Attn: USA Rugby & RIM: “Winning is EVERYTHING to a sponsor” & a Question of Confidence at RBEA. 4

Leadership, Sport • Tags: , , ,

Each continued botched move by our Union’s senior leadership and every day that passes without clearly defined vision and methods to get there (through the CEO of course) is a day that every single participant’s rugby experience is marginalized. It is another ‘lost day’ in the development of our sport in this country. More…

USA Rugby Congress member Stephen Lewis – Calls it like it is 1

Leadership, Productivity, Sport • Tags: , , , , ,

Without a visionary Strategic Plan, created based on independent audits in various silo’s, (particularly high performance) with strict measurable performance metrics and action cycles for execution, supported by a sound financial plan – there will be ABSOLUTELY NO PROGRESS.  And the cycle will continue. More…

I want to hear “The State of USA Rugby” from Chairmen Chang/Keck. Why not the CEO you ask?… 2

Sport

I want to hear from USA Rugby’s Chairman of the Board, Will Chang – on his assessment on the “State of USA Rugby”. I would think such a piece would be found in AGM notes, but nothing is available as there haven’t been any AGM’s in recent memory.  Again, refer to the By Laws.

Regardless, I think it’s time to hear from the leadership. Specifically I would like to hear about the following:

  • Vision for the future of our teams, both Men and Women in both codes and age grades (specifically U/20)
  • What priorities they are placing on creating ‘places to play’ for all the youth coming through (i.e. quality coaching, refereeing, playing conditions, etc..) such that we can compete at U/20 level which clear as day is extremely important moving forward. Club system still in disarray regardless of MLR.
  • I want to hear about RIM and how that ‘for profit’ entity (which has only created competition to those USAR actually would want to partner with i.e., NBC, UWS, AEG, etc…) actually works on behalf of USA Rugby. N.b., there is a well grounded argument that RIM actually acts to the detriment of USA Rugby.
  • Why USA Rugby’s Board, and its ‘financial arm’ Rugby International Marketing (aka RIM) are so poor at executing their fundraising/revenue streams that a significant portion of our coaches and senior high performance managers are funded by private donors/benefactors?

Why not hear from the CEO, Dan Payne?

Normally, I would request such a ‘State of USAR’ piece to be done by the CEO. However, as should be well known by now – he has no authority/responsibility/accountability over RIM or any of the revenue piece of USA Rugby (other than being forced to put his hand out and beg for money from an already tapped out membership).

Here are my thoughts on the USA Rugby Organization Chart and how it is IMPOSSIBLE for Payne to succeed unless he has authority and accountability over RIM

How can the USA Rugby membership request such a statement from Chairmen Chang (USAR) and Chairman Keck (RIM).

P.S. Is this piece too operational in nature? Not under purview of a Director? Too divisive? #marni

USAR org chart

Other Articles I have written on this topic:

On USA Rugby, John Mitchell, RIM, The Rugby Channel, & the Board. Reply

Sport

I wonder if the likes of Chairmen Chang and Keck, and Marni Vath watched the debacle of USA Rugby vs. Canada today. I doubt it, but if they did – perhaps they might note the horrific state our Union is in. Note, it is not about the players on the field – but the fact that over the past 10 years, and at this current time – have no viable vision, let alone a plan to support that vision. We are woefully mismanaged financially. What can we do with this rudderless ship? Anyone who takes away any significant positivity from today’s match for the USA should consider raising their standards and expectations.

But remember, we have RIM and The Rugby Channel.  It’s comedic really.

Tony Ridnell

In a calamity that could only be described as “Melvillean” in nature, USA Rugby head coach John Mitchell has seemingly made his 4 year commitment/contract disappear.  The announcement of Mitchell signing on as “Executive of Rugby” for the Super Rugby Bulls franchise really has come as no surprise, as rumors have been circulating to this effect for months.

I understand that “sports is a business”, what I don’t understand is how people that sign 4 year contracts and ‘commit’ to take a national team through a complete Rugby World Cup cycle, simply get to walk away.  Rumors were already circulating approximately two months ago when USAR CEO Dan Payne requested that Mitchell domicile in the United States.  Mitchell has lived in Pietermaritzburg, RSA during his tenure as USAR Men’s XV Coach and has rarely been seen at any non USA Eagle events that should mandate his presence.

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On USA Rugby Vision, Strategy 2020, RWC 2018/2027, Age Grade, HP audit, & more on the Board/RIM 7

Leadership, Productivity, Sport • Tags: , , , , , , , ,

In responding to a question about ‘vision’, it is difficult not to discuss the Board and the massive effect (positive or negative) it can and has on any such ‘visions’. It is time to get back to basics and instill some Business Basics back into this Board.  Without it, and the proper alignment to the organization – it doesn’t matter what anyone’s vision is, it is bound for failure.   More…