ORANGE City and Orange Emus rugby clubs have thrown their support behind Central West Rugby Union’s (CWRU) decision to oppose a national insurance levy scheme (NILS), after the Australian Rugby Union signalled its intention to individually register and insure players.
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The concept would replace the previously-used system, where insurance costs were calculated on a per-team basis.
The new levy could potentially result in a 100 per cent increase in insurance costs for clubs, by adding an estimated $95 extra per season for each senior player, and an extra $35.50 for each junior player.
Orange City president Steve Stone and Emus supremo Donna Roberts condemned the concept, and said their clubs are 100 per cent behind the CWRU’s strong stance.
“We’re right behind Central West, 100 per cent,” Stone said.
“It just doesn’t make sense to register players individually rather than as a team, and our role is really to support our zone.
“If we support our zone, Central West, then we’re also supporting NSW Country, and NSW Rugby in opposing it.”
“We’ve given them our backing as well,” Roberts added.
“In fact, I’m sure the entire state of NSW is opposing the scheme. Increased insurance costs means higher fees, which some people and clubs just can’t afford.”
Stone outlined the potential ramifications of the levy, from Orange’s point of view, before expressing his sympathy for the smaller clubs around the region, highlighting the Graincorp Cup teams as the most likely to be heavily affected.
“I feel sorry for the smaller clubs more than anyone,” Stone said.
“Some of the bigger clubs may be able to manage, or find a way to manage, because they can draw more sponsorship, but I don’t think those smaller clubs could.
“I’d also hate the think about the effect it will have on the third grade competition. In fact, if it does work out we use this model, I’d say there won’t be a third grade competition at all.”
“I could definitely see that happening too, I think it would affect the colts competition a lot too,” Roberts said.
“You could end up with players playing without insurance, it’s just not an ideal situation at all. In fact, it’s quite sad and disappointing grassroots rugby hasn’t really been considered in this,” Stone continued.
“[CWRU president and CEO respectively] Kim Rickards and Pete Veenstra know we’re right behind them, and firmly against it, but we just have to wait and see what the outcome is now. It needs to be sorted sooner rather than later.”