LATEST - Contains updates relevant to March 2021 onwards

CORONAVIRUS ADVICE AND SUPPORT

The club recognise that this has been and remains a challenging time for players, parents, coaches, and everyone involved at WRUFC. We would like to thank everyone for their continued support - however it is also vital that we return to rugby in a safe and co-ordinated way. The RFU, whilst providing much in the way of guidance, have devolved much of the risk and responsibility to clubs and it will take time for what is a 100% volunteer based committee to put in place measures to ensure that we continue to do the right thing. Please bear with us.

The RFU has developed a range of resources and information to help support clubs affected by Coronavirus. All Team Managers, Coaches, Players, First Aiders, Committee members and other volunteers (and indeed all supporters) are encouraged to read and review these resources on the England Rugby website link to England Rugby website

COMMUNITY GAME GUIDANCE

Return to Rugby Roadmap [see attached]

The RFU has developed a national roadmap to support a return to community rugby activity. This roadmap consists of six stages, Stage A relating to individual training with one other person, moving through to Stage F when there can be a return to competitive matches against other teams. The RFU has revised their original roadmap (see image) and announced permission for clubs to progress from Stage A to Stage D1 on 29th March.

A revised roadmap and guidance on restarting competitive grassroots rugby have been produced to clarify what clubs should have in place and what activity is permitted at each stage.It is important that each club makes its own decision about why and when it would like to return to rugby and reopen facilities.

Notification by the RFU of a return to a particular stage should not be taken as permission by coaches/players - the club is required to undertake Risk Assessments and put in place arrangements to ensure that requirements and guidelines of each Stage are in place. Coaches and Team Managers will be notified on the usual comms groups.

The revised Stage D contains much of what was previously contained in the old Stage E. As previously, there are different requirements for Training as there are for Matches. The club (and each team) will put in place requirements for Training in the first instance. This should not be taken as approval for external matches to go ahead, which have additional requirements due to the greater risk and co-ordination required with opposition clubs, first aiders, referees, and SWSC. Further detail regarding Stages D and E can be found on separate webpages in this section.

[b]Fixtures[b]

All fixture requests must go through Fixtures Secretary Dom Hastings. The hosting of non-members (visiting teams) who are not aware of our arrangements will require careful managing, and the arrangement of last minute fixtures (Home or Away) will not be possible.

[b]Deciding what Stage to train/play at[b]

It is important to note that it is not compulsory to train at any particular stage and if a Coaching Team wishes to train according to a lower stage (Stage C or D for example) then that is fine. Equally it is important that players and parents, especially Minis and Juniors, are made aware that there is no pressure for players to return to training at this time. If a parent/player has any concerns they should contact their coach/team manager in the first instance. Queries can also be fielded to the COVID team at COVID@warringtonrufc.co.uk

[b]Team Requirements[b]

All Coaches and Team Managers are required to read and comply with the appropriate guidance documents for each Stage and view the associated webinars on Coaching and Refereeing. This includes the clubs specific Risk Assessment. The club has put in place mechanisms to enable Self-Assessment (the PROactive Symptom Checker) and Track and Trace requirements, please ensure these are adhered to regardless of what Stage you are training to.

[b]Positive Case Management[b]

The RFU require clubs to report ALL positive cases. Players and parent shave a duty to report all Positive cases to their Coaches and Team managers, who should contact Nick Stafford or Lucy Blacksell. There are systems in place but actions will be agreed on a case by case basis.

[b] First Aiders[b]

All First Aiders are required to read and comply with the appropriate guidance as outlined on the First Aiders page(s). The club has made available the necessary PPE for each team to be able to fulfil these requirement.

Any queries can be posted to the COVID team at COVID@warringtonrufc.co.uk