Dear members and parents,

I hope things are good with you. The IRFU have issued updated Guidelines to clarify what is permissible when Level 5 . The main points are as follows:

Travel to Training

One Parent is allowed to bring children to a rugby training session. They will not be stopped from doing so.

TRAINING:

No training should take place, with the exception of non-contact training for school aged children, outdoors in pods of 15.

All other training activities should be individual only.

Exercise within 5 kilometres of home.

*Details on exemptions are available below.

MATCHES:

No matches permitted in clubs or schools.

FACILITIES:

Shower & Changing facilities to remain closed.

SPECTATORS:

Spectators are not permitted.

Parents/Guardians attending in a safeguarding /supervisory capacity are not classified as a spectator. However, strict social distancing and public health guidelines should be adhered to at all times. In that context, one parent/guardian per child is permitted to attend should they consider it necessary. (Source: Sport Ireland Practical Guidance on Covid-19 Measures)

All Parents/Guardians must complete a Pre-Rugby Personal Assessment Declaration Form prior to arriving on site.

HEALTH & SAFETY:

Clubs must ensure their COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan is up to date in line with the latest government guidelines.

A Risk Assessment should be carried out where appropriate for activities not previously included.

*EXEMPTIONS:

Non-contact training can continue for school aged children, outdoors in pods of 15, including tag or touch rugby.

These exemptions apply to all schools rugby players in primary and post-primary schools as well as club players from mini to U18 age-grades (inclusive).

Taking school aged children to permitted training is exempt from domestic travel restrictions.

Remember the following:

• Pre-Rugby Personal Assessment Declaration to be completed before every session.
• Training is on an opt-in basis for all participants.
• Strict avoidance of gatherings before or after.
• Strict adherence to 2 metre physical distancing before and after, on the sidelines and avoidance of team huddles.
• Hand sanitisation facilities available at all times.
• Good coughing and sneezing etiquette.

School aged children means the following:

• In schools rugby, it means all schools players.
• In Club Rugby, it means any player from mini-rugby to U18.5 Age Grade (inclusive).
• please see link to IRFU guidelines page https://www.irishrugby.ie/2020/10/21/latest-covid-19-guidelines-for-clubs-and-schools/

I hope that this clarifies things for you and your coaches/players/parents/guardians. If you have any queries on it, please do not hesitate to contact me. Stay safe, Stay sane!

All the Best,

Mark Dowling