SABRFC Return 2 Rugby Update #2

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