USA Rugby has published “Return to Play Guidelines” that will be implemented beginning June 1, 2020. The resource opens with the following:
This information is a proposed framework for USA Rugby Clubs and Members to reference as they determine potential return to play plans amidst the COVID-19 climate. The collective information is in reference to general protocol offered by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Rugby and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC); tailored to the common activities of USA Rugby Members. It is important to understand that the following outline is not official medical advice, whereby your club and athletes should more definitively refer to the instruction of your local health officials when determining a return to play calendar.
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The document covers the risks inherent in the sport of rugby and how they’ll impact the individual. The General Rules of Engagement include links to World Rugby education modules and COVID-19 symptom check; and information on hygiene protocol, social distancing, reduced size of training groups, and the prohibition of carpooling, general meetings or celebrations, among other important health precautions. USA Rugby then explains in greater detail the five stages of Return to Play, ranging from a stay-at-home mandate to full training and competition, as well as the status of one’s insurance during each stage.
There’s a specific checklist for administrators during stages 3 and 4 – the phases between stay-at-home being lifted and normal activities resuming. It covers everything from managing players, coaches and staff, to communicating with venues, to interacting with spectators and officials.
The document ends with a helpful resource page for Centers for Disease Control, World Rugby, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and USA Rugby’s dedicated COVID-19 page.