Midwest Youth Rugby Growth Trends

Rugby Magazine conducted a club census comparing growth from 2004 to 2010. A direct comparison of teams in the Midwest is revealing. The "union total" statistic is an indication of overall strength, totaling male and female clubs at all levels. A few observations:

--Look out for Chitown!
Chicago youth rugby is exploding. They added almost as many boys teams in this period as currently exist in Wisconsin in total. Perhaps some of their success comes from the Illinios Youth Rugby Assocation's implementation of three different divisions for their boys competition, plus an additional championship for b-sides AND their u-15 teams. We imagine this creates a place for new teams, small schools, and the established competitive programs to all find the right fit. This system is being coupled with a whole league's worth of u-15 teams. Sure, they conceivably have a larger pool of ruggers scattered around the big city to help coach and ref, but they've set up a model that is clearly helping these volunteers get connected to families new to rugby.

--The Indiana Anomaly
So, they lead the Midwest in youth teams, an impressive 13 clubs. Yet, they contracted the number of high school teams. Did they grow too quickly? Focus resources on introducing rugby to younger kids? Time will tell if their youth programs lead to greater growth down the road.

--Ohio, who knew?
A huge team total of 122. They have the most boys teams and second-most girls teams.

--WISCONSIN: FALLING BEHIND.
The four states ahead of Wisconsin at least DOUBLED Wisconsin's youth growth. Look at the number of youth teams added. This should be a wake up call to all those in Wisconsin. A chunk of Wisconsin's growth came from the increase in girls teams. The truth behind the numbers is more disconcerting. One of the 12 teams won't compete in 2011, and another, baring a dramatic change in recruiting efforts, will find itself unable to field a team next fall. That's 16% of the girls teams right there. If this is taken into account, Wisconsin finds itself last in total number of high school and youth teams.

What's one common denominator? Wisconsin is the only state on the list without a unified youth rugby organization. Certainly that's not everything. It's only paper. A core of dedicated volunteers has to run any organization. That's been the case with all of Wisconsin's youth efforts to date. The work of the boys leagues to build 27 programs was probably inconceivable 25 years ago. But, now we have to look at the present landscape. The question has to be, can we be doing even better? As they say, can't let what's 'good be the enemy of what's great.' Would Wisconsin be better served if there was a unified youth rugby organization that crosses all the lines: counties, genders, schools, clubs, and traditional rivalries?

Looking forward to hearing your comments ...