NRL Club Protocols Confidential Contents Overview 1 Training Protocols 2 Training Rehabilitation to be provided remotely 2 No use of Club or private facilities 2 Pre?Competition Training 3 Medical Protocols 3 Essential Medical Staff 3 Medical Services must be provided remotely 3 Mandatory Monitoring Reporting 3 Testing of Suspect 9 Cases 4 Requirements 5 Supplements 5 Wellbeing Services 5 Physiotherapy Services 5 Player Wellness 5 Player Protocols 6 Wellbeing Education Resources 6 Integrity Compliance 6 Overview 1. The Game, our Clubs, Players and participants are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the pandemic. 2. Following the suspension of the NRL Competition on 23 March 2020 most Clubs have closed or are operating on a skeleton staff. It is the responsibility of each Club to inform its staff and Players about changes made to the operations of the Club during the period that the NRL Competition remains in suspension. 3. NRL Offices will remain closed until at least May 2020. A skeleton staff will operate during this time. An update will be provided to Clubs prior to that date regarding the future operations. 4. These Protocols are intended to provide Clubs and Players with guidance regarding matters which will continue to be important for all Clubs during the suspension of the NRL Competition season. They must be read in conjunction with current Government regulations in the area your Club and Players are located. 27 March 2020 Confidential i NRL Club Protocols Confidential Training Protocols 5. Players are encouraged to maintain their fitness during the period of the shut-down, subject to the limitations which are imposed under this Protocol and the latest Government advice. Training Rehabilitation to be provided remotely 6. 10. 11. All Player activities including any training or rehabilitation programs, coaching sessions or other similar activities must be provided remotely. This extends to any briefing sessions, Club updates, wellbeing initiatives or similar. The NRL encourages the use of various technology platforms to ensure players remain engaged and connected with staff, each other and the Club. This may include mobile phone apps, video or telephone conferencing, etc. Clubs can prescribe training or rehabilitation programs for Players, however the programs need to be conducted in isolation, either in the player?s home or in an outdoor space which complies with Government restrictions in place where the Player is located, including social distancing requirements (ie. 4m2 per person where outdoor exercise is permitted). Where these sessions are conducted in a suitable outdoor space, Players must avoid touching any hard surfaces or equipment e.g. outdoor council gyms. All training must be non?contact to maintain social distancing requirements and avoid the risk of transmission of 9 from contact surfaces (ie. no boxing or wrestling sessions during this period). Group training sessions are not permitted under current Government restrictions. Similarly, all Football department staff (excluding medical staff) to the extent they are required to work by the Club during this period, are to perform their duties in isolation and remotely, preferably in their own homes. No use of Club or private facilities 12. l3. 14. Club or indoor sports facilities (including boxing gyms, yoga rooms, swimming pools, dojos or other martial arts facilities) cannot be used during this period to comply with government restrictions. Public gyms, Club or other indoor sports facilities cannot be used due to Government restrictions. However, Clubs may wish to arrange for equipment to be distributed to individual player residences to facilitate training or rehabilitation programs during the close down period. This equipment will need to be appropriately sanitised prior to being distributed or transferred from the Club/gym to players and anytime it is transferred to another person. Clubs must not transition their equipment to a remote location and then ask Players attend this location to complete their programs. 27 March 2020 GOhfidehtial 2 NRL Club Protocols Confidential Pre-Competition Training 15. The NRL will provide Clubs with as much notice as possible ofthe proposed resumption of the NRL Competition so that players can be brought back to work and pre-season training plans can be put in place. We envisage this will be no less than four weeks, but we will work with Clubs over the coming months to provide as much notice as possible should the NRL Competition be able to resume. Medical Protocols Essential Medical Staff 16. Clubs should continue to retain access to the services of a Club Medical Officer during the shut-down for the purposes of delivering and ensuring compliance with these Medical Protocols. Medical Services must be provided remotely 17. 18. Given the Club shut-down all medical services must be provided remotely. Club medical services will remain an essential part of player management whilst the NRL Competition is suspended but should be performed via tele/video conferencing. If applicable, Medicare billing is permitted. Mandatory Monitoring Reporting 19. 20. All Players and Club personnel must continue to report any illness to their Club Medical Officer immediately. This is especially important for any fever or respiratory illness (cough, sneeze, sore throat, shortness of breath etc) to enable appropriate further assessment, management and self?isolation procedures. The following mandatory reporting must be undertaken by 10pm, twice a week to the NRL, each Tuesday and Friday: a. the number of players and staff with a suspected case of 9 since the last report and totals at that time; b. the numbers of players and staff with a diagnosed case of 9 since the last report and totals at that time; 0. confirmed cases requiring hospitalisation due to d. any serious issue impacting daily functioning or extended family issues related to 9; e. any other relevant information required by the NRL Chief Medical Officer from time to time. 2.7 March 2020 COhfldehtlal 3 2T 22. NRL Club Protocols Confidential This information is to be provided to the NRL Chief Medical Officer via the template circulated to Club Medical Officers. Additionally, any pending tests for 9, new confirmed 9 cases or individuals identified as suspect cases (as per Federal Health definition) or 9 hospitalisations should be communicated to the NRL Chief Medical Officer as soon as possible. Testing of Suspect Cases 23. 24. As Clubs are now closed, the remote collection by pathology companies at Clubs is no longer an option. Should a Player or staff member require testing 9 and/or multiplex PCR respiratory virus testing), they should be referred with a valid referral to private testing collection centres 9 clinics or hospitals depending on the severity of their presentation. The NRL understand that this testing is covered by Medicare as per the attached Federal Department of Health information sheet. The following links can be used to identify current testing locations (these will likely change over time). a. New South Wales: i. testingaspx ii. clinicsaspx hlocations_24032020.pdf b. Victoria: i. ii. 9/coronavirus?information/ 0. Queensland: i. O450/dedicated-covid-i 9- centres-20200325.pdf d. ACT: i. iiOZZOpdf e. New Zealand: 2.7 March 2020 Confidential 4 NRL Club Protocols Confidential as per Ministry of Health regulations 9-novel-coronavirus ASADAIWADA Requirements 25. 26. Please be aware that all NRL and medical policies surrounding medication, supplements and injections remain in place. Clubs should provide current Player whereabouts information (ie. their expected residence at the time of shut-down) to: integrity@ nrl.com.au. Clubs will be contacted with further arrangements regarding whereabouts requirements. Supplements 27. Players on leave must continue to only take supplements approved under the Club Supplement Policy. Wellbeing Services 28. All or wellbeing services must be performed via tele/video conferencing. 29. In situations where a Player is at risk of harm, the Club Chief Medical Officer should be notified immediately and will follow necessary steps to refer the player to a Triage Service to assess acute risk. The RLPA should also be approached to access their support services. Physiotherapy Services 30. Regarding physiotherapy services, these should now become online with very limited hands on treatment. Other than in exceptional circumstances, if hands on physiotherapy service is essential, this should only be undertaken in a health care facility. No hands on physiotherapy services can be undertaken at the NRL Club and should be avoided in the home. 31. Club Medical Officers should arrange regular online meetings with the musculoskeletal treatment personnel to facilitate coordinated care and keep the physiotherapists up to date with club personnel with viral illness. Player Wellness 32. Clubs should continue to monitor the health and wellbeing of players during the period that the Clubs are closed and while the NRL Competition remains in suspension. This can be done via Club Medical Officers and/or Club Wellbeing personnel. Modifications to wellness monitoring are recommended so as to assist with the early identification of players with suggestive of 9 and those who are struggling with the impact of issues such as isolation and family illness. 27 March 2020 Confidential Q?l NRL Club Protocols Confidential Player Protocols 33. The position in relation to social distancing is rapidly changing and is subject to frequent updates from the Federal and State Governments. 34. Protocols for Players concerning hygiene, social distancing, travel and other important matters are annexed to this Protocol Document. Club staff should also follow the directions in the Protocol, read together with any updated Government advice. Wellbeing Education Resources 35. Clubs, Players and Staff should have reference to the following resources, in addition to their support networks within the Club and personally: a. Club Wellbeing Managers or a club (where available). b. Benestar Confidential Counselling Service, contactable on 1300 360 364. c. The NRL Wellbeing team (via and RLPA Player Operations Managers are also available to assist. Integrity Compliance 36. The NRL will maintain an Integrity capability during the Office closure. Players should be reminded that their obligations under the NRL Rules, particularly the Code of Conduct, remain in place during the shut-down of the competition. 37. Club must report breaches or suspected breaches of the NRL Rules by contacting Joe Collins (jcollins@nrl.com.au: 0434 i 52 923) or Karyn Murphy (kmurphy@nrl.com.au: 0428 500 246). 27 March 2020 Confidential 6 DATE 27 March 2020 Dear Players Our Game is currently facing unprecedented challenges in the face of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Protocols below have been developed as an important part of the Game’s defence of the health and safety of our Players, Clubs and Officials during this time. We understand that the Protocols mean there is going to be some significant restrictions on you, but they are absolutely necessary to protect your health and safety, and that of your family and friends. Please read this document carefully. It is very important that every Player strictly follow the below Protocol. Please remember, the Protocols are in line with the restrictions and guidelines mandated by Government. Players and Clubs have a responsibility to make adjustments to how they go about their daily lives to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Australia and New Zealand. We are in this together, in protecting the health of each other and in giving our Game the best opportunity to withstand these challenging times. Please ensure that you keep aware of Government restrictions where you are. It is very important that you follow those instructions in addition to those below. Be aware that restrictions may be different depending on where you are in Australia or New Zealand. The NRL thanks the RLPA for their support in issuing these Protocols. If you have any questions about the Protocols, please speak to your Club or the RLPA. Todd Greenberg Chief Executive Officer National Rugby League MOST IMPORTANT: IF YOU ARE UNWELL IN ANY WAY, CONTACT YOUR CLUB DOCTOR Clint Newton Chief Executive Officer Rugby League Players Association You must report any illness or suspected illness of you or members of your household to your Club Medical Officer immediately and follow their instructions. If you start feeling unwell when you are away from the Club, call your Club Medical Officer. Do not go into the Club. Memorandum to all NRL Players Protocols for NRL Players during Shut-Down CLUB PREMISES ARE CLOSED DURING SHUTDOWN Your Club premises, including the gym, are closed during the shut-down. YOU CAN STILL TRAIN IN ISOLATION - but no-contact All training and rehabilitation programs and coaching sessions will be provided remotely by your Club. Your Football Department will be in contact regarding how these will be delivered through technology platforms. You must not go into your Club without permission from your CEO or Club Medical Officer. Training must be conducted on your own - either at your house or in an outdoor space which complies with Government restrictions where you are. If training outdoors you must maintain a 4m square space between you and other people at all times. All physio and rehab will be provided to players remotely. If your Club determines that face to face treatment / rehab is essential, arrangements will be made for you to attend a private medical clinic. No treatment will occur at your Club. All training will be non-contact. Your Club may provide you with ball work drills but none that requires training with a partner or a group. Remember, all training must be conducted on your own. Your Club may recommend Apps which will allow you to interact with your team mates on your training progress. When training it is very important to observe hygiene requirements (see below). Avoid any hard surfaces or equipment (e.g. outdoor council gyms). Wash or sanitise your hands frequently, especially after training and do not touch your face. TRAINING EQUIPMENT Your Club gym and all public gyms will be closed during the shutdown. Your Club may make arrangements for you to take gym equipment/gear home with you. The equipment must be sanitised before you take it home, and you must keep it clean before and after use (for example, wipe down the surface with an antiseptic wipe or disinfectant after every use). If someone else (even a family member) uses the Memorandum to all NRL Players Protocols for NRL Players during Shut-Down equipment you must sanitise before you use it and after each use. KEEP AWAY FROM PUBLIC SPACES You must observe all social distancing advice from the Government, including: o You must limit the time you spend in public, particularly around other people, to the absolute minimum; o you must stay home unless you are attending to essential household, family or medical needs. Essential household/family purposes may include shopping for food or seeking medical treatment. Players must exercise good judgment and err on the side of caution. If there is a possibility of coming into close contact with other people, avoid that activity. Regularly check Government restrictions where you are and comply with them. HYGIENE IS VERY IMPORTANT Any time that you are in public: o Maintain a distance of at least 1.5m from other people; o Avoid all physical contact - no handshakes, kissing, highfives, hugs etc. with any member of the public, including friends or acquaintances - this means no selfies, sharing/touching phones, no touching pens to sign autographs etc. You should wash your hands regularly with soap and water (this is the preferred option) or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth. It is particularly important that you clean your hands after touching any surface in public. Remember, it is not just other people that present a risk of infection - public places are also a risk as the surfaces can carry the COVID-19 virus. Memorandum to all NRL Players Protocols for NRL Players during Shut-Down AT HOME It is recommended that you do not have visitors to your home. If you do, you must limit visitors to a small number and practice social distancing. Any form of gathering, including at home, must comply with the Government’s social distancing requirements (one person per 4 square metres and stay 1.5m apart). Check Government restrictions as to whether visitors are permitted. It is very important that you take special precautions if you live with elderly family members (>60 years) or with anyone who suffers from a chronic medical condition. Speak to your Club Medical Officer if anyone you live with or have close contact with at home falls into this category. This could include parents, grand-parents, aunties, uncles, anyone with heart disease, respiratory illnesses, cancer or other serious illness. TRAVEL You must only travel for essential things such as shopping or attending to family or medical needs. Australian Federal and State Governments are limiting nonessential travel across the country, and Australians have been advised to stay home when not performing essential duties. New Zealand currently has additional restrictions in place which you must observe. You should check travel advisories and Government restrictions before you travel. Some locations are already in lock-down and you may need to self-isolate before you can enter, e.g. Queensland shut its borders on 25 March. Also be aware that remote Indigenous communities in NT are currently open only to essential travel. The Australian Government imposed an international travel ban on 25 March 2020. Your Club needs to be able to contact you at all times. Players must let their Club know if they plan to travel during the shutdown period. Memorandum to all NRL Players Protocols for NRL Players during Shut-Down SOCIALISING & ESSENTIALS Governments have placed significant restrictions on people congregating in public. Restaurants, bars, gyms and other public places have now been closed. Essential services such as shopping centres, pharmacies and medical facilities remain open at the moment. If you order take-away, dispose of the packaging immediately, wash hands immediately before and after eating, and do not touch your face. You should be careful if shopping in supermarkets, etc - including observing social distancing and using hand sanitiser. Home delivery is preferable where that is available. HOSPITALS & MEDICAL FACILITIES Hospitals and medical practices are high risk areas for transmission of the coronavirus and other illnesses. Players should avoid hospitals or other medical treatment facilities except in the case of emergency or if they require essential medical treatment. Speak to your Club Medical Officer if you have any questions regarding this. WELLBEING SUPPORT These are unprecedented and challenging times for everyone. Your wellbeing remains of the utmost importance. We understand that following these Protocols will present challenges for you in maintaining balance and your wellbeing, and the wellbeing of your family during this time. Support is available to you - see the contacts below. The NRL Wellbeing team and your RLPA Player Operations Managers are available to assist. For NRL Wellbeing, contact Paul Heptonstall at pheptonstall@nrl.com.au. You should work on your wellbeing plan with the assistance of these resources. If you have a club Psychologist, we encourage you to utilise them. Benestar Confidential Counselling Service is a resource available to you during this time on 1300 360 364. You will soon receive a financial flyer developed by the RLPA and Ben Creagh from Shadforth Financial Group, which provides steps to better understand your own personal financial situation. Ben Creagh: 0432740634; Ben.Creagh@sfg.com.au Memorandum to all NRL Players Protocols for NRL Players during Shut-Down Rugby League’s culture is one built on having one another’s back during tough times on and off the park, so during this time it’s important you check in with one another. Pick up the phone and ask your mate how he is going and be prepared to listen.