Boost for junior clubs ahead of Return to Play

With the support of the Australia Rugby League Commission, the Queensland Rugby League is pleased to confirm a significant investment of up to $500,000 that will assist junior clubs across the state in their Return to Play endeavours.

QRL managing director Robert Moore said it was an important outcome given the limitations the current restrictions had placed on clubs in generating revenue this year.

“As a result, we will be targeting this funding directly at junior clubs to specifically cover the full cost of insurance for all teams, from under 6s to under 18s, for the abbreviated 2020 season,” Moore said.  

“It is hoped the funding will remove an existing barrier to a Return to Play this year.” 

Clubs will work directly with QRL staff in their respective region on administering the funding, with specific detail to be confirmed in the coming days. 

Additional funding support for senior competitions is also in the pipeline through the work currently being undertaken by the QRL and regions.

In announcing the boost for junior league clubs, the QRL also wish to acknowledge the support of long-time partner AJ Gallagher in allowing significant flexibility across the 2020 insurance program.

The QRL, as part of the Field Sports Industry Group, is hopeful a revised COVIDSafe Industry Plan will further ease restrictions in Stage 3 of the Return to Play.

The updated plan is due to be released later this week.

Given the unprecedented times and the need to support a safe return, the QRL is making a further investment in technology to help the rugby league community and to ease the burden on volunteers.

This development will be utilised by clubs as part of attendance tracking for all visitors to rugby league venues once community competitions resume. 

The technology, provided via EVA Check-in, will allow for contact-less entry to all venues, ensuring accurate record keeping, smooth entry and exit and compliance with the COVIDSafe Industry Plan.