COVID19 RUGBY LEAGUE RETURN TO PLAY MAY 2020

COVID-19 RUGBY LEAGUE RETURN TO PLAY - MAY 2020 As rugby league returns for season 2020, following the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is important to remember that the safety of the community and the opportunity to play depends on the support and compliance of everyone. If everyone supports the measures implemented, our rugby league competitions will continue. We need everyone to be vigilant and disciplined.

NSWRL PRESENTATION TITLE 2

GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES: v Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue v Wash your hands often with soap and water, including before and after training and after going to the toilet v Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers v Put used tissues straight into the bin v Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth v Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces v Clean and disinfect frequently used objects such as mobile phones, keys. NSWRL- RETURN TO PLAY 3

BEFORE ATTENDING RUGBY LEAGUE ACTIVITIES: PARTICIPANTS AND SPECTATORS SHOULD NOT ATTEND RUGBY LEAGUE ACTIVITIES IF THEY: v Have any flu-like symptoms. v Have been in direct contact with a known case of COVID-19 in the previous 14 days. v Have travelled internationally in the preceding 14 days. v Are at high risk from a medical perspective, including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical health conditions. v Are not considered an essential participant. Essential participants are players, coaches, match officials, staff, volunteers and parents/guardians of players. NSWRL- RETURN TO PLAY 4

RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB GUIDELINES: RUGBY LEAGUE CLUBS CANNOT BEGIN ANY RUGBY LEAGUE ACTIVITY UNTIL THEY HAVE: v Submitted a Safety Plan (template provided) to the NSWRL and received confirmation of approval of the plan. v Appointed a club COVID Safety Officer, to act as a point of contact for information relating to the delivery of the Club Safety Plan and NSWRL Framework throughout training and playing sessions. COVID Safety Officer must: v Ensure the Club is a safe environment for all attending. v Revise the Safety Plan and Risk Assessment as required to ensure it reflects up to date information from the NSWRL Framework and Government advice. NSWRL PRESENTATION TITLE 5

RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB GUIDELINES: RECORD ATTENDANCE v Clubs must maintain a record of attendance for all participants, coaches and club officials at training, playing and other club activities. v A template will be provided by NSWRL PRESENTATION TITLE 6

GET IN, TRAIN AND GET OUT: v Be prepared for training/competition prior to arrival at venue (minimise need to use/gather in change rooms, bathrooms). v Hand hygiene stations should be placed in high traffic areas and entry/exit points. v Minimise use of communal facilities (e. g. gym, changerooms) with limited numbers (not more than 10 athletes/other personnel in total). v Thorough full body shower with soap before and after training (preferably at home). v Where possible maintain distance of at least 1. 5 m while training. v Spitting and clearing of nasal/respiratory secretions on ovals or other sport settings must be strongly discouraged. v NO sharing drink bottles. v NO sharing equipment whilst training – this includes boots, guards and headgear. Also, do not share personal items such as lip balm, sunscreen, toiletries etc. v Towels and clothing are single use only – they must be washed before being used again. NSWRL- RETURN TO PLAY 7

RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB GUIDELINES: RUGBY LEAGUE CLUBS ARE REQUIRED TO: v Display posters promoting good hygiene and social distancing around the venue. v Provide soap in all bathrooms, changerooms and canteen wash areas. v Have hand hygiene stations at clearly visible locations at the venue. v Introduce cleaning protocols for equipment and facilities. v Amend pre and post-game protocols so players and officials do not touch each other eg, no shaking hands, no walking out with other players. v Have Players, Coaches and Managers practicing social distancing when sitting on benches, with 1. 5 m between individuals. v Ensure that changerooms are restricted areas, accessible only to players, officials and essential staff. v Not allow changeroom access at half time of games. NSWRL- RETURN TO PLAY 8

RETURNING TO RUGBY LEAGUE AFTER RECOVERING FROM COVID-19 v Previously infected Rugby League participants must ensure they no longer pose any infection risk to their community; and v Ensure they have sufficiently recovered to safely participate in training, playing and other physical activity required. v In BOTH instances, clearance from a doctor is required before participation can be permitted. v This medical clearance needs to be provided to the League Administrator NSWRL- RETURN TO PLAY 9

ADDITIONAL MEASURES: v To help safeguard against COVID-19, participants might also choose to download the Australian Government COVID-19 contact tracing app (COVIDSafe) NSWRL- RETURN TO PLAY 10

COVID-19 QUIZ. TRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS 1. Players/staff must wash hands upon entry & exit of Rugby League venue? TRUE 2. Players can share drink bottles now that training and games have commenced? FALSE 3. If I have had any of these symptoms (cough, sore throat, fever, shortness of breath) in the past 24 hrs I should NOT attend training/game? TRUE 4. Players can spit when training/playing, if they are not near anyone? 5. After training, players can shower and have a meal together as a team? 6. I understand my obligations as a Player/Staff to promote required hygienic behaviours within the Rugby League Community. NSWRL- RETURN TO PLAY FALSE-No, spitting is unhygienic. FALSE no social gatherings and players are encouraged to shower at home. TRUE 11