The Government Lockdown in effect from 5th January 2021 means all Community RL must cease with immediate effect.
**From the RFL - Dated 5th January 2021**
Following the Government’s announcement last night that we are entering a period of nationwide lockdown, Community Rugby League activity must unfortunately cease with immediate effect.
During this period of lockdown clubs are encouraged to get their participants registered (players, coaches, and volunteers) so that when we are ready to return, we have all the operational aspects in place. Further information on this will be sent on by the relevant Competitions this week.
In addition, there is also a Coach Right online module which coaches must complete by the end of March, this provides coaches with education on coaching techniques, player welfare, Covid-19 procedures to name a few.
Keeping fit and active is key for everyone’s mental and physical wellbeing. Government advice says that people can only leave their home to exercise, and not for the purpose of recreation or leisure.
You can continue to exercise alone, with one other person from outside your household, or with your household or support bubble.
This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
You should maintain social distancing while exercising. Organised outdoor sport for disabled people is allowed to continue.
The RFL’s ‘Virtual RL’ online programme is here to help players prepare for the 2021 season.
#VirtualRL offers a wide range of skills, fitness and lifestyle activities linking to a weekly ‘Gameday Challenge’. It builds on the popular #SkillToPlay initiative, which during the first Lockdown showcased some of the game’s finest players and helped children and young people to emulate the skills of their heroes.
RFL Director of Participation and Development, Marc Lovering, states: “Whilst the lockdown is disappointing it is important that we all continue to follow the Government advice and guidelines so that we can return to Rugby League as soon as practically possible.
“We are still confident that given the more promising developments relating to vaccines, formal competition will return after Easter as we build up to the Rugby League World Cup.
“We knew the winter period was going to be challenging and it would be the spring before we started to see the situation improve and that has proven to be the case. The #VirtualRL programme will help players to hit the ground running and it is important clubs continue to engage with participants and ensure everything is in place for when the season eventually starts.”
#VirtualRL is freely available here.
During lockdown the RFL’s Participation and Development team will continue to support community clubs directly with club sustainability work, such as ensuring that clubs can access grant funding and any other support available.
Anybody with any questions on grant funding should email National Clubs Manager John McMullen: John.McMullen@rfl.uk.com
For full advice on what is and isn’t allowed please visit the Government website HERE
A statement for the whole game can be found here - Impact of National Lockdown on Rugby League (rugby-league.com)