USA Rugby has made some key changes in their Return to Play Guidelines:
- Coaches and administrators are now required to wear masks, earlier versions only recommended social distancing
- Stage 3 now allows non-contact intrasquad scrimmage (scrimmage between members of the same club)
- Stage 4 now allows limited contact intrasquad scrimmage as well as limited-contact inter-squad scrimmages. No scrums, rucks, mauls or lifting in lineouts.
- Eliminated the ban on shared equipment, but does encourage sanitizing often of equipment and hands
So what does this mean?
At this time, different regions within the TRU are in varying stages. TX and LA are in Stage 3, AR and OK have moved to Stage 4.
- Texas limits to groups under 10 and must wear a face covering when you are not six feet from any person that is not a member of your household
- (passing drills, conditioning drills, masks required <6ft)
- Louisiana still encouraging social distancing and masks when you are not able to keep distance from any person not in your household
- (passing drills, conditioning drills, masks required <6ft)
- Arkansas is now allowing Close-Contact Sport team practices but instructs participants to remain socially distant when NOT actively participating in an activity
- (contact practices within the squad, social distancing when not in a drill)
- Oklahoma instructs all participants to follow local city governance in regards to group size and requirements
TRU does not sanction competition between clubs from different states, unless both states are at Stage 5.
*Local CITIES or COUNTIES may have different group size regulations. We urge vigilance in regularly reviewing and observing local city and state ordinances.
The TRU is still responsible for assessing the current return to play stage based on the local government guidance. As of August 31, 2020:
Texas
All individuals must wear a face covering (over the nose and mouth) wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another individual not in the same household or, for those engaging in physical activities outdoors, wherever the individual is not able to maintain a safe physical distance from others not in the same household. [Protocol for Adult Recreational Sports Participants]
Individuals may engage in outdoor sports, provided that the sports do not include contact with other participants, and no more than ten participants play the sport at any time. All individuals age 10 and older must wear a face covering (over the nose and mouth) wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distance from another individual not in the same household or, for those engaging in physical activities outdoors, wherever. [Protocol for Outdoors Sports Participants]
Louisiana
All individuals should avoid groups of any size that do not allow for moderate social distancing. [Phase 2 Section 2:B]
All individuals are strongly encouraged to wear masks or face coverings at all times if interacting with other members of the public outside of household family members, stay home and isolated if experiencing any COVID-19-like symptoms, wash hands frequently, and maintain moderate social distancing. [Phase 2 Section 2:D]
Arkansas
Team practice is now permitted. This includes intrasquad scrimmages (within the same team), simulated competition, and drills that require physical or close contact between team members. Inter-squad competition between two (2) different teams is allowed as of 8/17/2020. However, competitions involving more than two teams (such as jamborees, tournaments, etc.) for close contact sports are currently prohibited due to the risk of spreading COVID-19 to multiple communities at once.
Other practice, conditioning, and training requirements to follow, in addition to the General Requirements:
- Group size must be sufficiently limited to maintain six (6) feet between each person while not actively participating in activity, including staff, whenever in an indoor or outdoor enclosed space. Even when not in an enclosed area, those not actively participating should maintain six (6) feet distance between each person.
- When using weight rooms, practicing calisthenics, running, or other training where vigorous exercise occurs and close contact is not necessary, participants should maintain proper spacing from others by working out with 12 feet between each person. This may require closing or moving some equipment.
- Spotters are allowed on the outside of weight bars on each side for safety reasons. Physical distancing must be maintained when not actively performing spotting duties.
- When appropriate, participants should provide their own equipment. If shared equipment is used, disinfection is required frequently during each event or between each use when possible. This would not preclude activities such as playing catch where a ball is tossed back and forth between players.
Oklahoma
It is at the discretion of business owners or local officials to determine when and if social distancing measures should be applied.
Business owners and event organizers should use their best judgement taking into account factors such as location and size of venue when determining the appropriate levels of social distancing and group size.