Like so many industries, Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the community sport and recreation sector. In recognition of the invaluable support of sponsors and to re-launch the 2020 Sunshine Coast Rugby Union season, the Noosa Dolphins Rugby Club held an intimate sponsors event last Friday to thank local businesses for their ongoing and unwavering support. Despite the Covid-19 interruption, Noosa Rugby once again, has more than 350 men and women registered for the 2020 season.
Without the support of dedicated sponsors, the Dolphins could simply not provide the high-quality programs, services and infrastructure for players and the Noosa community. The event was timed to coincide with the last junior training session before the resumption of the junior rugby season, with 100’s of enthusiastic juniors taking the field in preparation for the resumption of the games on 24 and 25 July.
The event was also an introduction to what 2020 spectating will look like for so many avid fans. Strict ground management protocols, designed by the Queensland Government in consultation with the peak sporting bodies of field-based sports, stipulate a number of requirements that need to be met in order for community sport to resume. On arrival to the ground, each attendee is now required to digitally sign into the venue. This step has been implemented to assist with contact tracing in the unfortunate, and hopefully unlikely event a person does contract Covid-19. The Dolphins management committee would like to thank everyone in advance, as volunteers implement a range of new matchday protocols to get players back on the field.
The seniors season commences on 1 August with away games against long-time rivals the Maroochydore Swans with the first home game of the season against reigning premiers the Caloundra Lighthouses on 8 August.
Kick off times for the 2020 season are designed to limit cross over of players and spectators at venues.
They will be Colts 11am, Senior Women 12.45pm, Reserve Grade 2.15pm and A Grade 4pm.