Lindsay Rugby Football Club

Update on Return to Play for 2020

Monday, August 31st, 2020

The Executive of the Lindsay Rugby Football Club (LRFC) has made the difficult decision to cancel all rugby related activities in 2020.

On July 17th, 2020 Rugby Ontario announced the launch of its Return to Play Plan, presenting a set of protocols and resources to manage the safe restart of rugby in Ontario. The LRFC executive reviewed these protocols, along with guidance from Rugby Canada, Health Canada, local health authorities and other sports organizations.

The primary consideration of the LRFC is the safety of our members. We want to facilitate safe rugby programming in accordance with government and public health regulations and legislation giving consideration to risk management for the club, the safety and well-being of all rugby participants and reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

We gave consideration to all of the issues surrounding a return to play this year, including, the cost of participating in a limited rugby season that is not likely to involve full rugby activities, the cost to the club, in both money and volunteer time to adhere to the protocols, as well as the potential risk related to liability, because the Rugby Canada insurance policy and our club general liability insurance would not cover any risk related to COVID19. Based upon all of the potential issues surrounding a return to play, the LRFC executive decided that the LRFC will not return to any rugby related activities in 2020.

2020 has been difficult for us all. Every aspect of our lives has been impacted. Amateur sports organizations all over Ontario are feeling the impact of COVID19. We hope that 2021 brings a return to some sort of normalcy and that the LRFC can return with a full offering of rugby for all ages.

Thank you for your patience. Hope to see you in 2021.

Sincerely

LRFC Executive

COVID-19 Update

Monday, May 18th, 2020

We hope that our Lindsay Rugby family is staying safe and just wanted to give an update on what is going on in the rugby community in response to COVID19. We have had people asking about when or if rugby will be starting up this summer.

On May 11, Rugby Canada, the governing body of youth and senior rugby in Canada released a statement regarding the establishment working group to develop a ‘Return to Play’ strategy. Check out the Rugby Canada website or facebook if you want to read it.

Myles Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of Rugby Ontario provided some further clarification.

“Further to the announcement earlier this week regarding a national ‘Return to Play’ strategy, I’d like to provide a brief update. We are actively monitoring the Ontario Government’s “Stage 1” of its reopening strategy announced on Thursday by the Premier. More specifically, we are awaiting information in relation to the reopening of sport and recreation in communities (i.e. restrictions, public health measures, etc.), which is integral in our development of a Provincial ‘Return to Play’ framework.”

Spencer went on to say,

“As the recovery effort from the COVID-19 begins to take shape and we await further direction from government and public health authorities, Rugby Ontario is starting the process of preparing ‘Return to Play’ protocols and strategies in conjunction with a national working group representing all Provincial Unions and Rugby Canada.
While each Province may have different timing in its recovery plan, the easing of restrictions (at this point) are similar in nature and follow distinct phased approaches. As such, Rugby Ontario is working on a framework for ‘Return to Play’ protocols that are appropriate for our own provincial jurisdiction and that will adhere to the Ontario Government’s strategy for ‘restarting’ organized sport.
To support this work in developing protocols and strategies here in Ontario, we are planning a series of regionally focused engagement sessions to share resources and collect necessary input and feedback from within the Club and Branch community.”

The Lindsay Rugby Football Club is concerned for the safety and welfare of our players, coaches, officials, board members, fans and visitors. Rugby activities will only resume when it is safe to do so. We will rely on the guidance of Rugby Canada, Rugby Ontario, Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments, as well as Ontario Public Health to determine when and if it is appropriate to resume rugby activities.

We will let you know about any updates when they become available.

Stay safe.
Lindsay Rugby Football Club

Lindsay Rugby Club’s Mission and Mandate

Thursday, March 1st, 2018

To promote, develop and administer the playing of rugby under safe conditions throughout the Kawartha Lakes area.

To increase the number of male and female participants regardless of age race or creed, Increase the number of groups and educational establishments playing rugby in an organized manner.

Deliver policies and programmes that meet the needs and aspirations of our members and enable them to meet their maximum potential.

To integrate the LRFC into the development plans of Kawartha Lakes, by adding to the community facility inventory for growing and additional user groups to nurture and encourage success through education and example.

Meet the Executive – David Beukeboom

Friday, July 17th, 2020

Name: David Beukeboom
Position: Maintenance Manager

Dave started playing with the Lindsay Rugby Club when he was just 13 and has now been a member for over 16 years. He has had much success in the sport of rugby, but has always considered the Lindsay Rugby Club his home. He has consistently given back to the club and is officially taking on the role of Maintenance Manager. Why does Dave love the rugby club so much?

He says

“The culture. LRFC creates a culture like no other. It feels like home to such a variety of people and really brings them all together. Some of our biggest and longest standing supporters have never even played rugby, but they show up and volunteer their time by sponsoring, coaching, bartending etc. I feel fortunate to be part of such an amazing community of awesome and generous people. They have your back and keep coming back for more!”

Meet the Executive – John Carr

Tuesday, June 30th, 2020

Name: John Carr
Position: Director of Communication

John initially started getting involved with the Lindsay Rugby Club when his son started playing U12 back in 2006. He has served the club in a variety of roles, including organizing and hosting international teams and serving two years as club President. While John originally thought he would be an active member of the club community as long as his son played, his son has not played in 8 years and John is still an active member of the board. What does John love about the LRFC? He says

“rugby has a long history of strong social connections. I have made many good friends through rugby and have had the opportunity to visit a few places I probably never would have gone because of them.”

Meet the Executive – Kevin McReelis

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020

Name: Kevin McReelis
Position: Director of Game

Kevin began playing with the Lindsay Rugby Club in 1988 as a junior player and eventually moved his way through the ranks to the Men’s 1st Team. He retired from playing in 2005, but has since come back to play with the “Old Boys” team. Kevin hopes to one day share the field with his son. Over the years he has been an active member of the rugby community, serving as VP of game and being part of the committee that helped with the purchase of our current club facilities. As his son remains an active player, who Kevin enjoys watching develop in our club colours, Kevin decided to re-involve himself on the LRFC board. He feels the club has given him and the community so much, and he wanted to give back.

Kevin says “Lindsay RFC has been a big part of my life for a long time. I have met a lot of people and have made a lot of life long friends because of rugby. Lindsay is a club that accepts everyone and really knows how to make people feel welcome. Most importantly they know how to win and how to have fun doing it.”

COVID-19 Survey

Monday, June 15th, 2020

We know there is a lot of information circulating about COVID-19 and a possible return to sports. At the moment Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario are working to figure out how we might return to rugby in this new reality. While we prepare for the possibility of a return in 2020, we want to hear from YOU! We ask that all members complete the following survey to help guide our decision making during this difficult time. We value your input and vow to keep the community’s health and safety at the forefront of all of our club’s decisions.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7GYVBNB

Meet our Executive

Wednesday, June 10th, 2020

Name: Wendy King
Position: Director of Fundraising

Wendy initially got involved with the Lindsay Rugby Club as a parent, when her two oldest kids started playing at the age of 9 and 10. As her kids continued to play for the club, Wendy became more interested in the club and the sport. At 37 years old she joined the Women’s Team! She played for 4 years and enjoyed every minute of it. What does Wendy love most about the LRFC? She says

“It’s one big family. The respect from all the players has been amazing. I enjoy running touch for the games and still being part of the best sport ever.”

Our policy

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2020

The Lindsay Rugby Football Club supports Rugby Ontario in its belief that there is no place for racism and prejudice in rugby, in sport and in everyday life.

Meet our Executive – Amanda Van de Valk

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020

Name: Amanda Van de Valk
Position on the Exec: Registrar

Amanda played on the Women’s team for the Lindsay Rugby Club between 2010 and 2017. She has been an active board member throughout her time at the club and is currently in charge of Registration. Amanda says her

“favourite part of LRFC is the lifelong friendships that are created!”

Rob Stokes Golf Tournament – Cancelled

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

The Lindsay Rugby Football Club has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Rob Stokes Memorial Golf Tournament. It was a tough decision, but given the current Public Health restrictions and social distancing guidelines,
it definitely seemed like the safest and smartest one.

To all the local businesses, golfers, and volunteers that have supported this fundraiser in the past, thank you and we hope that you and your families are continuing to stay safe, healthy, and positive.

Please be assured that the tournament will return in 2021 and we look forward to celebrating our friend Rob and our great club with all of you!

Stay safe and stay strong,
Warmest regards,
Lindsay Rugby Football Club

Meet our Executive – Tracey Durepos

Monday, May 25th, 2020

Name: Tracey Durepos
Position: Secretary

Tracey initially got involved with the Lindsay Rugby Club as a parent. Her sons Rockston and Barok both play for the club. She has since gotten more involved, volunteering for events and taking on the role of Secretary. Tracey says her favourite thing about the LRFC is