Media Release

WARNERVALE RUGBY CLUB

  29 November 2004

"Warnervale Winners of NSW Sports Safety Awards"

At a gala black tie dinner at the Millennium room at Telstra Stadium on Saturday night,Warnervale Rugby Union Club won the prestigious NSW Sports Safety Award in thecategory of the "Outstanding achievement by a sports organisation in implementing or adopting safe sport practice".

The NSW Sports Federation Awards gold medal award was in recognition of the club's outstanding achievement in the implementation of an injury prevention management program throughout all age groups within the club.

Club President, John Mouland said " this is an important award for the club's executive committee and reinforces our commitment and passion for keeping our player safe and injury free. The club was founded in 2001 with a philosophy of ensuring that all players were taught the correct playing technique and injury prevention strategies to ensure their well being,enjoyment of the game and to extend the length of their playing careers."

The injury prevention management program was based on the SmartRugby programdeveloped by Australian Rugby Union. "Safety is of the utmost importance in all levels of Rugby. Whether you play for your school, club or represent your country, all players should know how to perform basic skills of the game.

The SmartRugby Program teaches the safe and effective techniques involved in all aspects of Rugby. SmartRugby is a positive initiative ensuring players of all shapes and sizes have a safe and enjoyable rugby experience", Matt Bull, Warnervale Rugby Union Club Development officer, said.

"Since 2001, Warnervale Rugby Union Club has enjoyed 3-figure growth for each of thethree seasons since our inception into the regional competition. This growth has been largely achieved due to the clubs exceptional professionalism and its commitment to safety and enjoyment. From a parent's point of view the decision is easy, Mums and Dads want their children to play a contact sport such as rugby with a club that is committed to their children's safety and well being", said Matt Bull.

Playing safe does not result in not being competitive. Since launching the program the club has had it's most successful year in its history and has had many of its players win premierships and make representative teams.

In addition to the actual award, the club was also given a cheque for $1000.00 that will be reinvested into the clubs 2005 season injury prevention program.

For further information please call:

John Mouland

President Warnervale Rugby Club

Mobile: 0438 695708

Office: 02 4325 8932