Rugby League Challenge Cup Semi-Finals

CORAL CHALLENGE CUP
SEMI FINALS 2020
OUR SAFETY-
FIRST APPROACH
CONTINUES
WITH EXTRA
RISK REDUCTION
MEASURES SO THAT
WE CAN GET SOME
COMMUNITY RUGBY
LEAGUE ON IN THESE
CHALLENGING
CIRCUMSTANCES
“These added measures
mean that sadly there will
be no Open Age matches
taking place in 2020 and
playing opportunities for
Youth and Junior age
groups have been reduced.
Playing opportunities will
begin at Youth and Junior
level in October – and we
take some consolation from
the fact that controlled
contact will be permitted for
Open Age training.
“This news will cause upset
and disappointment at
Community Clubs and we
share those feelings as we
work flat out to support
the phased return of the
Community game.
“We have to act responsibly
as the Governing Body and
member clubs together,
and do all we can to
demonstrate that Rugby
League can be played safely
- initially at Youth and Junior
level.
“The Government fully
recognises the vital role
team sports like ours play
in improving physical and
mental health – which
is more significant now
than ever. We take every
opportunity to stress
those points and ensure
policy makers are aware
of the significant financial
implications for Community
Clubs from the lack of Open
Age fixtures, which are vital
to revenue streams.
“Ralph Rimmer represented
the sport at a meeting
with the Sports Minister
this week and reinforced
the impact of the latest
restrictions on all three tiers
of the game.
“We have been grateful
for the financial support
provided over recent
months by Sport England
and are hopeful of further
support through the winter
months to offset the impact
of the restrictions we are
under.
“Clearly, the situation
remains fluid - the RFL
Board will review the
situation again before
fixtures begin in October,
and we would stress to all
the possibility of further
change at short notice.”
The rationale behind added
measures is as follows: -
It is easier and safer to
maintain control over the
number and behaviour of
spectators for youth and
junior fixtures. Players will
be limited to one parent/
guardian during Oct/Nov
with no activity planned for
December.
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Younger players are more
open to the “turn up, play
and go home” philosophy
than older players who see
after-match socialising as
a significant part of the
match day experience.
Socialising around sporting
activity rather than the
activity itself has led to
several outbreaks in other
sports.
Greater concern around
young adults in terms
of infection rates. Young
adults form a considerable
proportion of Open Age
players.
Youth and Junior games are
usually less intensive and of
shorter duration than Open
Age games.
In terms of the rationale
behind fortnightly fixtures
at Youth and Junior level: -
It will be easier and safer to
deal with players having to
isolate and reduce risk of
infection.
It will ease pressure on
facilities and ensure they
remain Covid-19 secure.
And it will allow clubs
to train on alternative
weekends when winter
training facilities are scarce
and indoor facilities are not
available.
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