Return to Rugby for 2021

We know everyone is eager to get practices started and give players the chance to work on fitness, mental attitude, and rugby skills. Coaches have been working hard on making it safe to return to play and have a plan to ensure practice meets COVID-19 protocols. This will include wearing masks, social distancing, and temp checks when players arrive at the beginning of practice. It will be important that parents and players read and understand these requirements carefully before starting practice as well as follow them during practice. Please download and sign both the COVID-19 protocol and waiver forms, and then return to eastsidelionsrugby@outlook.com before first practice. Sorry but no player will be allowed to practice without these signed forms.

Download Lions COVID19 protocol
Download Lions Covid Waiver

New Registration for 2021

Registration is a little different this year. You will need to register with USA Rugby using a new tool called SportLomo.

A $25 USA Rugby fee is payable now. This is the only fee necesary at this point and is non-refundable but will allow access to all practices.

Register at USA Rugby here

SportLomo is replacing TeamSnap and you will need to sign up for a new account. You can find a short video here on how to register.

Select the Eastside Lions club when prompted.

Register as a “High School Player (Training)” or “Youth Player (Training)”.

In summary new COVID-19 guidelines will be in place for all players. Please read, sign and return both Lions forms.

If for any reason you have not been able to register with USA Rugby, please sign and returned the USA Rugby release as well.

Download USA Rugby Release

We are waiting on the season schedule to be finalized by our state rugby organization, but are expecting practice Feb to April and games from April to June.

This year we will be making Club fees as low as possibly and will only be introduced once we have a firm commitments on the season. To keep these fees as low we will remove all new kit costs. Instead you will be able to order kit (rugby shirt, shorts, socks and a rugby ball) through the club should you need it.

New to rugby?

If you have not played rugby previously that is absolutely fine. We welcome everyone and our coaches will bring you up to a standard where you feel confident. If you are not quite sure if rugby is for you then attend one of our trainings for free to find out more. You can find out more information lower down the page.

Find out about a free trial

The club needs your help

This year more than ever the club will need help from parents to get the kids out practicing. For each team we will require covid checks (temp checks on arrival, sanitizing equipment etc) each week. For those able to help, please sign up using the button below.

Volunteer

New to Rugby?

Don't worry if you have never played Rugby before. The most important element is giving it a go. Many others will be in the same position. Simply turn up on Tuesday or Thursday training sessions to give rugby a try for free. See the schedules on the home page for times and locations.

 

If this is your first time then just come dressed ready to run around outdoors. Our practice sessions involve plenty of running so having an outer layer initially that can be removed for after warm up. Secondly if you have cleats (see below) then please bring otherwise initially just use sneakers. If you find you want to continue then you will need to invest in a pair of cleats.

 

Mouth Guard: A mouth guard will be required for any contact drills and we encourage all ages to bring and wear a mouth guard through the entire practice. This is most important at the younger ages as inadvertent collisions can occur and we want the kids to get used to wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards must not extend outside of  the mouth (blinky style is not allowed and any strap must be cut or removed).

 

Cleats: Cleats must not have a single toe cleat common to football cleats, no baseball cleats, molded rubber soccer style cleats are the best as a start.

 

Dress for the weather: No hoods, however beanies can be worn.  Younger kids can wear football receiver style gloves. Dress for the weather in layers, as we get into the colder months undergarments that cover the legs are allowed in practice.

 

Eastside Lions kit: If you are entirely new to the club but have decided you want to play this season we will organise a kit for you that includes shirt, shorts, socks and a rugby ball so that you can practice. There will be a small fee for this which we will announce shortly.

 

Bring a sports bottle for water.

Youth USA Rugby Release Waiver

All players are required to sign a USA rugby release waiver and COVID-19 guideline before training or playing for the Eastside Lions Youth Rugby club.

You can download a copy here and here, then please return to either your coach or email it to eastsidelionsrugby@outlook.com

Financial Assistance

We never turn away a young person who wants to play rugby. We  welcome all and support those in need  of assistance. We are both flexible and confidential in working with any individual or family. Please click here to contact us further.

Parents and volunteering

To keep our fees as low as possible we ask for each family to volunteer five hours. Not only does this help keep your fees down but it also provides the Lions, your athlete and your family an opportunity to be part of a great  community. We are the largest club in the state and need your support to maintain this high level of expectation.

What does each team need help with?

Player Recruitment
Field set up
Post Match break down and clean up
Feed coordinator
Cook/BBQ for feeds
Team parent
Team parent coordinator (system wide)
Kit wash
The club would welcome volunteers which would count to volunteer hours:

Auction Committee
Player Recruitment
Player kit fitting
End of season BBQ
Coordinate hosts homes for visiting national tour team
Volunteer Coordinator
Social media
Apparel
Parent 101 committee
Community out-reach
Certified medical trainer
Matching - Eastside Lions Youth Rugby is registered with company matching schemes in the region. Please do match your volunteer hours as our club relies on matching funds to support the mission and vision of the club.

Volunteer here