In line with USA Rugby’s published guidelines, Empire GU has created these policy guidelines to assist member clubs through the complicated process of returning to play rugby in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

These policies are subject to change dependent on the current state and local health guidelines. Thus, if your state or county moves to a more conservative stage of activity, rugby will be required need to do the same.


FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THESE GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION NOT LIMITED TO SUSPENSION OF PLAY. Referees are asked to not call an unsanctioned game.

2021 RETURN TO PLAY

As we return to play rugby, EGU is providing resources as suggested guidelines for its member clubs. Clubs should review these documents and make use of the tools they provide. Clubs are reminded that state and local regulations may differ and that each club should understand any local rules currently in place.

RUGBY & STATE-RELATED GUIDELINES
USA Rugby Guidelines (as of March 9, 2021)

STATE OF NEW YORK 

NYS Guidelines - Summary (as of Feb 1, 2021)

NYS Guidelines - Complete Guidance (as of Feb 1, 2021)
NYC Guidance (as of March 17, 2021)

STATE OF NEW JERSEY GUIDELINES

NJ Guidelines (as of Feb 8, 2021)

STATE OF CONNECTICUT GUIDELINES

CT Guidelines (as of Jan 21, 2021)



Return to Play Steps

Your regional health mandate supersedes any policy outlined by the FRU, USA Rugby, or World Rugby: https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html 


If your local county allows social activity such as sports and gatherings then you can create a plan for how you can return to play via the steps below.


The insurance policies have an exclusion for communicable diseases and pandemic/epidemics, so while a broken leg would be covered, COVID itself is not.


Contact Reconditioning

With the long hiatus from rugby, a gradual return to contact is important to avoid injury. World Rugby has developed the “Activate” program to support Strength & Conditioning training for players returning to limited and full contact rugby.