Call for Nominations: Gerald McGavin Coaching Award 2014

Call for Nominations: Gerald McGavin Coaching Award 2014

Nominations deadline set for March 21, 2014 

VANCOUVER – On behalf of the Canadian Rugby Foundation and BC Rugby premier partner Happy Water, the British Columbia Rugby Union is putting out a call for nominations for two international coach development opportunities.

Funding has been allocated by our partners for the Gerald McGavin Coaching Award and Happy Water Coach Development Experience, providing opportunities for BC coaches to travel to New Zealand for individualized mentoring programs.

The recipient must be currently coaching in the province of British Columbia and be:

1.         A Canadian citizen or landed immigrant;

2.         Not older than 45 years of age;

3.         Committed to the development of the game of rugby in the province.

General Guidelines:

1.         Applications for this award will not be accepted; only nominations will be accepted.

2.         Unsuccessful nominated coaches may have nominations submitted on their behalf in future years.

3.         Successful nominees may not apply again.

4.         The award is conditional upon the recipient continuing his/her coaching career in the province of British Columbia.

5.         The award recipient must agree to have his or her name and photograph publicized. He/she must be prepared to promote the award as requested.

Selection Criteria:

1.         A coach that is a good mentor and that goes above and beyond his/her role as a coach.

2.         A coach that has recognized contributions to the rugby community through coaching and other rugby related work.

Nomination Requirements:

1.         A letter, not more than 250 words, describing the reasons why the nominated person would be a worthy recipient of the Gerald McGavin Coaching Award. Please include specific reasons why he/she deserves the award;

2.         A coaching resume with full contact details as well as a  list of accomplishments and contributions to the rugby community, other volunteer activities, current coaching levels and certifications.

Deadline: 

Nominations for the 2014 award cycle are due by Friday, March 21, 2014.  All information is to be emailed to BC Rugby Provincial Coach and Development Manager Dave Brown (dbrown@bcrugby.com).  Only the successful recipient will be contacted and a winner will be announced later in February.

About the Gerald McGavin Coaching Award:

The Gerald McGavin Coaching Award is the result of an endowment held with the Canadian Rugby Foundation.  The award recognizes rugby coaches from British Columbia who play a significant role in shaping young athletes both on and off the field. Gerald McGavin is a former BC athlete who represented his province against world-renowned sides including the Barbarians, Australia, British Lions and New Zealand Universities. Now a Member of both the Order of Canada and Order of BC, McGavin created the Award because of his love for the sport and to acknowledge the role rugby played in shaping his life. Past recipients include Rameses Langston, Jeff Williams, Martin Jones, Jason Young,  Adam Roberts and Tom Larisch.

Don Whidden Memorial Match Officials Fund

Don Whidden passed away peacefully on February 3rd. He was surrounded by his family, Barbara, Michael, Ashley, Megan and John.

Don is well known in the Canadian rugby community through his various roles including managing the Canadian Senior Men’s Team for many tours and World Cups. He also managed the Canada Men’s U23 Pacific Pride program. He was well-liked and admired by those he came into contact with.Continue reading→

Rameses Langston Reports on NZ Trip – Part of Gerald McGavin Coaching Award

Kia Ora Gentlemen,

I thought I would get this going while things are relatively fresh, and as I am now at the end of my Wellington rugby experience. First I’d like to thank those of you who were involved with putting this award together. I don’t believe that words can articulate the true impact this opportunity has had on me as a coach. Furthermore, I am humbled to be recognized amongst such an outstanding group of coaches from our province.Continue reading→

IRB’s “A Beginner’s Guide to Rugby Union”

IRB logo

The Canadian Rugby Foundation has received numerous emails requesting more information on the game of rugby and a better understanding of the laws.  This interest is most definately the result of Canada’s recent performance against Tonga at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Attached is a link to the International Rugby Board’s “A Beginner’s Guide to Rugby Union” which is a 16 page document outlining a basic overview of the game.

http://www.irb.com/mm/document/training/0/beginners20guide20en_7391.pdf

Rugby Sevens Given the Nod

by: Brian Barker

The Toronto District School Board is welcoming a new sanctioned sport to its athletics fold.

Voting members of Toronto’s 86 public high schools officially approved rugby sevens in June.

The results, 89 percent in favour, have pleased Don Mills Collegiate’s Daniel Kunanec who has been championing on behalf of 1,091 student rugby players.Continue reading→

Canadian Football Shines Spotlight on Rugby Sevens

June 15 – Calgary/Regina/Vancouver

Canadian football will return to its roots in 2011 by showcasing rugby during halftime at select Canadian Football League (“CFL”) games. Canadian football developed from rugby; the Grey Cup, first presented in 1909, was the reward to recognize the top amateur rugby football team in Canada.Continue reading→