 |
|
 |
A Letter to Rugby Parents So,
your son or daughter has decided to play Rugby? DON'T PANIC! Rugby is a
wonderful game, with a rich tradition around the world. It is the
contact game of choice for countries such as England, Australia, New
Zealand, Ireland, France, Scotland and Wales. Throughout the world
people play Rugby from grade school through adulthood. In fact, Rugby
is truly a "Life Sport" because, unlike American-Football, players
continue to participate in the Rugby game long after they leave school.
Players continue playing competitive rugby for years and years by
joining local men or women's clubs. Senior Clubs even have "Old Boys"
teams composed of players over 35 years of age! This letter is intended
to help you understand the game of Rugby a little better, and give you
some information about those that play it.
Some
other Rugby players you may have heard of: President Bill Clinton
played at Oxford; Newt Gingerich's sister, Candace, plays for the
Washington Furies; Pope John Paul played for Poland; Darren Nelson,
former Minnesota Viking, played at Stanford; Ted Kennedy played at
Harvard; Boris Karloff founded the Southern California RFU; Jim Baker
played at Princeton; actors David Niven and Richard Harris played Rugby
both on and off the screen; Sean Connery played school-boy rugby! These
and many, many others are part of the Rugby community!
Rugby
is definitely a "contact" sport, but it is not a brutal sport. In fact,
it is much less violent than American Football. There are several very
good and logical reasons for this including the fact that contact,
while vigorous, is much less dangerous than in American football since
neither blocking or rigid protective equipment is allowed in Rugby.
This means players are not getting 'blind-sided' by the unexpected
blocker nor striking each other with 'armored' shoulders and helmets.
Also, dirty or dangerous play is not tolerated, and the offending
player may be ordered off the field or even suspended by his club or
the local league. Rugby places as much importance on sportsmanship as
on winning. Here are some other reasons rugby compares favorably with
football:
Possession:
Rugby is a game of possession, not yardage. Therefor coaching
emphasizes passing the ball before being tackled as well as other
skills aimed at keeping the ball in your teams possession, and not
struggling ahead trying to gain a few more yards while the opponents
entire team tries to drag you down.
No
Blocking: (Surprise) Most think a lack of blocking makes the game more
dangerous, but the fact is it makes rugby safer because defenders are
not being blind sided by some sprinting lineman hoping to open a hole
in the defense (and in the defender!). In football space is created for
a runner by brute force (blocking). In rugby space is created by guile
and cunning (passing the ball and using misdirection). In Rugby, nearly
all collisions between players is anticipated by both, and therefore
better prepared for.
Tackling:
(Surprise part deux) Tacklers must wrap their arms when tackling. No
'rolling body block' type tackles aimed at an opponent's knees are
allowed. Also, NO tackling is allowed above the shoulders. Also known
as 'high tackling', it is strictly forbidden and quickly penalized if
it occurs. This not only makes for safer play but for surer tackling.
Coaches teach not only how to tackle but how to be tackled (i.e. how to
fall so that your team keeps possession of the ball).
Finally,
the Rugby community is a unique group of individuals (and a group of
unique individuals) who dare to try something different... a legendary
game that mixes strength, speed and agility. A game that will forever
welcome athletes of any and every size and shape. Successful rugby does
require fitness, but first and foremost it requires that special person
who's ready, willing and able to give it a go.
"Without
ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The
prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
NAVIGATE TO THE CONTACT AND INFORMATION LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION |
|