The Coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact across the world and not surprisingly it has impacted on sport including rugby.
Most, if indeed not everyone will agree that rugby at the moment is not that important and all thoughts must be with those effected.
The RFU announced that all rugby activity would be suspended from the 17th March 2020 until the 14th April 2020 (click here) and this approach will be under constant review and change as appropriate. It is potentially a longer term issue and there is a question as to whether it will effect the start or even the majority of next season rather than any short term thought of how the current season will finish.
See RFU Community Game Coronavirus (Covid-19) update
Durham Referees’ Society have cancelled all face to face training events, committee meetings etc but has continued its business where possible by using electronic methods
Many clubs will more importantly be considering how they will survive with bars closed and summer fundraising events probably having to be cancelled. Unlike many societies Durham Referee society does not charge an upfront fee and only charges in retrospect for referees who have officiated games for clubs. So we did have to send out invoices to clubs for referees so as to cover our expenses but our treasurer has been able to offer payment terms to reduce the financial burden on clubs.
Hopefully things will be resolved quickly but in the mean time stay safe.