USARFU plans to move the start of its annual dues collection up to August 1, ostensibly because some senior 15s matches take place before September.
But with the Collegiate All-Americans yet unable to confirm the team's yearly tour, the senior national team watching expenses closely, and the club and territorial 7s championships to come later this summer, bringing CIPP (Club and Individual Participation Program) forward also will serve to alleviate Boulder's end-of-fiscal-year cash crunch.
The prospect is outlined in a May report from USARFU's board of directors to the congress, detailing the 9-member group's May 31 meeting.
Launched in the early 1990s, CIPP originally prohibited dues money from being spent on the Eagles; the board required the national team to fund itself. But by 2005, fundraising failures and heavy losses from the fledgling USA 7s burned through the union's reserve and forced it to take a number of emergency measures, including rescinding the prohibition.
In 2007, the dues cycle was changed to correspond to the school year, in part because 71 percent of dues payers are collegians, high schoolers, or younger. But the union's funds are heavily weighted in favor of senior competition and particularly international events, such as the recent Ireland and Wales tests, which take place toward the end of the union's fiscal year.
In a phenomenal understatement that underscores the precarious financial situation, the brief document declares 'There is a need for the board to take a more pro-active approach to developing financial support for the organization, as was contemplated by the governance restructuring two years ago [sic].'
The union's current strategic plan was adopted in July 2006, and the idea of replacing veteran American administrators with outside rainmakers was a key supposition of the new era in 'governance.' While the union's revenues have increased, its expenditures have more than kept pace, and growth in membership (and dues) has remained level or in some cases slowed.
In a related matter, private giving has decreased by more than 50 percent, the report suggests. Also once touted as a priority for the new board, the category corresponds to less than 1 percent of revenue.
Related:
USARFU board facing restive congress
Money shortfall hits All-American tour
Just pointing out that although donation are what runs most 501c amateur sport in America, this BOD has no chance to bring donations through the door of USAR (as their track record shows) because they are not trusted.
Their failure of bringing less than 1% of the budget through donations and gifts is a true indication of the confidence the US rugby community has in this administration.
This is a "vote of no confidence" from long time ruggers, new players and parents alike.
Why doesn't the USAR Congress have the courage for a similar vote of no confidence in this Board and CEO?
Posted by: let your money do the talking | 26 June 2009 at 08:53
It is obvious to me that this shell game is going to go on till 2011 WC, and then the rats will jump ship and USA Rugby will be scrambling to even have a functioning body. As soon as the Eagles qualify the IRB will make sure that the current team of people can make it to through the 2011 WC by way of some funding. After the WC the IRB will either give up on USA Rugby as a union, or they will start a new cycle of propping up a failed union. I think we would be better off to not qualify for the WC, clean house and build something that is sustainable and long term.
Posted by: Shell Game | 26 June 2009 at 09:46
We were foolish to give up any control to a board that had weak ties to no ties to rugby in the USA for nothing.
If that was any other 501c3, it would have cost an arm and a leg to get the board seat, and then an arm and a leg to keep it.
In volunteer based 501c3 entities, board seats are given to people who donate and raise significant cash that makes a huge impact on the organization.
We gave ourselves away and now we should pledge unconditional loyalty to an under performing board, this is insane.
Most people were scared when they read Orwell's book "1984", when Roberts read it, he must have been taking notes.
We must all love big brother. Give us a break.
Posted by: bruce mclane | 26 June 2009 at 09:59
Bruce,
You make an excellent point about non-profit board members normally being the biggest financial contributors to the organization they represent.
What is sadly interesting about our BOD is not only have they not donated and in fact use Union funds to fund the activities of BOD, they see themselves as rugby experts which the biggest laugh of all.
Roberts bought himself a NZRFU board seat as the COO of Steinlager, the biggest sponsor of NZRFU at the time. Wacker was fired from the IRB and the balance are pretenders and puppets. Middleton and Mullett leading the way in the class. One members of the BOD still hasn't seen a match I understand, any match at any time.
When they first took over these pretenders wanted no help from anyone, they had it all figured out. None of the people who had been working at US rugby need apply. They told Congress, you don't really have a job, just show up once a year and we'll tell you how its done.
Now after four seasons of almost complete failure, Roberts is now telling the Congress that they can help write the strategic plan, mainly because USAR has been operating without any plans.
Give Roberts this much credit, he knows if anyone looks back on how much money we have spend accomplishing so little that he and his Board and CEO will be outed as frauds. So he very wisely is moving the goalpost to what we/USAR are doing going forward.
Well the first thing we should do is throw these bums out of office. They have wasted millions in IRB support and not brought much other commercial or private dollars to the table. I love when they talk about raising the overall budget of USAR without mentioning the dues hike on kids and their parents.
Posted by: You go Bruce | 26 June 2009 at 10:36
Bling... bling...
Makin it rain yo...
Cash money on the flow..
Welfare dollars make dem bitches holla
Muff'ukkas, we on the dole
Shut d'fkk up, we on a roll
Git dem kids to trow mo dough
Dees welfare dollars make you bitches holla.
Muff'ukkas, dats how we roll...
Posted by: MC Gnomie @ the Four Seasons | 26 June 2009 at 11:33
The Eagles should sing this just after the national anthem. Kind of like Waltzing Matilda.
Posted by: you are a funny fu*ker | 26 June 2009 at 12:33
Did anyone see the goff story about the "Classic Eagles" I guess you never actually had to be an Eagle to play for the classic Eagles! I count 3 maybe 4 guys who actually played for America the rest never pissed a drop in a US shirt. Maybe they should call it the "Classic Seagles!"
Posted by: A laughable distraction | 26 June 2009 at 13:45
Good thing we are kept apprised of these important "Classic" matches. Knowing that the trainer is getting "capped" keeps my hopes alive for next year.
Posted by: Team Launderer | 26 June 2009 at 14:50
I don't care if the board members even know what rugby is.
They are there for strategic partnerships and fundraising.
There have been positives but the way this came out I'm still waiting for the huge lighting bolt.
Where are the sposorship dollars?
Where are the partnerships?
They professionalized the Eagle and eagle age grade coaching and management.
We didn't need a whole new board, CEO et all for that.
I think these guys have done a few good things but for what they've accomplished they have no more value than the old set-up.
Schools are cutting sports all over the country. Start a program where we pay a school 1,000.00 to have rugby an official club sport. Use NM's salary.
That's 275 new teams and around 5,500 new players. That's also 110,000.00 in CIPP dues if Boulder is reading.
Also - who knows how much we spent on board meetings? I've heard rumblings but noone ever has a number. Kurt - do some digging.
Posted by: Loves Rugby - Hates Rugby Players | 26 June 2009 at 15:26
I'll be very disappointed (disillusioned, disheartened, dis-something) if that is the motivation for opening up CIPP registrations on August 1. However, as I was at least one of the folks who hammered the office that Sept 1 was cutting it too close for the TUs that start league play in the Fall (MA, NE, MW, and parts of West), I hope the reason is that they agreed that we needed the extra month (August) so folks have time and aren't jammed up against a deadline. If it has the side benefit of getting funds in earlier than otherwise, well, okay, but I hope they had member needs in mind first.
Posted by: Eric Pittelkau (PRU, MARFU) | 26 June 2009 at 15:59
I understand that there are two openings on the Board. Which two members are leaving?
Posted by: AA | 26 June 2009 at 18:22
The dues re-structure had to be moved up in order to cover Hotel and room service bills for the outgoing Board members and rank USARFU officials at the next World Cup.
Two months is a long time at any hotel and redecorating gets costly.
Posted by: Makin it rain | 26 June 2009 at 19:19
Please Eric. The cycle is moved from calender, Jan-Dec, to the academic or the start of the competition cycle in Sept. Now its again moved forward a month when USAR is broke because they spent all our and the IRB's money in the first 9 months of the year.
The west coast teams that begin play in January alway found a way to get CIPP'ed by the first of the year, now you are giving these jokers cover by saying this was MARFU preference?
We are now trying to get our NERFU and MARFU players CIPP'ed in July which isn't easy or fair.
This decision is a little much, and a good indication of the scramble in Boulder.
Posted by: please | 26 June 2009 at 21:11
You don't expect our leadership to have to wait until October for T&E reimbursement do you?. You peasants are an ungrateful lot, Hawaii aint exactly cheap in March you know.
Posted by: Gnomie Live @ The Four Seasons | 27 June 2009 at 10:21
Concerning the Women's Canada Test, Nigel says on his blog:
"Having received countless emails demanding that we webcast the game we think we have found a solution, so a wider audience will be able to see the game this weekend."
They found a solution, but if they tell you, they'd have to kill you.
Posted by: Gnomie Live @ The Four Seasons | 27 June 2009 at 12:57
LOL
Posted by: nige indirect | 27 June 2009 at 13:01
Reply to "please" - back when the CIPP cycle was Jan-Dec, the registration opened on Dec 1st to accommodate those west coast (and others) teams who started league play shortly after that. I stand by what I said.
Posted by: Eric Pittelkau (PRU, MARFU) | 27 June 2009 at 19:06
Funny, I am listening to AG well after the match (he left his mike on) lol. Its like voyeurcast.
Anyway, I sent an email to USA Rugby and Nige wondering where I could find the match. I should hear back from them sometime next week? So, I went out for a few cocktails woohooo.
I just got back home and tried to find a result and stumbled upon this link at the USArFU webshite. AG is a very polite man (at least from what I heard), but this got me to thinking..
First thing, I hate paying dues to USA Rugby, I think it's ridiculous, anyway..
What if they implanted some kind of nannycam into our CEO's forehead, like a third eye.
He wouldn't have to twitter, or blog. This saves time for him to venture out and meet more people. The device operates from 9 to 5 everyday and turns off on the weekends where there are no matches.
For something like this, I would gladly pay 200 bucks per year to USA Rugby. It could be a real problem solver for the budget woes. Certainly, Chairman Roberts has entertained this idea with his BOD. It is a no-brainer to me.
Posted by: 3rd eye blind | 27 June 2009 at 19:54
Off topic, but I can't help myself.
The dumbest American rugby player in the world is in the Lions squad. Jeez, thank God he turned Clark down in 1999.
Posted by: Flynn Hagerty | 28 June 2009 at 03:14
WTF are you talking about Flynn?
Posted by: Huh? | 28 June 2009 at 13:45
O'Gara was born in the USA. He handed the Boks the penalty kick to secure the test series.
Posted by: Skinner | 28 June 2009 at 16:16
A stupid penalty that will be remembered the rest of his life.
He'll get over it pretty quick with the next English beatdown.
For those who like the B&I style of play, just tune in next weekend for even slower scrumhalf service.
O'Stallivan's cloud of dust offense is so dry, it may start another forest fire in South Carolina.
Someone be sure to tell the Sheriff that all of his waving and hand motions can fan the flames.
Posted by: Smokejumper | 28 June 2009 at 18:20
He also missed a tackle on Fourie's game tying try, so while I'm not saying Ronan O'Gara lost the Lions the game, he lost the Lions the game.
Posted by: Flynn Hagerty | 29 June 2009 at 01:15
Seagulls
I count 4 players who have worn a USA XVs jersey on that squad. The team should be renamed "Classic-If-You-Live-Nearby-The-Event-Or-Can-Afford-The-Trip-&-Kit-USA-Based-Team".
To take the field against international legends from NZ, UK, SA and other countries at Bermuda under the guise as a capped former USA player seems cheesy and borders on classless.....
Posted by: SD Hitman | 29 June 2009 at 07:20
Most teams field some players who weren't capped. I looked through a few match reviews from last year and there are definitely some guys on the Lions/All Blacks/Springboks who weren't internationals.
Posted by: Flynn Hagerty | 29 June 2009 at 08:59
Flynn,
Oh boy I agree so glad ROG went with the irish and not the eagles...who would want him when we can have HERCUZ...beside mike has so much better looking hair
Posted by: curious on-looker | 29 June 2009 at 09:11
We got a game on ESPN proper 4 pm e.t. on the 4th of July right? anyone excited about this? has rugby union ever touched espn before? Obviously we are probably paying out the butt for it and who knows if it will lead to any growth. but can we just savor that for a second. us rugby on espn..
Posted by: this board is trash | 29 June 2009 at 09:47
If I recall correctly, ESPN would regularly air the USA v. Canada matches in the Clark era?
There is a lull in American sports at this time (prior to and just after the baseball All-star game, non-Olympic year).
Maybe Nige has finally figured this out?
Shame that the Women's rugby match was not packaged as well (venue and time of match did exactly help things).
The USA v. Brasil soccer match (on ESPN) was a real winner. It was a first class production. I could live without the incessant horn blowing, had to watch the game muted.
Posted by: will be watching if I don't have to man the grill | 29 June 2009 at 10:17
Putting women's rugby on TV will NOT help rugby in America.
Posted by: Skinner | 29 June 2009 at 11:03
Seems like something that our current leadership believes as well. That statement is exactly why the sport has failed to grow, and surpassed by other contact sports.
Rugby is STILL in the "development stage", while other sports have quickly carved a niche (on ESPN) in no time flat.
Chix punching each other in the face is now acceptable behavior on mainstream cable, apparently people enjoy watching this
The game of rugby is compelling at any pace, any level. At the "elite" levels even more so. Any publicity is good publicity.
When you and your friends wake up, comprehend and nurture this FACT, the game will flourish.
Posted by: The Shepherd | 29 June 2009 at 13:42
USAR reported that the attendance for the USA / Canada test last weekend was 702.
Posted by: Marty Bradley | 29 June 2009 at 14:22
Marty,
700 is a pretty good figure considering the marketing department had to cut back from 3/4" staples to 3/8" staples.
Telephone poles require at least a 1/2" staple for proper adherence through cardboard.
Posted by: Paul Revere, Charleston S.C. | 29 June 2009 at 16:54
That means the event had as much publicity as most garage sales.
Posted by: Garage Sale | 29 June 2009 at 19:27
Marty,
USA/ Canada test...ease up on the No.7 me thinks you mean Georgia
Posted by: curious on-looker | 30 June 2009 at 13:09
No, I meant the US Women v. Canada Women. Now get off the internet and back to lawyerin'.
Posted by: Marty Bradley | 30 June 2009 at 13:46
USA v. Georgia attendance was reported as 5225 - for what that's worth...
Posted by: Marty Bradley | 30 June 2009 at 18:05