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
International Events | USA Eagles XVs & 7s
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) UPDATE: Rocky Mountain Rugby has extended its period of suspension through April 12 to mirror USA Rugby's suspension period.
via USA Rugby LAFAYETTE, CO – USA Rugby today announced the decision to suspend sanctioned rugby competition and activities for a 30-day period effective immediately. With the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) escalating day by day, the need for suspended activities was a complicated but necessary resolution. The 2020 USA Rugby Spring College Championships and College 7s National Championship have also been canceled due to precautionary measures within the union and a growing number of colleges and universities. USA Rugby CEO, Ross Young: “It’s been an extraordinary period of time around the globe, whereby the rugby community is of course affected. While we evaluated as best we could to keep competitions intact, the situation has risen to a point where precautionary measures take precedent and is in the best interest of not only our members, but the general public.” Effective immediately, USA Rugby adamantly encourages all members to suspend competition and rugby activities for the next 30 days to ensure the health and safety of themselves and those around them. The USA Rugby Medical Committee will continue to monitor the condition of COVID-19 and provide further instruction before the end of this period on April 12, 2020. Playoffs, qualifiers and eventual championship events for USA Rugby Spring College XVs and 7s will not occur in 2020. While regional and national Senior Club competition is included in the immediate suspension, the 2020 Club XV and Club 7s Championships will remain under review. With a differing competition calendar to the scholastic game, the state of those events will be determined at the end of the 30-day period. Through the provisional period, members are encouraged to stay tuned with USA Rugby communication channels and social media for live updates and information on the situation. Dear Members,
With recent developments surrounding the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in different territories of the country and globe, USA Rugby is issuing the following directive whereby regional stakeholders across the Youth, College and Senior Club sectors will be authorized to determine best practice for competition and activities in their respective districts and institutions. Stakeholders are instructed to follow guidelines of their local government and health officials to best determine what actions to take. As the threat of COVID-19 can be significantly different in multiple areas of the US, it is premature for USA Rugby to implement nationwide mandates around the postponement or cancelation of all regional competitions. Should this circumstance change based on the evolving status of the virus, USA Rugby will communicate further instructions based on guidance from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Rugby. At this stage, USA Rugby does however recommend the following precautions across all registered competition;
With regard to USA Rugby Youth, College and Club Championship events, along with RCT competitions, further evaluation will take place between the USA Rugby Medical Committee, USOPC and CDC to determine potential actions around postponement or cancelation. These determinations will be communicated to the membership and stakeholders in the coming days. As the situation develops, it is important that all factors and implications are considered to keep competitions intact, however intently prioritize the precautionary wellbeing of USA Rugby Members and those around them. Additionally, 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. Further CDC resources for the rugby community;
Precautionary suggestions for athletes and administrators;
If you are intending to travel internationally with a rugby tour, similar to domestic travel, we strongly encourage clubs to reconsider plans. If deciding to travel, please coordinate with your host destination and work with them on the feasibility and risk prior to departing. We strongly advise you reference CDC Travel Advisories as it pertains to the hazards of COVID-19. Given the evolving elements of this matter, USA Rugby will continue to be in constant contact with the CDC, USOPC and World Rugby in terms of new information and guidance. Updates and necessary information will be communicated directly to the membership via email, the USA Rugby website newsfeed and social media channels. UPDATE: MARCH 20. Rocky Mountain Rugby has extended its period of suspension indefinitely to mirror USA Rugby's suspension period. UPDATE: MARCH 13. Rocky Mountain Rugby has extended its period of suspension through April 12 to mirror USA Rugby's suspension period. UPDATE: MARCH 12. Effective immediately, all rugby activities are suspended until April 2. The RMR Board of Directors voted 5-0 to approve this measure mid-day on March 12. Weekly updates will be provided, and the date of suspension may be extended past April 2. Officials are actively working on contingency plans for the resumption of matches and/or the impact of match cancellations/postponements on playoffs. Best efforts will be made to accommodate all playoff events, including during the suspension period if/as necessary (and if/as allowed by state & local officials). To that end, teams with outside playoff commitments may petition to play on a case-by-case basis, assuming their facility, organizer, etc. permits. No RMR-controlled or sanctioned matches are to take place, and no playoff matches petitioned are guaranteed to be approved. RMR organizers realize that teams may wish to train and practice. This is heavily discouraged but outside of Rocky Mountain Rugby's control. 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. When training and play resumes, please continue to follow control guidelines, such as not sharing water bottles, etc. What does this mean for my team? League commissioners and administrators have been directed to develop contingency plans and work with other stakeholders in their areas/levels to determine the future course of each competition. Rocky Mountain Rugby will make best efforts to provide a playable season for all who desire it, including a chance to move on to playoffs (if/when they occur). For example, if play resumes at the week before scheduled playoffs, and the playoffs aren't moved by their controlling body, RMR would theoretically make a best effort to put together some sort of knockout event featuring top teams who have/had a chance of continuing. Or, consider asking teams about mid-week matches in lieu of extra training. If playoffs occur, it is our intent to allow our representatives to move forward based on whatever Spring competition is possible (with actual-to-date standings in mind), and not just send the Fall table leader. If you have sunk costs for this weekend, or future weekends, that are difficult to unravel with your vendors or others, please have your team contact your league commissioner. Limited assistance may be available. If the season is not played, Rocky Mountain Rugby is also examining contingencies for possible partial refunds. Any/all funding will only be sent to teams and not individuals. What about 7s? Or all-stars? Due to the eve-changing nature of the situation, we cannot comment on either of these pathways at this time. Rocky Mountain Rugby remains committed to playing whatever rugby is possible within reasonable health guidelines, and future rugby events - particularly ones that involve travel to regions not yet affected - are impossible to predict at this time. Should the suspension lift quickly, Rocky Mountain Rugby intends to resume whatever 7s and all-stars events are reasonable on the dates/locations intended. If you have a question, please ensure your team contacts its league commissioner. The Rocky Mountain Rugby Board of Directors will hold a call on Thursday, March 12, regarding the suspension of play due to COVID-19. Following this call, the Board will hold a call weekly and discuss the issue daily by email.
At this time, Rocky Mountain Rugby has not suspended play. However, it is likely to suspend play in the near future, and will send an announcement to the 30,000+ person RMR listserv at the time such a suspension is put in place. RMR officials are working with outside entities regarding contingency planning for events later in the Spring/Summer/Fall and will include any information it has when play is suspended. Should play be suspended, a weekly email will also go out to the membership updating them on the status of the suspension. Individual institutions and organizations may suspend activities before RMR does. If you know of a suspension that affects you, please contact your league commissioner. Related: USA Rugby Statement on COVID-19
via USA Rugby
Dear Members, As concerns grow around the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States, it is important that we share information around courses USA Rugby is taking to warrant the safety and wellbeing of its members. USA Rugby fully understands and appreciates the severity of COVID-19 and potential risk involved. The USA Rugby Medical Committee and Leadership are in close contact with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), USOPC and World Rugby who are also closely monitoring the situation, with a focus on athlete and spectator welfare. We trust the guidance given by those entities in this circumstance. As it pertains to sanctioned competition within USA Rugby, the Medical Committee encourages athletes and administrators to continue with scheduled competition in all regions of the United States. If you are experiencing respiratory illness or fever however, we urge you stay home and not compete in matches or team activities. If you are experiencing such symptoms, the CDC suggests to call your doctor if you; • Develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or • Have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. Additionally, 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. Some precautionary suggestions for athletes and administrators; • Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections; • Wash your hands frequently, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment; • People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash their hands). • Preferably avoid handshakes when greeting players and opponents; • Use individual water bottles; do not share them; • Towels, uniforms and training bibs should not be shared, if possible. Frequent laundry of these items is suggested; • Training equipment should be cleaned following session. If you are intending to travel internationally with a rugby tour, please coordinate with your host destination and work with them on the feasibility and risk prior to departing. We also advise you check with the CDC, World Health Organization and State Department on current travel advisories. Given the evolving elements of this matter, USA Rugby will continue to be in constant contact with the CDC, USOPC and World Rugby in terms of new information and guidance. Updates and necessary information will be communicated directly to the membership via email, the USA Rugby website newsfeed and social media channels. |
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