Non Contact Sports (Lockdown)- What’s the situation? Your questions answered right here.

What’s the difference in National Lock-down and localised restrictions?

The government is trying to pin point the most effected areas, places and spaces with most growing concern. In the best way possible the the country must survive financially along with our wellbeing. Sometimes we get different signals. Due to the imminent second wave, as of Thursday November 5th 2020 the government decided to nationalise lock-down in England until December 2nd. In this way it addresses the worry among each of the nations leaders and coordinate the suppression of the second wave of corona virus. In a way its saying we are all in this together.

What does this mean for organised sport?

Unfortunately, for now all team sports have been suspended. This means that no competitive or formal activities including football and rugby and non-contact rugby can be undertaken until at least Wednesday 2 December.

Does this recent lock-down measures include practice sessions?

Yes, certainly does. Unfortunately we have to take all precautions to prevent the spread of corona virus so in all instances we must stop all activities including groups of 3 or more. While group sessions are banned, a max of 2 players (or one player and coach) can participate in socially distanced (2 meters), individual session in a public space, but not a garden, without sharing equipment. Advisable to read up on the latest government announcements and social distancing rules.

So, I maybe desperate to get out and play, what are the consequences?

Under the rules people have been told to stay at home and non-essential shops, pubs and gyms ordered to close.Households are also banned from mixing indoors or in private gardens, unless in a support bubble. Currently there is a £200 fine for each breach which doubles on every offence up to a maximum of £6,400. And organisers of large gatherings face a £10,000 fine.

What can I do to stay fit?

1. Follow a routine. Bedtime /eating at reasonable hours.

2. Eat well. Nutritious meals should be the order of the day.

3. Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids especially water.

4. Ventilate your work and living space. During the winter months most people have the heating on but it’s advised to make sure the room(s) are ventilated.

5. Avoid excess. Try to use your time wisely and avoid temptations(bad eating / drinking habits) maybe do some simple exercises to take the edge off.

6. Spend time outside. Prepare for the outdoors. Wrap up well during a walk or cycle, make it enjoyable by establishing a nice route surrounded by nature if possible. Bring along a flask of coffee or comforting beverage like hot chocolate!!!

7. Maintain relationships. Play regularly within your household adhering to government guidelines (social distancing rules). Maybe set aside time to chat online sign up for the free platform Zoom to stay in touch with family and friends. It’s not too difficult to join in some online games.

8. Be kind. Watch out for your neighbors and respect the front line workers who are taking care of us.

Covid Operation Info-graphic WHO

LAWS IN BRIEF – TOUCH RUGBY

RESPECT THE REF

>Please respect the ref, no backchat is allowed.
>No aggressive behaviour / no foul language allowed.

Touch Rugby is a non-contact sport. Attacker’s cannot deliberately bump into a defender. Defender’s cannot change direction & move into an attacker’s path. Whoever initiated contact will be penalised. The onus is on the attacking player to avoid the defender.
Please respect fellow teammates, opposition and supporters.
Remember all levels of players are on the pitch so extra care is needed for those with less experience.
You are responsible for your own warm up.
Those who disobey the guidelines above will face a warning, sin bin or outright ban.

Brief Rules On Touch Rugby

Rule of Tag Rugby in Brief HERE

Resources to help in understanding how to play tag rugby HERE

NCR SELF HEALTH DECLARATION FORM [CVSDF002]

Non-Contact Rugby Policy COVID

Risk-Assessment – NCRSports (COVID-19) COVID-19_v1.4

Return to Non-Contact Rugby – ROADMAP INFO-GRAPHIC (update 12/06/20)

Covid Operation Info-graphic WHO

Non Contact Rugby Knee Injury

What is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the ligaments inside your knee – it joins your thigh bone (femur) to the front of your shin bone (tibia). You might injure your ACL by playing sports which involve quick direction changes or sudden stopping, such as tag or touch rugby.

During non contact rugby practice or gameplay, if you suspect you have sprained your knee, try and restrict movement and physical activity, it may not as severe as you think but you must assume the worst until you get a professional opinion. It’s recommended that you ice your knee in 15-20 intervals to combat swelling. Within a day or so of your injury, you’ll have a good idea how severe your sprain is based on the pain and discomfort you feel trying to move.

Ice Therapy

Ice is used for acute pain, inflammation (swelling), and new injuries. When you hurt yourself, the damage immediately becomes inflamed, which looks like swelling, pain, and redness. Using the ice helps to narrow blood vessels and keeps swelling down. People who often play tag rugby should use ice after working out, not heat. Ice will help reduce any swelling from a gruelling session or someone getting back into sport. Heat, on the other hand, can increase swelling and prevent muscles from healing. If you do decide to ice a join, injury, or muscle, do so for 15-20 intervals. Make sure to give yourself an hour break in between each session and do not place ice directly onto the skin.

Homemade Ice Packs

Ice cubes in a sealed baggie
A wet towel placed in the freezer for 15 minutes
A bag of frozen vegetables
DIY ice packs with dish soap and rubbing alcohol

Tag Rugby ACL Injury

PREPARATION – TAG/TOUCH LEAGUE – COVID TIMES

COVID TIMES LEAGUE SET UP

ORGANISER

ALL PLAYERS STAFF PARTICIPANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER ONLINE
ARRIVE AT LEAST 45 MINUTES BEFORE KO
SET UP AND SANATISE EQUIPMENT BALLS / CONES
SET OUT PITCH 60 X 40 (6-A-SIDE)
SWEEP PITCH FOR RUBBISH & HOLES
CHECK REF IS READY WITH SCHEDULE / YELLOW VEST / WHISTLE / SCORE SHEET
AS PLAYERS ARRIVE LOCATE THEM IN THEIR RESPECTIVE COVID LOCATIONS (MAP OTHER SIDE)
CHECK EVERYONE HAS SIGNED WAIVER / REGISTRATION BEFORE ANYONE STEPS INTO VENUE
LET EVERYONE KNOW WE HAVE A FIRST AID KIT – HELD BY ORGANISER
REMINDER GAME STARTS ON TIME REGARDLESS IF THEY CAN ONLY COME UP WITH 4 OR 5 PLAYERS –
FIXTURES WILL BE ADHERED TO BECAUSE IT WILL HAVE A KNOCK-ON EFFECT FOR THE REST OF THE DAY.
BEGINNING, HALF TIME AND AFTERGAME TEAMS REMINDER TO SANITISE AND SOCIAL DISTANCE
REF WILL REMIND PLAYERS OF SOCIAL DISTANCING ON THE PITCH INCLUDING TWO METERS AT THE ROLL THE BALL AND TAKING THE BALL IN OFF THE TRY LINE MIN 5M.
AFTER GAME TEAMS MUST DISPERSE, NO HANDSHAKE, NO HUGGING ETC…#COVIDOPERATION
AFTER GAME TEAMS MUSH DISPERSE OFF THE PITCH IMMEDIATELY AND ALLOW OTHER TEAMS TO ENTER THE ARENA.
REMIND PLAYERS ONCE YOUR GAME IS OVER TO LEAVE THE ARENA.
Remind captains to look after each team sanitising etc. #covidoperation

NEW ARRIVALS

Please take time to explain to the new arrivals (not played before) go to their respective teams or wait till there KO time to approach and find their team. Team captain introduce.

NEW PASSERS BY – DISCOURAGED AT THIS TIME GOOGLE BLACKHEATH TAG RUGBY TO GET MORE INFO

#COVIDTIMES

***WE ARE PLAYING LEAGUE RULES SAME AS TTR ADHERING TO ALL GOVERNMENT AND SPORTING BODY GUIDELINES

**REF MUST NOT FORGET TO WRITE THE CORRECT TEAMS PLAYING AND PLAYER OF THE MATCH

RESPECT THE REF

>Please respect the ref, no backchat is allowed.
>No aggressive behaviour / no foul language allowed.

Touch and Tag Rugby are non-contact sports. Attacker’s cannot deliberately bump into a defender. Defender’s cannot change direction & move into an attacker’s path. Whoever initiated contact will be penalised. The onus is on the attacking player to avoid the defender.
Please respect fellow teammates, opposition and supporters.
Remember all levels of players are on the pitch so extra care is needed for those with less experience.
You are responsible for your own warm up.
Those who disobey the guidelines above will face a warning, sin bin or outright ban.

Brief Rules On Touch Rugby

Rule of Tag Rugby in Brief HERE

Resources to help in understanding how to play tag rugby HERE

NCR SELF HEALTH DECLARATION FORM [CVSDF002]

Non-Contact Rugby Policy COVID

Risk-Assessment – NCRSports (COVID-19) COVID-19_v1.4

Return to Non-Contact Rugby – ROADMAP INFO-GRAPHIC (update 12/06/20)

Covid Operation Info-graphic WHO

LAWS IN BRIEF – TAG LEAGUE

RESPECT THE REF

>Please respect the ref, no backchat is allowed.
>No aggressive behaviour / no foul language allowed.

Tag Rugby is a non-contact sport. Attacker’s cannot deliberately bump into a defender. Defender’s cannot change direction & move into an attacker’s path. Whoever initiated contact will be penalised. The onus is on the attacking player to avoid the defender.
Please respect fellow teammates, opposition and supporters.
Remember all levels of players are on the pitch so extra care is needed for those with less experience.
You are responsible for your own warm up.
Those who disobey the guidelines above will face a warning, sin bin or outright ban.

Rules of Tag Rugby in brief HERE

Resources to help in understanding how to play tag rugby HERE

NCR SELF HEALTH DECLARATION FORM [CVSDF002]

Non-Contact Rugby Policy COVID

Risk-Assessment – NCRSports (COVID-19) COVID-19_v1.4

Return to Non-Contact Rugby – ROADMAP INFO-GRAPHIC (update 12/06/20)

Covid Operation Info-graphic WHO

FAQ – TAG LEAGUE – #COVIDOperation

I am vulnerable and have been shielding – should I come?

What if I start feeling ill at the EVENT?

If you start experiencing symptoms at an event or feel your condition is deteriorating, please notify a staff member and ready your self to go home immediately.(self isolate is advised if symptoms of coronavirus persist)

Is social distancing still in place?

Yes, certainly it is. Unfortunately we have to take all precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus so in all instances we must distance ourselves while at pitch side our venue. Advisable to read up on the latest government announcements and social distancing rules.

What if I can’t get there by walking or cycling?

You can take the train, bus or Uber. You can also drive to Blackheath, although parking may be limited, we can provide a parking area for you, so reach out if necessary. Cycling is always encouraged but always plan ahead.

Why do I have to register? I can usually just turn up.

We are limiting audience capacities at every venue for safety reasons. Registering ensures that you will be able to visit or participate, otherwise we will have to turn people away.

If I’ve registered, why do I need to bring it with me?

We will invigilating all participants joining including marking attendance and in some cases scanning the tickets at entry points. Tickets will have QR codes on – you can present them on a smartphone, no need to print them off. This means that staff and security can ensure capacities are controlled safely and efficiently, and those who have purchased tickets will be guaranteed play.

Do I need experience to play?

Tag rugby is a non contact sport. The general atmosphere is welcoming and we play for fun, however there is a competitive streak in us all as it’s a team sport so it is helpful to read up on the rules of play. We will endeavour to guide you into the field of play as safely as possible.

What do I need to bring with me?

Generally with this sport you’ll be playing on a 3G (Astro) simulated green pitch or grass. It is advised to wear grip shoes or most ideally moulded boots. Tag shorts (Velcro) are a necessity. Water is always a good idea to hydrate. Due to covid we don’t recommend bringing any equipment like balls to practice with. Sharing items is totally prohibited.

NCR SELF HEALTH DECLARATION FORM [CVSDF002]

Non-Contact Rugby Policy COVID

Risk-Assessment – NCRSports (COVID-19) COVID-19_v1.4

Return to Non-Contact Rugby – ROADMAP INFO-GRAPHIC (update 12/06/20)

Covid Operation Info-graphic WHO

UPDATE NON CONTACT RUGBY – RETURN TO PLAY – COVID OPERATION – AUG 10TH

UPDATED – Friday Aug 7th 2020

The RFL’s plan for a phased return to Community Rugby League, developed in partnership with community game stakeholders, has now been approved by DCMS.

It will be revised at the appropriate time to include Full Contact possibly Aug 31st 2020

Week commencing 10th August: Larger group non-contact ‘opposed’ activity including Touch and Tag RL

BLACKHEATH LEAGUE OFFICIALLY COMMENCES TUESDAY AUG 11TH / TRY TAG RUGBY LEAGUE THURSDAY AUG 13TH

UPDATED – Thursday 25th June 2020

In light of this week’s announcement on the easing of social distancing restrictions, we are in active discussions with others about how we accelerate some form of a return to community non contact rugby.

Your patience and understanding is much appreciated, while we continue to follow government updates in regard to Covid-19. Despite some easing of ‘lock-down’ measures around the this sector, all leagues continue to be postponed for the time being. However there are training sessions going on with groups of six with #covidoperation in place in South East London (Woolwich Arsenal & Blackheath Common).

RFU are continuing to monitor all information provided from the Government, UK Active and Sport England, and decisions related to future fixtures will be updated depending upon any developments. They are also closely monitoring the National Governing Bodies for our sports and their own roadmaps back to playing recreational sport, and they will review all safety measures that we may need to implement when we reconvene.

“Sport makes an important contribution to the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of players especially those in the non contact arena who depend on the social aspect and well as the team spirit” – John Gavin

Sport is crucial for physical and mental wellbeing and hence we will need to get leagues running again as soon as it is recommended. We are disappointed that the physical and mental wellbeing of players has not been considered in the recent easing of lock-down measures planned for the 4th July.

(Also read our guidelines which may be helpful)

NCR SELF HEALTH DECLARATION FORM [CVSDF002]

Non-Contact Rugby Policy COVID

Risk-Assessment – Non-Contact Rugby (COVID-19) COVID-19_v1.2

Return to Non-Contact Rugby – ROADMAP INFO-GRAPHIC (update 12/06/20)

Covid Operation Info-graphic WHO

FAQ – EVENTS – #COVIDOperation

What if I start feeling ill at the EVENT?

If you start experiencing symptoms at an event, please go home immediately and self-isolate.

What if I can’t get there by walking or cycling?

You can take the Thames Clipper service to many of our events. You can also drive to many of the VENUES, although parking may be limited. We encourage you to attend the events most local to you to limit travel. Cycling is always encouraged but always plan ahead.

Why do I have to register for a ticket? I can usually just turn up.

We are limiting audience capacities at every venue for safety reasons. Registering for a ticket ensures that you will be able to visit or participate, otherwise we will have to turn people away.

If I’ve registered for a ticket, why do I need to bring it with me?

We will invigilating all participants joining our events including marking attendance and in some cases scanning the tickets at entry points. Tickets will have QR codes on – you can present them on a smartphone, no need to print them off. This means that staff and security can ensure capacities are controlled safely and efficiently, and those who have purchased tickets will be guaranteed entry.

I am vulnerable and have been shielding – should I come?

We’re recommending that anyone who has been shielding or feels vulnerable does not attend events unless they feel totally confident that it will not put their health at risk. This applies to spectators, staff, players and volunteers. There may be some events happening very close to where you live so you won’t have to go far – we’ll be doing local advertising so keep an eye out for flyers!

NCR SELF HEALTH DECLARATION FORM [CVSDF002]

Non-Contact Rugby Policy COVID

Risk-Assessment – NCRSports (COVID-19) COVID-19_v1.4

Return to Non-Contact Rugby – ROADMAP INFO-GRAPHIC (update 12/06/20)

Covid Operation Info-graphic WHO

Questions that need to be explored with the easing of lock-down – COVIDOperation

We do need to be careful about reading too much into any of these early signals. We know this is a temporary phase, and we do not know what comes next. It is too easy to interpret signs to fit the future you want to see. An increase in birdsong during lock-down does not mean we will all become nature lovers. A surfeit of new on-liners does not spell the end of sporting events. Nothing is settled.

Because nothing is settled, however, everything is possible. We do not know the future, but we can explore what questions need asking, and what we need to do to get the answers we want.

Will concerns over health see a drop in sports events, but a surge in people staying at home watching on TV? Yes / No / Is there a solution?

Will concerns over contact sports like rugby lead to a new way forward for non-contact sports? Yes / No / Positive / Negative

The health of our club vs the wealth of our club. How far do we go to make sure it survives? Discuss.

Sport makes an important contribution to the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of players. Non-contact sports like touch and tag rugby has always been associated with socialising especially due to the nature of the male / female participation, is there an extra impact here on mental health? Yes / NO / Discuss

There are various standards for the return to sport especially in the elite athlete category where there is specific guidance, who decides “Elite Sport Organisations & Individuals”?

The fact non-contact sports like Tag and Touch rugby don’t have big audiences with only casual exposure (“much, much lower risk”. – Australia’s chief medical officer), could these sports have more relaxed rules?

Does the COVID-19 emergency mean there will be a stunted growth in competitive team sports, especially rugby. Yes / No / Discuss

Clubs were already in decline before Covid-19. Is it time to amalgamate, could rugby clubs accept other sports to co-exist? Yes / No / Discuss

While local pubs and restaurants may look to occupy more outside space to serve the same numbers of people while observing social distancing, how will this impact public space in parks with locals playing various sports?

If capacity is reduced in sports venues etc – does that mean that it becomes quicker to fill, and thus a sense of overcrowding can be created with less people?

If sports destinations and grounds impose far tighter controls on numbers, for example through limiting the number of tickets available and making advance booking mandatory how will this be managed to ensure locals are not priced out of their own facilities?

Might some sporting fans prefer the lack of close contact with multiple strangers, where guests could be coming from all over the world, and influence attendance?

Should we be considering redesigning sports venues NOW with architects for the future?

Will destinations that have avoided the worst of COVID-19 seek to market themselves as ‘safe’, even if attracting tourists increases the risk of no longer being ‘safe’? How will local people perceive the sports arena and visitors in such a situation?

(If you would like to add to this list of questionnaires or any comments, please feel free to email trugbyeurope@gmail.com)

I do not see that it is possible to know the answers to questions like these yet, during this lock-down phase. What is possible is to decide as a host community which answers you would like to see and explore what you might do to try to achieve them.

IRFU & RFU are continuing to monitor all information provided from the Government and governing bodies and decisions related to future fixtures will be updated depending upon any developments. They are also closely monitoring the National Governing Bodies for our sports and their own roadmaps back to playing recreational sport, and they will review all safety measures that we may need to implement when we reconvene.

(Also read our guidelines which may be helpful)

Don’t miss this WEBINAR Wed July 8th 2020 Sign up here!

NCR SELF HEALTH DECLARATION FORM [CVSDF002]

Non-Contact Rugby Policy COVID

Risk-Assessment – NCRSports (COVID-19) COVID-19_v1.4

Return to Non-Contact Rugby – ROADMAP INFO-GRAPHIC (update 12/06/20)

Covid Operation Info-graphic WHO