With government restrictions easing Kilmarnock Rugby Club would now like to welcome back it’s members, players and wider community affiliates. We thank you for your unwavering commitment and patience during these unprecedented times. Rugby is slowly finding it’s feet and progress is being made to returning back to what will most certainly be a ‘new normal’, however, we still would like to stress the importance of being vigilant and patient in these times. For many of us rugby is a source of exercise, feeling connected and escape but by erring on the side of caution we can ensure the safety of everyone involved at the club and the wider community. Our concern is everyone’s safety and we aim as a club to quell any fears you may have in regard to returning to rugby.

I have no doubt that there are a wealth of questions regarding returning to rugby and I’ll endeavour to answer most in this document, assisted with information given by the Scottish Government and the SRU.

Each age group/ section has a designated COVID Team Lead who will take guidance from myself in terms of the measures put in place. Your child’s team lead will make themselves known to you and will take onboard any questions that you may have. Below I have put a series of FAQs that I hope will answer your questions.

How will attendance at training be monitored?
Kilmarnock Rugby Club has adopted the Sports Train app that is available on all smartphone platforms. The app allows for a parent to register their child onto the system and pre-book attendance, answer a COVID-19 questionnaire and check their child in once they have arrived at the club. This attendance is then collated by me and kept for 21 days to meet the Test and Protect protocols championed by the government. The app allows for a seamless way to register attendance and team leads can advise on how this is done.

What is the arrival procedure when coming to training?
Wednesday nights are the chosen night for junior section training with the mini and micro section starting at 1830 and the midi section starting at 1900. I am encouraging parents and children to avoid turning up to training well in advance of the start time but instead aim to arrive 5 minutes before to avoid unnecessary gathering in the car park. I encourage parents and players to remain in the car until signalled by either your team lead or coach, this way we can avoid any queuing whilst waiting for hand sanitiser etc. The kids are then escorted to their designated training space and will remain there for the duration of the session. I must encourage parents to park sensibly whilst at the club and to exercise common sense in terms over crowding the car park.

How many parents are allowed to training?
For safety reasons, we are only allowing 1 parent per child whilst at training. Parents must socially distance at 2m whilst watching the training sessions. I would encourage bringing a face covering if you feel that this can not be adhered to or if feel that the 2m distance can not be met. Again, I will stress the importance of common sense in this scenario.

How will injuries be dealt with if the situation arises?
During training a designated First Aider will be in place in the event of an injury. The location of the first aid station will be made clear to you upon arrival at the club. The first aider will have the necessary PPE in order to treat any injuries. If you are unsure of where or the first aider is, please ask your team lead or coaches and they can advise.

What is the toilet situation at the club?
Unfortunately, as it stands the clubhouse and changing rooms are out of bounds, however the club are dealing with the matter at hand and are endeavouring to rectify the issue as soon as possible. Until this time, I encourage that kids attend the toilet prior to attending training and parents are more than welcome to bring a flask for any hot drinks whilst they spectate. I must remind that sharing is not allowed.

What sanitisation measures are in place during training?
Once collected by either the team lead or coach, everyone is encouraged to sanitise their hands with the provided alcohol gel, but additional alcohol gel will be available at each designated training area. There will be signage situated around the grounds that will help remind and advise of the measures in place. Balls used at training will have been cleaned and sanitised prior to use and repeated following the end of the session.

I hope I’ve provided clarity on the questions may have, however, if you have anything further you would like to ask please get in touch with your team lead/ coaches or myself and we will strive to provide an answer.

Stay Safe and welcome back.
Ryan Andrews
KRFC COVID Coordinator