Can't Play Due to Covid-19 - what's the go?

December 22, 2021 - 3 years ago

Hi all! Lindsay here from UR HQ just giving out a lil’ insight into how things need to roll as we enter into the new year of 2022.

Covid-19...it’s been around for a while now, and it will probably be a thorn in our sides for a little while longer. :-(

In light of this thorn, we have had no choice but to implement some subtle changes to our Default, Forfeit & Substitute Policy in hopes of making that thorn a wee bit smaller. We have seen more forfeits and defaults in Nov / Dec 2021 than ever before, and we get it...there’s a global pandemic and sometimes isolation orders are given, and obviously that takes precedent over social sport...but unfortunately, this has left the door wide open for a free pass on default fees being paid with very little we can do about it.

The solution is simple. We must stop the misuse of this genuine forfeit reason. So, from 05 Jan 2022 onwards, all Default & Forfeit Policy rules apply to Covid-19 as they would apply to any other reason for absense. Please see our updated Default, Forfeit & Substitute Policy here. 

We simply cannot continue to function with mass defaults, no shows and forfeits with “Covid-19” providing a free pass as it is being deemed too taboo to be questioned on.

We believe giving notice of absense is not a difficult taks, and shows not only respect for our club, but also respect for your fellow members that are ultimately the ones who often suffer the most when their opposition defaults at a late hour.

Please note:

1. There is a difference between a default and a forfeit. Learn the difference here.
2. When issued and paid, default fees are not held by Urban Rec...they are a payment that does directly back to the team who missed out on a game they’d paid for when they were defaulted against.

In summary, we want everyone to be safe, and we ask that everyone has their community responsibility in mind...all we are asking is that respect is shown and as much notice is given if you find yourself in a position where you do not have enough teammates to play.

Thank you! Much love! xx
- Lindsay, UR HQ

Covid 19 & Community Sport - UR Update

December 15, 2021 - 3 years ago

Updated 15.12.2021

With the newly released NSW Gov Covid-19 Business & Community restriction guidelines, we have updated our policy going forward until such a time as we need to amend again.

Our interpretion on the easing of restrictions is that, sport is now accessible to all, regardless of vaccination status, players and staff are no longer required to check in or show a proof of vaccination.

We believe that there is still a public responsibility to uphold during these times so we will continue to provide the opportunity for players to still use QR codes to check in and out if they wish, we will also continue to sanitize balls and equipment throughout the evening. Hand sanitizer will be available at all leagues and we still resepctfully ask that large crowds do not gather to spectate the games.

*Please note if you do not wish to check in, that is entirely your choice going forward.*

Our staff will continue to sign in as they are present for the entire evening.

The following statement was released in regards to Covid-19 and community sport:

“Sport, exercise and outdoor gatherings

General rules

Anyone can participate in sport, exercise, and outdoor gatherings. 

• Customers are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
• COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at gyms).
• Face masks are not required.

Businesses are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help businesses keep a safe environment for staff and customers. 

Community sport

Community sports, including matches, competitions and training, can take place for all staff, spectators and participants.”

Here is a link to the entire press release – UPDATED C-19 Restrictions NSW“

If you have any questions what so ever please contact [email protected]

Urban Rec is turning 10!

November 29, 2021 - 3 years ago

So many fun things to celebrate our 10^th birthday in australia! <3

Lock in your team spot with a DEPOSIT

November 29, 2021 - 3 years ago

Did ya know that you can lock in your team spot by paying a $150 deposit?!

Don’t miss out on playing because your teammates are lollygagging to get you the moola! Lock in your team space while you do the financial logsitcs.

Click through for a deposit to our upcoming Summer 2022 leagues!

• Aussie Rules @ Oak Flats (Mon)
• Beach Volleyball @ North Gong Beach (Sun)
• Basketball @ UOW (Mon)
• Dodgeball @ UOW (Thurs)
• Flag Gridiron @ UOW (Tues)
• Multisport @ Oak Flats (Wed)
• Multisport @ UOW (Mon)
• Netball-7s @ Berkeley (Mon)
• Netball-7s @ Berkeley (Wed)
• Street Netball @ UOW (Tues)
• Soccer @ UOW (Mon)
• Soccer @ UOW (Thurs)
• Touch Football @ UOW (Thurs)
• Ultimate Frisbee @ Oak Flats (Wed)

Need more info? → email [email protected] with any questions!

Holiday Events @ our clubhouse - North Gong Hotel!

November 29, 2021 - 3 years ago

If you didn’t know already, North Gong Hotel is our Clubhouse!

That means that YOU – as Urban Rec members – get sweet perks and prizes from them, as awell as a place to call your post-game spot to socialize. How good!

With the holiday silly season approaching, we wanna fill you in on some upcoming Events @ North Gong Hotel!

• SUNDAY SESSIONS → These epic AF Sundays are full of dope tunes, lovely humans and endless fun. Check it out.
• SANTA CLAUS PUB DAY → Join the Urban Rec fam for a day full of festivities at our clubhouse.
• XMAS EVE @North Gong → Get ready to party til Santa comes with a stocking full of slappers from epic artists.
• NEW YEAR’S EVE @North Gong → Finish 2021 with Yours & Owls who have curated the NYE party you’ve been dreaming of!

Be sure to tag @urbanrecwollongong when you join any (or all) of these epic holiday events so we can share the love! <3 xx

Sport's Back!

October 17, 2021 - 3 years ago

YAHOO! NSW has hit 80%

As I am sure you have already heard, from Monday, 18 October, there will be easing of additional restrictions due to NSW hitting the 80% double dose mark, including the return to community sports. Fantastic!

Our venues are not permitting us to return until the week of 25 October, so you’ve got 1 more week to get stoked about returning to social sport!
 

Here’s what you need to know:

ARE YOU PART OF AN ‘AUTUMN’ LEAGUE THAT WAS PAUSED DUE TO THE COVID LOCKDOWN 2.0?

• You will play out your remaining game(s) of the season.
• All leagues (with the exception of Netball-7s Wednesday and Soccer Thursday) will have the option to extend the season until the end of 2021, meaning your ‘next seasons’ are shortened seasons of 6 or 8 games, depending on the league. For Netball-7s Wednesday & Soccer Thursday, ‘next season’ = ‘Breakout Season’ and is a full 10-game season.
• All players and team captains received an email on Friday, 15 October outlining options.
• You will receive a schedule notification on Tuesday, 19 October with your updated schedule.

ARE YOU A NEW PLAYER OR TEAM WANTING TO JOIN?

• All ‘Breakout Season’ leagues are online and open for individual and team registration.
• A full list of ‘Breakout Season’ leagues is below.
• Once you register, you’ll receive an email from Urban Rec HQ with next steps. :-)
• PS – Joining will be the best post-lockdown situation you could make...

BREAKOUT SEASONS:
NOTE – All team registrations are $100 off until 11:59pm Monday, 18 October. The price below reflects the normal price, not incluside of the $100 off. The discount is applied automatically on the website at the time of registration.

• Basketball (Streetball) UOW [Mon] – starts 01 Nov
• Beach Volleyball North Gong Beach [Sun] – starts 31 Oct
• Dodgeball UOW [Thurs] – starts 28 Oct
• Flag Gridiron UOW [Tues] – starts 26 Oct
• Multisport UOW [Mon] – starts 25 Oct
• Multisport Shellharbour [Wed] – starts 10 Nov
• Netball-7s Berkeley [Wed] – starts 10 Nov
• Netball (Fast-5 Street Netball) UOW [Tues] – starts 02 Nov
• Soccer UOW [Mon] – starts 25 Oct
• Soccer UOW [Thurs] – starts 04 Nov
• Touch Football UOW [Thurs] – starts 11 Nov

covid policy & faqs

Click through to learn everything you need to know about ‘Vaccinate to Participate,’ QR Codes and ongoing COVID-Safe Compliance so that you can have a smooth start back to playing social sport.

October - Mental Health Month

October 4, 2021 - 3 years ago

October is finally here my friends! That means more daylight, warmer weather, return to sport and mental health month! If lockdown has showed us anything, it’s highlighted (1) the importance of good mental health; (2) how much we crave connection; and (3) we have an innate desire to move around → in short, there’s a connection between the mind and body.

You’ve probably heard sports are great for physical health, but did you know that there are so many other psychological benefits to playing sport too? Here are just a few:

• Helps reduce stress = Exercise causes the body to release endorphins (chemicals that relieve pain and stress) and also reduces the levels of stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline.
• Improve mood = Playing sport forces you to concentrate in the moment, which can help clear your mind and promote calmness.
• Boost mental health = Some studies have shown team sports can have a greater impact on mental health then individual sports, which is likely due to the feelings of belonging, support and teamwork found in team sports.

We want to celebrate Mental Health Month this October by challenging you to tick off as many of our ideas as possible. See if you feel a difference in your body and mind, and lettuce know! :-)

We also want to celebrate by inviting you to break outta lockdown and jump back onto the field, court or pitch with us this October! Urban Rec is all about connecting people through sport with active, social, fun. With the return to sport just a few weeks away, we can’t wait to improve our mental health and physical well-being with you! There are 2 ways you can play:

1. Register as an individual → If you wanna play but don’t have a team, no worries! Our individual teams are the BEST way to make new mates in this city. All our sports have individual teams open for players.
2. Register as a team → If you already have a group of active mates, round them up and join as a team!

If you have any questions about playing with us, please reach out to us → [email protected]

Elbow taps. High fives. Smiles. See you soon!

The Breakout Season - what is it?

September 14, 2021 - 3 years ago

“Breakout Season” → what is it?! Well let me tell ya!

Our old mate COVID has put a spanner in the works to the traditional seasonal structure that we used to have.

With most of our autumn seasons paused + our winter seasons postponed + our mission to honour all memberships, we have decided that whatever the weather, the 1^st season back will be called THE BREAKOUT SEASON!

We’ve been locked up, and now we’re gonna BREAK OUT!

Once we are out, our goal is to deliver the BEST and BIGGEST seasons ever!

• More member perks
• Extra clubhouses & deals
• More leagues
• More individuals’ teams
• Stellar hosts
• Epic AF social events
• Hilarious and engaging social media content

We will be having a Wollongong-wide promo to replace the traditional priority registration, meaning there will be a week where all Breakout Leagues will be open for EVERYONE & ANYONE with a little thank you gift – TBA...keep your eyes open!

T&C’s – The promo is valid for any full TEAM registrations. To be eligible, a registration must be completed in full by the closing date of the promo week (date TBC). Until the date is announced, you can pay a deposit to secure your team space, and we will honor the prize on any balanced paid within the promo week period.

Return to Sport...what does it look like for Urban Rec?

September 13, 2021 - 3 years ago

Newsflash! return to sport is in sight. exciting!

SO….what does that mean for playing with Urban Rec?

DO WE NEED TO BE VACCINATED TO PLAY?
The State government is imposing mandatory double vaccination for participation, making it illegal for unvaccinated members to participate in sports & recreation.

We are working to ensure we have QR Codes at evrey venue/field/ovat/etc to enable our members to check in for all games. This ensures we are meeting the government guidelines and keeping you all safe...just as pubs, cafes, restaurants, etc have been doing for a while now.

WHEN ARE WE COMING BACK?
After analysing the most recent information provided by NSW government, it is our aim to resume/launch leagues as soon as 70% double-dose state-wide vaccination rate has been achieved. Our current programming has estimated this to happen around October 18. 

A key thing to note is the classification of “Adult Recreational Sport” vs “Community Club Sport”. Urban Rec is classified as an Adult Recreational Sports Provider, not a community sport club. It is crucial to differentiate between the two because of the participation demographic. Urban Rec does not provide sport to juniors or children. State and Federal government health officials have deemed the return of community sport to be a higher risk due to the perceived dangers of high volumes of unvaccinated minors/juniors gathering to play sport...hence the delayed return for schools and community sport. Urban Rec does not have the same perceived risk as community sport as all members are adults (18+), and each member will have to check in via the QR code, which we expect will also include verified vaccination proof.

HOW WILL LEAGUES BE DIFFERENT?
In addition to the QR Code system, all gatherings (both indoor and outdoor) will be kept to a group size of maximum 20 members per field/court with the 4sqm rule never to be exceeded. [NOTE – Our sports fields/coruts provide much more than 4sqm per member, as we have to allow for player  movement...for example, using the 4sqm rule, a standard netball court dimensions would allow for 112 players...we allow 14]. Urban Rec will maintain all other previous COVID-Safe measures, including cleanliness of kits.

I WAS PLAYING WITH URBAN REC WHEN WE WENT INTO LOCKDOWN → WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY GAMES?
If you are a currently participating member, your games will be scheduled to go ahead in line with the Public Health Orders and new personal COVID restrictions. There is a chance due to venue and facility availability, we will need to change locations for some of our leagues. Your schedule may be subject to change in the future as we welcome some new teams to join into your league if capacity allows.

WHAT IS SOME OF MY TEAMMATES ARE NOT VACCINATED? CAN THEY STILL PLAY WHEN LEAGUES RECOMMENCE?
This decision is going to be taken out of our hands and will be part of NSW Public Health Orders. The short answer is, no. You should look to replace these team members, and contact your League Manager if you have any issues. 

WHAT IF SOME OF MY TEAMMATES ARE NOT DOUBLE VACCINATED? CAN THEY STILL PLAY WHEN LEAGUES RECOMMENCE?
This is something we are waiting on NSW Health to confirm and provide clarity on. 

I WAS NOT PLAYING PREVIOUSLY, BUT WOULD LIKE TO START → WHAT DO I DO?
GREAT! We have new leagues starting in October, and there will be opportunities to join existing leagues where capacity allows. Our goal is to get as many eligible members playing sport as possible in a safe and social environment.

HAVE QUESTIONS STILL? → CONTACT [email protected]

R U OK?

September 8, 2021 - 3 years ago

👋 Hello Urban Reccers! R U OK? ⁠

Life's ups and downs happen to everyone, and sadly, odds are someone you care about may be struggling. While anytime 24/7, 365 is appropriate to reach out to check-in, R U OK DAY? = THURSDAY, 09 SEPTEMBER 2021. We encourage you to stay connected and support those around you!

Don't underestimate the power of a smile 😊, a kind word 📚, a listening ear 👂, an honest compliment 💛 or a random act of kindness. ⁠
 

Not sure where to start?

• R U OK? has amazing resources for different settings
• 2minute mates is all about providing mental health support so we can have stronger 💪 conversations and better friendships 😎 by learning how to make these convos part of the everyday ✅.
• Mental Health Movement provides info on how to create a more supportive work culture.

** If you are having a difficult time or are worried about someone, Lifeline (13 11 14) provides confidential crisis support 24/7. **