College registration is the first to open. / TRB photo
PRESS RELEASE (Glendale, CO) – USA Rugby today announced the opening of registration for the 2020-21 Membership cycle on August 10. This upcoming competitive year marks the first of new a governance structure where combined dialogue between USA Rugby and the Youth & High School, College and Senior Club National Councils developed the annual dues structure. Each constituency will open registration at individual times over the next few days. College membership will open first on Monday August 10, followed by Senior Club on the 15th and Youth & High School on August 17. Coaches are encouraged to register with their respective level of play and Referee registration will fully open on August 17. Current USA Rugby membership for the closing 2019-20 season will officially expire on August 31, 2020.
“It has been a unique juncture for the rugby community as the current membership cycle comes to a close,” noted USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young, “However looking ahead to a new year with fresh opportunities is very encouraging as we venture back to rugby and continue building a stronger organization for the game.”
In May, the USA Rugby Board and Congress voted to approve bylaw changes and reform the union governance structure; developing National Councils across Youth & High School, Collegiate, Senior Club and International Athlete competitions. The Councils have since been seated by their individual constituencies where the representatives consulted with USA Rugby to develop membership dues and allocations for the upcoming fiscal year.
With continued restrictions to certain rugby activities due to COVID-19, Members are continually encouraged to follow USA Rugby Return to Play Guidelines after registering for the new year. For clubs and members unable to compete outside of inter-squad activities due to COVID-19, a specified “Training Membership” with comparable coverage at a lower rate will be available at the opening of registration. This registration will provide coverage and benefits during CDC approved training activities and can be easily upgraded to a full membership when clubs are permitted to compete with other clubs in their region, effectively returning to full competition.
Further information on Training Memberships, dues breakdowns and Return to Play updates will be announced to members via USA Rugby communication channels in the coming days.