Return to Stage 3 FAQ Updated as of 14 August 2020

The answers provided below are accurate as of 14 August 2020 at 11:00am. We encourage everyone to keep up to date with Scottish Government (www.gov.scot/coronavirus) and Scottish Rugby Return to Rugby guidelines (https://www.scottishrugby.org/clubs-and- schools/return-to-rugby) which can change regularly.

The Scottish Rugby Covid-19 Return to Rugby e-learning course can be found here - https://bit.ly/covid-19elearning

Table 1. Covid-19 Safety Coordinator 2. Contact for Children & Young People 3. First Aid 4. Check in / out process 5. Stage 3 Playing / Coaching 6. Pitches & Facilities 7. Finance 8. Return to Rugby Roadmap 9. Competitive Rugby 10. Meetings

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 1 1. Covid-19 Safety Coordinators 1.1 Question Will Covid-19 Safety Coordinators need a background in medicine? Answer - No, Covid-19 Safety Coordinators do not need to have a medical background. A full role description can be found here - https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/updated-phase-2

1.2 Question I'm assuming the Covid-19 Safety Coordinator will have to have an active PVG attributed to the club. Answer - No, Covid-19 Safety Coordinators are not required to be have a PVG as they will not be required to be responsible for ‘regulated work’ with children.

1.3 Question Is a Covid-19 Safety Coordinator required in schools as with clubs? Answer – We understand that many schools may have a similar role within their school’s management structure, so it is not compulsory for schools to nominate a Covid-19 Safety Coordinator. However, schools who would like to be part of this programme can do so by completing the nomination form here - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VF2PWSD

1.4 Question Does each section of a club i.e. Minis, Academy and Senior need their own independent Covid-19 Safety Coordinator? Answer – No, one per club is required; however, each team requires an appointed Team Lead to coordinate check in/out procedures etc. More information can be found here - https://www.scottishrugby.org/clubs-and-schools/return-to-rugby

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 2 2. for Children & Young People 2.1 Question What does the return to contact sport for children from 13 July mean please? Answer - Scottish Rugby has now published guidance on Mini and Youth Rugby as part of the Stage 3 Return to Rugby announcement on Friday 10 July - https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/return-to-rugby-stage-3

The term 'full contact' made by the Scottish Government does not refer to full contact rugby (e.g. ). The rugby variation is the only sanctioned game permitted to be played at mini and youth level (17yrs and under), as has been approved by the Scottish Government.

2.2 Question For junior training when parents are currently needed to be present at training, are they still allowed to be present to support their child’s welfare? Answer – During Stage 3, 1 parent/guardian can stay to observe training.

2.3 Question Are mouthguards permitted to be worn during Stage 3? Answer – Mouthguards are a classified as a piece of personal equipment and are therefore permitted to be worn during Return to Rugby Stage 3. We recommend that players adhere to strict hygiene guidance at all times. Further information on mouthguard’s can be found here - https://www.scottishrugby.org/rules-and-regulations/player-welfare/player- equipment

2.4 Question Can we organise with micros? The belts and tags can all be washed before and after use? Answer – No, only is permitted.

2.5 Question During Stage 3, in the U18 game, can we use tackle shields/tackle tubes as part of our training? Answer – No, only the sanctioned touch rugby game is permitted. Tackle shields etc are not permitted as this is classed as contact.

2.6 Question Why are players aged 18, but within the U18 bracket not allowed to play touch rugby? Answer - The restriction is based on the Scottish Government guidelines and criteria. Once a person turns 18 for the purposes of this advice they will be counted as an adult. The only way an 18-year-old could train with younger players is if the session took place under adult rugby Stage 3 guidelines (e.g. max 5 households per pitch, physical distancing, no touch rugby etc).

2.7 Question Some of our U18 players play rugby and with both returning to training at different times on the same day within the same area. Although there is no restriction to

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 3 the number of households they can meet, can they train with both clubs on the same day? The guidelines say everyone should be in a training bubble so would this constitute more than one bubble? Answer – There are no restrictions on the amount of activity a young person can undertake in one day, so no problems there. From a training bubble perspective, it would be best if the players were within similar training bubbles for rugby and football, but we understand that this might not be possible.

2.8 Question Can we use bibs with younger players? Answer – Our advice would be to issue players with their own bib, which then becomes their piece of personal equipment which they're responsible for washing themselves.

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 4 3. First Aid 3.1 Question Is there any First Aid guidance available now we have returned to training? Answer – We are currently reviewing our pitch side care and first aid guidance for clubs and will communicate shortly, including details on first aid training. For now, our guidance is to follow these guidelines - https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/first-aid-and-medicals/first- aid-certificate-coronavirus.htm

3.2 Question Could you please advise what services physios are allowed to perform at the moment? Answer - The only guidance available at the moment is the information published by the British Medical Journal recently - https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2020/07/24/medical-care- and-first-aid-a-framework-for-organised-non-elite-sport-during-the-covid-19-pandemic- part-1-3/ We are advising all physios to read this and make appropriate changes to their planned activity as a result. There are strict requirements re PPE etc if treating players.

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 5 4. Check in / out process 4.1 Question Will resources such as track and trace apps for players and coaches be available? Answer - We have provided the Covid-19 Safety Coordinators with some options and will continue to share good practice examples where possible. These options include: - Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.co.uk) - Pitchero (https://blog.pitchero.com/how-to-track-and-trace-players) - Sports-Train (https://sports-train.com) – email [email protected] for access

4.2 Question Is there a recommendation regarding the use of digital thermometers? Answer - There is no requirement for temperatures to be taken at this stage.

4.3 Question Do we need to record contact details for youth players? Answer – Yes, all players need to be checked in / out so that there is an accurate record in place in case of a positive case and contact tracing needs to begin.

4.4 Question If one person tests positive (the day after training for example) are all players and coaches who were at the training session (youth) to self-isolate for 14 days or just the players (if coaches remain 2m apart)? Answer - This will be a decision made by the Test and Protect team and not Scottish Rugby.

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 6 5. Stage 3 Playing / Coaching 5. 1 Question Can you clarify how many households per day a coach can deliver to? Answer – As of 3 August, coaches working with adult players can now coach an unlimited number of households per day (previously four). Limits on size and number of households in a group that a coach can work with at any one time remain. Please refer to the Stage 3 guidance issued on 10 July for further information at https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/return-to-rugby-stage-3

5.2 Question When will the new online PVG system be up and running? Answer - It is up and running now. Our safeguarding team will be reaching out to CPOs with this information too. Information can be found here (near the bottom) in a recent club communication ezine - http://e.scottishrugby.org/IAe~HdweCHC0yoBDGJ1wfeTLQ4btDY0lIzhppudVS9E/WebView. aspx

5.3 Question What does ‘no on field coaching’ mean for mini/youth touch rugby in Stage 3? Answer - Adults need to physically distance at all times (min. 2m). Coaches therefore cannot coach 'within' a game of touch as they risk coming within 2m of players. We are therefore advising no on-field coaching to protect the players and adults.

5.4 Question Can an U18 player join in the 18 and over session? There are U18 players in the adult squads due to abilities etc. Answer - Yes, they can. The adult rule would apply, and they would then count as coming from 1 of the 5 households.

5.5 Question Is it a requirement for one parent/guardian to stay at the club whilst the session is on? Or are we encouraging it? Answer - This is a guideline and not a requirement. However, we would encourage a parent or guardian to stay and observe (whilst staying min 2m apart) to support their child.

5.6 Question Are players to remain in their bubble for the duration of Stage 3? Answer - Players should remain within their training 'bubble' for as long as is possible.

5.7 Question Will there be any guidance on ball cleaning stations and ball rotation? Answer - Before each training session or match, a rugby ball should be removed of any mud or residue. Do this with a soft cloth, a light detergent and warm water to ensure the grip is kept in its optimum condition for the maximum length of time. Following the Covid-19 outbreak, we have consulted with World Rugby’s Chief Medical Officer Eanna Falvey who advises that “Soapy water kills the bacteria so standard hand soap-based products are perfectly adequate”.

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 7 World Rugby confirm that Gilbert’s current advice is adequate: https://www.gilbertrugby.com/blogs/news/rugby-ball-care-guide however, players should be reminded that hand hygiene is also important part of this process.

5.8 Question Can a coach coach as many kids in a day as possible from different households? Answer - Yes, as per the updated Scottish Government guidelines, the number of households for youth training is now unlimited. Please see sportscotland information for further guidance - https://sportscotland.org.uk/covid-19/getting-coaches-ready-for-sport/

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 8 6. Pitches & Facilities 6.1 Question Where two pitches are side by side, and really pretty far apart particularly if using diagonally opposite corners, can we run a training session concurrently on each pitch. Answer - Yes, clubs are permitted to use multiple pitches. A staggered schedule is a good way to ensure physical distancing requirements are maintained.

6.2 Question Training for the group is on a pitch - can the pitch be split into sections so several groups can train at the same time? Answer – Yes, during mini/youth rugby, a whole rugby pitch can be divided into 2-4 zones (Max 10 players per ¼ pitch / Max 15 players per ½ pitch) from unlimited households. At Adult level, the same max numbers apply, but there cannot be more than 5 households per ¼ or ½ pitch, which will ultimately reduce the overall numbers.

6.3 Question What is the guidance on outdoor equipment sheds/containers? I understand no shared equipment etc but looking for a suitable place to store first aid bag, wipes and sanitiser etc. Answer - Access to an outdoor storage area should be done using hygiene and cleaning best practice as per any building as per sportscotland facilities guidance. https://sportscotland.org.uk/covid-19/getting-your-facilities-fit-for-sport/

6.4 Question The checklist shows car park restrictions. What if you do not have control of the parking? Answer - Whoever is responsible for the parking area should enforce a controlled parking system.

6.5 Question Our pitches are council owned and therefore open-to public use. It’s not heavily used but there is the odd person walking a dog, couple of kids playing etc. Any specific guidance on that scenario, other than general, good practice? Answer - Good general practice is encouraged along with the club undertaking its own risk assessment for any rugby related activity would be recommended. We would also encourage the club to contact the local authority to ensure that all practices are in line with local authority guidance and direction.

6.6 Question During Stage 3 can we use our fully ventilated indoor 3G pitch? Answer – This would not be allowed within the current guidance as it is classed as indoors. The risk of transmission indoors is significantly higher than outdoors, and the reason indoor gyms are still closed is the increased frequency of breathing when undertaking physical activity indoors, increases the risk of transmission.

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 9 6.7 Question Could toilets be open for players when they are training? Answer - Toilets are allowed to be open to the public from now on in keeping with the following Scottish Government guidance https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus- covid-19-public-and-customer-toilets-guidance/pages/overview/

6.8 Question Is it permitted to open our changing rooms for the sole purpose of getting access to toilets? Answer – Yes, changing rooms can be open exclusively for toilet use. In order to do this, the club should; - Carry out a risk assessment (templates and examples included on the website https://www.scottishrugby.org/clubs-and-schools/return-to-rugby ) - Ensure there is no equipment stored in the changing room -Clear signage to ensure individuals do not congregate in the changing room area - high frequency and intensity of cleaning should be maintained - Queues should be managed

6.9 Question Will safety posters, instruction guides be provided from a central budget or will clubs be expected to produce and fund their own versions? Answer – a pack of posters that clubs can download can be found here - https://s3-eu-west- 1.amazonaws.com/sru-files/docs/12._Covid_19_Hygiene_Posters.pdf

6.10 Question Is there a way to download and use the example risk assessment from the website as a template? Answer - The example risk assessment is not editable, as it will not contain everything that all clubs require. Clubs can use a combination of the template document (available here https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/sru- files/docs/7._Phase_2_Pitch_Risk_Assessment_EXAMPLE.pdf), along with the guidance and what is already in place at the club to create their own risk assessment. Further guidance on risk assessment processes can be found here https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/sru- files/docs/6._Phase_2_Guidance_on_completing_a_risk_assessment.pdf

6.11 Question Can we open toilets if the facility hasn't had the water systems checked for Legionella, e- coli, TVR etc? Answer - We advise against reopening facilities until they have been checked and properly risk assessed.

6.12 Question Hand washing, not in the changing rooms so what do you recommend clubs provide and how? Answer - Players can wash their hands using their own water and soap or use hand sanitiser.

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 10 7. Finance 7.1 Question Will there be SRU financial help for clubs in those incurring extra costs? Answer – Phase 2 of the Club Hardship Fund was designed for this purpose. This second phase of the fund focused on the safe reopening of clubhouses with clubs able to claim up to £1000 (excl. VAT) to go towards safety checks. 55 clubs have applied to the fund. The fund closed for applications on 9 August.

7.2 Question If the extra transport costs become a reality i.e. booking more coaches for fixtures, would these be subsidised by the governing body i.e. the SRU? Answer - The Travel Support Scheme will be available as in past years. Further details will be published soon along with all other financial support available to clubs for the coming season.

7.3 Question Is there any update on Royal Bank RugbyForce weekend = 8/9th August? Should clubs announce cancellation/postponement? Answer - Royal Bank RugbyForce weekend will be postponed until a more suitable date for the events to take place. RBS remain committed to the funding they set aside for this and successful clubs have been informed of this year’s awards: https://www.scottishrugby.org/clubs-and-schools/support-for-clubs/rugbyforce

7.4 Question Are Scottish Rugby going to provide clubs with PPE and hygiene equipment? Answer - Scottish Rugby is not in a position to supply clubs with additional equipment for Covid-19. However, two suppliers that clubs may wish to use are OGT and ORB. These are third party suppliers so any order you may place with them will be subject to the terms and conditions of that supplier. Scottish Rugby will not be responsible for any acts or omissions of a supplier in its dealings with you.

Please see the information provided by OGT and if your club wishes to place an order, the club should email [email protected], quoting Scottish Rugby with the items required. OGT will then be in touch to take payment. Please find further information here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1K1BvV_a7CB1p0rwkVnVSrfnQaup2uMEU?usp=sha ring

If your club wishes to place and order with ORB, please visit the website http://orbgroup.co.uk/.

You are under no obligation to use these suppliers and are able to purchase these resources locally or from your own supplier.

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 11 8. Return to Rugby Roadmap 8.1 Question When can I find Phase 3 guidance? Answer - Phase 3 guidance was published on Friday 10 July - https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/return-to-rugby-stage-3

8.2 Question What is the number of people that are classed as a ‘small group’ in Phase 3? Is it relative to squad size number of family groups or is it a defined number? Answer - A definition of 'Small group' is max 15 players (per ½ pitch) and max 10 (per ¼ pitch). This can be made up from unlimited households in the mini and youth game (players aged 17 and under) and from a max of 5 households in adult rugby (18+).

8.3 Question Will there be coaching updates / resources to support coaches through the different stages? Answer - Yes, we will be creating resources to support coaches, match officials and volunteers in Stages 3 - 6.

8.4 Question Is the road map for adults or for everyone including mini / youth? Answer – The Return to Rugby roadmap is for the whole game, but it could be that certain sections of our game progress at different rates.

8.5 Question In the RTR Roadmap, the 1st section (Criteria/Conditions) Phase 4 mentions 'a vaccine and/or effective treatment may have been developed'. What is the significance of this statement? Answer - This is in line with the Scottish Government routemap statement

8.6 Question Will we get actual dates on Stage 4 soon? Answer – The indicative date for Stage 4 is 24 August. This approximate date is the earliest date Stage 4 could be triggered by the Scottish Government and could be delayed.

8.7 Question Will there be a temporary relaxation around required coaching qualifications required to restart rugby activity as current SRU coach development training is currently suspended? Answer - Coach and match official courses are suspended until further notice. It is anticipated that online courses will commence in line with the start of the competitive season. The minimum standard will be that all coaches and match officials will be required to complete the new E-learning course: https://www.scottishrugby.org/clubs-and- schools/training-and-education/all-courses-and-resources/covid-19-e-learning-course along with RugbyRight course before the start of the season.

8.8 Question Under the Stage 5 plan what is the maximum distance teams can travel for local fixtures?

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 12 Answer - This is unknow at this stage, but the limit on local travel (5 miles) was lifted for leisure purposes on the 3 July - https://www.gov.scot/news/travel-restrictions-lifted/. However, it is anticipated that the risk of local lockdowns could lead to travel restrictions being deployed at later phases of the Scottish Government routemap.

8.9 Question Are the UKCC Level 1 & 2 still valid qualifications for coaching? Answer - Yes, UKCC qualifications are still valid. Although no courses are running at the moment, we intend to launch our next coach and match official education pathway in time for the start of the competitive season.

8.10 Question Is touch for adults likely to be part of Stage 4? I appreciate you may not be in a position to clarify yet. Answer - It is anticipated that some form of restricted touch rugby could be permitted during Stage 4, however this will be determined by the Scottish Government.

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 13 9. Competitive Rugby 9.1 Question With the season being delayed until October, is there a plan to extend the season? Answer - Over the next few weeks Council and Championship Committee representatives are to meet with their clubs to discuss options for Season 2020/21. Should there be a consensus for an extended season, it will be taken forward into proposals for the Scottish Rugby council and board to consider.

9.2 Question Will youth rugby mirror senior rugby in terms of conferences being played from October? Answer - Consultation is currently underway with Schools and Youth sections re the return of competitive rugby in October.

9.3 Question You have talked about the possibility of regionalisation of the leagues. As a team in West Div 2 can you give any further information as to how that might look? Answer - Consultation is currently underway with club representatives re the return of competitive rugby in October. Further information will be released when this process has come to an end.

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 14 10. Meetings 10.1 Question We are looking to hold a registration event at the club outside for parents and players, following all social distancing guidance. Can we do this? Answer – There are a number of associated risks with this, and we advise that where possible clubs should use online software (e.g. zoom) to meet with large groups like this. We would discourage this type of large gathering during Phase 3.

10.2 Question We would like to hold an AGM in person – is this possible? Answer – We have received a number of enquiries from clubs asking about the feasibility of holding a physical club AGM. As clubs will know, the Scottish Government Covid-19 restrictions were subject to some alternation. There was no change on business and business meetings. In particular, the Scottish Government stated again that non-essential offices cannot re-open before 11 September. Working from home and working flexibly remain the default position. This position is subject to a further review later in August. Gatherings of people i.e. a physical AGM, with social distancing is still subject to ongoing restrictions.

Updated 14 August 2020 at 11:00am 15