Latest COVID-19 Guidelines For Clubs And Schools

The IRFU wish to advise clubs and schools of rugby activity permitted as per Level 5 of the Government of Ireland Plan For Living With COVID-19.

These guidelines are effective from midnight Wednesday Oct 21st to midnight Tuesday December 1st.

Training

No training should take place, with the exception of non-contact training for school aged children, outdoors in pods of 15.

All other training activities should be individual only.

Exercise within 5 kilometres of home.

*Details on exemptions are available below.

Matches

No matches permitted in clubs or schools.

Facilities

Shower & Changing facilities to remain closed.

Spectators

Spectators are not permitted.

Parents/Guardians attending in a safeguarding /supervisory capacity are not classified as a spectator. However, strict social distancing and public health guidelines should be adhered to at all times. In that context, one parent/guardian per child is permitted to attend should they consider it necessary. (Source: Sport Ireland Practical Guidance on Covid-19 Measures)

All Parents/Guardians must complete a Pre-Rugby Personal Assessment Declaration Form prior to arriving on site.

Health & Safety

Clubs must ensure their COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan is up to date in line with the latest government guidelines.

A Risk Assessment should be carried out where appropriate for activities not previously included.

*Exemptions

Non-contact training can continue for school aged children, outdoors in pods of 15, including tag or touch rugby.

These exemptions apply to all schools rugby players in primary and post-primary schools as well as club players from mini to U18 age-grades (inclusive).

Taking school aged children to permitted training is exempt from domestic travel restrictions.

Remember the following:

Pre-Rugby Personal Assessment Declaration to be completed before every session.

Training is on an opt-in basis for all participants.

Strict avoidance of gatherings before or after.

Strict adherence to 2 metre physical distancing before and after, on the sidelines and avoidance of team huddles.

Hand sanitisation facilities available at all times.

Good coughing and sneezing etiquette.