Tight rules as return to rugby is announced
Limpopo High Schools Rugby Association chairman Andre Hay said the return of schools rugby will bring out the best in players.
POLOKWANE – Schools were granted permission by South African Schools Rugby Association (Sasra) to resume with their activities following the publication of the Government Gazette dated August 1.
The gazette states that contact and non-contact sport, including training, intra- and interschool matches, as well as intra- and interschool art and culture activities may resume without any spectators.
School sport was suspended in May due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, but schools’ rugby matches in the province are set to kick off again at the end of August.
These matches will be friendly matches until further notice. Hay said rugby players from various schools are itching to return to the field of play.
“The players and the technical teams are excited by the prospect of rugby returning. The return of rugby will be good for the learners and the sport. They cannot wait to showcase their talent,” Hay added.
According to a statement from Sasra, change rooms and training areas, must not exceed more than 50% of the capacity of the venue with persons observing the social distancing requirements.
For outdoor activities, the total number of persons, which includes participants, officials and other personnel must not exceed 100 and for indoor activities the number of persons must not exceed 50.
“Face masks must be worn by all persons who enter the venues where the activities take place, except when participating in training or matches. There must be sufficient quantities of hand sanitisers, with at least 70% alcohol content, available for use by all officials, coaches, assistants, learners and participants.”
There must be facilities for washing hands with soap and water, and the minimum return-to-play requirements are stipulated by the South African Rugby Union.
“These requirements are to ensure the safety of players and prioritise their well-being. It must be emphasised that the principal of each school with the schools’ Covid-19 committee, will be responsible and accountable for deciding when their players can return to play or if they return to play. Every school in the country faces unique challenges and their decision to play or not to play will be respected by Sasra and the South African Rugby Union,” the statement added.
