Following research and consultation, the club is able to publish its plan for a safe and responsible return to activity for the Mini & Juniors (U5-U16), commencing Sunday 6th September.
The plan adheres to Stage C of the RFU Return to Rugby Roadmap (which permits club-based rugby training with groups of up to 20) and its aim is to get players active and familiarise everyone with a new, socially-distanced experience at the club during COVID19 restrictions. We appreciate this will be the first opportunity for many children to enjoy sport together again, many will be excited, some may be overwhelmed. We look to the support of our parents as we evaluate this new situation and expect this plan to adapt as we progress. The club takes safety seriously and we hope, with co-operation and responsible actions by everyone, this can be step towards a full return to rugby for all.
We look forward to welcoming you back.
- Before returning to the club, all players, coaches, managers and volunteers must re-register on GMS for the new season. It’s very important we have everyone’s correct up-to-date details. Registration and Annual Membership takes just a few minutes via this link https://gms.rfu.com/GMS/Dashboard/Organisation/1891. If you need any assistance with online registration or are a new player, please contact Heather Thorpe heather.thorpe@btinternet.com
- Before arrival, on the day of the session, parents and coaches must complete and submit a declaration in advance using the ‘proactive’ web-based app to confirm their child's fitness to train / play. This will be mandatory. Players and coaches will not be permitted to train / play until a declaration is submitted. The declaration takes 90 seconds to complete and provides coaches with a register which can used afterwards for track and trace purposes, should a participant report an infection.
- Nobody should come to the club if they have tested positive, have symptoms, or may have been in contact with anyone who has Covid 19, in the last 14 days.
- To reduce congestion and help maintain social distancing, Sunday training will take place as 2 x 1 hour sessions, with start times staggered by 30 minutes.
- Players and parents are asked to not arrive more than 15 mins before the start of their session and are requested to depart within 15 minutes of the end.
- SESSION A: 10.00am - 11.00am U5s, U6s, U7s, U8s, U9s, U10s, U12s, U13s, U16s (arrive 09.45am, leave 11:15am)
- SESSION B: 10.30am - 11.30am U11s, U13s Girls, U14s, U15s (arrive 10:15am, leave 11.45am).
- Teams have been allocated pitch areas. Please see the maps. Parents will be asked to stand well back and social distance themselves from other parents (2m) keeping within their bubble. Parents can observe the younger players from outside the 3G pitch area, or remain in their cars if they prefer. Congregating in groups will not be allowed.
- There will be First Aiders on duty, stationed as indicated on the maps. The club needs more First Aiders. If you are qualified, or would be interested to take First Aid training to help out your child’s team, please do get in touch at volunteer@ecclesrfc.org.uk.
- Each player should bring their own labelled water bottle and hand sanitiser (and remember to take them home after every session). Player's should apply hand sanitiser before the session starts. For the U5/U6/U7s sanitiser will be applied to the player's hands by the coaches.
- Players’ discarded clothing and water bottles should be kept apart from each other, at the side of the pitch.
- Coaches will take responsibility for the sanitisation of balls and cones before and after each session.
- Sessions will focus on non-contact games, featuring small-sided teams on a smaller pitch area and a touch tackle below the waist, encouraging and developing the core skills of catch, pass, support in attack and defence.
- There will be access to toilets on site. Users must follow the one way signage system and maintain social distancing. There will be no changing facilities or showers available at present.
- For the time being, the clubhouse will remain closed.
- Mid-week M&J training is under review.
- There is no confirmation as yet on when M&J fixtures will commence or when full contact rugby will be permitted. As RFU and government advice changes we'll keep you updated via social media and the website.
- To download a parent's pdf pocket guide click here
If you have any questions please contact us at members@ecclesrfc.org.uk.
Eccles RFC is returning to its feet after an enforced absence and the club appreciates every renewed membership. The loss of our annual summer fund-raising events and the expense of Covid requirements will naturally leave a hole in our resources. If your business or employer would be interested to support the club's Mini and Junior activities please get in touch at sponsorship@ecclesrfc.org.uk
