Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Dear Youth & Mini chairperson or contact

Further to my earlier note, the EC Youth Committee met last week, and as a result agreed the following :-

Cup Competitions
We have unanimously agreed that we will cancel all EC & County Cup competitions for this season.
No doubt, some clubs may have difficulties in raising teams to travel away, and revised regulations are likely to cause chaos in organisation.
The current adapted game is welcome, but is it the best solution for a competitive situation ?
We believe that what games can take place are better served as a fun activity, involving as many players as possible, where the game itself, rather than the result is the most important outcome.

U13 Festivals
Given the massive success of these in the past, we are minded to hold one festival Sunday (at various venues) towards the end of the season, conditions & regulations permitting, and depending on the appetite of our clubs.
Would each club, please, confirm their interest (or otherwise) by 6th January 2021

Colts (U17 & U18) Merit Table
We are conscious that there should be more Colts sides than ever within the CB this season. As such, we are anxious to start this program as soon as possible, if conditions and regulations permit.
However, we are aware that car sharing is forbidden at Tiers 2 & above, and this could well hamper a club’s ability to raise a side to travel.
We would aim to keep travel distances to a minimum, but recognise that whatever we do, there is likely to be some travelling involved.
Again, could each club, please, confirm their interest (or otherwise) by 6th January 2021, indicating their likely ability to be able to raise a side to travel

Mini Festivals
Please keep dates in your diaries; but we are now asking that permissions for all festivals (even those pre-authorised) are re-submitted 3 weeks before the due date, with appropriate risk assessments

Domestic Fixtures
Pending any further announcements, you are free to play any games (within adapted law regulations) you wish to arrange, providing that all conditions of the Covid Regulations in force at the time are strictly adhered to for players, spectators, and officials. We are aware of the uncertainty surrounding the progress of the mutated Covid-19 virus, and possible consequent changes to lockdown arrangements.
We would recommend that clubs consider :-
Staggering kick-off times, in order to reduce the number of players and parents on site at any one time, and adequate car parking.
Avoid the use of changing rooms.
Car sharing – please take into account the current car sharing regs affecting players travelling when arranging fixtures; please consider those who may not have access to a car.
Ensure adequate risk assessments are in place, particularly for parents on the touchline – maybe swap R/As at fixture confirmation, so that each club is aware of the expectations of the other.
Ensure social distancing on the touchline.
Details of the RFU guidelines on all these questions can be found at: https://www.englandrugby.com/participation/running-your-club/club-support-centre

17-Year Olds & Adult Rugby
Should a club wish to play an U17 in an adult game, they are reminded that they must submit player approval forms before a youngster plays; please ensure that these are submitted by the Tuesday prior to the game – to 17-2-adult@ecrurugby.com

In the meantime, on behalf of all of us on the Youth Rugby Committee, I would like to wish you all a Happy and safe Christmas and a very much brighter New Year. Best wishes,

Ross

Ross Cowie
Chairman – Eastern Counties – Chairman Youth & Age Grade Rugby