Grassroot Development Incentives

 

STRATEGY:

The Major League Rugby (MLR) Grassroots Development Incentives are intended for teams to develop and promote rugby participation within their respective markets with the aim solidifying local player pathways and building community engagement.

SUMMARY:

1. Youth Development: Additional salary cap may be awarded annually, based on number of participants, for teams who support the rugby development of children (boys and girls) under the age of 14.

2. High School Academy: Additional salary cap may be awarded for the formation and running of a High School Academy team with 25+ players.

3. Developmental Academy: Additional salary cap may be awarded for the formation and running of a Development Academy team of 25+ players.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE:

1. Youth Sponsored League, Training Group, or Qualifying Event

    • a. Incentive: Tiered additional Salary Cap allocation dependent on the number of participants registered in a “qualified” program:
      • i. 50 participants
      • ii. 100 participants
      • iii. 200 participants
      • iv. 350 participants
      • v. 500 participants
    • b. Required qualifications:
      • i. A minimum of 6 rugby sessions for each participant
      • ii. A program that is either fully operated and funded by the MLR Team or is sponsored by the MLR Team in partnership with a USA Rugby, a  State-based Rugby Organization, City/County Municipality Parks & Recreation Organization, YMCA, Boys and Girls, and / or other certified youth development program.
      • iii. MLR Team must provide verifiable data on number of players, names, and attendance records.

2. High School Academy Team:

    • a. Incentive: Additional Salary Cap Allowance for a qualifying High School Academy Team
    • b. Required qualifications:
      • i. Team of 25+ players
      • ii. Twenty (20) training sessions during the prior calendar year of the MLR season
      • iii. Competition schedule of 4+ MLR-sanctioned High School Academy games during the prior calendar year of MLR season—i.e. versus other MLR Academy teams, other “Tier 1” high school teams, or other similar caliber opposition.

3. Developmental Academy Team:

    • a. Incentive: Additional Salary Cap Allowance for a qualifying Developmental Academy Team
    • b. Qualifications:
      • i. Team of 25+ players
      • ii. Thirty (30) training sessions during the prior calendar year of the MLR season
      • iii. Competition schedule of at least 4+ MLR-sanctioned Developmental Academy games during the prior calendar year of MLR season —i.e. versus other MLR or overseas professional developmental teams, Division 1 USA Rugby Clubs, or other similar caliber opposition.

NOTES:

  • Due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic and varying local restrictions, MLR maintained flexibility around the evaluation of each MLR’s GDI Submission.
  • To qualify for any of the 2023 Salary Incentive Options teams must verify completion of the respective incentive by December 31, 2022.
  • The burden of proof for each of these incentives fall on each team. The final decision to award the salary cap rests with the League Office who retain the rights to audit these programs in as much detail as required.

Team

Youth Development

High School Team

Academy Team

** The Dallas Jackals  elected not pursue Salary Cap awards under the GDI program for 2023.