Hello ONECLUB,
Again, it is so uplifting to see how we have been coming together as ONECLUB in a time of distance! Let’s keep up the great work and pump up the Strava club challenge so we can SWEEP THE “2020 season!”
The SABRFC Return to Rugby (RTR) task force and I have been working hard behind the scenes to get us out on the field together as quickly and as safely as possible! This means that before we start any SAB organized rugby activities, we are taking the time to understand the government’s relaunch requirements in addition to Rugby Canada and Rugby Quebec recommendations in order to protect the health and safety of each of our
members and minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19. As a follow up to our first communication, I will outline what has changed, what we “can” and “can’t” do and our plans for “return.” We will continue to provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
UPDATE ON RUGBY’S R2R STATUS
First and foremost, although some restrictions for sport in Quebec have been lifted, Rugby Canada remains consistent and has confirmed that organized rugby activities remain under a national suspension until June 30th. Rugby Canada has stated specifically that “until such time that final Provincial approval is given, and members have registered, clubs are reminded to refrain from in-person team training sessions and training/education courses.” What this means for SABRFC, is that although the Quebec government has updated restrictions, we will not be insured by Rugby Canada until June 30th. The SABRFC R2R task force is working hard to understand just what that means for us before June 30th and are working out the details to ensure that we remain safe, covered by insurance, and comply with the rules and regulations set by the Government
of Quebec before we start.
SABRFC R2R GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The guiding principles of the SAB RTP are ACCESSING, AFFIRMING, & RECONNECTING. First, we would like to make it clear at all points of the RTP you will have the choice to “opt in.” We recognize that each club member may be experiencing things differently and may be at different levels of readiness to return. Second, we are committing to ensure transparency and education within our process. We are committed to making well informed (researched and evidenced based) decisions as we move along each phase of our “return.” Currently, in addition to working with Rugby Canada and Rugby Quebec, we are using established protocols outlined by Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Paralympic committee, World Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, and various National and Provincial sport organizations to help inform our own safe SAB RTP plan. That said, we will be very clear with our expectations as we return and at the
same time we will listen and encourage you to share your perspectives, thoughts and concerns. Finally, we are in this together and working together will be key to our successful and safe SABRFC R2R.
SAB RETURN TO SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES - WHAT WE CAN DO
I am happy and encouraged that we can now return to small group activities (maximum of 10 people) while respecting 2 m distances. We are currently waiting to understand more from Rugby Quebec and Rugby Canada about insurance before we start group SAB coach led trainings. Our next update should help to give more insight on when a return to “training” may occur.
We would like to encourage you to get out with teammates (max 10 people and respecting 2 m distances) as much as possible to stay socially connected and help improve physical and mental health! Great ways to do this include:
#sabrfcgameday7k in small groups and meetups afterwards for drinks or ice cream!
Gathering in small groups to attend or complete workouts. Scheduled workouts are listed below and you can contact Lav, Bobbie or Hughanna for details to attend these training sessions. Details are also posted to appropriate Facebook groups.
Tuesday 6:30PM Women’s Zoom training
Tuesday 7:30PM Men’s Zoom training
Thursday 7:30PM Club Zoom training
Attend the ONECLUB Virtual ATM on Thursday night’s at 8:30PM
So, let’s get out there and get together. Remember that WE ARE ONECLUB. We are more than just people who play rugby, we are family. We are all in this together and I guarantee that if we stay connected and work together, WE WILL COME OUT STRONGER!
In the spirit of transparency, communication and inclusion we will host a SABRFC R2R Zoom Webinar on Wednesday, June 17th at 7:00PM. In this meeting we will provide updates on the SABRFC R2R and field any questions or concerns that you may have.
SABRFC R2R UPDATE Zoom
Meeting ID: 438 889 1899
Password: oneclub
Again, please remain confident that as the situation evolves, we will continue to learn and adapt our return to play protocols accordingly so that decisions are made to best protect our members. We will continue to update everyone as we progress through this process, but if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at sabrfc.president@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Sommer Christie
Your new PROUD SAB president and the SABRFC Return to Play Task Force