Finding True North

"True North" figuratively refers to an individual's or organization's internal, fixed compass. This includes their core values, purpose, and moral beliefs that provide consistent direction, meaning, and authentic decision making in life or business.

I feel like my entire existence has been in constant search of my True North. Core values and moral belief shift may shift over time as you change and evolve as a person. While my core values and morals in my 20s aren’t all that different than now, what has been elusive is finding my purpose. This has shifted repeatedly depending on which state of life I was in… young adult, parent, professional.

How does this apply to rugby and more importantly our clubs?

Core Values and Mission Statements are easy to put on paper. The question is whether they’re just words or if they align in a way that helps your club achieve it’s purpose.

But what is your purpose?

Winning championships? Developing youth? Great socials?

All of those are great goals, but I truly believe that every club is responsible for getting more people involved in rugby and then keeping them involved.

People come for the rugby or the development or the social atmosphere, but what keeps them involved?

Community.

Rugby is one of the few remaining sports that provided a true pathway for lifelong involvement in the sport. Other sports offer lifelong fandom. Rugby offers involvement which is so much more rewarding.

There are so many ways to be involved at your local club. Each level on the involvement spectrum has entry points that don’t necessarily require participation at another level to get involved. Although administration would be quite a leap without prior experience or knowledge.

People want to belong to something. There is something inherently human about belonging. Rugby has the opportunity to provide this connection in spades and allow people to age through the system while staying involved.

If your club isn’t using this in your recruiting, start rethinking your strategies. The recruitment of members only for performance is purposely self-limiting the potential of your club.