Teams from the EPRU planning to tour outside the jurisdiction of the Mid Atlantic RFU must secure the approval of the EPRU Tours Committee. Failure to receive approval may result in cancellation of matches by the EPRU. Additionally, for many international unions, if you fail to tour with the necessary letters of approval, you may find yourselves in a foreign country with no team to play.
Each touring club shall have a central source of communication - one person in charge, usually known as a Tour Organizer. For select sides, this position can also be the Select Side Manager. All itinerary and financial arrangements for outgoing tours should be directed by the Tour Manager.
No collegiate club will be allowed to tour outside the continental United States unless accompanied by a responsible adult appointed by their university administration.
Generally USA Rugby, MARFU and the EPRU Tours Committee need one year prior to the tour to process tour applications. Final review and approval will occur within the last two months prior to departure. This time is necessary, as after your club receives approval, you should send a copy of this letter to each team or club you are playing, prior to your traveling. The following information, as a minimum, must be submitted to the EPRU Tours Committee Chairman initially in order to process the application:
Travel itinerary; ie, dates of departure and arrival, opposing club names and addresses, match dates, and travel dates (from one fixture to another) while on tour.
The number of people in the touring party.
Name, address, etc. of your club/team Tour Coordinator and the name and address of the travel agent or coordinator.
Name, address, telephone numbers of the host clubs.
Collegiate teams must provide the name, address, telephone number and position at the college of the adult appointed by the college accompanying the team on tour.
A summary of the finances for the tour, including the estimated expenses and the means by which these expenses will be paid (ie., method of funding; individual funding, and fund-raising events, etc.)
Included in the EPRU Handbook is a Tour Application Form. Please use this to provide the above information.
In order for your club or team to travel with permission of MARFU & USA Rugby, the EPRU Tours Committee Chairman must notify the MARFU Tours Committee; approval or disapproval may come from either.
As mentioned above, you should send a copy of the final approval by MARFU and the EPRU to your host clubs. It is also a sound recommendation that you travel with a copy of the approval form.
Finally, after your tour we ask that you complete a Tour Report so that we can all learn more of the clubs that you played.
General Organization
The three key individuals involved in running a tour are the Tour Organizer, the Tour Manager, and the Team Captain. The combination of any of these functions places increased burdens and responsibilities on any individual, and may result in problems. Generally, the duty of each is as follows:
Tour Organizer - This person is responsible for planning every facet of the tour off the field, whether he assumes the details himself or delegates them to assistants or travel agencies. This includes communication with hosts, airlines, hotels, etc. It is vital that all commitments be in writing, well in advance. During the tour the Tour Organizer should be able to maintain continued contacts regarding all travel and lodging arrangements; however this should not extend to the daily functioning of the tour, as this is primarily the purpose of the Tour Manager.
Tour Manager - is in charge of overseeing the well-being of the members of the touring party, from departure to return. All facets of the tour are included; discipline, equipment, and even making sure all teammates are assembled before each game.
Team Captain - is the person responsible for the team on the field. It is suggested that the Captain be included in the selection process. Finally, both the Captain and Tour Manager should be expected to speak at public functions after games, etc., so both must be prepared!
Planning is absolutely essential for a successful tour. Outlined are common issues important to all tours.
Evaluation: Before traveling, three general issues should be assessed:
can the necessary funds be raised in time;
can a strong and fit team be ready to travel for what may be an extended period of time; and finally,
are there enough responsible people available to share in the duties that are required to take on the considerable organization and efforts involved with travel?
Only when you are satisfied on all points should you approach the EPRU Tours Committee.
Notification: The Tour Organizer should notify the EPRU Tours Committee Chairman of the team's plan to tour. The EPRU Tours Committee must advise MARFU and USARFU that the proposed touring team (and match opponents) are in good standing, and in return MARFU and USARFU provide the EPRU with the necessary permission for the outgoing tour.
Overseas unions do not tolerate touring sides who have not received proper approval. Sanctions can be placed on sub-unions who allow sides to tour without having received proper approval. Sanctions will be placed on clubs who tour without having received proper approval.
Finance: A party of 30, going to Europe for two weeks will, without any difficulty, tally expenditures in excess of $20,000. Most of this will have to be borne by the touring club and its' supporters. You may be able to reduce this with contributions, arrangement of private accommodations, host meals, etc. Assess your needs at the very beginning and bear in mind that bills will have to be paid during the tour. In addition, extra funds should be taken for use in emergencies. Be liberal in your estimates of expenses!
Travel: Consult a reputable travel agent whom you trust. For internal travel in European countries, public transportation is generally of a high standard and there are often incentives for foreign travelers. Cost and reservations can and should be obtained in advance. Many clubs also use a hired bus for the duration of their stay in a particular country.
Accommodations: There are a variety of sources, ranging from private homes to student hostels or inexpensive hotels. Confirm reservations and cost in advance. You may also consult with your hosts or your travel agent for other sources.
Fixtures: Mismatching of strengths in fixtures can ruin a tour. Some overseas unions have expressed concern about the scheduling of games that resulted in lopsided scores. There is no reason why games cannot be arranged with teams of comparable playing abilities. It is easy to overestimate one's own strength, particularly by overlooking normal tour attrition during a heavy program of matches and hospitality. While on the tour, seek advice after each game from your hosts and, if necessary, telephone ahead to your next hosts and let them know if you do not think you are strong enough to cope with the team they are putting out against you.
Relaxation: There is invariably a tendency to be too venturesome in planning fixtures. Playing on and off the field takes a considerable toll, with even minor injuries and late nights sapping playing strength. Five matches in two weeks for a party of 25 players should be the absolute maximum, particularly when there is travel between fixtures. Rest days, therefore, are of great importance. Some sightseeing can be planned in advance, particularly as rest stops on long bus trips. Ask your hosts for suggestions.
Kit: A clean, well turned out team builds confidence, spirit and reputations. Take at least one full set plus five spares (jerseys, shorts, socks) for each team. Training kits (old jerseys, track suits, etc.) are the individual player's responsibilities. Take along black boot polish, brushes, spare laces, etc. Off the field, there will be official functions to which blazer, sportcoats, nonjeans, shirt and tie should be worn.
Tour Brochure: This is an excellent promotional piece that need not be too elaborate. Basically it should contain profiles of your club and each player, with photographs. Local advertisers should be vigorously canvassed with a view to recovering much of the costs before leaving. Some host clubs will allow you to sell copies at a nominal amount. Messages of good will from local rugby and community dignitaries should be included.
Mementos: It is customary to offer some record of your visit to each host club, the most common being a club or college crest in plaque form. Additional items can be badges, ties, etc. for those who play against you and for their officials. Gifts should also be given to families who host individual players. No cash, though!
Insurance: Some countries have national health programs under which visitors would be eligible for medical treatment. Despite this, it is vital that you carry adequate protection. Baggage and personal effects insurance can also be useful.
Medical Kit: This need not be too elaborate, but can save many minor irritations. Aspirin, ACE bandages, tape, Vaseline, gauze pads, disinfectant for cuts are obvious items. A complete list is available in the EPRU Handbook (see "Being Prepared for Game Injuries"). All items should be kept sealed to avoid difficulty in Customs clearance.
Travelers Checks: For protection, funds should be in the form of travelers checks. Checks in the local currency should be purchased prior to departure.
Checklist
Confirmation, in writing of the following:
EPRU, MARFU & USARFU permission to tour (carry letter with you on the tour!).
Host clubs confirm fixtures and permission from their own Unions.
Air transportation - payment dates.
Ground transportation on tour, costs and payment dates.
Accommodations and costs.
Follow up your letters to hosts with a phone call just prior to departure.
Funds Available for:
Transportation costs - air and ground.
Accommodation costs.
Meal costs.
Emergency fund - individually and as a team.
Personal pocket money, in traveler's checks.
Kit:
Matching uniforms.
Training kit.
Blazer and tie.
Tour Brochure:
Program due dates, advertising copy.
Incoming funds due date & payment of printer due date.
Arrange delivery well before departure.
Mementos:
For clubs/players/officials.
Design, payment, and collection.
Passports, visas and vaccinations as required.
Insurance
Medical Kit
Post-Tour Report
Within 30 days of the completion of the tour, a report must be sent to the EPRU Tours Chairman. This report should discuss the tour, give highlights and any problems or recommendations. This report will also serve to help others who tour this same area in the future.
