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
