UPDATE (2 June 2020): Rocky Mountain Rugby Return to Play State-by-State Status Updates

USA Rugby released its Return to Play (R2P) protocols today, which will govern the steps necessary before rugby is resumed. The Rocky Mountain Rugby Board of Directors will discuss R2P at its board meeting in the first week of June.

As of now, play is still suspended within the geographic territory of Rocky Mountain Rugby. Clubs may only participate in online trainings or in-person cardio sessions that maintain proper distancing and do not use a ball. All physical contact is prohibited, and individuals must follow government guidelines for safety.

ROCKY MOUNTIAN RUGBY BYLAW PROPOSALS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – JUNE 2020
 
Purposes:

1. To convert the VP – Finance (“Treasurer”) Board seat to an At-Large Director, and
2. To change the Treasurer position from election to appointment, and
3. To make operational changes to the way the union has functionally operated

 
Change #1: Section 4.07.5
 
5.         VICE-PRESIDENT - FINANCE.  The Vice-President - Finance ("Treasurer") will collect, account for, budget and administer the funds of the Union.  The Treasurer shall maintain the financial records of the Union, and give these records to his/her successor in good order.
 
Change to:
 
5.         AT-LARGE DIRECTOR. The At-Large Director is a member of the union elected to the Board to represent a wide swath of union interests. The At-Large Director shall direct special projects as assigned and represent the union broadly.
 

 
Change #2: Section 8.02
 
Section 8.02.   CERTAIN CONTRACTS AND CHECKS.  All deeds, documents, transfers, contracts, engagements, bonds, bills of exchange and other instruments shall be signed by the President or Vice President and any one of the Officers holding the office of Treasurer or Secretary.  No other person, Officer, member or other party connected with the Union shall have any authority to bind the Union by any contract or agreement or to pledge its credit.
 
All checks must be signed by the Treasurer (provided, however, the Secretary shall be additional signatory on Union accounts in the event of the unavailability of the Treasurer).
 
All checks over $1,000 in value must be authorized in writing by the President or Vice President.

Final responsibility for all expenditures shall rest with the Executive Committee.
 
Change to:
 
Section 8.02.   CERTAIN CONTRACTS AND CHECKS.  All deeds, documents, transfers, contracts, engagements, bonds, bills of exchange and other instruments shall be signed by Chair or President and either the Treasurer or Secretary.  No other person, Officer, member or other party connected with the Union shall have any authority to bind the Union by any contract or agreement or to pledge its credit.
 
All checks must be signed by the President or the Treasurer (provided, however, the Secretary shall be additional signatory on Union accounts in the event of the unavailability of the Treasurer).
 
The Treasurer shall be appointed by the board and shall collect, account for, and administer the funds of the Union. The Treasurer shall maintain the financial records of the Union, and give these records to his/her successor in good order. The President shall be responsible for ensuring the Treasurer has an accurate accounting of all revenue and expenses.
 
All checks over $1,000 in value must be authorized in writing by the Chair or President.

Final responsibility for all expenditures shall rest with the Executive Committee.

Update: This will be confirmed at the RMR Board meeting on Tuesday, June 2.
Update (2): The date/time was confirmed at the RMR Board meeting on Tuesday, June 2. The title of this article has been changed. It was previously titled "2020 Annual General Meeting likely to be Sunday, June 28"

The 2020 Rocky Mountain Rugby Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, June 28. This year's AGM will be held in an online format, and registered attendees will receive an email with instructions no later than Wednesday, June 24. Those who register between June 24 and June 27 will receive instructions in the evening of June 27.

Agenda as of June 2020:

The meeting will be held online from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, with breakout sessions for individual competitions from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm. The meeting is only open to 2 designated representatives per club. Only 1 registered/designated club representative may participate in voting, however ("Each full member has one vote at any Union meeting and shall be represented at any meeting by no more than two persons that must be registered to USAR for the club they represent."). Please see the AGM Rules & Code of Conduct for more information.

The meeting will be operated by RMR President Erik Geib, with RMR Board Chair Rich Cortez presiding.

Agenda items for the meeting include*:
1. Roll Call  |  9:00 - 9:10
  -Call of Clubs
  -Determination of Proxies
2. Good Standing Notice and Quorum Status  |  9:10 - 9:15
  -Termination of Rights to Clubs in Bad Standing
  -Membership Vote for Probationary Clubs & Housecleaning of Club Statuses
3. Opening Remarks  |  9:15-9:35
  -Union President's address: Erik Geib  |  9:15 - 9:25
  -Chair of the Board of Directors: Rich Cortez  |  9:25 - 9:35
3. USA Rugby Reorganization (Congress -> Councils; Bankruptcy): Erik Geib & Rich Cortez  |  9:35 - 10:00
4. Return to Play: RMR Board  |  10:00 - 10:20
5. Officer/director/representative reports, including:  |  10:20 - 12:10
  -Finance: Bob Lesnansky & Steve Swartz  |  10:20 - 10:40
  -Referees: Mark Huff (or delegate)  |  10:40 - 10:50
  -Disciplinary: Martin Brown (or delegate)  |  10:50 - 11:00
  -Men's Senior Clubs: Erik Geib  |  11:00 - 11:10
  -Women's Senior Clubs: Jeanna Beard (or delegate)  |  11:10 - 11:20
  -Men's 7s: Howard Kent (or delegate)  |  11:20 - 11:30
  -Women's 7s: Allison Hale (or delegate)  |  11:30 - 11:40
  -Update on Men's & Women's College Divisions: Rich Cortez & Ken Stone; others  |  11:40 - 12:00
  -Men's Mountain Teams: TBD  |  12:00 - 12:10
6. Proposed union policies & operations amendments: Erik Geib  |  12:10 - 12:25
​7. Bylaws review & proposals: Erik Geib  |  12:25 - 12:35
8. Union officer & Congress elections  |  12:35 - 12:50
9. New club application(s)  |  12:50-1:00
10. General Meeting Adjournment  |  1:00
11. Breakout sessions for 2019-2020 planning  |  1:00 - 2:00
  -Men's Clubs: Erik Geib
  -Women's Clubs: Jeanna Beard
  -College Programs: Rich Cortez, Ken Stone, & Tracy Curtis 

New business not related to reports and planned discussion items will be at the end of the meeting (before the breakout sessions) as time permits.

**Due to COVID-19, timelines for this year's meeting have been relaxed to encourage more participation.**

*If you would like to propose an agenda item, please contact Erik Geib or Rich Cortez. Items for the Annual General Meeting agenda items submitted by members must be submitted by members in writing to the Executive Committee  before the Annual General Meeting. The agenda for the meeting will be final as of June 23, 2020. Full members may nominate candidates for any Office by written notice (Nominations Form) to the Executive Committee no later than Tuesday, June 23. If there is no candidate for an Office, as reflected in the agenda for the Annual General Meeting, nominations for such Office may be made at the meeting.

Time slots are approximate and subject to change.

• USA Rugby Board of Directors and Congress vote to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy after exploring all options to tackle ongoing challenges and sustain the financial impact of suspended income due to COVID-19.
• Existing financial challenges have been accelerated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rugby activities
• World Rugby to supply financial support package to navigate through filing and continue governance reorganization process with key metrics and controls.
• USA Rugby will retain operations through Chapter 11 whereby the Board, Governance Restructuring Group and Congress will collaboratively continue the reorganization on an expedited timeline with input from World Rugby.
• The Men’s and Women’s Senior National Teams will continue to compete as normal when rugby returns after the COVID-19 pandemic
• Reduced staffing structure will continue to operate functions and services of the National Office.
  

LAFAYETTE, CO – Following detailed consultation with legal advisors, the USA Rugby Board of Directors and Congress voted to officially file Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a result of compounded and insurmountable financial constraints.

The current suspension of sanctioned rugby activities caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the existing financial challenges facing the Union, and a reorganization process will now be progressed with input from World Rugby.

The USA Rugby Board and Congress agree that filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy supported by a robust action plan, is the optimal strategy in these exceptional circumstances. It is the best platform to swiftly and efficiently address challenges and deliver a foundation for future stability. The opportunity for Chapter 11 bankruptcy was presented to USA Rugby Congress over the weekend, where an overwhelming vote in favor officially ratified the filing.

The filing is reinforced by a financial support package approved by the World Rugby Executive Committee (EXCO), where measures will enable USA Rugby to revitalize from a governance and financial perspective; including key milestones, metrics and controls. Additionally, this measure will protect and support the men’s and women’s sevens and fifteens programs as they continue to compete on the world stage.

Significant cost reductions and a financial support package from World Rugby will allow the Board, Congress and Governance Restructuring Group to continue under Union operation and control. Throughout this process, USA Rugby will retain procedure of the reorganization over a 30 to 60 day period where World Rugby and other creditors will need to review and endorse final court-approved restructuring plans; allowing USA Rugby to emerge from Chapter 11.

“This is the most challenging period this organization has faced and all resolves were never taken lightly in coming to this determination,” noted USA Rugby Chair, Barbara O’Brien, “While the current climate is of course much larger than rugby, we remain focused with stakeholders and supporters in the continued effort toward a balanced rugby community where the game can truly grow.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, USA Rugby suspended sanctioned competition and rugby activities for a 30-day period on March 13 and indefinitely on March 20, 2020. Given the irrefutable need for precaution as instructed by federal health officials, the hiatus of activities and promotion of social distancing was in the best interest of USA Rugby members and those around them.

While inherently important, the suspension of competition understandably resulted in significant loss of revenue from spring and summer membership dues, sponsorship drawbacks and additional revenue sources. USA Rugby was aware of the negative financial implications, however held with the essential suspension and instantly worked on potential solutions to mitigate the impact of lost revenue.

Given the ongoing financial challenges following a 2019 budgetary overspend, the unplanned loss of income advanced an insurmountable cashflow deficit and immediate action needed to be taken in order to sustain operations within USA Rugby and the rugby community.

The USA Rugby Board immediately engaged Congress to elect a small collection of members across each level of play to join leadership in an emergency evaluation and develop best case resolve for the wellbeing of the game. Chapter 11 bankruptcy resulted as the most ideal scenario where the full body of Congress then voted to ratify the filing on Sunday evening.

Through the Chapter 11 filing, significant staff and budget reductions were required at the National Office. The USA Rugby Headquarters will continue to operate on a condensed staffing model through the remainder of the restructure.

Further information on the accelerated reorganization, along with pertinent updates pertaining to the effects of COVID-19 will be regularly communicated on the USA Rugby website and social media channels.

In light of USA Rugby's indefinite suspension of rugby activities, Rocky Mountain Rugby has canceled all Spring rugby events and suspended all regional rugby activities indefinitely.

Due to USA Rugby's suspension, no activities will be sanctioned, which includes insurance for any rugby-related activity. USA Rugby has also canceled the June regional cup tournament (RCT) events, which means the 2020 Rocky Mountain Challenge has been put on a 1-year hiatus until 2021.

Rocky Mountain Rugby will be assessing its ability to issue refunds based on dues collected versus dues spent in its individual categories (Men's Clubs, Women's Clubs, Men's Colleges, Women's Colleges) and issuing per capita refunds as possible. RMR will also attempt to represent its members as a class in requesting a refund from USA Rugby.

RMR: Resources during a period of social distancing

The current nature of COVID-19 is an ever-changing situation here in the United States. Please refer to this page for the most up to date USA Rugby information and resources as the situation continues to unfold. Understand that USA Rugby is monitoring the growing threat on a daily basis, while the Medical Committee is also coordinating best practice with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and World Rugby.The impact of the virus has expanded beyond imaginable expectation with canceled activities across a domestic, national and global scale. USA Rugby is currently absorbing what impact that means for the rugby community, both now and in the future. We ask all members and fans for their patience and support as rugby navigates this unprecedented period in history.

If you have specific questions the below information does not answer, please email inquiries to membership@usa.rugby

USA RUGBY COMPETITION MANDATE

All sanctioned competition and rugby activities are suspended for the foreseeable future, effective March 20, 2020. Members and clubs are asked to refrain from match play, training or team gatherings during this period. Accident and Liability claims will not be accepted during the above window of time. Information on when rugby activities will be able to resume will be communicated by USA Rugby.

USA RUGBY EVENT STATUS
Domestic Events | Youth, College, Senior Club

• 2020 USA Rugby Regional Cup Tournaments | Canceled
• 2020 USA Rugby Spring College Championships | Canceled
• 2020 USA Rugby College 7s National Championships | Canceled
• 2020 Men’s D1A National Championship | Canceled
• 2020 Women’s D1 Elite National Championship | Canceled
• 2020 NSCRO Men’s and Women’s Spring Championships | Canceled
• 2020 USA Rugby Club Championships XVs (May 2020) | Canceled
• 2020 Club 7s National Championships (Aug 2020) |Under Review

International Events | USA Eagles XVs & 7s

• 2020 HSBC Hong Kong Sevens (Apr 2020) | Postponed Oct 2020
• 2020 HSBC Singapore Sevens (Apr 2020) | Postponed Oct 2020
• 2020 HSBC Canada Sevens – Langford (May 2020) | Postponed (TBD)
• USA Women’s Eagles XV v Barbarians F.C. (May 2020) | Postponed (TBD)
• 2020 HSBC London Sevens (May 2020) | Postponed (TBD)
• 2020 HSBC Paris Sevens (May 2020) | Postponed (TBD)
• 2020 Men’s U20s ARC (June 2020) | Postponed (TBD)
• 2020 USA Rugby Summer Series (TBD) | Under Review
• 2020 Americas Rugby Championship (Aug 2020) | Under Review
• 2020 Summer Olympic Games, Tokyo | Postponed (July 2021)

USA RUGBY REORGANIZATION

The Reorganization Task Force continues to operate in tandem with a Governance Reorganization Group on a remote basis through the COVID-19 pandemic. All members and operation have understandably been impacted by measures taken to combat the spread of the virus, therefore possible delays in the timeline are being accounted for. Updates and information will continue to be communicated by the Governance Reorganization Group and USA Rugby.

USA RUGBY ECONOMIC IMPACT

International and domestic competition continues to absorb the impact of cancelation and postponement, both through membership and other revenue streams. On March 30, it was announced that USA Rugby would file Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to the lost revenue compounded with the 2019 financial deficit. Under the supervision of the court, the USA Rugby Board, Governance Restructuring Group and Congress will now work on a new operational and financial structure with plans on addressing current debt. That new structure will be presented and then approved or denied by the Court and USA Rugby creditors.

OPERATIONS: NATIONAL TEAMS AND HEADQUARTERS

The USA Eagles National Teams, both XVs & 7s, are similarly observing the hiatus of group activities in residency and their respective competitions. The Elite Athlete Training Center in Chula Vista remains open to individual outdoor training; however all communal areas are closed for the foreseeable future. Coaches and staff across all programs are in close contact and providing curriculum for athletes to keep in regimen, tailored to the guidance of health officials.

Follow along with USA Rugby Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and check-ins with the USA Eagles as their journey continues.

Operations at the USA Rugby National Office have followed state and federal guidance by moving workstations home. Administrative operations continue remotely during this period, members are still encouraged to engage and communicate with USA Rugby Headquarters for their needs and requests.

CONTACT THE USA RUGBY NATIONAL OFFICE 

All members are highly encouraged to follow instructions provided by the CDC on how to prevent the spread of any and all acute respiratory infections. That information can be found HERE.

Have a resource to add? Email us!

Rocky Mountain Rugby and USA Rugby have currently suspended all rugby activities. Per USA Rugby's suspension of rugby activities, teams that attempt to train during this period do so unsanctioned and without insurance. Rocky Mountain Rugby (RMR) has also cancelled all rugby matches. RMR organizers realize that teams may wish to train and practice. This is heavily discouraged but outside of Rocky Mountain Rugby's control.

During the period in which rugby activities are suspended, Rocky Mountain Rugby encourages teams to stay interconnected with each other through online platforms (social media, texting, Face Time, etc.). Teams can/should also have "virtual" practices and trainings through their desired platforms.

The lifting of the suspension period will go quicker if we all do our part to control the outbreak by limiting contact with others. Social distancing is one of the most effective methods of controlling the spread, and we encourage members to only engage in essential activities and limit social situations. If social distancing will affect your mental health, please be prepared and do not be discouraged from contacting a professional for help. Please, remember to wash your hands and follow the CDC's recommendations on matters such as cleaning and disinfection, etc.

Mental health articles:

Social Distance and Mental Health in a Pandemic

How to Prevent Loneliness in a Time of Social Distancing

Protect Your Mental Health While Practicing Social Distancing

Mental health resources:

Colorado Crisis Services | 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text “TALK” to 38255

Montana Crisis Phone Contacts (montana.gov)

Montana Crisis Text Line | text 'mt' to the number 741-741

Agora Crisis Center (New Mexico) | 1-866-HELP-1-NM (Toll Free)

New Mexico Crisis & Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474)

Find Behavioral Health Help - Colorado Department of Human Services

Utah Crisis Line | CrisisLine: 801-587-3000

Wyoming Crisis Lines, Hot Lines, & Resources

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)