Government Guidelines On Outdoor Sporting Activities – Northern Ireland, Oct 22nd, 2021:
All outdoor sport, whether organised formally by your local sports club or informally by a group of friends, is permitted.
To determine the maximum number of people permitted to attend or participate in an outdoor sporting activity/ event, the organiser or operator must carry out a risk assessment.
Outdoor sporting activities/ events of 30 people or fewer do not need a risk assessment.
In relation to organised sporting events the following apply:
Outdoor Sport e.g Rugby
Attendance at outdoor sporting events are limited to 50% of venue capacity or 5,000 attendees, whichever is the lower.
The 8pm time restriction does not apply to outdoor sporting events or outdoor training.
Sports should also monitor the various updates in relation to close contacts and international travel with a number of changes having come into effect
On October 19th, the Government of Ireland announced its plan for the next phase of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full details of the announcement can be found here.
Clubs/Schools should continue to implement strong protocols with regard to training, competition and other sporting activities. Sport Ireland recommends:
The collection of contact tracing data.
The use of COVID 19 Officers.
Recommending symptomatic individuals do not participate in or attend sporting activities.
The ongoing promotion of good respiratory & hand hygiene.
The wearing of face coverings in relevant settings.
Ensuring that indoor spaces are well ventilated.
Consideration of indoor space densities and duration of indoor activities.
Monitoring, oversight and compliance activities should continue to be reinforced by clubs/schools. Up to date and active Communication on existing measures will also assist with the ongoing promotion of public health measures at a local level.
In addition to the protective measures outlined above the Return to Sport Expert Group strongly recommends that all eligible individuals consider vaccination as a matter of priority.
Summary of the Measures (Source: Sport Ireland, October 2021)
Outdoor group activities should continue to implement the relevant protective measures as outlined above.
Proof of vaccination or recovery will no longer apply for spectators attending outdoor events.
Fixed capacity limits will no longer apply for spectators or participants at outdoor events.
Indoor Sport (including gym activity within a clubhouse)
The use of a COVID Certificate (vaccine or recovery certificate) will be required for accessing indoor sporting activities.
Where individuals have mixed immunity status, pods of up to 6 participants will be permitted (excluding adult coaches/instructors).
Multiple pods will be permissible subject to protective measures.
The overall number of pods will have regard to the size of venue and there should be substantial social distance between individual pods.
For Vaccinated individuals no fixed capacity limits apply to these activities.
Transport To and From Activities & Events
Clubs/Schools organising transport to/from events should implement protective measures such as mask wearing etc. as appropriate.
Private transport (carpooling) carrying those not yet vaccinated or of mixed immunity should be aware of the higher risk. The use of appropriate face coverings is recommended. If carpooling consider use of a pod system in which the same participants pool together for all activities.
Showers / Changing Rooms / Sports Clubhouse Gyms
Where all individuals are vaccinated the full use of showers and changing rooms is permitted.
Where individuals have mixed immunity status the use of these facilities should be pod based.
The type of protective measures implemented will be determined by the type of facility users ( i.e. vaccinated / mixed immunity).
Sample protective measures may include:
Limit overall duration of individuals in a changing room for example implement a 15 minute window / 5 minute shower rule etc.
Implement adequate social distancing measures in changing areas for example the use of every second changing space/shower head etc.
Recommend the wearing of masks in shared areas (showers an exception).
Provide clear signage highlighting any relevant space capacities and time durations.
Close off any unnecessary spaces or those not in use/not permitted.
Monitor toilets with agreed capacity numbers and limit to participants/patrons only.
Implement flow management systems where necessary.
To improve ventilation consider an open window / open door policy (subject to privacy).
Provide sanitisation stations as appropriate on entrances and in shared areas.
Continue to promote hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette through signage, posters etc.
Ensure deep cleaning of shared areas on a regular basis.
Indoor Meetings & Educational / Coaching Courses
Sports may wish to continue to conduct Meetings & Educational / Coaching Courses remotely or outdoors.
Coaching or Educational programmes that contain a practical element should be delivered in line with other sporting measures permitted i.e. the use of pods of 6 for mixed immunity participants.
Appropriate protective measures and COVID protocols should be in place.
Ongoing consideration to Room densities, meeting durations and ventilation should continue throughout the Winter months.
Health Questionnaires
In line with a move towards personal judgement and responsibility sports may wish to begin to unwind the ongoing use of health questionnaires for training and events from October 22nd. The promotion of the Governments COVID TRACKER APP and the ongoing recommendation that symptomatic individuals do not attend sporting activities or events until 48hrs symptom free should continue.
IRFU Advisory: The IRFU recommend the use of health questionnaires in monitoring and tracking the attendance and wellness of rugby players and volunteers. A sample declaration is outlined below:
“I confirm that I am well and, to the best of my knowledge, have no current symptoms of COVID-19. If I begin to feel unwell, or develop symptoms of COVID-19, I will not attend any upcoming training session/match without first consulting my COVID-19 Club Compliance Officer.”
Substantial Distance amongst Pods
Indoor activities made up of Mixed Immunity Participants should continue in pods of up to 6. Multiple pods will be permissible and should take into account the overall size of the venue. Substantial social distancing between individual pods should be implemented. The levels of ‘substantial distance’ will differ depending on the nature and intensity of the activity.
To any independent onlooker it should be clear that the pods are completely separate groups operating independent of one another with no interaction or sharing of equipment and there is no opportunity for them to mix or stray into one another’s group or playing space.
In addition it is not recommended that Coaches/instructors participate in multiple pods. A single Coach/Instructor may however coach/instruct/oversee/ supervise more than one pod. This Coach/Instructor should ensure that they are not directly engaging with or in close proximity to any individual members of the pod. To any independent onlooker it should be clear that the Coach/Instructor is completely separate to the groups he/she is overseeing.
Sharing of Equipment
Sport particularly competitive team sport will require a certain degree of equipment sharing. Where this can be reduced or limited for example in individual sport or in training activities, it may help decrease overall risk. Where there is any sharing of equipment, appropriate sanitisation practices should remain in place. Rugby balls are categorised as equipment.
Use of Masks
The use of masks in indoor settings particularly for those not participating in activity continues to be recommended. The use of masks on public transport remains a requirement, while the use of masks in shared private transport continues to be strongly recommended. Medical staff should continue to use masks and appropriate PPE when treating participants.
In outdoor settings, the wearing of a face covering is advised for all non-playing personnel, including coaches and replacements where social distancing is difficult.
Ventilation
Ventilation will remain a core component of the COVID-19 response. The HSA has published a new COVID-19 Work Safely Protocol employer checklist on ventilation. Further expanded details on ventilation can be found in the Appendixes.
The IRFU believes every precautionary measure that can be taken must be taken to keep the rugby community safe.
Club members who have developed new symptoms, including cold or flu symptoms are advised not to attend their rugby club and contact their GP.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued work and vigilance in delivering on your club’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan.
Hospitality Services
Clubs are advised to ensure sectoral guidelines are in place for all hospitality services:
The COVID-19 Fixture Impact Form should be used when any of the following affects the ability of a club to field a team in a competitive fixture.
• A confirmed case of COVID-19
• A suspected case of COVID-19 (where a player has been referred for testing by a GP/Public Health)
• Contact tracing has determined the need for players to restrict their movements
The form should be emailed to the competition’s designated administrator/manager immediately after any of the above situations are confirmed. Please note, a club does not have the authority to cancel a match. Matches are only cancelled on the basis of medical advice or instructions from Public Health. In the event that a match is called off, the competition’s manager/administrator will notify all parties.
PLEASE NOTE: If completing this form after 5pm on a Friday also send a text/whatsapp to 087 6167461 to notify that the form has been submitted to ensure the entry is detected in a timely manner
The Return to Rugby Guidelines outlined here are created to be implemented in response to COVID-19. The main objective is the safe return to rugby for all members and communities.
These recommendations have been based on the advice of both Governments, National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), Health Services Executive (HSE), National Health Service (NHS), World Health Organisation (WHO), and European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC).
The IRFU also gained advice from other sporting bodies who are at varying stages of reopening their societies. It should be noted that this is a living document and will be revised periodically following updated advice from the above organisations.
Adult players, parents/guardians of underage players, spectators and other club members must make an informed individual decision regarding returning to rugby based on their age, their own medical history, and the medical history of those living in their household.
Clubs must complete the COVID-19 Safety Planning Stage and confirm a COVID-19 Club Health & Safety Plan with their province to resume any rugby.
Clubs may only resume training and rugby activities in accordance with government protocols.
These protocols are being considered on an ongoing basis at government level and the IRFU will communicate any update with clubs through the COVID-19 Provincial Leads.
IRFU Return To Rugby Guidelines will be superseded at all times by:
Government of Ireland’s Roadmap To Reopen Society & Business
Northern Ireland Executive’s Coronavirus Recovery Plan
Government of Ireland’s Return To Sport Expert Group & Sport Northern Ireland Framework for Return to Sport
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2). Most people (8/10) infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
Coaches have a responsibility to ensure that training activities and club operations do not cause unnecessary risks to players and the wider community. In addition to their responsibilities as an individual, they shall achieve this through:
Liaising with the nominated COVID-19 Club Compliance Officers
Participating in COVID-19 training as required
Planning training activities to align with those permitted at any given time
Educating teams and reinforce good personal hygiene and etiquette
Parents and guardians play an important role in the process of returning to rugby.
They will be critical in communicating and monitoring behaviours in our younger players.
Please see guideline documents should you have any queries regarding children returning to training
The COVID-19 Club Compliance Officers and the club will support them through this process
IRFU/provincial branches will support clubs both nationally and provincially to achieve this
All on-pitch elements of a return to rugby for clubs will be guided by the Government of Ireland’s Return To Sport Expert Group as well as Sport Northern Ireland Framework for Return to Sport.
Irish Rugby is working towards a graduated return to rugby for clubs. It proposes commencing with reduced activities and closed skills before progressing to non-contact versions of the game.
The IRFU summary roadmap offers an outline of this graduated return, but this does not mean it is directly aligned to the phases and steps of easing restrictions at government level.
Contact rugby is categorised as a ‘close physical contact’ sport and is currently not permitted to resume until Step 5 (Northern Ireland Executive) and Phase 4 (Government of Ireland) of government protocols.
What can Clubs do in the Non-Contact Stage? (From Wednesday 1st July, 2020)
From Wednesday 1st July: Clubs who have completed the COVID-19 Safety Planning Phase of their return to rugby may enter the Non-Contact Rugby Stage of the roadmap.
A ‘No plan, no play’ policy remains strictly in place. Clubs must confirm with their province that COVID-19 Club Health & Safety Plan has been completed before they can resume any rugby activity.
This stage will allow for skill development and include a provision for tag rugby and touch rugby.
Numbers Ratio Players to Coach:
Under U12: 16 players to 2 coaches
Above U12-U18: 20 players 2 coaches
Above U18: 15 players to 2 coaches
Session Duration:
60 mins max
Content:
Non-contact skills-based activities
Non-contact game forms (Touch & Tag)
7 v 7 on ½ pitch
Strict social distancing of 2 metres, the continued completion of Pre-Rugby Personal Assessment Declarations and safe behaviours including hand hygiene, cough etiquette must be adhered to at all times throughout this stage.
What can Clubs do in the Contact Stage? (From Monday 20th July)
From Monday July 20th: Clubs who have completed the COVID-19 Safety Planning Phase of their return to rugby may enter the Contact Rugby Stage of the roadmap.
This stage is a graduated return to contact. While continuing with skill-based activities, no scrummaging or mauling will be permitted in the early part of this stage. It will build with controlled contact development towards a defined contact training block to ensure games may commence in early September.
Numbers Ratio Players to Coach:
Under U12: 16 players to 2 coaches
Above U12-U18: 20 players 1 coaches
Above U18: 15 players to 2 coaches
Session Duration:
70 mins max
BUILDING FOUNDATIONS PHASE
Content: w/c 20th July – 1st August
Skills based activities
Unopposed set piece and team
Fitness
NO SCRUMMAGING OR MAULING IN THE FIRST WEEKS
BEGINNING OF CONTACT PREP PHASE
Content: from 1st August onwards
Controlled contact development: Build-up use of pads and shields to progress. Work in grids or drills of 2 to 3 participants progressing from walking, jogging to running.
Control contact development. Working in small numbers on 1 to 1 contact scenarios with controlled gradual progression, examples;
Contact gradual progression to reflect the reality of the game and duration of session. Therefore, you may build in a 10 to 15min hit out for the session.
Possibly friendly – warm-up 29th, 30th of August.
Initial fixtures September 5th 6th (In cooperation with National and Provincial competition committees)
Training and Education on COVID-19 Safety Planning is available to all clubs as they complete their return to rugby in 2020.
The COVID-19 Safety Planning Stage is the first and most important stage the IRFU’s Return To Rugby Guidelines For Clubs.
Its objective is to ensure safety measures are taken before activities can resume in rugby clubs.
In order to resume any rugby activity, clubs must complete the COVID-19 Safety Planning Stage and confirm a COVID-19 Club Health & Safety Plan with their province.
COVID-19 Training & Education Resources For Clubs:
IRFU Return To Rugby Guidelines For Clubs:
The IRFU Return To Rugby Guidelines For Clubs themselves are a comprehensive tool for clubs completing the COVID-19 Safety Planning Stage of their return to rugby.
As well as an overview of the process, they offer general information on coronavirus as well as specific guidelines For players, coaches, parents/guardians & events.
In order to complete the COVID-19 Safety Planning Stage, clubs must complete a COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan, including a risk assessment. There are two key resources within the guidelines to help with this process.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan Template
COVID-19 Health & Safety Operating Procedures
The COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan Template provides a step by step process for clubs to complete their plan.
It offers clubs complete control in the measures they want to set out while ensuring that all areas are addressed. It has been prepared by industry experts currently specialising in the field of coronavirus risk management.
The COVID-19 Health & Safety Operating Procedures are a companion document to the template and provide examples of best practise in risk management for clubs to use in their planning.
Appointed COVID-19 Club Safety Officers have a wide variety of backgrounds when it comes to health & safety experience. These operating procedures are ideal for officers who may have less expertise, but still needed to be guided by best practise in their approach.
The best advice for clubs is to familiarise themselves with these documents as much as possible for availing of further support.
in a club focused way and give COVID-19 Club Safety Officers with a wide variety of expertise some of the tools they need to
It also includes a number of key documents which will form part of the plan including a risk assessment and necessary declaration forms for members.
Guidelines For COVID-19 Club Safety Officers and COVID Club Compliance Officers.
Roles, Responsibilities and Guidelines are available for all appointed officers.
All COVID-19 Club Safety Officers must register with their respective COVID-19 Provincial Lead. This will enable them to receive further support for themselves and their club in COVID-19 Safety Planning.
IRFU Training & Education Webinar
All COVID-19 Club Safety Officers have access to an IRFU Training & Education Webinar.
The purpose of the webinar is to give officers access to experts in the fields of health & safety, law, medicine and rugby ahead of putting COVID-19 safety measures into practice in their club.
Presentations Include:
IRFU Return To Rugby Guidelines Overview, IRFU COVID-19 Project Team
Insurance & Liability Overview, IRFU Legal Counsel Sean Brassil
From The Pitch Out – Making Behaviour Safe In Clubs, IRFU Medical Director Rod McLoughlin
Best Practise For Safety Planning In Clubs, Eamon O’Boyle and Associates
Experts also address questions submitted directly from clubs.
This Webinar took place on June 9th but is available to all appointed officers.
Case Studies:
A series of case studies are being prepared to walk clubs through the required steps of completing the COVID-19 Safety Planning Stage. These case studies will be a mix of both expert led and peer-to-peer learning tools.
They will be in both video and written Q&A form and will be available to all clubs.
The first in this series will be:
A Step By Step Guide To Completing a COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan For Rugby Clubs.
Further case studies will be announced in due course.
COVID-19 Provincial Support
Each COVID-19 Club Safety Officer will have direct access to dedicated support within their province.
Each COVID-19 Club Safety Officer must register with their COVID-19 Provincial Leads as soon as they are appointed in order to avail of support.
Clubs must also confirm to their COVID-19 Provincial Lead that they have completed the COVID-19 Safety Planning Stage before they are permitted to resume any rugby activity.
COVID-19 Provincial Leads also provide dedicated email support for any questions an officer may have throughout the process. Answers to a range of frequently asked questions are readily available with further access available to additional industry expertise where necessary.
Sport Ireland
Sport Ireland are also providing a number of training & support resources to the sector in relation to Covid19.
They will making an online version of their “COVID-19 Compliance Officer Training” available to clubs.
The purpose of the COVID-19 Health & Safety Operating Procedures For Clubs is to assist in the completion of the clubs’ own COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan.
Clubs are asked to consider the following areas in completion of their COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan.
The advice and guidance in IRFU Return To Rugby Guidelines For Clubs lessens the potential of an insurance claim related to possible COVID-19 infection.
It is of paramount importance, as outlined in the Guidelines, that clubs understand and implement all health advise provided by the Government of Ireland (ROI clubs) or the Northern Ireland Executive (NI clubs).
Clubs are reminded that a number of existing roles within their club require similar mitigation to COVID-19 Club Safety Officer and Compliance Officers e.g. Club Welfare Officer.
The IRFU advises anyone with a concern in relation to their potential liability to discuss the matter with their Club Secretary, who can examine the Club Constitution to identify if specific indemnities are provided to them.
The IRFU reminds clubs to ensure that they have appropriate Public Liability Insurance in place before any return to rugby activity.
Taking the right steps is essential – clubs must recognise that insurers may try to refuse to pay any claim, or cancel, terminate or avoid club insurance, if a club fails to deliver appropriate health and safety guidelines.
The COVID-19 Fixture Impact Form should be used when any of the following affects the ability of a club to field a team in a competitive fixture.
• A confirmed case of COVID-19
• A suspected case of COVID-19 (where a player has been referred for testing by a GP/Public Health)
• Contact tracing has determined the need for players to restrict their movements
The form should be emailed to the competition’s designated administrator/manager immediately after any of the above situations are confirmed. Please note, a club does not have the authority to cancel a match. Matches are only cancelled on the basis of medical advice or instructions from Public Health. In the event that a match is called off, the competition’s manager/administrator will notify all parties.
PLEASE NOTE: If completing this form after 5pm on a Friday also send a text/whatsapp to 087 6167461 to notify that the form has been submitted to ensure the entry is detected in a timely manner
Please note, a club does not have the authority to cancel a match.
As per IRFU COVID-19 Suspected/Confirmed Case Response Guidance:
If a club member has COVID-19 symptoms, they should self-isolate and contact their GP. The club can continue as normal at this stage. For the purposes of this form, a club member should only be considered a suspected case once they are referred for testing.
If a GP advises there is no COVID-19 concern, both the person and the club can continue as normal. If a club member is sent for a test, they must inform their GP if they have taken part in club activity and ask for advice on what the club should do.
If a club member is sent for a test, they must inform their GP if they have taken part in club activity and ask for advice on what the club should do. As a precautionary measure, any other symptomatic individuals and unvaccinated members of the training group/pod should restrict their movements until there has been a negative test result until contact tracing has been completed by Public Health and the person has not been deemed a close contact who needs to
self-isolate. At this stage any other individuals who are exempt under Public Health contact tracing guidelines need not restrict their movements.
If a club member tests negative, the training group/pod can resume and the person can return once symptom free for a period of 48 hours.
If a club member tests positive, their training group/pod should shut down and await advice from the Public Health Authority. If a club member has elected to undergo PCR testing without medical advice, the club should only take action based on the outcome of the test.
It is important to note that contact tracing is done by the local public health authority.
This page contains all the relevant documents currently available to clubs. Each document should be in read in the context of the overall IRFU Return To Rugby Guidelines For Clubs on the website or issued to clubs.
