Rugby clubs are rapidly moving into a more 'professional' culture, partly as a result of changes in legislation, but largely from the desire to improve the provision for all members and to grow the club. The most effective way for clubs to develop and improve is to be involved in a planning process that sets your club on the path to a better future. It is also important that this process and plan involves all sections of the club if it is to be effective

WHY PLAN?

There are many reasons why a club will benefit from planning:

• Use your club’s resources more effectively
• Identify and prioritise the club's aims and aspirations for the future
• Recognise where the club has come from and where it is now
• Improve team spirit by involving members in decision making
• Development planning is essential for accessing funding support such as Rugby Football Foundation grants and loans
• Ensure a professional approach
• Demonstrate what the club can offer potential new players/ members
• Demonstrate the club's commitment to local schools, colleges and universities
• The planning process can develop team work off the rugby pitch
• Helps the club cope with change
• Check on the clubs progress

HOW TO PRODUCE A CLUB PLAN

There is no right or wrong way to produce a plan, but the following guidelines should give you some positive ideas on how to get started. There are two types of plan:

DEVELOPMENT PLAN - a long term plan (usually 3 to 5 years), this plan focuses on the club's "vision" for the future

ACTION PLAN - a short term plan (usually 1 year), this plan prioritises the short term actions required to get the club on the right path to achieving its long term "vision"

The plan should have considered all the possible parts of the club operation (see diagram)