As we enter the festive season, a time for families, friends, parties and hopefully relaxing in your own special way, I also find it useful to look back over the year, lessons learnt, high points and the difficult low ones.
We, as a club, do the same, particularly trying to learn from our mistakes, building on our successes and where possible reducing or preventing potential difficulties. We have the same pressures as all households with energy costs, rising food bills, transport and medical costs which lead to greater pressures on our finances. All measures are being considered to support our budget so we can look forward to an exciting second half of the season both on and off the park. Thanks to all those that have supported our social events!
Rugby teaches us many lessons but, most of all it teaches us to enjoy life and should remind everyone to take joy in what we do, take a moment to look around, realise how lucky we may be to have friends, health, employment, sport or just time!
Unfortunately, some standards have slipped, and we’ve recently witnessed a few too many incidents of poor conduct and poor behaviour so, as a timely reminder we should all remind ourselves of our codes of conduct and be committed to the ongoing promotion of the welfare of all, including children, young people, and all adults, including those at risk. All are entitled to feel safe and protected from any form of abuse or neglect and have the right to take part and socialise in a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment.
We take our responsibility for the welfare and wellbeing of everyone involved in our game very seriously and want the rugby environment to be an inclusive, safe, and enjoyable one. The core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship are important, both for children in rugby and all the adults they meet, who we hope will serve as role models providing a positive experience.
These values lie at the heart of what we do. We are committed to developing a culture that lives and breathes the core values, is free of abuse, discrimination, and harm, where everyone feels safe and able to raise any concerns they have and challenge any concerns they see or hear.
The Club rightly prides itself on being highly competitive on the field whilst maintaining a warm welcome off it to all visitors whether they be players, referees, or spectators etc., Let’s all work hard to ensure our standards are kept towards the continuing success of our Club.
It’s been a tough 12 months at times as we’ve lost several Harlow members; some old, some young but all sadly missed. We’ve celebrated success this year and we’ve suffered defeat. We’ve danced and we’ve sung, we’ve laughed, and we’ve cried but, we’ve always been Harlow Rugby Club.
Many thanks to all our volunteers, partners, sponsors, supporters, club staff and my colleagues on the club’s committees. To all our players across all areas of the club and their dedicated coaches, we look forward to more excitement watching you play!
Finally, thank you for your support and I wish you all a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Onwards and Upwards!
Tux
Paul Tucker
07801 072498
chairman@harlowrugby.club
Chairman | Harlow Rugby Union Football Club Limited
