Coffs Harbour Crusaders (update 3 June)

Good evening everyone

In light of the recent announcement for the return to rugby training and playing, the Coffs Harbour Crusaders Junior Rugby Committee met to further discuss the season ahead. There is a job ahead for us to make everything happen but we are still fully committed to a season in 2020.

We are currently addressing the ‘return to training and play’ guidelines for Level A, B and C restrictions. As a committee we are working through the ‘return to play checklist clubs and facilities’ plus ‘groups of 10 - field set up for training’ and as a club we need to be aware and promote the infographic of ‘rugby groups of 10 training’. As parents, coaches, managers or volunteers we need you to help promote these guidelines and values.

I have listed the relevant issues as key points below. We will continue to provide information directly to you all via email and the Crusaders Facebook page for all those involved in the Friday night competition as things change.


Key points:

REGISTRATION:
Is now open again from 3 June through the rugby explorer app. If players are not registered they cant train as they are not covered for insurance if they are injured.

TRAINING:
Training will start from Monday 29 June. We will promote this and their coaches/managers for each team through the RA email list and the Coffs Crusaders Facebook page. Please help us spread the word. Training Monday (BDC at BDC from 330-5pm), Wednesday (Barbarians - 4-515 pm at Rugby Park), Thursday (St Aug at school from 315-430pm). Woolgoolga Saints (training location times and location TBC next week)

Under current restrictions (as of 27 May) we do not believe that we can meet all the guidelines with our young kids to be able to train and maintain social distancing (so we cant start now). As soon as restrictions change we may move the start date forward. Its highly likely that training will be restricted to the kids only so parents will need to drop and go except for those that have SMART rugby that can stay and help. Where training occurs on school grounds, parents will need to pick up kids outside the school fence. We will work closely with all of schools to meet their needs.

GET INTO RUGBY
Get into rugby week 3 and 4 will take place on Friday 3/7 and 10/7 from 5-630 pm. Groups of ten so we need at least 16 coaches each week (we had around 20 the first 2 weeks). 90 min sessions to give our kids plenty of rugby. We will use this opportunity to register more players and meet coaches/managers of respective teams (especially the Coffs Coast Barbarians)

COMPETITION
Starts Friday 24th July and finishes Friday 25 September. Finals in 10s and 12s - 1v2, 3v4, 5v6 on the last night. 8s as a normal rotation.

We are waiting on Rugby Australia and NSW Country Rugby to provide details about game night and who can attend but as soon as we know we will relay that information to you.


Coffs Crusaders GALA DAY:
TBC – will hopefully take place on Sunday 13 September but will be dependent on restrictions at the time.


ARMIDALE GALA DAY:
We (Crusaders) are still planning to take under 8s, 10s, 11s and 12s teams


CANTEEN
Depending on restrictions we will have a canteen but social distancing and hygiene practices will be put in place which we hope you will help promote. We are also looking at our packaged food options like pies and sausage rolls so we don’t need to handle the food. We are looking at a credit card facility for the canteen to make transactions easier. The canteen keeps our club running so its important that we can make this work.

HYGIENE:
If kids or parents are sick they will be asked not to attend training or game day. We will also have hand sanitizer for the grounds, balls and the training gear. We would expect that the same protocols are put in place and followed in Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo and Grafton with respect to this and the appointment of a covid officer so we meet all requirements for our competition (as below).


COVID OFFICER:
In line with federal recommendations, all rugby clubs will have its own Covid Officer (and protocol to follow) who will enforce that ‘common sense’ is being used by everyone towards minimising any impact of the virus. We will have signs around the field advising what you can do to help. If you would like to be our COVID officer we would love the hear from you.


We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon. I hope this little bit of information helps you and those wanting to participate in 2020.

If you have any questions please contact us anytime.

Kind regards and stay safe

Paul (President – Coffs Harbour Crusaders) 0438650129 or paul.butcher@dpi.nsw.gov.au
On behalf of the Crusaders Committee

Coffs Harbour Crusaders Junior Rugby Union Club