Fall 2020 & Covid-19 – Decision July 31st, 2020

by admin

For Immediate Release

College Rugby

Wednesday June 17th, 2020

Tri-State Collegiate Rugby Conference

NY, NJ & CT

Rugby Fall 2020 and Covid-19 – Decision July 31st, 2020

The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic in the USA and the devastating impact particularly in the New York metropolitan area, i.e. The Tri-State region of NY, NJ and CT, has cast a shadow on the 2020-21  Rugby season.

As of this date, June 17th, 2020 it seems that every school is in limbo and discussing return to education options that include a wide range of options from on-line only classes to in-person teaching back on campus. I think it is fair to say that all schools will follow Federal, State, Governing Body (USA Rugby/NCAA), Local Health Department and School guidelines. It has been encouraging to see the cooperation between the 3 State Governors and that bodes well for the Tri-State area.

The Tri-State Conference will make a decision on the Fall 2020 Season at the end of July that will take into consideration all of the above mentioned administrative bodies. However, it may help to provide examples of what may happen:

Scenarios

It could be that there are no intercollegiate games and the Fall 2020 season is cancelled;

Travel in buses may be an issue and force cancellation of games;

Some schools may allow teams to practice but not play games;

Some schools may open later and allow competition so schedules would need to be modified;

Some schools may opt to only play opponents in the same State that they know are adhering to guidelines;

There may be a version of a regular season and no postseason.

There are no doubt other scenarios and it could well be that just a few institutions play games with others only practicing while some opt to cancel their club sports programs this Fall.

I would encourage all to wear masks in public, observe social distancing and wash hands regularly. This has worked to contain the spread. Containment will allow our hospitals to cope and with widespread testing and then tracing when cases are discovered we can avoid significant outbreaks.

Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions and concerns.

“Serving Collegiate Rugby in the NY, NJ and CT area.”

http:wwwtristaterugby.com