The Wisconsin Rugby Referee Society (WRRS) will not supply officials for the fall 2020 season, citing health risks associated with Covid-19. The following is a statement from the WRRS Board of Directors:
On Sunday, August 16th, The Wisconsin Rugby Referee Society Board of Directors met via Zoom and discussed assigning matches for the Fall of 2020. During this discussion, the members of the Board discovered they had each been directly impacted by COVID-19. For some, the impact has been an inconvenience. For others, the impact has had life-changing finality. All of us, together, have reasons to pause and give primary consideration to the well-being of others during this ongoing epidemic.
A rugby referee is primarily charged with keeping the game and its participants safe. It is the first lesson we are taught during our many hours of training. It is retaught, in some fashion, in nearly every lesson thereafter. Players of all levels and walks of life have heard us say, “We are here for your safety” inside Pre-match discussions at the beginning of play. We love our sport, and the rugby community as a whole. We want them to go home to their loved ones not just on game night, but every night.
We have talked the talk, so now we must walk the walk. The risk associated with having a fall season is high compared to the benefit. Even with exhaustive safety protocols, the threat of an asymptomatic carrier or gap in personal accountability cannot be reasonably lessened.
By unanimous vote, The Wisconsin Rugby Referee Society will not assign, promote, nor extend liability protection to any referees for matches in the state of Wisconsin during the remainder of 2020. We do this as a safeguard, but also as an investment, to better secure a 2021 season.
We have seen so much growth in our sport, and the hard work of many supporters is now being realized in Cottage Grove, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and all across the state. We must be personally, professionally, and collectively accountable for our decisions, or risk the future of these initiatives and others like it.
Accountability and transparency are best practices. If any referee is approached by any team to officiate any match or scrimmage involving any Wisconsin club, they should contact Society President Brad Casetta. The purpose of this contact is not to discourage, censure, or condemn those involved. The purpose is to support our referees, to clarify current policy, to explore options, and to protect the collective rugby body from liability.
Safety first. Be with us, together.