that encompasses 15-18 representative rugby:
fixtures, management, coaching and player development and will report to the Representative
Rugby Committee.)
RDO Management Sub-Committee
Chairman RDP representative –
RRDM – Matt Carter
RDO – Alan Moses
Member of Youth Charitable Trust and Governance
Meetings:
Representatives to the North Division Committee
- normally 3 representatives - currently Richard Appleby, Dudley Gibbs and Stuart Bainbridge
with Jim Coulson representing MODCONE.
Representative to the North Leagues Committee
-
Dudley Gibbs
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NORTHUMBERLAND RUGBY UNION
COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE REVIEW MARCH 2007
DRAFT
Structure Plan
County General Committee
Executive
[the Nominations sub committee is the only sub committee to report directly to the
Executive]
The RFU & North Division Representatives and RRDM will report directly to the
Executive
Representative
Rugby
Committee
County XV
Governance
Committee
Development
XV
Competitions
Admin
Discipline
Marketing and RDP Committee
Communication
Committee
Webmaster
Two sub groups:
13-16 clubs
Press Officer
<16 clubs
Schools
Sponsorship
Mini
Finance
Committee
U20 XV
Facilities
U18 XV
Rules
Volunteer coordinator
16>
Adult, 6th form
FE & HE
U17 XV
Strategic Plan
U16 XV
Welfare & CRB
U15 XV
RDO report
U13 & U14 Area
XV’s
Seal of Approval
Schools of
Rugby
At the meetings:
Female rugby
Coaching
Refereeing
Finance
RDO
RFU & County
Reps
M & C Rep
Elite coaching
Elite refereeing
RDO in
attendance
23