Overhead flat-lay photograph of a worn leather Rugby Fives glove resting on a dark wooden court floor, with a hand-stitched ball nearby; deep browns, burgundy shadows, and warm cream highlights evoke a vintage sporting atmosphere.

Rugby Fives Association

The governing body for Rugby Fives — promoting play, coaching and competition across the UK

How to develop a successful Rugby Fives fundraising auction

A well-run auction can turn enthusiasm for Rugby Fives into practical support for courts, coaching, junior programs, travel, equipment and inclusive participation. The strongest events feel like a celebration of the sport, with every lot connected to players, clubs, schools or the wider community.

For an Australian audience, the format may need to work across different time zones, sporting calendars and fundraising rules. A Sydney corporate evening, a Melbourne school event and a Brisbane club gathering can attract very different bidders. Planning around local habits makes the auction feel relevant rather than imported.

The Rugby Fives Association can provide the sporting story behind the appeal. Its competitions, rankings, historical records, coaching networks and community work give donors a clear reason to contribute. When bidders understand what their money will help deliver, they are more likely to bid generously and share the campaign.

A successful auction also depends on disciplined administration. Decide what the money will fund, secure desirable prizes, use reliable payment systems and communicate openly about the results. A smaller auction with credible lots and careful follow-up will usually outperform a larger event that feels disorganised.

Auction format	Best for	Strengths	Main planning need
Live auction	Club dinners and championship events	Energy, social interaction and competitive bidding	A confident auctioneer and short running order
Silent auction	School, community and corporate gatherings	Flexible bidding and broad participation	Clear lot descriptions and visible closing times
Online auction	Supporters across Australia and overseas	Wider reach and longer bidding period	A mobile-friendly platform and strong promotion
Hybrid auction	Major association campaigns	Combines in-person excitement with digital access	Integrated bidding, payment and collection systems

Set a clear fundraising purpose

Begin with a specific financial target and a practical explanation of how funds will be used. “Support Rugby Fives” is positive but vague; “raise $12,000 for school coaching visits and junior equipment” gives supporters something measurable. A defined purpose also helps sponsors choose suitable lots and gives the host a strong message to repeat throughout the campaign.

Break the target into visible outcomes. For example, a contribution might help cover court hire, coach travel, safeguarding checks, competition entry fees or equipment packs for new players. Rugby Fives has a valuable story to tell because fundraising can support participation at several levels, from first school sessions to national championships.

Set a realistic budget before sourcing prizes. Include platform fees, card processing, venue costs, signage, insurance, delivery and tax treatment where relevant. If donated goods are used, record their descriptions and estimated market value without promising bidders a tax deduction. Australian tax receipts and deductibility can depend on the charity’s status and the nature of the payment.

Build an auction catalogue people want

A balanced catalogue should include premium experiences, useful goods and items with a strong Rugby Fives connection. Possible lots include a coaching session with an experienced player, a championship weekend package, signed memorabilia, a club training experience, sports equipment, accommodation, restaurant vouchers and corporate team-building sessions.

Local relevance can increase bidding. A Melbourne restaurant package, a Sydney harbour activity or a Brisbane sporting experience may appeal to regional supporters who cannot attend a UK-based event. Businesses often prefer prizes that can be used by staff or clients, while families may value school holiday activities, coaching and practical sporting goods.

Avoid filling the catalogue with similar low-value items. Around 15 to 30 carefully selected lots can create variety without exhausting bidders. Ask each donor for a concise description, restrictions, expiry date, approximate retail value and redemption instructions. Confirm whether delivery is included, especially for interstate winners, and publish those conditions before bidding opens.

Recruit donors and sponsors strategically

Prepare a short sponsorship pack explaining the Rugby Fives Association’s role, the audience reached and the proposed use of proceeds. Offer several ways to participate: donate a lot, underwrite a coaching program, sponsor an auction category or provide venue and catering support. Recognition can include event signage, website acknowledgement, social media posts and a mention in club communications.

Approach businesses through existing relationships first. Parents, alumni, club members, schools and corporate partners are often more responsive than cold contacts. In Australia, sporting clubs commonly rely on local business networks, school communities and weekend events, so a personal introduction can be especially effective.

Give donors a firm deadline and make the request easy to answer. A simple form should collect contact details, prize information, branding requirements and any conditions. Thank contributors promptly, then show them the result after the event. A short report with the amount raised and the funded activities helps turn one-off support into a lasting partnership.

Promote the auction across the community

Promotion should begin several weeks before bidding opens. Create a campaign schedule for email, club newsletters, school networks, social media and partner websites. Introduce a few standout lots in advance, then release the complete catalogue when supporters are ready to bid. Use clear photographs, short descriptions and direct links to the auction page.

Mobile access matters because many Australian supporters will see the campaign during a commute, lunch break or weekend sporting fixture. Make registration and payment simple, and avoid requiring bidders to download an unfamiliar application unless there is a clear benefit. Sydney and Melbourne audiences may respond well to LinkedIn and corporate email, while school and club communities often engage through Facebook groups, newsletters and messaging channels.

Time the campaign around local sporting calendars. Avoid major clashes with AFL finals, school holidays, long weekends and large community tournaments. If supporters are spread across Australia, display closing times in an unambiguous local time and allow for Australian Eastern, Central and Western time zones. A reminder on the final day should state the exact closing time and collection arrangements.

Run the event fairly and follow Australian rules

Publish simple terms before bidding starts. Include eligibility, minimum bids, increments, closing rules, payment deadlines, prize restrictions, delivery responsibilities and the process for resolving a tie or technical problem. Keep a record of winning bids, payments, donated goods and expenses so the association can report accurately to its committee, members and supporters.

An auction based on the highest bid is generally different from a raffle or lottery, where chance determines the winner. If the campaign adds lucky draws, mystery envelopes or chance-based prizes, check the relevant state or territory requirements before promotion. Rules can vary between New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and other jurisdictions, and permits may be required.

Use secure payment processing and collect only the personal information needed to administer the auction. Explain how bidder details will be used, particularly if the association plans to send future updates. Australian Privacy Act obligations may apply depending on the organisation and its activities, while the Australian Consumer Law remains relevant to accurate prize descriptions and representations.

At the event, appoint a host, auctioneer, payment coordinator and collection contact. Display the purpose of the fundraiser and provide regular progress updates without pressuring guests. Afterward, send receipts or payment confirmations, arrange prompt prize collection, and publish a concise outcome. Report the gross amount, key costs and net funds where appropriate, along with the Rugby Fives activities the money will support.

A strong auction can become an annual fixture for clubs, schools and supporters. Begin by choosing a purpose, a date and a modest target, then contact potential donors through the Rugby Fives Association network. Downloadable lot forms, volunteer roles and a shared promotion calendar will make the work easier to coordinate.

Support the next generation of players by contributing a prize, sponsoring a coaching session or helping your local club host an auction. Every well-managed bid can help put more people on court, strengthen community programs and give Rugby Fives a broader future in Australia.

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What is Fives?

A handball sport with deep roots

Rugby Fives is a fast, skilful handball game played in an enclosed court with walls. It takes its name from Rugby School, where the modern game developed. The RFA provides resources and an introductory video for newcomers eager to understand the rules and spirit of the sport.

Discover the game

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Where to Play

Courts across the country

Rugby Fives is played at schools, universities and clubs throughout the UK. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or picking up a glove for the first time, the RFA can help connect you with local venues and fellow players.

Find a court

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Rankings

Tracking the best in the game

The RFA maintains official player rankings, including a dedicated Women's rankings list and end-of-season standings. A comprehensive record book of tournament winners stretches back to 1925, preserving nearly a century of competitive history.

View rankings

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Fixtures & Tournaments

The competitive calendar

The RFA calendar includes championships, open tournaments, and school and university matches. Major events have included the National Open Singles, the South West Open, the London Open, the Scottish Open, and the Owers Trophy — alongside representative fixtures against schools and clubs.

See fixtures

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