Federation issues rules for return of the game
Rugby clubs in the UAE have been issued with a 27-page document of return to play safety guidelines.
The UAE Rugby Federation called a halt to the domestic season back at the start of March, just before the final stages could take place.
At the end of May, rugby was among the sports given a brief advisory on what was permitted when the Dubai Sports Council announced the re-opening of sports after the coronavirus outbreak.
That included group coaching with a maximum of 10 participants per session, as well as “no spitting on the ground”, and players being required to bring their own equipment.
With clubs now beginning their preparations for the new season – which is hoped to start at the end of September – the federation have marked out a detailed list of protocols to follow.
“The guidance provided is mandatory for UAE rugby clubs and national teams, and advisory for school rugby who should also be guided by their governing bodies,” the federation said. “The return to activity should be no more than 50 per cent of normal capacity, with sessions not to exceed 60 minutes.”
The guidelines have been created by the UAERF medical committee, headed by Dr Alan
Kourie, who was formerly part of the South Africa team’s medical staff, as well as the Natal Sharks franchise.
They match the general Covid medical guidelines, but with rugby-specific details such as mouthguards only being removed during water and sanitisation breaks at training sessions, and players showering at home.
The guidelines stipulate players to not blow their noses on the field and masks be worn by all attendees in training except when exercising at high intensity. Social distancing has to be adhered to all times.
The protocols also say rugby balls should be sanitised “as often as possible,” ideally at the same time as water and sanitisation breaks every 15 minutes during a training session, which matches guidelines for training in the heat.
“There should be 2-3 sanitisation stations depending on the number of groups training, where players can take water from their own water bottles and can sanitise their own hands,” the report states.
“The training balls can be sanitised during this time. Balls will again be sanitised pre- and post-training.
“There must be no physical contact at any time, including with greetings, except during contact training and matches [yet to be sanctioned].
“Rest times should adhere to the two-metre social distancing rules. Breaks in practice or play are seen as rest times.”