2010 National Volunteer Recognition Program
2010 Volunteer Recognition ProgramCommunity sport organisations are the foundation stone of the sport system in Australia. They provide important, accessible and affordable pathways for children and adults alike to enter our sport system and for the most part, are managed and operated by an unpaid workforce of about 1.5 million volunteers.
Australian Rugby recognises the efforts and skills of volunteers and have implemented the Volunteer Recognition Program in an effort to encourage and lift the profile of Community Rugby volunteers who have contributed to the development, promotion and or advancement of Rugby Union within Australia. Whilst in the past, clubs, schools, associations, zones/regions and affiliate unions have recognised and rewarded outstanding achievements by players and clubs, Australian Rugby identifies the need to recognise and reward those individuals that have devoted their time by honouring them with a recognition program. The recognition program is open to any person currently associated with Community Rugby in Australia, in a non-paid capacity at a club, school, sub/zone-union, or associated affiliate of the Australian Rugby Union.
The Australian Rugby Union launched the program in 2003 to reward and recognise the efforts of volunteers who devote countless hours week in week out, year after year to provide a safe and enjoyable environment at the grass roots of the game. From the canteen veteran to the weekend touchjudge to the parents that manage junior sides, clubs nominated the volunteers who give their hearts and souls to Rugby each week.
Australian Rugby invite nominees who have made significant contributions to the sport of Rugby Union up to and including July 2010. Areas of contribution may include coaching, managing, publicity, social planning, registrar, ground marshalling etc. all of which are invaluable to the success of Rugby both on and off the field. Program Prizes The successful nominee from each State/Territory who meet the set criteria, will be recognised for their efforts by being hosted (together with their spouse*) at the 2010 John Eales Medal Dinner where the National Volunteer of the Year will be announced. * * Airfares, accommodation and 2 x tickets to the John Eales Medal Dinner will be provided for the state or territory nominee and the nominee’s spouse only
2009 Recipient
The winner of the 2009 ACT&SNSWRU Volunteer of the Year is Jarrod Bryant from Wagga City Rugby Union Club. Jarrod Bryant has a Degree in Sports Administration and has worked for the ARU and NSW Rugby Union in various roles. He has played Rugby for Briars Rugby, Southern Districts, Sydney Uni, Parramatta and was captain coach of Walsall Rugby Football Club (In England).
Jarrod returned to Wagga Wagga in 2005 and became involved in the Wagga City Rugby Club. In 2006 he joined the club’s committee as the sponsorship Co-ordinator, and assistant 1st grade coach.
In 2007, Jarrod accepted the role of 1st grade captain, club coach and team manager while also continuing with his sponsorship duties. In the same year Jarrod was instrumental in developing a full range of club apparel; this improved the Wagga City Rugby Club’s profile and provided brand recognition in the community.
In 2008, Jarrod’s commitment to the club grew again. He retained all of his 2007 responsibilities and took on the role of secretary and any other committee positions that were not able to be filled. Recognising the problems the club was having in filling their committee positions, Jarrod was instrumental in developing position descriptions for all club committee roles. This effort was rewarded when in 2009 the club was able to fill all committee positions.
Jarrod continued to play committed rugby and more often than not played two games of rugby each weekend to ensure the club did not forfeit any matches. Jarrod was selected in the Southern Inland Rugby Union representative team in 2007 and 2009 and while injured in 2008 he took on the role of assistant coach for the rep team.
In 2008 Jarrod joined the Southern Inland Rugby Union Board as the Players Representative. Jarrod also provided support for the Mater Dei Catholic College rugby program, assisting with the coaching of their forward packs.
2009 was the year that Jarrod’s efforts really started pay off for the Wagga City Club. A player recruitment drive, dedicated committee and a sound sponsorship position saw the Club’s performance both on and off the field improve markedly. Jarrod’s responsibilities in 2009 included: · Club President · Club Coach · 1st grade captain · Sothern Inland Rugby Representative Team captain · Southern Inland Rugby Board member · Sponsorship Co-ordinator · 1st and 2nd grade manager · Ground Marshall Congratulations Jarrod! 
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