 Update on Community Game fixtures for this coming weekend and beyond Distribution list: Constituent Bodies Chairs, Honorary Secretaries, Treasurers, Communications Liaison • Club Presidents, Chairs, Honorary Secretaries, Fixture Secretaries, Women & Girls Key Contact, Fixture Secretary – Adult Female, Fixture Secretary Assistant – Adult Female Conscious the Christmas period is traditionally one for family time, additional flexibility in regulations for the weekend of 17/18/19 December were proactively communicated as a one-off exception. From this weekend (7/8/9 January), the Covid protocols laid out through Regulation 22 below will be applicable. We are keen to encourage rugby to be played whilst ensuring provisions are in place for those clubs that have genuine and proven Covid-related reasons why they are unable to fulfil a fixture. Therefore, from this weekend, the below applies at level 3 and below in the men’s game and level 2 and below in the women’s game, and age grade rugby where a competition organiser deems appropriate. This will be kept under continual review for the remainder of the season. Fixtures scheduled from the weekend of 7/8/9 January onwards • Matches should go ahead as normal • For a club to postpone a fixture in the Men’s and Women’s English Club Championship (RFU Leagues) they must adhere to the following process: 1. Submit a Covid declaration form with all signatures, to your Divisional Organising Committee and not to your league secretary, National League Rugby, or womenscompetitions@rfu.com as appropriate. 2. Provide all supportive information for the Covid-19 Declaration Form (including an explanation as to why the match should be postponed, including if a team can’t be fielded and why, e.g. details of players testing positive/isolating, including how many players remain available). 3. The decision to accept or decline the postponement will rest with the relevant organising committee or in the case of the Women’s game, the RFU. Clubs should not assume a postponement until advised by the relevant organising committee. Clubs, schools, colleges and universities playing fixtures are advised to take sensible precautions to protect members and players. In line with public health advice, this includes: • Encouraging players, coaches, members, match officials, to undertake Lateral Flow Tests ahead of attending and to self-isolate and follow government guidance if the test is positive. • Minimising use of changing rooms – encourage players to arrive in kit. If changing rooms or treatment rooms are required, facemasks must be worn and rooms should be ventilated where possible. • Minimising use of social spaces, ventilating where possible and keep spacing within rooms. • Implementing regular cleaning protocols of communal areas and toilet facilities. • Ensuring hand sanitisers are readily available. • Reminding members to follow government and public health guidance on mask wearing. • Minimising travel with other people. Covid-19 Guidance We want to ensure easy access to guidance. Alongside government guidance, which can be found here, and Sport England guidance here, you can find information, resources and FAQs on our England Rugby Coronavirus Hub which will be updated if government advice changes. Please check back regularly. If you can’t find the information you are looking for please contact us at ClubSupport@RFU.com We will continue to monitor the situation and keep it under review, working closely with government and public health experts. |
Update on Community Game fixtures scheduled for 17/18/19 December
| As Christmas approaches, and concerns continue to grow around the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the RFU has introduced flexibility around this weekend’s Community Game fixtures to give clubs and players options. The below applies to level 3 and below in the men’s game and level 2 and below in the women’s game, for the weekend of 17-19 December 2021. Fixtures scheduled for the weekend of 17/18/19 December • Matches can go ahead as normal this weekend if both teams are happy to play. • Should either club involved in a scheduled fixture this weekend wish to postpone, they can do so without sanction. Both clubs must contact their respective organising committee as soon as possible, and at the latest by 1200 on Friday 17th December. (Clubs must not postpone their fixture via Electronic Matchcard). The postponed fixture must be played on the next available weekend as determined by the Organising Committee. • To postpone a fixture for clubs in the Men’s and Women’s English Club Championship (RFU Leagues) they must adhere to the following process: 1. Submit a Covid declaration form 2. Include ‘concerns about Covid’ as the reason for the postponement 3. For this weekend – 17/18/19 December 2021 – there is no requirement to provide additional supportive information for the Covid declaration. If clubs do decide to play fixtures this weekend, we would advise sensible precautions should be taken to protect members and players. In line with public health advice, we would suggest: • Encouraging players, coaches, members, match officials, to undertake Lateral Flow Tests ahead of attending and to self-isolate if the test is positive, and take a PCR test to verify the result. • Minimising use of changing rooms – encourage players to arrive in kit. If changing rooms or treatment rooms are required, facemasks must be warn and rooms should be ventilated where possible. • Minimising use of social spaces, ventilating where possible and keep spacing within rooms. • Implementing regular cleaning protocols of communal areas and toilet facilities. • Ensuring hand sanitisers are readily available. • Reminding members to follow government and public health guidance on mask wearing. • Minimising travel with other people. Covid-19 Guidance We want to ensure rugby clubs have easy access to guidance over the Christmas period. Alongside government guidance, which can be found here, and Sport England guidance here, you can find information, resources and FAQs on our England Rugby Coronavirus Hub which will be updated if government advice changes. Please check back regularly. If you can’t find the information you are looking for please contact us ClubSupport@RFU.com We will continue to monitor the situation and to work closely with government and public health experts and further guidance will be issued post Christmas. The safety of all players, coaches, officials and volunteers remains the priority. |
RFU Community Game Update 7th December
| Back In The Game Update Read Online |
| 1. *****ACTION REQUIRED***** GMS Review Update Deloitte has been appointed to conduct an independent review of GMS, to assess both the essential and desirable needs of the game from an administrative Platform For Rugby. Details are included on what the review will entail and how volunteers can join focus groups to engage in the review process. Mandatory Club Safeguarding Self Audit – 7th Jan Deadline The Safeguarding Audit is mandatory for all clubs who offer Age Grade activities, or who wish to have 17-year-old’s playing up into the adult game. The deadline for completion has been extended to 7 January 2022. 2. ACTION IF OF INTEREST Age Grade Changes 2021-22 Season – Next steps from January 2022 A reminder that from January, Age Grade players will begin to play the rules for their age. Also 17-year-olds are able to play adult rugby again with CB consent. Emily Scarratt explains benefits of hosting a Warrior Camp this January Emily Scarratt shows her support for Warrior Camps with January being the most successful time to recruit new players. An editable press release is included to help clubs promote their camps. Register your interest now. 3. FOR AWARENESS Speak Up for the Core Values Rugby’s core values are why so many people get involved in the game. They need to be protected and championed. We encourage you to report any unacceptable behaviour or concerns through our Speak Up channels. Content to support returning Age Grade players As age grade players continue to return to the game, clubs have been sharing how they have retained and brought in new players. View our video series here, in case ideas can benefit more clubs. Reminder of new Girls Age Bands from 2022/23 A reminder of girls’ age bands from September 2022 with shareable infographic. RFU Injured Player Foundation #RugbyRunners Team for the TCS London Marathon Spaces available for anyone looking to run the London full and half marathon to help raise funds for the IPF. You can find out more and sign up here. News Round-Up including Active Together Crowdfunding Active Together, a Sport England initiative, will match funds up to £10,000 for not-for-profit organisations that raise funds via the crowdfunding website. |
Game on goes Global!
| World Rugby has today announced ‘Game On Global’ which provides national unions with the ability to implement a menu of 10 law variations in the community game. It is at the discretion of member Unions to decide which principles they may wish to utilise in the future. This builds on work already done by the RFU and other Unions around ‘Game On’ domestically and is fantastic news for the global game to enable more rugby to be played across the world. Whereas previously Unions were required to ask permission from World Rugby to implement law variations, World Rugby has looked at the most common variations that could get more games played and has given advance permission for Unions to implement these if they wish next year. Over the coming months, we will assess the implications and opportunities that the additional law variations may bring. No decisions are imminent, and no action is needed by CBs, clubs or schools/colleges at this time. The RFU Game On principles remain in place. More information on these and levels they apply to is available below. Game On principles allow teams to be more flexible with the laws to allow matches to go ahead. WR Press Release RFU Game On |
RFU Community Game Update 23 November
We hope the below structure helps to distinguish between where action is required and where information is for awareness.
- Action required
- Action if of interest
- For awareness
There is important information contained in this update regarding the following;
Future Competitions Structure – Lower XV criteria for entry into RFU leagues
17- year-olds playing adult rugby
NEW – Girls age bands from 2022/23 approved by RFU Council
Former international referee Lawrie Prideaux gets his referee’s cap.
This week at Twickenham Cornishman Lawrie Prideaux was one of 22 of the 26 living RFU referees to have taken charge of a test match to receive an international cap from the RFU.
Lawrie received his cap from RFU President, His Honour Jeff Blackett.
Cornwall RFU wish to add their congratulations and acknowledge Lawrie’s contribution to the game in Cornwall and wider afield.
Back In The Game Update Community Game Update 9th November
| Back In The Game Update Community Game Updates are now structured as follows to help volunteers distinguish between where action is required and where information is for awareness. 1. Action required 2. Member services – action if of interest 3. For awareness A PDF version is available by clicking on the ‘Read Online’ button. Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED – N/A THIS WEEK 2. MEMBER SERVICES – ACTION IF OF INTEREST Returning to Rugby for 16-18 year-olds Bitesize videos and guides including tips from other clubs to help keep 16-18-year-olds engaged in the game Refereeing Content available to share – we hear from Luke Pearce and Matthew Carley on how they got into refereeing, how others can get involved to help get matches played and why refereeing gives you the best seat in the house. Upcoming webinars Leading into December, we have webinars on subjects ranging from GMS to Grounds Management. Read more and register for those that will be of value to your club. GMS drop-ins GMS drop-in sessions continue this Wednesday, when we will focus on booking courses and voucher codes. Again, there will be a Q&A opportunity at the end 3. FOR AWARENESS England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award 2022/23 Details of the prerequisites for the upcoming Advanced coaching award and how to book on. How much is your club paying for its energy use? Advice from our preferred Energy Consultants ZTP on how they can help around the current rise in energy prices. A reminder of Game On Game On is a great way to keep players involved, even if you don’t have 15 players. Read more about the principles behind it. News Round-Up – Harlow Poppy Appeal, Yorkshire reach 150, Max raises £565,441 and Combe Down RFC 125. Hear how Harlow RFC raised £6,872 for the RBL Poppy Appeal, Yorkshire Rugby celebrate their 150th Anniversary, Max, who has camped in a tent since 2020 has raised £565,441 and Combe Down hit 125 years. Congratulations! |
RFU President’s walk visits Saltash
RFU President His Honour Jeff Blackett and his wife Sally were in Cornwall on Wednesday to commence their latest leg of their 150 mile walk in aid of the Injured Players’ Foundation and to mark the RFU’s 150th Anniversary.
Prior to the day’s walk breakfast was served at Saltash’s Moorlands clubhouse, where CRFU Chairman Dave Saunter greeted The President of the RFU and Sally.
Speaking about his walk Jeff said “We wanted to promoted the RFU’s 150th anniversary and that’s why the walk is 150 miles.
“We are currently on day 13 and have done 128 miles so far.
“But the second reason for the walk was to meet as many people as possible in rugby.
“From my perspective I would like to thank everyone who has done so much to keep this game going.
“And the final reason for the walk was to try and raise funds for the RFU’s Injured Players’ Foundation.”
Members from Cornwall RFU then accompanied the Blackett’s on the first part of their day’s walk across the Tamar Bridge to be greeted by Devon RFU.
England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award
Bookings are now open for the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award (previously Level 3) pre requisite Workshops for the 2022/2023 Season. The purpose of this course is to develop self-reflecting advanced practitioners with a clear understanding of what drives, influences and supports them to get better. The Advanced Award is a yearlong course, which is competence assessed. For coaches to achieve competence, there will be a significant expectation concerning the volume of work and requirements to demonstrate the competencies, above and beyond their normal coaching roles. Before engaging in the prerequisite Workshops, please reflect on your readiness to complete the Award alongside existing commitments.
The pre requisite Workshops consist of the below:
Workshop 1 (On Demand)- to be completed by 31st December 2021- https://bit.ly/ERACA-W1
The first Workshop will be delivered On Demand from the 1st November 2021- 31st December 2021 via Workcast. This means that you can complete the Webinar at any time between the 1st November 2021 and 31st December 2021. Please ensure that you register for this course via the GMS Booking link above. Failure to do so, may mean that the Workshop is not added to your GMS profile and will prevent you from accessing the full Award Course. We will be collating a list of all those that complete the Webinar via Workcast on 31st December, so please ensure you complete this Workshop by then to progress to Workshop 2.
This first Workshop will introduce you to key differences between the England Rugby Coaching Award and the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award. We will also look at the course format and structure to give you an understanding of what you might expect from the full Award Course.
Workshop 2 (Live Sessions)- in January & February 2022
All those that complete Workshop 1 by 31st December 2021, will be notified of the Workshop 2 dates and booking links in the New Year 2022. These session will be live and delivered via Microsoft Teams. Once again, individuals will need to ensure that they register via GMS for this Workshop to be added to their GMS profile.
Workshop 2 will introduce some of the course content, including Game (Tactical) Understanding, Co Coaching and Observation. This session will give you an idea of the type of content delivered and enable you to make a decision about your readiness to engage with the level of content and understanding required of an Advanced Coach.
England Rugby Advanced Award 2022-2023 Bookings (£1000)
Following the conclusion of the pre requisite Workshops, all eligible candidates will be contacted directly with booking links to access the full Award Course. Please note, that in addition to the prerequisite Workshops above, candidates will also need to demonstrate that:
– They have held a Level 2/ ERCA for 3 years or more- completed prior to 1st September 2019.
– Have attended both Advanced Workshop 1 (Nov/Dec 2021) and Advanced Workshop 2 (Jan/Feb 2022).
– Be in an active coaching role (in England) with the same team across a whole season, spanning the course cycle with tasks set in mind.
– Acceptable environments:
o Age Grade
o Youth & Schools
o Adult Community
o Talent Pathway
o Adult Performance
The above pre requisites to access the full Award Course are not negotiable and will need to be demonstrated on an individual’s GMS profile.
We wish you the best of luck with your continued Coaching Journey.
Kind Regards,
RFU Game Development Team
e-mail:waynereed@rfu.com
Community Game Update 26th October
| Back In The Game Update Community Game Updates are now structured as follows to help volunteers distinguish between where action is required and where information is for awareness. 1. Action required 2. Member services – action if of interest 3. For awareness A PDF version is available by clicking on the ‘Read Online’ button. Read Online |
| 1. ACTION REQUIRED – N/A THIS WEEK 2. MEMBER SERVICES – ACTION IF OF INTEREST Reminder of how to show Autumn Internationals at your club How clubs can access the Autumn Internationals to show in their clubhouses. Warrior Camp – save the date, 21 Nov Off the back of what will be a hotly contested Autumn International Series live on the BBC, we would encourage clubs to consider hosting a Warrior Camp around the last Red Roses’ game, to capitalise on heightened interest. Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union course saves a life Recently, two players saved a fellow player’s life, having just completed the Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union course. Find out how you and your members can book a course and what other training is available. Training Course Voucher Codes This Friday will see the release of Training Course Voucher Codes, which will allow organisations to purchase places on courses for their volunteers. GMS club drop-ins GMS drop-in sessions continue this Wednesday, when we will focus on Electronic Match Cards. Again, there will be a Q&A opportunity at the end. Inclusive volunteer recruitment on-demand webinar Available to watch now, alongside access to the recruitment toolkit. 3. FOR AWARENESS Key focus areas update: Referees & 16-18 year-olds The game needs referees, so if you have a qualification or are looking to get one, you could help thousands of people to play rugby. Guides coming this week on how to engage 16-18-year-olds and get them back into playing. Government backs RFU’s Rugby World Cup 2025 bid Last week we announced the RFU’s intention to host the Rugby World Cup in 2025 and shared our Every Rose action plan, which you can find in this story. Celebrating Black History Month Stories from around the game highlighting the history behind some of the great black players and teams to have played rugby. News round-up – IPF Fundraising walk & 100,000 age grade players affiliated Thanks to all clubs who have supported the walk so far. A selection of photos and next destinations are included. Also, last week saw a milestone reached with 100,000 age-grade players now affiliated with clubs across the country. |
