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Charity Challenge Proposal for the Ulster Bank League

  • 29-01-2015 3:31pm
    #1
    Whetu
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6 ✭


    Charity Challenge Proposal for the Ulster Bank League

    Background
    This proposal is grounded in the desire to raise money for IRFU Charitable Trust and increase the coverage and popularity of rugby, the ulster bank league, teams and sponsors. The format for this proposal is based on a successful format that has run for over 111 years and raises gate attendances by over 50% (See Appendix 1).

    Charity Challenge Format
    I propose that a Charity Challenge Trophy is commissioned. This Charity Challenge Trophy is initially awarded to the winner of the league (Lansdowne is used in example below). The Charity Challenge Trophy competition is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition. The holding club must defend the Charity Challenge Trophy in challenge matches. All home games are mandatory Charity Challenge Trophy matches, with the exception of knockout matches (for example a home based semi-final or home based final). A challenging team must win the match. A draw means the holding team keeps the trophy. Note: The competition for the Charity Challenge Trophy does not require any extra games but relies on existing games within any given league. The Charity Challenge Trophy is based on the Ranfurly Shield in New Zealand Rugby and the Ranfurly Shield has being running since 1904.

    Charity Challenge Trophy Sponsorship
    I propose that the sponsorship/naming rights for the Charity Challenge Trophy are sold. I suggest that this be on an annual basis. All the funds raised by this sale are to go to the IRFU Charitable Trust. I suggest that the decision on whom these naming rights/ sponsorship are sold to are based on the agreement of the following stakeholders
    • The sponsor of the National League.
    • The IRFU
    A clear procedure as to how sponsors are chosen must be decided by the IRFU and reviewed on a regular basis. The existing sponsors for the competition must have a right to veto any bidding businesses that compete with them. The IRFU must also have the right to veto any bidding business.

    Appeal
    Appendix 2 shows the match results for last season if Lansdowne had being the initial recipient (as winners of the league). As the matches and history develop, I have no doubt that this Charity Challenge Trophy will become as popular in Ireland, as the Ranfurly Shield is in New Zealand. The top teams want to have an unbroken run and the bottom teams just want to win it. For teams outside of the playoffs, it becomes vitally important.

    Summary
    I consider this proposal to be a partnership between sports and charity.
    1. The IRFU and holding club receive the extra revenue from increased attendances.
    2. Charity receives the sponsorship money.
    3. Businesses have an opportunity to give money to charity and use sports advertising.
    4. All parties have their profiles and reputations enhanced.

    Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I have listed further points which may be of interest in the Appendices. They consist of the following.
    1. My research.
    2. Last Season Example.

    Appendices.
    Appendix 1
    I contacted the last 7 holders of the Ranfurly Shield over the last 5 years, to provide the percentage increase in attendance figures. (Challenge matches versus non-challenge home matches). The following figures were supplied.
    1. Canterbury 40 to 45%.
    2. Southland 56%.
    3. Taranaki rose from a base of between 5000 to 6000 to a minimum of 10,000 and a maximum of 19,000.
    4. Waikato estimated the increase to be 100%.
    5. Otago 267%. (Otago had not won the Ranfurly Shield for 56 years).
    6. Hawkes Bay 57%.
    7. Current Holder Counties did not reply and have never held the Ranfurly Shield before.

    Historically 309 of the 652 defences are from 2 teams (Canterbury and Auckland). An estimate of a 50% rise in attendance figures is realistic. The weighted average over the 21 games examined is actually over 90%.

    Appendix 2
    2013 -2014 Ulster Bank League example is shown below. Lansdowne were the initial holders as they were the league champions in the previous season

    Date Home Score Away Venue
    Sat 28th Sep 13 Lansdowne 14 - 27 UCD Aviva Stadium
    Sat 5th Oct 13 UCD 33 - 26 Old Belvedere Belfield
    Sat 2nd Nov 13 UCD 22 to 7 Dolphin Belfield
    Fri 22nd Nov 13 UCD 16 - 18 St. Mary's College Belfield
    Sat 30th Nov 13 St. Mary's College 24 - 27 Old Belvedere Templeville Road
    Sat 7th Dec 13 Old Belvedere 15 to 5 Garryowen Anglesea Road
    Sat 25th Jan 14 Old Belvedere 22 - 22 St. Mary's College Anglesea Road
    Fri 31st Jan 14 Old Belvedere 19 - 13 Lansdowne Anglesea Road
    Sat 15th Mar 14 Old Belvedere 34 - 12 Young Munster Anglesea Road
    Sat 22nd Mar 14 Old Belvedere 19 to 8 UCD Anglesea Road
    Sat 12th Apr 14 Old Belvedere 21 - 15 Dolphin Anglesea Road


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