The 2019 National Development Summit brings best practices in rugby development for all coaches, referees, administrators, and players around the country. This can't-miss seminar is sure to be one of the best events of the year with sessions and clinics from the country's top experts! But don't just take our word for it - below is an in-depth look into 7 sessions that will be offered in Houston, TX on January 11- 13th, 2019.
The current 2019 NDS agenda can be found HERE.
Referee, Player and Coach Welfare. Is it Everyone's Responsibility?
Presented by Katie Wurst
Katie Wurst is the Director of Rugby at Queens University of Charlotte. During her presentations, Katie will explore the idea that coach and referee welfare is often overlooked and that it is paramount to long-term success in rugby. Participants will also look into practical ways to ensure a healthier environment for themselves and others around them.
Developing a Process for Using the Ball Most Effectively.
Presented by Greg McWilliams
Greg McWilliams is the Assistant Coach with the USA Men's National Team as well as the Director of Rugby at Yale University. His valuable workshop will take attendees through an interactive session that explores how coaches can create an environment that promotes "using the ball most effectively.' In doing so, participants will be able to identify the relationship between decision making under pressure and skill execution.
Referee Recruiting and Development
Presented by Lee Bryant
Lee Bryant is a USA Rugby National Panel Referee and holds a certification as a World Rugby Educator. Lee will be leading a discussion on the barriers of recruiting new referees and what some societies are doing around the county to combat these issues. Additionally, Lee will cover data collection and analysis tools, as well as behavior theory, that will prove to be beneficial for improving and recruiting new referees.
Is Jujistu and Other Training a fit as a Supplement to Your Rugby Training
Presented by John Diedenhofen
John Diedenhofen holds a black belt (faixa preta) in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, has earned USA Rugby L200 Coach certification, and participated in the National Team Shadow Program. During his session, attendees will hear about the value of incorporating Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling exercises into a rugby training program to increase efficacy in the tackle area (i.e., tackle completion rates), breakdowns/rucks (e.g., quickly returning to feet for reengagement), and more.
Analysis on a Budget
Presented by Jimmy Harrison
Jimmy Harrison is the USA Rugby Men's National Team Performance Analyst. He will discuss affordable ways to capture and analyze match and training footage. This will include a brief review of the importance of performance analysis, as well as, different methods to produce a proper analysis. Attendees will leave this session with an understanding of best practices for filming training and matches to optimize learning all while keeping with a budget.
Rugby Injury and Research Group
Presented by Dr. Richard Ma and Dr. Victor Lopez Jr.
Dr. Richard Ma and Dr. Victor Lopez Jr. have extensive knowledge within orthopedic sports medicine and injury prevention. Together, the two will discuss injury risks among Rugby-7 participants in the U.S., including incidence, nature, and mechanism of injuries. Furthermore, attendees will dive into the culture of rugby injury surveillance and research in other established Rugby nations, review injury trends among different U.S. amateur levels of Rugby-7 competitions, and discuss ideas on how to incorporate injury surveillance into the U.S. Rugby culture in order to promote player welfare and safety.
Player Welfare and Your Responsibility
Presented by Karen Fong-Donoghue
Karen Fong-Donoghue is a trained facilitator within the "MBF Athlete Safety Matters' curriculum as well as Safe Sport trainings. Attendees will walk away from this presentation with a better understanding on recognizing, reporting and preventing child abuse and neglect, and other real-world safety concerns for young athletes such as cyberbullying. Additionally, attendees will learn how to implement discussions and education with their team to empower players to keep themselves safe and create an overall culture of safety.
