NYRWR - Q & A </HEAD> <BODY Background="back.jpg" bgproperties=fixed > <font color="MAROON" links="black"> <H1 ALIGN="CENTER">Everything you ever wanted to know about Golden Oldies Rugby</H1> <font size=4> <B><P><A NAME="one"> <br> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introduction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> What are the objectives of Golden Oldies Rugby? </A></P></FONT> <FONT size=4 COLOR="BLACK"> <P>Golden Oldies Rugby is primarily a means of bringing together rugby players to share their common interest in rugby and to have a good time. Simply stated the objectives of Golden Oldies Rugby are: </P> <UL> <LI>To organize festivals, regional events or individual games that will provide fun, friendship, and fraternity for rugby players over the age of 35 who have retired from active play. </LI> <LI>To provide an opportunity for rugby players and their wives to travel create new friendships and renew old acquaintances. </LI> <LI>To provide an opportunity to highlight and promote rugby throughout the world and to create positive reasons for players to retain an active interest in rugby. </LI></UL> <P>A principal philosophy is that all Golden Oldies Rugby games are played in a non-competitive manner. Festivals are not tournaments - they are events in which the results of the game are of no significance. There are no winners in Golden Oldies Rugby - instead, awards are made for individual achievements such as "The Oldest Player", The Player with the most grandchildren" and the like. <A </FONT> <A NAME="two"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <B><P>Are there age limits on Golden Oldies? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> <img src="oldies.jpg" width="125" height="110" align=left> <P>A minimum age for playing Golden Oldies Rugby is 35. Most festivals are divided into two age groupings: </P> <UL> <LI>Over 35 </LI> <LI>Over 40 years </LI></UL> <P>A recent survey of Golden Oldies Rugby teams showed that 60% of current players are between the age of 35 and 60. The oldest players at recent festivals have been over 80. </P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="MAROON" <P><A NAME="three"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>Is Golden Oldies Rugby affiliated to any official rugby body? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACk"> <P>The Golden Oldies Rugby organization is not directly associated with the official rugby organizations. National Unions are kept fully briefed on all local Golden Oldies Rugby activities and the movement is generally seen as a worldwide vehicle for promoting rugby? </P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="four"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>How is Golden Oldies Rugby organized </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> <P>When Air New Zealand set up the organization of the first Golden Oldies Rugby Festival back in 1979 it was determined that rugby people would be kept closely involved. A Secretariat of Golden Oldies players was established in Auckland to oversee the future development of the movement. Their objectives were to foster and encourage Golden Oldies Rugby worldwide and to organize a biennial international festival. A full time Secretariat office was set up on Auckland under the control of Paul Gleeson as Executive Director. The stunning development has also seen the strengthening of the rugby administration. The International Golden Oldies Rugby Board of international representatives now includes a key person from Australia, UK/Europe, New Zealand, Canada and the USA> Those involved devote their time and energies in a voluntary capacity to the development of the sport in their regions. They maintain regular contact with local teams and co-ordinate meetings of area representatives. </FONT> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="five"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>What is Air New Zealand's involvement? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> <img src="plane.jpg" width="125" height="110" align=left> Golden Oldies Rugby has not reached its present heights by sheer chance. Since 1979 Air New Zealand has funded a planned development of the movements, which includes professionally implemented strategies and promotions. Air New Zealand underwrote the first festival (and lost substantially on it) - nevertheless the airline preserved and has literally covered the costs for the ongoing organization and administrators at international and regional levels ever since. These costs include regular advertising in rugby publications throughout the world, printing, legal costs, postage, fax, and toll costs, travel, banners, newsletters, secretarial services, liability insurance ($30 million), carriage of journalists to festivals, meeting venues, etc. You name it - Air New Zealand very likely pays for it. Since 1979 the airline has pumped over NZ$1,500,000 into the movement to ensure its long-term success. Air New Zealand's support is obviously for commercial reasons and although it has proprietary and international property rights to the name, concept and logo, it has also ensured that the movement continues to be controlled by rugby people.</font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="six"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>How are the venues for International Festivals chosen?</A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> <img src="sign.jpg" width="125" height="110" align=left> This is a joint decision made by Air New Zealand (who owns the proprietary rights) through its subsidiary Events Marketing and the International Golden Oldies Rugby Secretariat. The Following are taken into consideration: <UL type=star> <li> The attractiveness of the venue for Golden Oldies players and their family (survey questionnaires are sent regularly to teams). </li> <li> The availability of suitable and reasonably prices accommodation. </li> <li> The availability of appropriate sporting facilities and a team or group which can assume the role of organizing Committee. </li> <li> The appropriateness to Air New Zealand and their designated carriers service. </li> <LI> The opportunity to promote rugby at the local level. </li> </ul> </font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="seven"></P> <br> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>Who organizes the International Festivals?</A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> For each festival the organizing Committee of volunteers is set up under the control of a Festival Director appointed and briefed by the International Secretariat. The Committee begins work 2 1/2 years prior to the festival, has monthly meetings and co-ordinates all rugby related aspects of the festival, reporting monthly to the Secretariat and working to a 200 page operational manual written by the Secretariats. </font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="eight"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>What happens to any festival profit? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> All profits from the festival are invested in local rugby projects at the discretion of the Organizing Committee. For example, the Toronto festival in 1989 resulted in a surplus of C$49,496 which was placed in a trust fund to provide ongoing assistance for the development of junior rugby in Ontario. That particular fund is administered by members of the Toronto Organizing Committee and appointees from the Ontario Rugby union. </Font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="nine"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>What are the financial arrangements for International Festivals? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> The festival packages include transport, accommodation and social functions. The Organizing Committee are responsible for all other costs which usually total more than $200,000 (in local currency). These costs underwritten by Air New Zealand and include: <ul type=star> <li> Meeting expenses </li> <li> Secretarial support </li> <li> Opening ceremony </li> <li> Referees and medial donations </li> <li> Communication at playing fields </li> <li> Goalposts </li> <li> Showers, toilets, security </li> <li> Hire of table, chairs, etc </li> <li> Rubbish removal </li> <li> Sound systems </li> <li> Footballs </li> <li> Medial costs </li> <li> Ground hireage and preparation </li> <li> Souvenir booklet and program </li> </ul> <P> None of the above costs are included in the festival packages. The only sources of income are teams registration fees, Air New Zealand's support, local sponsorship and the profit from the sale of beer, food and souvenirs at the grounds. </font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="ten"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P> Are there any special conditions of entry to play in a festival?</A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> All teams (local and visitors) are required to take one of the land packages published in the festival brochure. Visiting teams are required to travel on Air New Zealand or one of a group-designated carriers nominated by Air New Zealand. </font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="eleven"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>Why insist that everyone takes a land package? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> <img src="lug.jpg" width="125" height="110" align=left> The festival format is based on the wishes of the majority of Golden Oldies who are in it for the sport, social events, travel, the attraction of a new destination and the opportunity to meet people from other countries. They have decided to buy the Festival Package after reading the brochure - in this respect the festival is similar to a conversation. Well organized social events are expected, transportation for teams who may have up to 100 people can be required to the games, opening and closing ceremonies and other functions included in the package. More than 200 games may have to be played during a festival week - all starting on time. It is not possible to expect up to 6000 people (mostly visitors) staying at different hotels, motels and motor inns in a city to make their own ways to different grounds on three or more playing days. If there is no control over such aspects, a convention or sporting event of this size could become chaotic. With Golden Oldies traveling 12,000 miles or more to celebrate - and paying for it - the organizers have to be confident that it will be an experience that satisfies nearly everyone. Nor can it be left to chance that maybe up to 140 buses will be available when required to move everyone to the traditional and widely-enjoyed social events. Experiences gained from the staging festivals in New Zealand, USA, Australia, Canada and London has determined a formula which ensures that arrangements are not haphazard or left to chance. The philosophy of Golden Oldies is essentially one of togetherness. Most Golden Oldies prefer it that way and are determined there should be no deviation from that idea. </font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="twelve"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>Why insists that travel must be on Air New Zealand or other selected airlines? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> Air New Zealand has supported Golden Oldies Rugby since its inception. Without the airlines financial backing the movement would not have developed to the stage it is today. The International Golden Oldies Rugby board fully endorses the festival travel rules as totally reasonable as it is the only way in which the airline can commercially justify its crucial involvement. </font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="thirteen"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>How are the land package deposits paid by teams protected? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> The appointed Ground Operator handling the land package is contractually required to hold team accommodation payments in a Trust Fund until payments have to be paid to hotel and sub-contractors. Events Marketing and the International Secretariats approve payments made from this account. </font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="fourteen"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>What role does the secretariat play? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> The International Secretariat, based in Auckland, is charge with the responsibility of the day to day administration of golden Oldies rugby, as well as its long term development. Three people work full-time on various golden Oldies projects including the selection of ground operators and new venues, regular meetings with festival committees, processing entries and regular correspondence with teams (150 faxes, toll calls or letters a month from teams or their travel agents), production and implementation of a 200 page festival operational manual, co-ordination of annual International Board Meetings, implementation of international marketing campaigns, production of posters and advertising campaigns, and distribution of international newsletters and post festival books. Air New Zealand covers all costs associated with the Secretariats office. </font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="fifteen"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>What do Festival Committees and Board members get out of Golden Oldies? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> most committee members receive a uniform (blazer and pants) supplied from festival funds. Board members receive no compensation. A small levy included in every festival package and Air New Zealand's support are the Boards only major income to fund local administration and promotional costs. Air New Zealand provides travel and accommodation expenses related to the annual Board meeting.</font> <FONT COLOR="MAROON"> <P><A NAME="sixteen"></P> <BR> <CENTER><I>| <A HREF="start.html">Home</A> | <A HREF="history.html">History</A>| <A HREF="stat.html">Statistics</A> | <A HREF="intro.html">Introdiction</A> |<A HREF="phil.html">Philosophy</A> | <A HREF="rules.html">Rules</A>| <A HREF="humorous.html">Humorous Guide </A> | <A HREF="positions.html">Positions</A> | <A HREF="qa.html">FAQ</A> | <A HREF="links.html">Links</A>| <A HREF="news.html">Newletter/Photos</A> | <A HREF="form.html">Contact Us</A> |</I></CENTER> <BR> </B><P><HR></P> <B><P>Who makes money from a Golden Oldies Rugby festival? </A></P> </FONT> <FONT COLOR="BLACK"> <ul type=star> <li> The Festival Committee receives income from the sale of souvenirs and refreshments and from team registration fees. </li> <li> The Festival Ground Operator makes a profit from the margin built into each package. </li> <li> International Management Group is paid a fee by Air New Zealand to operate the secretariats office. </li> <li> The airlines concerned make their usual profit margin on the airfares. Air New Zealand make no profit from any other aspect of the festival. </li> </ul> </font> </font> </FONT> </BODY> </HTML>