JULY 2020 - PRESIDENT'S UPDATE
The return to Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions is a significant blow to our season. Rugby Victoria is working hard with the Victorian Government and other stakeholders to put in place new plans for community rugby, for when we are permitted to commence training again and plan for some form of competition.
Under the current restrictions, the use of our club facilities for club rugby is not possible. We will keep you informed as the situation develops and we have some clarity over when we can recommence our programs.
We will be commencing rugby programs when restrictions ease.
Last Wednesday, our U11's/12's and U14's had the opportunity to participate in an inter-club match along with our usual Wednesday night training. Unfortunately, the current restrictions had resulted in the postponement of the junior competition that was planned to start this past weekend.
So the club pulled out this season's jerseys to give them a run before Stage 3 restrictions were put into place. It was great to see our junior's all kitted out, and even better to see all their hard work and training put into play!
This was followed with a BBQ to celebrate afterwards and to say thank you to all the parents, coaches and players for their hard work so far this year.
Thank You
Through the period leading up to the current restrictions, it was great to see the number of volunteers (coaches, managers, support people) that turned out to make the additional training sessions needed possible.
The additional distancing and health controls we needed to have in place to run the club every day of the week and to fit all the sessions in was only possible because you all contributed.
A great team effort, well done!
Stay Healthy
The return to Stage 3 restrictions will be challenging from a personal perspective for many people. Please don’t underestimate the mental health challenge this poses for some people. Please make an effort to stay connected with your mates and club associates more than ever now.
Please click on the the link below or copy and paste it into a browser window if you are looking for resources to help.
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/mental-health-resources-coronavirus-covid-19
Donors and Sponsors Help Close the Gap
The Club has worked hard this year to continue delivering programs, extended training schedules and member benefits (equipment, kit etc) despite not having the benefit of the revenue from our canteen and club rooms. This income, along with the many volunteers who donate their valuable time, is vitally important for us as a club because it helps to bridge the gap between our operating costs and membership fees . This year our fantastic donors and club sponsors have helped us bear the brunt of these costs however I urge you all continue supporting the club with your memberships if you have not already done so.
A huge thank you to everyone involved, your support has been vital to our efforts.
Programs
The extended training period, additional programs and member benefits have been a feature this year. Seeing the numbers increasing at training is a huge positive, it has been great to see kids and adults improve and get fit.
The women’s 'Come Try Rugby' day saw over 30 girls and young women turn out and have a great experience. The school holiday program was well attended by kids of all ages, despite being cut-short due to the current restrictions.
We don’t want to lose this momentum and will be reaching out to each and every member to make sure we get back together to run some form of program and competition, when restrictions ease.
Coaching
If you have been tinkering with the idea of coaching or volunteering to support a team, we will be using the lock-down period to up-skill coaches and get people across the roles available to support the club. Please contact either:
Ian Nathan at webmaster@moorabbinrams.com
Rayne Simpson at headcoach@moorabbinrams.com
if you are interested in being involved.
The Next 6 Weeks
We will plan ahead and work through various options for recommencement.
Over this period we will also schedule our Annual General Meeting, which may need to be held digitally.
Please make sure you stay in touch with coaches and managers so you can get the information on re-commencement plans.
We will also let you know when our new club merchandise arrives for those keen to wear the club colours and help spread the rugby message.
If you have views on what we need to do to improve as a club, please send your thoughts through to myself at president@moorabbinrams.com or lena.weston@moorabbinrams.com. Alternatively, take the opportunity to respond to our member survey which will be issued in the next couple of weeks.
Take care and stay healthy!
Arvind David
Club President