From Capital President Matt Robinette:
USA Rugby updated their Return to Play document on Friday, August 28, 2020. The Union carefully reviewed the updated Return to Play information and evaluated the new policy against our jurisdictions’ regulations and will sanction non-contact intra-squad practice. There are some very important mitigating strategies that each club must implement to return to the pitch. Each club president, coach, and captain are responsible for the following actions prior to returning to non-contact intra-squad practice:
- Review local guidelines – local guidelines take precedent over any Union (Capital and/or USA) directives/approvals
- Review USA Rugby R2P document and implement requirements outlined. The Capital is sanctioning Stage 3 as outlined in this document – https://assets.usarugby.org/docs/medical/USAR-R2P.pdf?v=1598791077718
- Register with USA Rugby – This is going to be tricky and frustrating for individuals and clubs because SportLomo is a new platform and club rugby fee structures were just announced. Players and coaches must be registered with USA Rugby to participate in non-contact intra-team practice. Follow this link to register with USA Rugby: https://usarugby.sportlomo.com/
I am excited that we have found our way back to the pitch (non-contact intra-squad practice) however, we are still experiencing a pandemic! We, administrators, coaches, and players, must remain vigilant as we slowly return to non-contact intra-squad practice. Your actions and decisions directly impact the health of our friends and families and could result in the death of a loved one. Implementing local guidelines is critical to minimizing the spread of infectious diseases.
The Union committed to sanctioning play as soon as possible and we are delivering that commitment. You must commit to keeping your teammates and their families safe by implementing mitigation strategies outlined by your local health departments and governments.
Thank you for your patience during these unprecedented times.
Questions: Matthew Robinette – matthewrobinette55@gmail.com
Please see https://macrugby.org/2020/09/16/further-update-on-fall-2020/ for the MAC statement about Fall 2020.