ZRU outline safe return guidelines

Deputy Sports Editor

THE Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) believe they are ready to roll again and have come up with a 10-page document aimed at ensuring the safe return of the sport after the Covid-19-enforced long break.

Although rugby is rated as a high-risk discipline, the union is confident of being given the green light for a phased return when the current suspension on domestic sport is lifted.

The ZRU, through their medical committee, have, therefore, been preparing for the safe return of the sport by coming up with the appropriate guidelines.

“The guidelines are based on the prevailing medical and scientific knowledge and are subject to change given the changing landscape of the Covid-19 situation and subsequent responses of health authorities. It will, therefore, be updated regularly,” reads part of the document.

Rugby is currently on a nine-month hiatus.

The Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation have since asked sporting disciplines to outline their plans on combating the spread of the virus upon return.

ZRU’s document covers many facets of the game, including administration, clubs, players and venues.

It also makes it clear that the guidelines are mandatory for local rugby clubs, national teams and schools’ rugby. Apart from observing the recommended health protocols such as social distancing, sanitising and regular temperature checks and testing, the proposals encourage all players and staff to complete the World Rugby Education Modules. These come in two parts: the Return to Play Awareness for Coaches and Players, and the Return to Play Awareness for Administrators.

These are mandatory for coaches, team managers, medical staff, technical officials, administration staff and all players at elite, club level and school-age groups that are 15 and older.

ZRU proposes the appointment of a Covid-19 co-ordinator at club level, school and national teams.

“It is recommended that every rugby club and national team should appoint a Covid-19 co-ordinator, who will be responsible for all Covid-19-related matters of administration within the team. They should be a point of contact for any Covid-19-related queries and report all issues to the team manager.

“They should have contact details for all players and family and access to local medical facilities for referral of suspected Covid-19 players and staff,” the medical committee wrote.

Facilities are expected to be disinfected prior to opening, while the frequent sanitisation of all equipment, studios and all access areas after every use or at minimum once every hour will be made mandatory.

“Mandatory provision for touch-free hand sanitiser dispensers, material to wipe/disinfect equipment before and after use across the facility.

“Intensive sterilisation of full facility and hazardous waste management are also mandatory,” the medical experts said. The facility is encouraged to maintain records of all sports members and staff, including date, venue, name, telephone numbers and email address for contact tracing if necessary.

There is a need for visitors to adhere to standard protocol, which includes maintaining social distancing, testing and screening, wearing masks and adhering to the stipulated numbers.

Players, coaches and officials are expected to ensure they have not shown symptoms for up to 14 days, conduct World Rugby Symptom checkers, prioritise hand and other hygiene practices.

Coaches and players are expected to bring masks and wear them, except when in training and playing matches.

Unnecessary contact, spitting and celebratory hugs and handshakes have been banned, with players encouraged to also bring their own supplements and water bottles.