The RLEF launched its Governance Foundation Project on Monday, with delegates from 10 EU countries who are signed up to the project listening to a series of speakers in Manchester. The project, funded by the RLEF and the European Commission’s Sport Unit, sees senior nations England, France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales acting as mentors over the next 15-months to six so-called Learner nations, Sweden, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Latvia and the Netherlands.
“It was a very interesting seminar,” said interim FIRL president Daniele Veronese. “FIRL has learned from the mistakes of the past and we’re more aware now how we can improve. We have learnt the main principles [of sports governance]; the most important thing for us is communications, internal and external, including media and our stakeholders, and we re-write our constitution it’s so important that our members and the board ensure all these principles are followed.”
Veronese is responsible for beginning the long, five-year process of applying for recognition by CONI, Italy’s Olympic Committee. Italy’s neighbour Germany is also at the beginning of this road. Rugby League Deutschland president Max Schoengen left the governance seminar in a determined and focused frame of mind. “This weekend opened our eyes and helped us concentrate on the issues that will move our organisation forward. Immediately, we are re writing the constitution in order to comply with all German regulations. In addition, we’ll separate our youth department to make it a separate legal entity, and more financially independent.”
Nigel Wood, RFL CEO, opened the seminar on behalf of the host nation, England, with Joy Tottman of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the RFL’s Matt Segal, Rugby League Ireland’s Gordon Matthews and RFL and Manchester United director Maurice Watkins all delivering sessions. The GFP includes the Association of European Professional Football Leagues as a partner, and the latter’s Head of Cabinet, Jair Bertoni was in attendance.
“Re-arranging our board, splitting the strategic from operational side, and involving more non-executive directors were key lessons for us,” continued Schoengen, who was elected last February. “But all of the principles of governance will apply. It’s important we’re aware of these now. How we’re going to tackle them, in which order, will be discussed, but it’s just so important we know they exist.”
RLEF staff from other countries also attended the weekend, which included a presentation by Wigan Warriors after the London Broncos match.
Pictured: Some of the RLEF delegates pose with Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan at the DW Stadium.