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2019 TROPICAL 7s – Handbook For Team Managers & Coaches 1

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 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


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


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 Director

+1 321-305-0330 [email protected]

Veronika Muhlhofer

Competition Director

[email protected]

Alex Proctor-Pearson

Operations Director +1 702-443-0497 [email protected]


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


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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:


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: [email protected] 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.


• “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.


LOCAL AMENITIES RESTAURANTS Name Address Phone Number Cuisine Distance

from Omni

$$

CiCi’s Pizza 1850 Victor Posner Blvd, Davenport, FL 33837

(407) 226-9822

Pizza 5.0mi $

Trevi's (inside Omni Resort)

Omni Resort, 1500 Masters Blvd Champions Gate, FL 33896

(407) 390-6664 Italian 0.0 $$

Miller's Ale House

8170 Laura Lane Davenport, FL 33896

(407) 274-9731 American 0.9mi $$

Tiajuana Flats

8274 Champions Gate Blvd Davenport, FL 33896

(863) 588-1740 Tex-Mex 0.6mi $

Chili's Grill & Bar

8180 Laura Ct Davenport, FL 33896

(407) 396-2180 American 1.0mi $$

Dulcetto 8293 Champions Gate Blvd Davenport, FL 33896

(407) 397-7499 Italian/Pizza 0.9mi $$

Red Robin 8184 Laura Lane Davenport, FL 33896

(863) 240-0039 American 1.0mi $$

Dunkin Donuts


(321) 401-4072 Breakfast 0.8mi $

PHARMACIES Name Address Phone Number Distance from

Omni Walgreens 8265 Champions

Gate Blvd Davenport, FL 33896

(321) 677-0487 1.0mi

Publix (Supermarket and Pharmacy)


(407) 390-1315 0.9mi


GROCERY STORES Name Address Phone Number Distance from

Omni Publix (Supermarket and Pharmacy)


(407) 390-1315 0.9mi

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


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:


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.


SITE MAP


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.


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 · alliance rugby usa okapi wanderers usa cape pirates usa liceo franco...

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