Girls and Boys at work and play
photo by Allsport

How do I become a rugby volunteer?  How do I find out more about volunteering within rugby?

There are a wide variety of opportunities for people of all ages who want to get involved in rugby.  No matter what your background, whether or not you play rugby, whether you understand the game, you could be a rugby volunteer.  Opportunities range from groundsman, to secretary, to PR & Marketing, to orange peeler.  Rugby is a sport for all people of all ages.

To find out about how you can volunteer, go to:

Clubs seeking volunteers seeking clubs

Contact your local club, using the postcode search tool on the homepage

If you are already a member of a club, contact your club’s Volunteer Co-ordinator to find out about opportunities within your club.

Remember, don’t wait to be asked to Volunteer!

How much time will volunteering take up?

Volunteering will take up as much or as little time as you would like to give, but it is always advisable to agree some Terms of Reference with the club you are volunteering for, this will help ensure that your time is as effective as possible.

Standard Club’s Terms of Reference template

What are the benefits for me?

As a Rugby Volunteer you will:

• Learn new skills and improve areas of personal ability, such as communication, leadership, organisation and life experience.

   

• Build confidence and develop active community citizenship.

   

• Gain a real sense of achievement in an internationally successful sport.

   

• Encounter new experiences and job opportunities (developing your CV)

   

• Keep your mind and body active through different volunteer roles.

   

• Have opportunities to gain experience and/or awards in sport.

   

Most clubs take an active role in recognising their own volunteers for the highly valued work they carry out.  However, the RFU also runs a Volunteer Recognition programme, which is available to all volunteers within rugby.  

Do I get expenses?

Guidelines for what to give as ‘reasonable expenses’ can be found in the RFU Regulations & Competitions Handbook

How can the RFU support me as a Volunteer?

From the executive staff at head office, your local Rugby Development Officer and your Constituent Body, there are a variety of people who are close at hand to help support rugby clubs and volunteers.  

How can I be more effective in my role?

When you first start volunteering at a club or CB, you should be given an induction into your role, if not, why not ask for one.  Your Club Volunteer Co-ordinator (CVC) can supply you with the Terms of Reference for your specific role.  They should also be able to identify any available courses to help you in your role.

All volunteers should endeavour to keep abreast of information relevant to their role via our Community Rugby website.

What do I do if I’m unhappy with any aspect of volunteering?

We want all our volunteers to be happy in their role.  Therefore, if you are unhappy with your role or any aspect of volunteering at your club, we advise you to discuss this in confidence with your Club Volunteer Co-ordinator or president.  If, however, you are still unhappy, and would like to make a formal complaint, about your club, someone within the club or the RFU, please write to your CB Disciplinary Officer.  Contact details can be found in the RFU Handbook.

How long should I stay in my role?

There is no fixed period for how long you should stay in the same role, however, most clubs will elect/review roles on an annual basis.  

How can I help my CVC find my successor?

There are many ways you can help your CVC find your successor, for some great ideas and information, please vist the Recruitment pages.