The National Capital District Rugby Union (NCDRU) has recently introduced a new strategy of collecting player data and using that data for future purposes that might benefit the union.
The NCDRU caretaker board has introduced online registrations for their people in the community which include the players, technical officials, administrators and medical officers.
The union database was developed to enable the organization to know its clubs and players, not only in statistics, but also on a personalized level.
Caretaker President Ms. Cybele Wari stated that there were several reasons why they had come up with this new system for their association as it will also help the association to know whether they are growing the sport.
“The best organizations thrive because of the data they have access to. Sport is no different.”
“Having the database ensures that the decision-making and planning processes of the Board, are well-informed, accurate, and relevant.”
She stated that this system will also help the association to know whether the players are playing in the respective age-grade divisions to ensure an equal and fair playing field for all their players as well as monitor player fluctuations.
“It also will help the association to know whether we are growing the sport, or if our numbers are dropping and perhaps the basic reasons why.”
Ms. Wari also stated that this new system is beneficial statistically as it allows the association to confidently and accurately state its figures for members/population and the demographic it serves, as that is what prospective partners need when they are considering sponsorships.
As the union caters to grassroots communities, she stated that it was a challenge as not a lot of people owned phones; therefore, she has started setting up at the field to register the players manually on match days.
Meanwhile, the association currently consists of six Elite Men’s teams, four Women’s teams and four U20 teams all participating in the 2023 fifteens seasons as teams go into round three in the coming weekend.
“The Association is currently under a caretaker Board that will facilitate the short 15s rugby season for our community, and thereafter, we hand over the reins to the permanent Board at the end of the year.