Return To Play Statement (Edited on 7/2/20)

The Governor of Pennsylvania, the Centers for Disease Control, and USA Rugby have each recently released guidelines for a return to play in response to the ongoing pandemic. With the remaining Pennsylvania counties moving into the Green Phase tomorrow, June 26th, we are approaching a time where teams may return to certain team activities. Once a county enters the Green phases of Pennsylvania reopening plan, they may begin to return to team activities outlined in stage 3 of USA Rugby’s return to play guidelines.

Under USA Rugby's return to play guidelines, it is important to note that the following restrictions still will apply during stage 3:

• Non-contact drills and activities only

• No participation of players or coaches experiencing symptoms within previous 14-days

• Temperature check all participants on arrival must register lower than 99.6 F 

• All communication and interaction done via virtual method or at distance of 6ft 

• Coaches: Permitted on site, continue to adhere to social distancing protocols

• No competition or inter-squad contact rugby activities

• No use of communal equipment, including rugby balls

Once all of Pennsylvania’s state restrictions have been lifted, we will transition into stages 4 and 5 of the USA Rugby guidelines which will allow teams to return to inter-squad competitions, and eventually, competitive matches. The decision to move to stages 4 and 5 will be done so based on Rugby PA Board approval.

Looking forward to the fall, Rugby PA is anticipating having a sevens competition beginning in September. We are currently exploring different options based on the conditions and guidelines set by the state. We will announce the fall schedule structure soon.

Here are some resources available to us for return to play.  Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Dylan Hamilton

Executive Director | Rugby Pennsylvania

dhamilton@rugbypa.org

(267) 614-2629

Pennsylvania Return to Sport

https://www.governor.pa.gov/covid-19/sports-guidance/

Pennsylvania Reopening Plan

https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#PhasedReopening

CDC Considerations for Youth Sports

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/youth-sports.html

USA Rugby Return to Play

https://assets.usarugby.org/docs/medical/USAR-R2P.pdf?v=1591297752393