Suisserugby reacts to rising numbers in 2nd wave of pandemic
Zurich, 22/10/2020 - In view of the current situation surrounding the Coronavirus, and given the regional differences in the current Pandemic situation, the Central Committee of the Swiss Rugby Union (FSR) has taken the following decision regarding the continuation of the Swiss Rugby Competitions: Any club who wants to stop playing rugby this autumn can do so immediately, without any sanctions! Every club will then be re-integrated in the future, after the winter break, in a modified and new form of competition, once this becomes possible (in March, April…).
In the meantime, the Swiss Rugby Union will continue to monitor the situation closely every day, and keep consulting with the authorities, the Federal Office for Sport, Swiss Olympic, and the medical commission of the FSR.
Those clubs who decide to continue any kind of rugby activities, will do so while strictly observing the FSR's approved Return to Competition Concept and keeping to the same track-and-trace routines they have been implementing since the summer.
"The Covid Protection concepts of the Swiss Rugby Union worked very well, and thanks to the clubs' excellent work in applying them, we have managed to avoid passing on any contagion or to create any clusters. However, now it is time to adapt to the situation, with infections rising even more in certain areas", explained Veronika Muehlhofer, CEO of the FSR.
Of course, if the national or cantonal governments will impose new restrictions (example: Valais) or another lock-down, these will always be followed 100%, and the FSR will continue to re-evaluate the situation.
In addition, the Swiss Rugby Union has launched a survey to clubs and players, to get a view on where they stand and what they think about playing rugby during this time. This information (anonymized) will help in any further decisions this year and will also help the FSR into the winter and springtime. The FSR will share the results over the next weeks.
Whatever the clubs' decisions regarding their rugby activities, the Swiss Rugby Union urge everyone to stay safe, stay vigilant, stay disciplined, and work together in solidarity to keep our communities safe and healthy.
See also: The Swiss Rugby Safety Concepts are working
