As amateur Rugby League sets about returning to action after a succession of coronavirus lockdowns spanning some thirteen months, the Rugby Football League has outlined the position regarding spectators.
The RFL’s Head of Delivery (Community Games Competitions) Kelly Barrett advised, in her regular Friday club update: “Spectators are not permitted to attend sporting events taking place on private land (other than adults needed to supervise Under 18s for whom they have a responsibility, or providing care or assistance to a person with disabilities participating in an organised sporting event or activity). They should maintain social distance and not mix with other households.”
She continued: “This does not prevent people from viewing recreational or organised sport that is taking place in a public space (e.g. a park) in groups of up to six people or two households. However, sporting events that are intended to attract spectators, or events that are likely to attract a significant number of spectators (e.g. large matches) should not take place in a public space, or on private land, until step three of the Government’s roadmap, which is to come into force no earlier than 17 May. It is important that all spectators (including supporters, parents and others) adhere to the legal gathering limits. In addition to being legal requirements punishable by fines, those violating the measures are endangering public safety and undermining the case for safe sport to be allowed to take place.”
All participants, meanwhile, must avoid travelling to games at the busiest times or by the busiest routes, in addition to minimising any unnecessary journeys. Car sharing is not permitted with someone from outside the same household or support bubble other than for journeys undertaken for an exempt reason, such as when reasonably necessary as part of work.
Barrett said, in relation to changing rooms and toilets: “Clubs should inform participants that these are areas of increased risk and that they should shower and change at home where possible. If participants do need to use changing rooms, they should minimise time spent inside, and maintain social distancing from people they do not live with (or share a relevant bubble with).
“More than one household can use changing facilities at one time, but they must ensure that social distancing rules are followed and that relevant capacity limits must be adhered to at all times. Toilets will be allowed to open 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after training and/or matches.”
She concluded: “As part of step two of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, outdoor hospitality at community Rugby League is permitted in groups of up to six people, or with one other household.”
The RFL has, meanwhile, organised a Club Webinar for Tuesday 20 April in which updated Government guidelines will be further explained. And two days later, Coaches’ Webinars will take place.
The Hull & District Youth League restarts, after a year’s hiatus through the Covid-19 pandemic, at the weekend.
Fixtures
Saturday 24 April 2021
UNDER 14S: Beverley v Skirlaugh; Hull Wyke v Myton Warriors.
UNDER 13S: Skirlaugh v Hull Wyke.
Sunday 25 April 2021
UNDER 18S: West Hull v Myton Warriors; East Hull v Skirlaugh.
UNDER 16S/15S: Beverley U16s v East Hull U16s; Skirlaugh U15s v Hull Wyke U15s; Beverley U15s v East Hull U15s; West Hull U16s v Skirlaugh U16s; Myton Warriors U15s v Hull Dockers U15s.
UNDER 13S: East Hull v West Hull.
UNDER 11S: Beverley v Hull Dockers Greens; Hull Dockers Whites v Cottingham; East Hull v Holderness Vikings; Hull Wyke v West Hull Greens; West Hull Golds v Skirlaugh.
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