Board Insight – VP of Operations

On the new 2013 Board of Directors, VP Operations is Diane Watanabe.  Here you can find out a little more about her role…

In the new Club reorganization, the VP of Operations is responsible for oversight of all rugby-related activities leading to game-day performance for the three men’s, one women’s, and eight youth teams.  This includes ensuring that the Club maintains its good standing with USA Rugby, Southern California Rugby Football Union, Southern California Youth Rugby, and Southern California Rugby Referees Society.

Four critical positions report to the VP of Operations: Director of Rugby Development (Doug Bratcher), Field Commissioner (Kilian Kerwin), Sports Medicine Coordinator (Amy Fee), and Equipment Manager (Miles Cotton).  The Director of Rugby drives the club to achieve success at all levels by advising the coaching staffs, coordinating a club-wide coaching program, and ensuring eligibility of players.

Practice fields are a valuable commodity in the Santa Monica/WLA area and the Field Commish has the difficult task of securing game and practice fields for all 12 teams. Currently our teams compete and practice at five fields: Webster Middle School, Santa Monica High School, John Adams Middle School, Clover Park, and Penmar Park. Medical coverage is managed by the Sports Medicine Coordinator who is also responsible for implementing International Rugby Board and USA Rugby medical guidelines. Last but not least, the Equipment Manager makes certain that all 250 Santa Monica Rugby players from ages 5-45 years old are outfitted in the team kit and have access to proper training and game equipment.