COVID Return to Play

IT IS ON ALL OF US TO EXEMPLIFY THE VALUES OF RUGBY AND RESPECT THE WELL BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY.

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BE DILIGENT, BE ACCOUNTABLE

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global impact that requires diligence and respect. Ensuring clubs and athletes display the utmost consideration for the direction of local health officials is not only appropriate, but contingent to possible recourse of return to play protocol across the greater sports community.

Should the provided guidelines from health officials and USA Rugby be discounted or circumvented, potential re-institution of suspended rugby activities could result along with consequences by local government officials.

 General COVID-19 Protocols for Rugby

• Immediate reporting of COVID-19 related illness needs to be reported as directed by the local municipality/health department.

• All spectators should adhere to the local ordinances regarding face coverings.

• Athletes will not be penalized for not attending training sessions or contests due to COVID-19 concerns.

• Concession stands and/or team stores are strongly discouraged.

• In-person fundraisers are strongly discouraged.

• Athletes should bring their personal training gear which includes but is not limited to water bottles, towel, hand sanitizer, and face covering.

  • No sharing of any personal items to include mouth guards, water bottles, face coverings, towels and athletic apparel – Jerseys, Shorts, etc.

  • Do not use carriers for water bottles or community water dispensers. Each athlete should bring their own water bottle.

  • All athletes are strongly encouraged to bring their own food. 

• When entering and leaving a facility, athletes, staff and spectators should adhere to the posted policies regarding social distancing and face covering.

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COVID-19 Reporting Procedure

All participants (to include athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers and referees) should report a suspected case as directed by their local municipality/health department and immediately consult with their primary care physician.

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Return to Rugby

For either a positive or negative COVID-19 test result, documentation of clearance should be provided by their health care provider, prior to return to any club/team activities.

• All Clubs/Teams must follow the USA Rugby Return to Play Guidelines

• Coaches, Administrators, and Referees are highly suggested to complete the World Rugby Player Welfare COVID-19 Return to Play Guidelines.  This is a free course for all.

• If required by your local health ordinances, for pre-entry to training session or contest for a “Symptom Check”, clubs/teams can reference the World Rugby COVID-19 Symptom Checker.

• SGBs reserve the right to remove sanctioning of an event with proper (which is subjective by state) notice given.

• Individual clubs/teams reserve the right to cancel practice/games due to COVID-19 implications.

• All county and/or state ordinances regarding public events should be adhered to at all times.

  • All participants including but not limited to athletes, coaches, trainers, administrators, volunteers and spectators should adhere to the local ordinances regarding face coverings.

• It is a best practice to clean and disinfect equipment prior to and at the completion of training under “normal” circumstances in addition to the current pandemic.

• Have staff available to assist in the regular sanitization of all shared equipment during training.

• Athletes should bring their personal training gear which includes but is not limited to water bottles, towel, hand sanitizer, and face covering.

  • No sharing of any personal items to include mouth guards, water bottles, face coverings, towels and athletic apparel – Jerseys, Shorts, etc.

  • Do not use carriers for water bottles or community water dispensers. Each athlete should bring their own water bottle.

  • All athletes are strongly encouraged to bring their own food. 

• When entering and leaving a facility, all participants should adhere to the posted policies regarding social distancing and face covering.

• It is a recommended to maintain records of groups of athletes, coaches and trainers who work together.