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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
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