Fall 2020 Update

As with the rest of the country, our Fall 2020 plans have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Below you will find the most up-to-date information and guidance by the ARU, including a Q&A section for the most commonly asked question.

You will also find below our list of various engagements and upcoming seminars. Virtual seminars will be recorded - when available - and housed on our website for individuals unable to attend at the time.

COVid-19 Guidance and Q&A

Collegiate Fall season - suspended


The Allegheny Rugby Union announced on August 3, 2020 that the Fall season will be suspended at the collegiate level.

This was a difficult, but necessary, decision to make. However, the pandemic has continued to worsen and none of our competition states are currently at a phase of reopening that allows competition based on USA Rugby return-to-play guidelines. As the pandemic changes - hopefully for the better soon - the ARU will continue to update its guidance to colleges and universities.

Please see the Q&A below for commonly asked questions about updated guidance.

COVID-19 and Fall Guidance Q&A

Q: Does my team need to register with NCR?

A: If you are planning to have any in-person training sessions this fall, YES, your club must register with NCR for insurance purposes. If your club will be having no in-person training sessions, then NO you do not need to register with NCR at this time.

Q: When will collegiate play return?

A: At this point, we have no guidance for a return to play at this moment. Returning to play in Fall 2020 is highly unlikely. Many of our colleges and universities have moved to online instruction and banned clubs from competing for the entire fall semester. IF conditions improve, we may update guidance to allow clubs who have been practicing and are registered with NCR to compete.

We are cautiously optimistic that we may return to play in the Spring of 2021. Much of our guidance will depend on the directives from their university and college administration.

Q: Will we try to play a full, 15s, competitive season in the Spring?

A: The Spring season will be dependent on college and university directives to allow or not allow clubs to compete and the competitive guidelines from NCR. At minimum, should rugby return in the Spring, we will be asking clubs what type of competition they would prefer to compete in to create competitions that allow all to return to rugby in a manner that they feel is appropriate to their level.

Have a question not answered here? Email aruexecboard@gmail.com for more answers.

Webinars

Webinar SEries


Even though we are not competing on the pitch this fall, the ARU wants to provide various digital engagements for our college and universities clubs. We CAN continue to grow our clubs during this time, and we will help you figure out HOW to do that.

While we are still lining up guests, dates, and topics to discuss, please stay tuned for upcoming announcements on these digital seminars.

Topics will include: Club professionalism, marketing and advertisements, fundraising and grant application, coaching and referee clinics, club safety protocols, and a once-a-month live Q&A with the ARU executive board!