Seal of Approval

The Active Sports 'Seal of Approval' and Sport England 'Clubmark' accreditation programme is based upon a three year award system in which a club will be assessed on its ability to provide a 'safe, effective and child friendly' club environment. Specific criteria have been identified under the headings of 'Duty of Care and Child Protection', 'The Playing Programme', 'Sports Equity and Ethics', and 'Club Management' that will provide evidence that promotes such a club environment.

A club will qualify in the first year by the completion of the Assessment File and the writing of a 12-month Youth Section Development Plan. By implementing the first year Development Plan and having the second year plan approved, a club will qualify for Year II status. The same process in year three will lead to Year III status.

The Award will be indicative of the quality of provision a club offers, and its commitment to the continued development of young rugby players. A club will receive certification to confirm accreditation, both from Community Rugby and Sport England.

Read HERE what the RFU have to say about it.

Ollerton get Seal of Approval
by Paul Bolton

Ollerton have become the latest Notts, Lincs & Derbyshire club to be awarded the prestgious RFU Seal of Approval.

The award and the Sport England Club Mark is only awarded to club's who achieve the highest standards in providing a safe, effective and child-friendly environment in which youngsters can learn their sport.

To achieve the award Ollerton had to meet strict criteria and the Seal of Approval completes a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the NLD/North Leicestershire League club.

Three years ago Ollerton were down to one senior side but, following a vigorous recruitment camaign and help and advice from the RFU and NL&D through the RU Ready for RU campaign, they now turn out three senior sides on a regular basis and have 45 youngsters, between the ages of ten and 14, in their flourishing youth section.

"We have worked very hard to raise the profile of the club and to make the club a focus of attention for the community of Ollerton," said club secretary Allan Black.

"Club members have involved themselves in community projects such as a bike ride which raised £4,500 for cancer research and our ladies section - the women who help out in the club- have also raised money for our local hospital.

"We have got our playing strength back up by persuading some former players to come back to the club but we have also had a major recruitment campaign in the town. We picked up new players in the euphoria that followed England's World Cup win, we have relaunched our junior section and, so far, we have managed to maintain our playing numbers."