Rugby Ontario COVID-19 Contingency Plan Update
October 1, 2020
(Whitby, ON) -
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact to the organization, Rugby Ontario has had to make the difficult decision to implement measures to ensure its viability. The resulting impact of COVID-19 has gravely affected the operations of Rugby Ontario, which must unfortunately announce that effective October 1st, 2020, will be reduced to a core operating team of six people.
The core functions of Rugby Ontario will be focused in the following areas:
Return to Play management: ongoing implementation of protocols and support of the club sanctioning process; future competition planning/management
Community rugby programming: delivery of rugby development initiatives and resources
High performance programming: athlete and coach engagement and development
Member services: registration & insurance support and management; SportLomo admin and member support
Financial management
Communications: website and social media management
Governance, stakeholder relations and advocacy
At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rugby Ontario developed contingency plans based on the government declared State of Emergency and Reopening Ontario legislation earlier this year, ongoing public health restrictions and Rugby Canada’s nationwide suspension of rugby activities until late June. The organization took specific measures to immediately access available emergency government financial aid, including the Canada Emergency Business Account and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy programs. In addition, the organization reduced its operations eliminating all non-essential program expenses, sought payment relief and accommodation with vendors and has attempted to fundraise to offset the impact from drastically reduced revenues.
“This very difficult decision followed a careful review of options knowing that many dedicated staff would be affected. However, it is necessary to ensure the governing body can continue to support the membership and deliver our core functions now and into the future,” said Myles Spencer, Rugby Ontario CEO.
“The Board and I are incredibly grateful for the level of commitment demonstrated by our entire team in their efforts to implement ‘Return to Play’ across Ontario. While Rugby Ontario adjusts to this transition, we ask for your patience and understanding. We continue to reserve hope for rugby’s return to ‘normal’ in the future, and will remain committed to supporting our community to preserve the future of our sport,” said Spencer.
In addition to these changes, the Rugby Ontario office – based at the Abilities Centre in Whitby – will be closed indefinitely, and all staff of Rugby Ontario will continue to work remotely. The current office address (55 Gordon Street, Whitby, NO L1N 0J2) will continue to serve as Rugby Ontario’s postal address. The organization will update the membership on any future changes to its working environment and contact information.
Rugby Ontario wishes to acknowledge the support and understanding of the rugby community throughout this deeply challenging period.
For more information about Rugby Ontario’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Provincial Return to Play protocols & resources, please visit:
www.rugbyontario.com/return-to-play
ABOUT RUGBY ONTARIO
Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to establish a stronger identity for rugby in Ontario by promoting the sport’s core values and by fostering a culture of inclusiveness and excellence on and off the field of play.
To learn more, visit https://www.rugbyontario.com/
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Email: Info@rugbyontario.com
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