We refer to communication received by SA Rugby, whereby SA Rugby has granted permission for players to return to the field in April 2021. Schools’ rugby players, meanwhile, may resume contact training for four weeks – following six weeks of non-contact training – with the vision that they return to play at the earliest on Friday, 23 April 2021.
What this means for Club Rugby
Amateur rugby matches can commence from Monday, 12 April 2021, clubs were reminded that permission must be granted by the Union to proceed playing matches.
A phased approach to followed before returning to match play:
- a) Phase 1: A minimum of 4 weeks of non-contact training. The emphasis during this time will be focused on fitness and strength training.
- b) Phase 2: Following phase 1 (and if permitted by the relevant authoritative bodies), a minimum of 4 weeks of gradual integration of contact training.
- c) Phase 3: Return to play.
What this means for Referees
Referees are not allowed to officiate intra club and school games (two different clubs or schools) the schools and clubs require permission from the Union in order to play. Where there are trials for schools or clubs (intra) referees are allowed to officiate. Referees to please urgently report to the office when asked to officiate, so that we can ascertain whether those clubs and schools were granted permission to play against one another.
Below are some FAQ with answers (from SA Rugby’s Medical department), as well as the Basic Education Gazette attached.
- Pre- match talk (must the referees wear their masks? And will the captains and forwards wear their masks too?)
The government regulations are quite clear. Activities that occur outside the actual game require persons to adhere to all safety protocols – wear a mask, social distance and sanitise your hands
- Boot check which is a BOKSMART requirement – (must the referee wear a mask/gloves and sanitise after each pair of boots checked?)
Referee and players to wear mask (unless players are warming up – then only the ref wears the mask). Sanitise his hands after each boot check
- Are coaches expected to be wearing their masks all the time on the side of the field and for the pre-match conversation with the referee?
Yes – The government regulations are quite clear. Activities that occur outside the actual game require persons to adhere to all safety protocols – wear a mask, social distance and sanitise your hands
- First aid personnel – masks on all the time?
Yes
- Post-match functions – is the referee obliged to attend?
It’s advised to referee the match and go home.
- Sanitising of match balls?
The gazette says that all sports equipment must be sanitised before and after the game. I would highly recommend that the ball is regularly sanitised during the game. Make a (0.5%) chlorine solution to perform this task.
Members must always consider the safety of all stakeholders when performing their duties. If you are certain that what you are required to do is illegal by law as per the Government’s Covid-19 Protocol, then please refrain from doing so and immediately report it to Ms Fatima Said. In cases where you are uncertain of what the set protocols are for what you are about to be engaging in then contact your regional coaches, Ms Said, Mr Theron or executive members. It is crucial that we all understand that whilst there is excitement about being able to referee again we still owe it to ourselves, our friends and families and the wider rugby community to be vigilant and keep ourselves safe from the Coronavirus.
The club rugby department will closer to the time be clarifying the expectations the union has of clubs when it comes to staging of matches. The same is expected from Ms Galant and the Schools department.
We’re hoping that this communique shed some light on where we are as an organization with regards to the protocols. Further communication with regards to the management of referees with regards to how we normally start a season i.e. fitness, exam and courses etc. will be forwarded to you as soon as the executive had finalized these plans.
Your queries on this communique may be send to Ms Said.
Care for each other. Sanitize, Keep your distance and Mask up.