As we all get set to return to rugby, Directors of East Grinstead RFC would like to once again pass on an enormous thank you to all the volunteers, coaches, admin teams, sponsors and members for their commitment and dedication during these tough times. The NHS and keyworkers have been just incredible and continue to look after us and save lives.

We are genuinely excited to see our rugby family getting back together after such a long time and with just one day away from Stage D1, here are the key dates for you to check out ahead of our return:

From 29th March 2021 – Contact training (excluding Scrums & Mauls) can begin as well as Ready4Rugby, 02 Touch & Tag Rugby matches against other clubs.
From 26th April 2021 – Adult & Age Grade matches with adapted laws (no Scrums or Mauls) Not before Step 3 of Government Roadmap (17th May 2021) – Full contact training (including Scrums & Mauls) permitted.
2 weeks after step E1 – Full contact matches permitted.
Not before Step 4 of Government Roadmap (21st June 2021) – All restrictions lifted.

Fantastic news!

Looking forward to an exciting new season ahead.

Bob Marsh - Chairman
East Grinstead RFC

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EGRFC – Off Field Guidance

As from 29 March players and club members shall be returning. The club will only be able to offer some facilities due to COVID restrictions. Please take a moment to read - important!

Track and Trace Protocols
When attending East Grinstead RFC - PLEASE CHECK IN USING THE NHS COVID-19 APP – QR Posters are displayed in many places around the club. Download the app for free https://www.covid19.nhs.uk/ (over 16’s only).

Registration / Check-In
Players: Coaches and Admin Officers will continue to check in all players on the day. This information will only be kept on record as per guidelines for 21 days and disposed of after.

Entry & Exit Points
Please observe the entry and exit signs put up around the Club and stay socially distanced.

Spectators / Age Grade Players’ Parents or Carers
At this time, spectators are not allowed at any community sport and physical activity sessions or events. This does not apply to carers for disabled people, or adults needed to supervise under-18s in a safeguarding role. Where it is necessary for you to be present, supervising adults or waiting parents/carers should not mix with others from outside their household support bubble (Rule of 6).

Opening Days
Mondays / Tuesdays / Wednesday / Thursdays / Saturdays (during matches only) / Sundays.

EGRFC Clubhouse
It is expected that clubhouses will be able to re-open in line with national hospitality guidance from Step 2 on the government’s roadmap. This is when pubs and restaurants will be permitted to re-open (no earlier than 12 April.) Food and beverages will be served on the balcony or benches downstairs.

As soon as we are allowed, we will be offering hot and soft beverages on a take away basis only, this will be operated out of the Junior Clubhouse. Weather permitting we will fire the BBQ up for bacon or sausage baps and burgers.

Toilet Facilities
Toilets are allowed to open on Monday 29 March. Access to toilet facilities will be through the side and back doors to the changing rooms. The facilities will be regularly sanitised. Only 2 persons must use the facilities at any one time.

Changing Rooms and Showers
Changing rooms and showers cannot open from Monday 29 March, except for use by disabled people or in an emergency (for example should an injury occur and require treatment indoors). We are awaiting publication of guidance as to whether changing rooms will be permitted to open at Step 2 on the government’s roadmap (provisionally Monday 12 April) or at Step 3 (provisionally Monday 17 May).

Actions In Case of Injury
If a parent/career is not available, Coaches or First Aiders must have face coverings and gloves available in case of any emergencies. These must be put on before attending to any child or player that is injured. Normal procedures for first aid to be observed, but open wounds must be dressed appropriately and the player stopped from joining the remainder of the session.

Cleansing of Equipment
Coaches/organisers must have appropriate materials of cloths or rolls of blue towel, sanitiser sprays to clean down equipment before, during and after each session. The Club has all these materials on site. There are grey and blue bins around the club’s grounds to dispose of any items used for cleaning. All players must bring their own water bottle clearly marked up with their name and their own personal towel if required.

Feeling Unwell
PLEASE DO NOT visit East Grinstead RFC if you are feeling unwell with Covid 19 symptoms or if you think you’ve been in contact with someone who has coronavirus, but you do not have symptoms and have been told to self-isolate. If you become unwell whilst at the club, please report this to a member of staff or coaching staff.

Travel
Travel for sport and exercise is permitted. However, we strongly recommend keeping travel to a minimum. We are awaiting the publication of government guidance relating to car sharing, minibus and coach use and will update when clarification has been received.

The Clubhouse staff will insist on compliance with the above. Please help us - the club is working hard to achieve a safe environment for us all.

Why not come & join us – there is a team for everyone! Or perhaps you would like to volunteer? Visit www.egrfc.com for club contact details.

Send photos and videos to @EnglandRugby of you gearing up for rugby; cleaning your boots, preparing the pitch and getting your kit ready with #ReturnToRugby.

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REMEMBER

Wash Hands – Keep washing your hands regularly – do this for a least 20 seconds.

Cover Face – Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces unless you are except due to medical reasons.

Make Space – Stay at least 2 metres apart or 1 metre with a face covering & remember the Rule of 6.

Photo Credits @Louise Oliver Photography / Harlequine Photography