PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 14:  The coaching staff of OPMs look on from the technical area during the Lockie Cup Semi Final match between Old Plymouthian and Mannameadians and Plymstock Albion Oaks at Ivybridge Rugby Club on March 14, 2020 in Plymouth, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Community

12 Jun 2020 | 2 min |

Coach guidance for small group training

England Rugby has provided guidance to help coaches prepare for a return to community rugby.

As a sport we are currently at Stage B of the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap.

Coaches are therefore encouraged to introduce rugby skills gradually and to focus on physical preparation in the form of Activate movement challenges during the first few weeks of group training. 

Rugby is a game where close physical contact is a key feature. In Stage B, coaches should ensure they pay strict attention to how they plan and facilitate coaching sessions to ensure players are not in close contact.   

All activity should be consistent with the government guidance regarding health, travel, social distancing and hygiene at all times. 

Coaches should consider safety first, particularly minimising the risk of infection and transmission. A thorough risk assessment must be undertaken (or updated if one has previously been completed), and appropriate measures put in place to ensure participants, (including the coach) are protected.

A Covid-19 practical coaching session risk assessment document is also available. Coaches and clubs should complete this document before any coaching activity happens.

Here is our ‘Phased Return B: Small Group Training Advice for Coaches Guide’, including key practical tips.

For more information and resources please visit our on demand webinar on Stage B.

This On Demand webinar will take you through the current guidance on rugby activity at Stage B of the Community Rugby Roadmap, whilst providing some resources and support around restarting activity.