Become A Member Club

Thinking of starting a new rugby club? Rugby Ontario supports and encourages rugby development across the province. Part of this process involves the formation and onboarding of new Clubs. Rugby Ontario welcomes new applications and is happy to provide support to new groups who would like to form a Club in their local area. If this is you and you are interested in forming a new Club, please see the relevant information below:

Clubs who become a member of Rugby Ontario are afforded (but not limited to) the following benefits:

• -Access to the Rugby Ontario/Rugby Canada online registration program
• -Insurance coverage under the Rugby Canada national insurance program
• -Participation in Rugby Ontario/Branch Union leagues
• -Access to Rugby Ontario-certified match officials
• -Access to the National Coaching and Match Official Certification Program
• -Voting rights at Rugby Ontario General Meetings
• -Assistance to implement the National Rookie Rugby Program

In order to become a member club, each club must complete the Membership Application Form and submit it the Rugby Ontario office with either a cheque for $150.00, or a valid credit card number. This fee includes the $100.00 Club Director & Officers Insurance policy fee that Rugby Ontario collects and pays to Rugby Canada. Originals or copies of the following Governance documents must be submitted to the Rugby Ontario office, and must also be kept in the possession of a designated member of the Club Executive: 

• -The current By-Laws and/or Constitution
• -The articles of incorporation
• - A list of the Club Executive
• -The Emergency Action Plan approved by the Executive for the current season

Once these documents have been completed and received, they are submitted to the Rugby Ontario Board of Directors for consideration. Upon approval from the Rugby Ontario Board, the Club Membership becomes effective from the date of the Board decision.

Things To Consider When Starting A New Rugby Club

1) Historical and Stakeholder Review

• •Why is there no Rugby club in the local community?
• •Has there been a Rugby club previously?
• •Is there any other type of Rugby in the community (High School, University etc)? 
• •What is the closest Rugby club and do people in the community travel to play there?
• •What type of Rugby demographic does the community hold (if any)?
• •Are there any reasons Rugby could not sustain in the community?

2) Resource Assessment

• •Do we have the right people to do this – Skill set identification
• •What start-up funds?
• •Facilities
• •What type of Risk Management procedures do we have in place if we fail

3) Governance Requirements

• •Ontario Not for Profit Corporations Act 2010
• •Lodging an application with the Ontario Ministry of Government Services for Incorporation of a Corporation without Share Capital
• •Developing a Club Constitution and By-Laws
• •Inaugural General Meeting

4) Facilities

• •How are facilities booked? City? College? School Board? What is their process?
• •Are their openings for new groups?
• •Are rental fees feasible?

5) Community Support

• •Initial Public Meeting – engage the local community (media, community centres, schools)
• •Any municipal grants or funding available?
• •What is the fundraising/sponsorship potential?

6) Strategic Planning

• •Once it is decided that the club will be founded, a Strategic Planning session with the Board and other stakeholders must take place. 

For any further questions on how to become a Member Club, please contact Myles Spencer (mspencer@rugbyontario.com)