2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches

Page created by Terry Lambert
 
CONTINUE READING
2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches
2019 TROPICAL 7s

       HANDBOOK FOR TEAM
       MANAGERS & COACHES

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches   1
2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches
WELCOME TO THE 2019 TROPICAL 7s
                         Dear Rugby Friends,

                         We are excited to be finally welcoming teams to the 2019 Tropical 7s!

                         Having only launched the tournament just 2 years ago, we are thrilled to
                         see the growing support for Tropical 7s which will now see over 110 youth
                         and college teams vying for glory over the Easter weekend!

                       Tropical 7s is now the first leg of the North American High Schools 7s
Championship Series (NAHS7s) and we warmly welcome all the NAHS7s academies and teams
to Orlando. We continue to expand our service offering to all participating teams and we will be
broadcasting selected matches live for the first time on FloRugby. We have also expanded our
referee programme, welcoming match officials from around the world and have introduced a new
college recruitment programme. Keep watching this space for our 2020 developments!

This year’s event has once again attracted a large number of international teams with over a third
of teams coming from outside the USA. Many of the Canadian provinces are represented in some
shape or form and we also welcome returning visitors from Central America and the Caribbean.
We are once again grateful to the Florida rugby community for their continued support and
welcome back many returning friends from past years. Please help us spread the word as we
look to extend our ‘footprint’ to other parts of the world.

Tropical 7s was established to address the growing demand for high-level and internationally
focused Olympic rugby at the youth level. Our objectives for Tropical 7s are to:

     •       provide high level competition for teams at youth and collegiate levels for both boys
             and girls.
     •       create the perfect playing environment with top-quality pitches and ideal weather
             conditions.
     •       deliver a high-quality event managed by industry professionals.
     •       ensure a total rugby experience that includes an engaging and unique personal
             experience for all participants.

The Tropical 7s team is focused on delivering these objectives and making sure your team has a
truly memorable experience. Whether you are a local team from Florida or an international team
coming from abroad, we hope to provide the perfect setting to come together and celebrate a
great rugby experience.

If you need anything during your time here at the tournament, feel free to reach out to me or any
of the event staff. We are here to accommodate your needs and to ensure your experience at
Tropical 7s is as enjoyable as possible.

Play Well,

John Siner
Tournament Director

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                          2
2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches
2019 PARTICIPATING TEAMS
                                U18 BOYS NAHS 7s
Arizona Rugby                   USA       Rock Rugby               USA
Atlantis                        USA       Rocky Mountain Rebels    USA
BC Rugby                        CAN       Upright Rugby            CAN
EIRA                            USA       USA South                USA
Kahuku Rugby                    USA       Utah Lions               USA
                            U18 GIRLS ELITE (NAHS7s)
Atlantis                        USA       Rocky Mountain Rebels    USA
Celtic Barbarians             USA/CAN     Stars Rugby 7s           USA
Green & Gold Academy            CAN       Upright Rugby           CANADA
Kahuku Rugby                    USA       USA South                USA
Memphis Inner City Rugby        USA       Utah Lions               USA
                                 U18 BOYS ELITE
Canadian Misfits               CANADA     Green & Gold Academy    CANADA
Florida Elite Dragons           USA       Stars Rugby 7s           USA
Gorilla Rugby                   USA       Rock Rugby II            USA
Palm Beach Phoenix              USA
                                 U18 GIRLS OPEN
Alaska Rugby                    USA       PEI Red Mud Runners     CANADA
Celtic Barbarians             USA/CAN     ADRA Amazons             USA
Indian River Rugby Club         USA       Rugby Quebec            CANADA
Liceo Franco Mexicano          MEXICO     Saskatchewan 7s         CANADA
New Brunswick Spruce           CANADA     Toronto Elite Reds I    CANADA
Nova Scotia Keltics            CANADA     Toronto Elite Reds II   CANADA
Ontario Junior Blues           CANADA     Upright Rugby           CANADA
Palm Beach Phoenix              USA       USA South                USA
PEI Islanders                  CANADA     Toronto Saracens        CANADA
Southbay Spartans               USA
                                 U18 BOYS OPEN
Alaska Rugby                    USA       USA South                USA
Alliance Rugby                  USA       Okapi Wanderers          USA
Cape Pirates                    USA       Liceo Franco Mexicano   MEXICO
Cayman Islands                CAYMAN      New Brunswick Spruce    CANADA
Celtic Barbarians I           USA/CAN     Nova Scotia Keltics     CANADA

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                    3
2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches
Celtic Barbarians II                USA/CAN   Ontario Junior Blues               CANADA
Eastern Ontario Rugby Union         Canada    Saskatchewan 7s
Ronin HS Rugby                        USA
                                         U16 GIRLS
Atlantis                              USA     Ontario Junior Blues               CANADA
Brantford Jesters                   CANADA    Rugby Manitoba                     CANADA
Celtic Barbarians I                 USA/CAN   Sainte Anne De Bellevue            CANADA
Celtic Barbarians II                USA/CAN   Toronto Elite Reds                 CANADA
                                         U16 BOYS
Alaska Rugby                          USA     Oakville Crusaders                 CANADA
Atlantis                              USA     Ontario Jr Blues                   CANADA
Cape Pirates                          USA     Palm Beach Phoenix                  USA
Celtic Barbarians                   USA/CAN   Rocky Mountain Rebels               USA
Florida Elite Dragons                 USA     USA South                           USA
Gorilla Rugby                         USA     Utah Lions                          USA
                                         U14 BOYS
Canadian Misfits                    CANADA    Liceo Franco Mexicano              MEXICO
Cape Pirates                          USA     Oakville Cusaders                  CANADA
Celtic Barbarians                   USA/CAN   USA South                           USA
                                U23/UNIVERSITY WOMENS ELITE
Army West Point I                     USA     Life University                     USA
Stars Rugby 7s                        USA     Lindenwood University               USA
University of Guelph                CANADA
                                 U23/UNIVERSITY MENS OPEN
Celtic Barbarians I                 USA/CAN   Stars Rugby 7s                      USA
Eckerd College                        USA     University of Florida               USA
Florida Gulf Coast University         USA     Jamaican Young Crocs               JAMAICA
Gorilla Rugby                         USA     Tulane University                   USA
Ole Miss                              USA     Celtic Barbarians I                USA/CAN
                                U23/UNIVERSITY WOMENS OPEN
Army West Point II                    USA     Oshawa Vikings Shieldmaidens       CANADA
University of Florida                 USA     Davenport                           USA
University of South Florida           USA     Florida International University    USA
Celtic Barbarians                   USA/CAN

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                    4
2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches
PROGRAM SCHEDULE

                               WEDNESDAY APRIL 17th 2019

  9:00am - 6:00pm               Team registration available at Tournament Office (fields)
  8:00am - 7:30pm              Pitches available for team training and coaching sessions

                                THURSDAY APRIL 18th 2019

  9:00am - 6:00pm              Team registration available at Tournament Office (fields)
  8:00am - 7:30pm             Pitches available for team training and coaching sessions
  2:00pm - 6:00pm                            Tropical 7s Athlete Combine
  7.00pm - 9.30pm           Tournament Registration available at Omni Hotel – International
                                                       Ballroom
  7.30pm - 9.00pm          Coaches & Team Managers Reception (Omni Hotel) – International
                                                       Ballroom

                                  FRIDAY APRIL 19th 2019

  8:00am - 9:00am        Team Registration available at Tournament HQ (fields) – Florida teams
  8:30am - 6.30pm                          Tournament Day 1- Pool Play
 8.00pm – 10.00pm                         Referees dinner (Golf Clubhouse)

                                SATURDAY APRIL 20th 2019

  8:30am - 5.00pm                     Tournament Day 2-Pool Play & Playoffs
   Approx 5:00pm                Trophy Presentation (immediately following last match)
      5:30pm                                     Tournament Close
      6:30pm                             Closing Pool Party (Omni pool area)

MAIN TOURNAMENT CONTACTS
     NAME                  ROLE            MOBILE NUMBER               EMAIL ADDRESS
John Siner          Tournament            +1 321-305-0330           john@tropical7s.com
                    Director
Veronika            Competition                                     veronika@tropical7s.com
Muhlhofer           Director
Alex Proctor-       Operations Director   +1 702-443-0497           alex@tropical7s.com
Pearson

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                       5
2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches
TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW

SUBMISSION OF TEAM ROSTERS
Teams are requested to submit their team rosters with accompanying DOB and USA Rugby
registration data (US teams only) and Consent and Medical Release forms for each rostered
player. Please contact the Tournament Director if you require assistance in submitting your player
roster.

ON-SITE REGISTRATION
Upon arrival, team managers/coaches will need to verify their final team and sign their team’s
registration form. Please note that you may be asked to provide proof of age for players on
request. Team registration will take place at the following times/locations:
     •     Wednesday 17th April between 9.00am – 6.00pm at the Tournament Office (fields)
     •     Thursday 18th April between 9.00am – 6.00pm at the Tournament Office (fields)
     •     Thursday 18th April between 7.00pm – 9.30pm at the Opening Reception (Omni Hotel)
     •     Friday 30th March between 8.00am – 9.00am at the Tournament Office (fields) – local
           Florida teams only

Teams will not be permitted to play until the Team Registration form has been approved,
signed, completed and returned to the Competition Manager. Coaches are requested to hold
a copy of the signed roster as well as copies of the IDs of all their players for each game. Every
player must be able to verify his or her identity and date of birth by showing a valid photo ID card
on request. If a team wishes to make any changes to their previously submitted squad list, they
must submit these changes in writing to the Competition Manager.

PLAYING RULES
Please refer to the 2019 Tropical 7s Tournament Rules & Regulations for full details about the
playing rules and competition format.

COMPETITION FORMAT
The competition format for the 2019 Tropical 7s will typically consist of pool play followed by
playoff match(es) based on rankings following the pool phase and the number of teams in each
division. The competition format may differ slightly from division to division depending on the
number of teams in that division. The following principles will be observed:

•    Pool Phase: Teams will be allocated 3 points for a Win, 2 points for a Draw, 1 points for a
     Defeat, and 0 points for Forfeit/No-Show. Each teams’ ranking in the final group table is
     determined by the amount of competition-points accumulated. In case of two or more teams
     on equal competition points in the final group table, head-to-head results will determine their
     ranking for the playoffs. If the match between two teams on equal competition points
     resulted in a draw or if more teams are on equal points, the higher cumulative score
     differential will be taken into account followed by the higher number of overall scored points.
     Should teams still be equal on all these criteria, there will be coin toss (or drawing lots if
     more than 2 teams are concerned).

•    Playoff(s) Phase (No draw game): After the pool phase, teams will be ranked (1st, 2nd, 3rd etc)
     in their division. The tournament will then move to a playoff(s) phase with teams drawn
     according to their pool ranking. In the event of a playoff match being drawn at the end of
     normal time (in the knock-out stages) extra time will be played, in five (5) minute periods until

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                             6
2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches
a winner is determined. There will be an interval of one (1) minute after full time has been
     declared then play shall commence with a coin-toss, the winner of which chooses either;
     which way to play or to kick-off the period of extra time. The first team to score will
     immediately be declared the winner and play will cease. After each five (5) minute period of
     extra time, teams will change ends, without stoppage, and resume play.

Please note the competition format and the match schedule may be subject to last-minute
changes so please check the website or the information point at the fields on each match day for
the latest match schedule.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
The use of Temporary Suspension (Sin Bin) for 2 minutes will be in force for any player receiving a
yellow card. A player receiving a red card (either outright or as a result of receiving 2 yellow
cards) will result in an automatic ban for the next game. For serious repeated disciplinary
infringements, the Tournament Director reserves the right to impose further suspension according
to the severity of the offense. In the case of a send-off as a result of a brawl or insulting a referee,
the concerned player will be disqualified for the remainder of the tournament. The Tournament
Director reserves the right to suspend entire teams from the tournament if they act in a
disrespectful manner towards referees, officials, coaches, spectators or opponents.

REFEREES & LINESMEN
All NAHS 7s matches and all division finals will be officiated by 3-ref teams (referee, linesmen x2).
For all other matches, teams are kindly requested to supply one linesman for each match.

MATCH ADMINISTRATION
A member of the Tropical 7s team will be present at each match field and will assume the role of
‘Match Marshal’ for each match that takes place on that field. The match marshal will record the
main events of the match (score, substitutions, disciplinary actions etc). Once the match has
been concluded, each team manager/coach will be asked to sign the final match score sheet
along with the referee.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                               7
2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches
KEY ACTIVITIES
COACHES & TEAM MANAGERS RECEPTION – THURSDAY (18th APRIL) – 7.30pm (Omni
Hotel)

                                 A Coaches & Team Managers Reception will take place at
                                 7.30pm on Thursday 18th April in the International Ballroom at
                                 the Omni Hotel. The reception will be an opportunity to formally
                                 welcome teams to the 2019 Tropical 7s. The reception also
                                 presents an opportunity to introduce teams to Tropical 7s staff
                                 and for attending coaches and team managers to meet each
                                 other. Our Competition Manager will present the tournament
                                 format, rules and regulations and will be an opportunity for
                                 coaches to ask any questions. Attendance is limited to 2
persons from each registered team in the competition. Please confirm if you will be attending this
reception along with the names of your team’s representatives here. You will be able to register
your team during the reception – our registration desk will be open from 7.00pm – 9.30pm where
your team welcome pack will also be available for pick-up.

TRAINING SESSIONS (available all week)

                                   Pitches are available for team training sessions between 8am
                                   and 7pm from Monday 15th to Thursday 18th April. We strongly
                                   advise that pitches be booked in advance. To book a field for
                                   training session, please reserve via the online store here.
                                   Teams wishing to practice without having pre-booked a pitch
                                   are asked to report to the Tournament Office to see if a pitch
                                   is available. A limited amount of equipment is available on the
                                   official training days before the tournament for teams to use
                                   for private training sessions.

Items will need to be signed out to teams and checked back in at the Tournament Office and will
be made available on a first-come-first-served basis.

COACHING SESSIONS (available Wednesday 17th & Thursday 18th April)

                                 Tropical 7s is offering complimentary coaching sessions from
                                 our resident international coaches, Andy Barlow (Wales) and
                                 Maso Bowles (South Africa), in the days leading up to the
                                 tournament for interested teams (subject to availability). Initial
                                 sessions can be booked in advance for up to 75 minutes per
                                 session. Additional sessions can be requested (including on
                                 tournament days) but will also be subject to coaches and field
                                 availability. Coaching sessions can be customized to the needs
of your team or focused on different areas of the game. For further information about the
coaches or to book a session, please visit our online store here.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                          8
2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches
ATHLETE COMBINE - THURSDAY (18th APRIL): 2.00 – 6.00pm (Fields)

                     Tropical 7s offers to all participating players and teams to take part in the
                     Tropical 7s Athlete Combine, delivered this year in partnership with USA
                     Weighlifting. The ability of players to execute the core skills of rugby 7s
                     under the pressure of time and space is key to an individual’s performance
                     development. USA Weightlifting bring experience or running Athletes
                     Combines nationwide and will provide an opportunity for both teams and
                     individual players to benchmark themselves against a standardized series
                     of physical test, namely:
                           •    Speed and acceleration
                           •    Agility and footwork
                           •    Passing accuracy
                           •    Stamina & Endurance

The Combine will take players approximately 1hr to complete. Teams are invited to reserve their
preferred start-time via the online store here.

TROPHY PRESENTATION - SATURDAY (20th APRIL) CIRCA 5.00pm (at the fields)

                              Immediately following the conclusion of tournament play on
                              Saturday 20th April after the final match has been completed (circa
                              5pm), a presentation will take place art the fields with trophies for
                              winning teams and runner ups in their respective divisions. Age
                              grade winners of the Athlete Combine will also be announced.

CLOSING POOL PARTY - SATURDAY (20th APRIL): 6.30 – 9.00pm (Omni Pool area)

                                  The Tropical 7s Closing Pool Party will take place after the
                                  end of competition on Saturday evening at the Omni Hotel.
                                  Boxed dinner can be pre-purchased in advance, and will be
                                  served at the pool area located behind the main lobby of the
                                  Omni Hotel. Tickets are limited and subject to availability and
                                  will need to be purchased no later than by 6pm on Thursday
                                  18th April. Tickets for the pool party (including boxed dinner
                                  options) can be pre-purchased here.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

                               Participating teams (including players, staff, family & friends) are
                               able to access discounted tickets offers to many of central
                               Florida’s famous tourist attractions through our official ticketing
                               partner: Kissimmee Guest Services. For further information on
                               the offers available and how to purchase, please click here.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                          9
2019 TROPICAL 7s HANDBOOK FOR TEAM MANAGERS & COACHES - 2019 TROPICAL 7s - Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches
KEY INFORMATION

TOURNAMENT INFORMATION POINT
The Tournament Information point will be located adjacent to the main pavilion where the match
schedule, results, group standings and any other relevant tournament information (e.g. weather
forecast, announcements etc.) will be posted. Specific questions/enquiries can be made at the
Tournament Office located on the far side of the main pavilion.

FOOD & BEVERAGE
A concession stand operated by the Omni Resort will be open during the competition days at the
main clubhouse at the fields. The concession serves snacks, hot food and beverages.

Teams can also purchase food and drink from the vendors who will be on-site during the
tournament including Dunkin Donuts.

There is also a wide range of food options within the Omni Hotel including a deli with take-away
sandwiches and a coffee shop. A supermarket store and various restaurant options are located in
the Championsgate town centre – please refer to the Local Amenities section of this guide.

PRE-PAID BREAKFAST & LUNCH ORDERS
Teams can pre-purchase breakfast and lunch meal boxes and sandwiches (prepared by the Omni
Hotel) on training and competition days, This is a convenient option for teams wanting to place
large orders. Orders should be placed via the online store - a list of available food options is
found here. A minimum of 48 hrs notice is required and there is a minimum total order of 10
meals. Items should be picked up by the person named on the order and should bring
proof/confirmation of order upon pickup.

     •    On training days (Wednesday and Thursday), meals are to be picked up at the main
          Golf Clubhouse (unless otherwise agreed).
     •    On competition days (Friday & Saturday), meals are to be collected from the food order
          pick-up point next to the Tournament Office in the Main Pavilion.
     •    Breakfast orders will be available for pick up from indicated locations from 8am (unless
          otherwise specified).
     •    Lunch orders will be available for pick up from indicated locations from 12pm (unless
          otherwise specified).

WATER & ICE
Water coolers will be positioned at various locations around the site as well as close to each
team bench area. Teams are free to consume water from these coolers and are kindly asked to
limit their usage for drinking purposes only. There is a designated potable water filling point at the
main pavilion where teams are welcome to fill their own water bottle/coolers for their own
personal use.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                            10
TROPICAL 7s MERCHANDISE & ITZ RUGBY STORE
The 2019 Tropical 7s Official Apparel & Equipment Partner, International Try Zone, will have a
sales tent in the showcase area throughout the tournament and will be selling Tropical 7s
merchandise (balls, clothing, caps etc.) as well as other rugby essentials.

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS
Tropical 7s is unable to provide storage lockers for personal possessions. Please do not leave
valuable items unattended. Event organizers do not accept any responsibility for items that are
either lost or stolen. Items of Lost Property should be handed in at the Tournament Office.

TENT RENTALS
Tents are available to rent for both days of competition and need to be pre-booked in advance
via the online store here. Rented tents will be allocated to teams prior to arrival and will be pre-
erected on each day of competition and taken down at the end of the day’s play. A sign will be
displayed in front of each tent indicating who the tent has been rented to.

Teams are also free to bring and set their own small tent or gazebo (no larger than 12ft x 12ft).
Teams bringing their own tents must be installed in the dedicated tent area (please see map).
Please ensure they are installed behind the roped barrier (including stakes, tie-lines etc), away
from any tournament administration areas and away from any busy pedestrian areas.

Please ensure that all tents (owned or rented) are installed correctly and are secured as the wind
can pick up in the afternoon. Be aware that every night the sprinkler system will be activated and
any items left on the grass overnight will get wet.

WARM-UP/PRACTICE AREAS
There is limited space for team warm-ups and practice on match days. Teams can use the
sunken grass area located in front of match pitches 2 and 3 (next to the pavilion) for their warm-
up (please refer to map). Please refrain from warming up/practicing in areas where there is a
large volume of spectators. Teams are not allowed to warm-up on match fields without prior
permission and must not encroach beyond the roped field barrier at any time.

RESTROOMS
Restroom facilities are available for use in the main pavilion at the fields. Please note there are no
dedicated changing facilities and/or showers available for teams at the field complex.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Please add your support for Tropical 7s by using the following social media handles:

     •    Twitter: @Tropical7s
     •    Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tropical 7s
     •    Instagram: www.instagram.com/Tropical7s
     •    Hashtag: #Tropical7s

VIDEO
All NAHS7s matches will be broadcast live on FloRugby –www.florugby.com.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                            11
SPECTATOR VIEWING AREAS
Spectators are welcome to watch games from behind the roped boundary and on the dedicated
spectator (uncovered) bleachers on either side of the match fields. Please note the pitch side
benches close to the half way line are reserved for teams playing in the current match on that
field. Please be aware of sun exposure and wear suitable protection. All participants are kindly
asked not to stand in front of the 4th official who needs to be able to have unimpeded sight of the
whole field while matches are in play.

PLAYER WELFARE

FIRST AID
The First Aid station is located at the Medical Services tent which will be staffed by an Athletic
Trainer at all times. All accidents and injuries will be logged and depending on the severity of the
injury, an incident form may need to be completed by the team manager/coach.

PLAYER CONSENT & MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM
All rostered players must complete a Player Consent & Medical Information Form before
participating in the competition. Forms must be signed by the player or by the player’s parent or
legal guardian if below the age of 18 at the time of the tournament. Completed forms must be
submitted for all rostered players to the Tournament Office before the start of the tournament.
A copy of the form can be found HERE.

ATHLETIC TRAINERS
A dedicated medical tent will always be staffed by one of the tournament-appointed Athletic
Trainers. The primary role of the Athletic Trainers is to assist in the assessment and treatment of
injuries during the tournament - primarily pitch-side but a player may be brought to the medical
tent for further assessment and/or treatment.

There should be no expectation from our ATs to carry out any pre-match taping service. If an AT
agrees to do any preventative taping, the player/team must provide the tape.
Teams will need to bring enough supply of tape to cover the needs of their team for the duration
of the tournament.

AMBULANCE
An ambulance staffed by EMT personnel will be present on site on both tournament days in line
with USA Rugby’s medical guidelines.

MEDICAL TREATMENT ACTION PLAN
   1. Athletic trainers employed by Tropical 7s will be positioned around the field complex
       and will act as the first responders to any on-field injury. If a player is deemed to
       require medical treatment, the referee will ask the appointed athletic trainer to enter the
       pitch and assess the player.
   2. The athletic trainer will decide if the player can continue playing or requires further
       treatment.     The player may be taken to the Medical Tent for further
       treatment/diagnosis. In the case of serious injury, the athletic trainer may call for the
       EMT personnel for further assessment and decision to take the player immediately to
       hospital for further assessment/treatment.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                          12
3.   The athletic trainers provided by Tropical 7s for the event have overriding authority of
          any medical staff brought to this event by individual teams. Tropical 7s medical staff
          will work with team’s own medical personnel for consultation and assessment, but
          the Tropical 7s lead trainer will have final say on any and all cases involving the welfare
          of players.
     4.   Tropical 7s trainers and physios will be responsible for treating minor injuries to players
          and will defer more serious care to EMS personnel. Dedicated ambulance services will
          be present at the event on competitions days in the rare event that emergency medical
          treatment is required on-site. Tropical 7s athletic trainers will provide on-field care until
          EMS personnel arrive.
     5.   The medical team and/or the Tournament Director will advise the coach of the player's
          team to assign someone to accompany the athlete to the hospital. The coach should
          bring pertinent medical history of the player, any personal belongings, their medical
          insurance card, the player's signed consent form and ID.The injured player's club
          representative should parents/guardians/family as detailed in the player consent form
          as necessary. In all cases of injury, it is the responsibility of the injured player’s
          coach/team manager to complete an Incident Report Form which are available from the
          Tournament Office.

SUSPECTED CONCUSSION
All Tropical 7s athletic trainers are familiar with concussion protocols and World Rugby’s/USA
Rugby’s Graduated Return To Play (GRTP) procedure. If a player is diagnosed by medical staff or
a qualified healthcare professional that they have sustained a concussion or suspected
concussion, the player may be deemed unfit to play and advised not to return to play until he or
she is symptom-free and has been cleared for return to play by a qualified healthcare
professional.

All team coaches should be aware of the USA Rugby Policy regarding concussions which
includes the 5 R’s shown below as well as compliance with the World Rugby Concussion
Guidelines. It is strongly recommended that the player complete USA Rugby’s approved GRTP
(Graduated Return to Play) procedure prior to return to full play and competition. It is also
recommended that all players

     1.   Recognize – Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion so you understand when
          an athlete might have a suspected concussion.
     2.   Remove – If an athlete has a concussion or even a suspected concussion he or she
          must be removed from play immediately.
     3.   Refer – Once removed from play, the player should be referred immediately to a
          qualified healthcare professional who is trained in evaluating and treating concussions.
     4.   Recover – Full recovery from the concussion is required before return to play is
          authorized. This includes being symptom-free. Rest and some specific treatment
          options are critical for the health of the injured participant.
     5.   Return – In order for safe return to play in rugby, the athlete must be symptom-free
          and cleared in writing by a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in evaluating
          and treating concussions. USA Rugby strongly recommends that the athlete complete
          the GRTP (Graduated Return to Play) protocol.

NEAREST HOSPITAL
In the rare event that player needs to be taken to hospital, the nearest hospital (with Emergency
Room facilities) is as follows:

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                             13
Heart of Florida Regional Medical Hospital
40100 US-27,
Davenport,
FL 33837,
USA
Website: www.heartofflorida.com
Tel:+1 863-422-4971

Driving Directions (approx. 15 mins):
•    Turn right out of car park onto Loughman Rd/Polk 54/Ronald Reagan Pkwy
•    Continue to follow Polk 54/Ronald Reagan Pkwy for 2.1 mi
•    Use the left 2 lanes to turn left onto US-27 S
•    Continue on US-27 S for 5.3 mi
•    At Walgreens intersection, turn right immediately on to Massee Road – hospital entrance
     and parking is on the right.

NEAREST URGENT CARE
Urgent care centres are a category of walk-in clinics and typically treat injuries/illnesses requiring
immediate care but not serious enough to require an emergency department (ED) visit. Please
find details below for the nearest Urgent Care clinic:

Buena Vista Urgent Care
8216 World Center Drive Suite D
Orlando, FL 32821-5400
Website: www.buenavistaurgentcare.com
Phone: 407-465-1110
Email: buenavistauc@gmail.com

Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8am – 5pm

Driving time: Approx. 20 mins

HYDRATION & SUN PROTECTION
Central Florida has a humid subtropical climate. In March, the average daily high temperature is
78°F (25°C). On sunny days, the UV index can reach 8 or higher at this time of year. Note the
following suggestions regarding sun protection and hydration for the safety of athletes and
guests:

     •    Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher 15 minutes before going outside
     •    Reapply sunscreen throughout the day at least every 80 minutes
     •    Limit yourself to direct sunlight exposure during the hours of 11am and 3pm. Make use
          of the covered seating areas and shade whenever you can.
     •    Hydrate often. Tropical 7s will be providing drinking water in coolers for teams
          throughout the tournament.

EXTREME WEATHER & LIGHTNING POLICY
The latest weather forecast will be posted on the event notice board each morning before the
start of play. Although unlikely at this time of year, the following action will be taken in case of
severe weather and lightning.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                             14
•   “30-30 Rule”: “30-30 Rule” states that when you see lightning, count the time until you
        hear thunder. If this time is 30 seconds or less, go immediately to a safer place. If you
        can’t see the lightning, just hearing the thunder means lightning is likely within striking
        range. After a storm has apparently dissipated or moved on, wait 30 minutes or more
        after hearing the last thunder before leaving the safer location.
    •   In the event of threatening lightning strikes, go immediately to the appointed safe
        location. Do not hesitate. The safest place commonly available during a lightning storm
        is a large, fully enclosed substantially constructed building. Substantial construction
        also implies the building has wiring and plumbing, which can conduct lightning current
        safely to ground. Once inside, stay away from corded telephones, electrical appliances,
        lighting fixture, microphones, electric sockets and plumbing. Inner rooms are generally
        preferable from a safety viewpoint.
    •   If you can’t reach a substantial building, an enclosed vehicle with a sold metal roof and
        metal sides is a reasonable second choice. Close the windows, lean away from the
        door, put your hands in your lap and don’t touch the steering wheel, ignition, gear
        shifter or radio. Convertibles, cars with fiberglass or plastic shells, and open framed
        vehicles are not suitable lightning shelters.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                         15
LOCAL AMENITIES
RESTAURANTS
Name        Address                    Phone Number     Cuisine           Distance   $$
                                                                          from
                                                                          Omni
CiCi’s Pizza      1850 Victor Posner   (407) 226-9822   Pizza             5.0mi      $
                  Blvd, Davenport,
                  FL 33837

Trevi's           Omni Resort, 1500    (407) 390-6664   Italian           0.0        $$
(inside Omni      Masters Blvd
Resort)           Champions Gate,
                  FL 33896
Miller's Ale      8170 Laura Lane      (407) 274-9731   American          0.9mi      $$
House             Davenport, FL
                  33896
Tiajuana          8274 Champions       (863) 588-1740   Tex-Mex           0.6mi      $
Flats             Gate Blvd
                  Davenport, FL
                  33896
Chili's Grill &   8180 Laura Ct        (407) 396-2180   American          1.0mi      $$
Bar               Davenport, FL
                  33896
Dulcetto          8293 Champions       (407) 397-7499   Italian/Pizza     0.9mi      $$
                  Gate Blvd
                  Davenport, FL
                  33896
Red Robin         8184 Laura Lane      (863) 240-0039   American          1.0mi      $$
                  Davenport, FL
                  33896
Dunkin            8224 Champions       (321) 401-4072   Breakfast         0.8mi      $
Donuts            Gate Blvd
                  Davenport, FL
                  33896

PHARMACIES
Name                  Address              Phone Number           Distance from
                                                                  Omni
Walgreens             8265 Champions       (321) 677-0487         1.0mi
                      Gate Blvd
                      Davenport, FL
                      33896
Publix                8301 Champions       (407) 390-1315         0.9mi
(Supermarket and      Gate Blvd
Pharmacy)             Davenport, FL
                      33896

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                   16
GROCERY STORES
Name           Address                Phone Number        Distance from
                                                          Omni
Publix             8301 Champions     (407) 390-1315      0.9mi
(Supermarket and   Gate Blvd
Pharmacy)          Davenport, FL
                   33896

TAXI COMPANIES
Name                                  Phone Number
Mears Transportation                  (407) 422-4561
Diamond Cab Company                   (407) 523-3333
Taxi Orlando Cab Service              (321) 732-8266

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                   17
LOCATION MAP &
DIRECTIONS
OMNI RESORT ADDRESS:

Omni Orlando Resort At Championsgate
1500 Masters Boulevard
Championsgate, Florida 33896

FIELD COMPLEX ADDRESS:

ChampionsGate Sports Fields
5544 Ronald Reagan Parkway
ChampionsGate, FL 33896

Please note the fields has its own
separate vehicle entrance/exit and
parking lot.

If using GoogleMaps, please enter 'ChampionsGate Sports Complex' in the search bar:

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                               18
PARKING ARRANGEMENTS
There is a parking lot available at the ChampionsGate Sports Complex at the above address.
 Parking is free on non-tournament days but there is a charge on both tournament days ($10 per
day collected directly by the venue). This parking lot at the Sports Complex will fill up quickly on
tournament days but there is an overflow parking lot located close to the fields and accessed via
ChampionsGate Boulevard (also $10 per day). There is additional parking directly in the hotel's
main car park and will honour the $10 per day event rate. There is no spectator entry fee.

DIRECTIONS TO THE OMNI RESORT:

FROM ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – 25 MINUTES/32 MILES
Take the South exit to 417 South. Take 417 South and follow the signs to I-4 West. Take I-4 West
3 miles past the Walt Disney World® Resort exits to Exit 58. Take Exit 58 and bear right to the
ChampionsGate main entrance.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH – VIA FLORIDA TURNPIKE NORTH
Follow the Florida Turnpike North to Exit 249, Osceola Parkway, and turn left. Follow Osceola
Parkway to the Greenway (417). Take 417 South and follow the signs to I-4 West. Take I-4 West
to Exit 58. Once you exit, make a right onto ChampionsGate Boulevard. At the second stop light,
turn right onto Masters Boulevard. The hotel is on the left.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH – VIA FLORIDA TURNPIKE SOUTH
Follow the Turnpike South from Ocala – Take Turnpike South to exit 259 to I-4. Take I-4 West to
exit 58. Once you exit, make a right onto ChampionsGate Blvd., and the resort will be two traffic
lights down on your right.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE EAST – VIA I-4 WEST
Follow I-4 West. Take Exit 58. Bear right off the ramp. Pass through the gates of ChampionsGate.
At the second stop light, turn right onto Masters Boulevard. The hotel is on the left.

DIRECTIONS FROM THE WEST – VIA I-4 EAST
Follow I-4 East to Exit 58. Turn left off the ramp. Enter ChampionsGate gates. At the second stop
light, turn right onto Masters Boulevard. The hotel is on the left.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                          19
SITE MAP

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches   20
EVENT PARTNERS

                                                                         Tropical 7s is
                                                                         proud to be in
                                                                            partnership
                                                                                   with
                                                                            Kissimmee
                                      Sports, part of Experience Kissimmee, the
                                      tourism sales and marketing authority for
                                      Osceola County in attracting both amateur
                                      sports as well as high-profile sporting events to
                                      the Kissimmee destination.

Innovative rugby supplier International Try Zone (ITZ) has
joined the Tropical 7s family as its exclusive Official Rugby
Apparel & Equipment Partner for the 2019 Tropical 7s and will
be on-site during the event for merchandise and equipment
sales.

                            RDJ Sports Development is the official coaching and
                            development partner for the 2018 Tropical 7s, and since
                            2012 has been organizing international exchange, rugby
                            coaching and player development programs around the
                            world.

Millionsports is providing the competition
management for the Tropical 7s and boasts
broad experience in managing large and small
sporting events and projects throughout the
world, including major rugby events.

                               Tropical 7s is partnered with the Sport Business
                               Management Program program at the University of
                               Central Florida (UCF) - a challenging degree program
                               designed to develop future innovative leaders in the
                               sport business and entertainment management industry.
                               A team of students forms a core part of the Tropical 7s
                               event organizing team.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                             21
The 2019 Tropical 7s is partnered with local restaurant Tropical
                   Smoothie Café - serving delicious smoothies, wraps, sandwiches,
                   flatbreads & salads across the United States.

Tropical 7s is partnered with local restaurant provider Dunkin
Donuts will be providing donuts, smoothies and coffee at this
year’s tournament.

                 Tropical 7s is partnered with The Rugger’s Edge, an industry
                    leading college advisory that focuses on the unique needs of rugby
                     players with strong personal relationships with college coaches and
                     in-depth knowledge of how athletic recruiting applies to college
                    admissions and scholarships. The Rugger’s Edge provides one-on-
                   one personal advising to aspiring collegiate student-athletes to help
                them reach their goals.

Tropical 7s Athlete Combine is delivered in partnership with
USA Weightlifting. The National Governing Body for the sport
brings their experience of running athletes combines
nationwide, providing an opportunity for both teams and
individual players to benchmark themselves.

                                    KGS (Kissimmee Guest Services) Tickets is the
                                    official local attraction ticket provider to the 2019
                                    Tropical 7s, providing discounted ticket offers to
                                    players, team, coaches and entourage to some of
                                    Central Florida’s world renowned tourist
destinations.

The 2019 Tropical 7s is officially sanctioned
by USA Rugby, the national governing body
for the sport of rugby union in the United
States of America.

2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches                                     22
You can also read