NORTHERN NEW MEXICO
YOUTH RUGBY

A Description of Youth Rugby

THE GAME

Youth rugby, played by boys and girls ages 7-14, is a non-contact (touch) game in which the ball is moved down the field by running and kicking. Forward passes are not allowed, all passing is lateral. Blocking is not permitted. An actual score occurs when the ball is carried over the goal line and physically touched to the ground. Defenders attempt to stop the progress downfield by "tackling" the ball carrier. In youth rugby a tackle is a actually a "tag" in which the defender must use both hands to touch the ball carrier between the waist and knees. When touched the offensive player must pass the ball. The referee will yell "tag" when this situation occurs. A youth rugby game consists of Two 14 to 20 minute periods. Substitutions may occur at the beginning of each period and for injuries.

THE SCORING

THE LANGUAGE

THE PLAYERS

Rugby takes its name from its birthplace, the Rugby School in Rugby, England where it was first played in the early 1820s. Rugby is now an international sport played in more than 100 countries. It is the major sport in some countries, such as New Zealand and South Africa. Kids in those countries begin playing it before they start grade school. In the United States until recently, most people were first exposed to the game in college. That's not surprising because Rugby's U.S. history is rooted at the collegiate level. The first recorded game was played May 5, 1874, and matched Harvard College and McGill University of Montreal, Canada. The rugby club at the University of California at Berkeley has played continuously since its first game in 1882. Rule changes in 1880 gave birth to American football, but rugby remained a popular high school sport until the 1920's. The United States teams won the Olympic gold medal for rugby in 1920 and 1924, the last year it was an Olympic sport. Rugby never completely left the U.S. sports scene but for many years was played almost exclusively by young adult males. Now, some 60,000 people of all ages and both genders play the sport for 1,187 clubs, which is increasing at an rate of 10 percent a year.

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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's 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:

(1) 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.

(2) 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.

(3) 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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WHY RUGBY
by Rob Wagner

It is tempting when trying to define "why" rugby to simplify it all to a few bumper stickers ("Rugby... Because"; "Rugby, The Only Game Our Mothers Let Us Play"; "In Rugby There Are No Winners, Only Survivors). But, of course, it is far more complicated than that. Notice, for instance, that the subject of this chapter is not "why play rugby," it is WHY RUGBY. This fine differentiation does not have to be explained to ruggers, but for the new or uninitiated, it does bear some discussion. Note also that "WHY RUGBY" is both a question and a statement, or perhaps a question without a question mark or a statement in question form. How appropriate that the topic itself should break the rules, even if they are the rules of grammar and punctuation.

Rugby is not, "like soccer," as we all to often hear. Such a statement is a blasphemy of the good name of Rugby. Rugby is a natural evolution from soccer. Soccer, being the Neanderthal precursor to Rugby. The game of Rugby-football started with a man, William Web Ellis, following his finely developed instincts by picking up the ball in a soccer match and running with it (i.e. he broke a rule he recognized as stupid and limiting, starting a fine tradition of civil disobedience that was later adopted by Gahndi and King).

Emerson said a mouthful when he said "whoso would be a man, must be a nonconformist. He who would gather mortal palms must not be hindered by the name of goodness, but must explore if it be goodness," (but then he had a nasty habit of being profound) It could well be the rugby player's credo. You will find so many drawn to the game because they want to try something different, something exciting and new, and something that others may be just a bit fearful of.

If that is not necessarily why they come to the game, they soon find a certain perverse pleasure in watching and listening to people's reactions when they tell them, "I play rugby." Most often the listener gets a strange look on their face, or grimace, and says, "Rugby, that's pretty rough, isn't it?" "Yeah, kinda," you respond as they look you up and down and wonder what manner of person is this?!. This, then, results in the statement changing from "I play rugby," to, "I am a rugby player." A subtle but important difference as the first phrase states what one does, the second defines whom one is.

Simply (and frequently) put, Rugby is not a game, it is a life style. Its essence is not drawn simply from the physical competition on the pitch, but also from camaraderie that develops from sharing such an uncommon--common bond. It starts on the field but is reinforced during the post game gatherings (ok, ok, the party) when opponents break bread and toast each other with drink and song. The party is a celebration not just for the victors, but also for the vanquished (and a chance for a redemption of sorts by "winning" the, um, gathering). It is a unique endeavor in athletics. Whereas Vince Lombardi speaks for most competitive sport in saying, "Winning isn't everything, it is the only thing," the rugger, who still wishes to win, values the test of competition and the spirit of the game even more. So perhaps it can all be reduced to a bumper sticker after all {sigh}, "in rugby there are no winners, only survivors." And we survive well together, teammates and opponents alike.

Finally, people play rugby because it is not football, and it is not soccer, and it is not any of the other sport you can think of. It is different, it is unique, it is rugby. More than a game, more than simple competition, flying in the face of what is expected of the American athlete. Rugby players are nothing, if not nonconformists. Ralph Waldo (yes, we're on a first name basis) would be proud, and would no doubt have captained the all-intellectual and social selects first 15, probably at eight-man (if he brought his own ball).

We few, we proud, we ruggers must never forget our ideals, our objectives and our principles lest we become just another game that values winning above all else. Rugby has always been above that. It is about camaraderie and sportsmanship. Other sports often pay only lip service to those ideals, rugby exemplifies them. Mr. Robert Frost also captures the spirit of the game in "The Road Not Taken." Read on, and enjoy... and do not forget to read the explanation below the poem.

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I__
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference.

-Robert Frost

It's a little known nonfact that this was written by Frost to explain to his parents why he played rugby. They were adequately confused, mumbled their thanks, and wandered down to the local pub to lament the strange turn their son had taken. "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."

--Henry David Thoreau (writing of ruggers, I'm sure)

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A SPECTATOR'S GUIDE TO RUGBY

For anyone reasonably familiar with American football, rugby should be an easy game to understand. The purpose of the game of rugby is to carry a blown up pigskin over a goal line, or kick it over a goal post with more consistency than one's opposition.

Unlike American football, the laws of rugby are few and simple. Rugby action does not stop until someone scores, the ball goes out of bounds, or a rule is broken. Rugby teams don't huddle to prepare strategy since no platoons for offense, defense, and special teams exist. A good rugby team or side, as it is called will respond instantly to a number of defensive and offensive situations, each member of the team moving independently within his role, but collectively for total effect.

FORWARDS AND BACKS: Each rugby side is composed of eight forwards and seven backs. Each player on the field, or pitch, may pick up the ball and run with it, pass it, or kick it at anytime. Everyone is also responsible to play defense when the other team has the ball. It is generally the assignment of the forwards to secure possession of the ball and then either advance it themselves or pass it out to the backs. The ball can be advanced or moved three ways; It can be carried forward, passed laterally or backward, or kicked. If the backfield attack breaks down, rugby forwards, unlike football linemen, may handle the ball and become a dynamic offensive force themselves.

THE DEFENSE: Rugby play goes on when American football play stops because rugby has no "first downs." Rugby players keep on going until the whistle blows, but when a ball carrier is tackled (and actually brought to the ground), he must release the ball. Either a teammate or one of his opponents may then gain possession and continue the action. Or the tackled player himself may again play the ball once he has regained his feet.

OFFSIDES: The football scrimmage line is called the offside line, or game line, in rugby. It is an imaginary line that runs across the field through the ball while the ball moves. To qualify to take part in the actions, a rugby player must play from behind the ball, both defensively and offensively. That's why the forward pass is futile (and illegal) in rugby. A player cannot chase a ball that has been kicked up field by a teammate who is behind him. The player must wait until the person that kicked the ball, or someone behind the kicker, runs up field, passing the others and thus putting them onsides so that they may play. A player may also be put onside if the player catching the ball either drops it or runs at least five meters with it. What the defender cannot do, is play the person waiting to catch the ball until the defender has been put onside either by the actions of his own team or the actions of the person receiving the ball.

THE SCORE: The game begins with a kickoff from mid-field that must travel at least ten yards. When one side is successful in crossing the opponent's goal line, and actually touches the ball to the ground, this endeavor is called a try and is worth five points. The ball must be placed on the ground, crossing the goal line is not enough for a score. If a player runs out of the goal area, or is held up and unable to get the ball to the turf, there will be no try allowed. Once a try is made, a conversion kick is awarded representing a chance to add two more points. The kick is attempted from the ground, anywhere along a line perpendicular to the goal line from the place where the try was scored (the ball was touched down). Two other kicks can put points on the scoreboard at any time during the game. A dropkick can be kicked through the goal posts anytime during play and it brings three points for a successful effort. If the referee finds a team breaking a rule, he may award a penalty kick at the point of the infraction to the opposition. A place kick may be taken from that point and if it goes through the uprights (goalposts) it is worth three points.

BLUNDER AND YOU'LL SUFFER!: One of the secrets of good rugby is to be aware of all the rules and to be able to take advantage instantly of any opportunities that may arise. An unalert player may ruin the effort of his entire team by either hesitating when he should spring to the advantage, or by violating a law, thus giving the opposition a free kick. We have already discussed one of the infractions which may bring about a penalty kick; being offside. Other major blunders include holding the ball after a tackle, intentionally lying on the ball, blocking or obstructing an opponent, or dangerous tackling methods (you must make a grasp at the person you intend to bring down, and may not tackle him about the shoulders or head). Fans will be able to recognize the guilty side by the ten-yard retreat they must make from the point of the infractions.

Minor violations of the laws such as a knock-on (fumble forward) or a forward pass result in a scrum.

THE SCRUM: When the whistle blows and the referee calls for a scrummage, the eight forwards on each team bind together in a formidable pack and come together head first against the opposition, aligned in the same manner. The team that did not commit the infraction is awarded the ball. The scrum-half from that side sends the ball in between the two struggling masses. They push and try to use their feet (but not hands) to heel the ball back through their own scrum. A penalty is assessed for reaching into the pack for the ball. Once it is out, the scrum-half takes the ball and passes it out to his backfield. This type of scrummage is known as a set scrum or set play since each player assumes a distinct position in the formation.

RUCK OR LOOSE: The set scrum is not the only scrummage that can occur on the field. When a player is tackled or the ball is free in a crowd of forwards, a loose scrum or loose ruck occurs. No whistles signal this variation and no set positions are required. Whoever gets to the ball first forms a ruck. Players get to the spot, bind into a pack and attempt to step over the ball to secure possession. The same rules apply to loose scrummages as to set scrums; no hands, the ball must be completely heeled or stepped over before the scrum-half can pass the ball out to his team. The defense will try to stop the rush by packing against the bound mass or by taking the ball from the person carrying it.

LINEOUT: When the ball goes into touch or out of bounds, play is restarted by a lineout. A player from the team who did not touch the ball last throws the ball from out of bounds between two parallel lines of forwards standing perpendicular to the point where the ball left play. The nearest player in the line must be at least five meters from the touch line. The thrower attempts to loft the ball to the apex of the leap of his team's best jumper. The jumper does his best to secure the ball and deliver it cleanly to his scrum-half. A well timed transfer assures the players in the backfield of getting a good pass from their scrum-half. A ball that is tipped down or passed sloppily puts the scrum-half in terrible straits, vulnerable to the break-through of the charging opposition forwards with malice on their minds. The forwards of a scrambling scrum-half do their best to shield their teammate by binding tightly to prevent an opposition break-through.

OPTING TO RUN: Those who enjoy American football like nothing better than a player who tucks the ball under his arm and scampers a long distance for a score. At first glance, rugby appears to be the broken field runner's dream, man for man coverage all around. One slight variation in the game turns a potential dream into a nightmare, no blocking. A runner may beat his opposite, pick up ten, twenty, even thirty yards, then suddenly get clobbered by the covering defense. The absence of blocking, and the loss of possession after a tackle quickly get the most powerful runner looking for more options than just putting his head down and pounding forward.

CHOOSING TO PASS: A competent rugby side will make a great effort to never allow a teammate to be isolated without someone to pass to. Even when the open side wing finally receives the ball, he will be looking back inside for supporting members of his own squad. A well coordinated team will tie the opposition in knots by continually changing the direction of the attack with good passing. It might appear that passing is somewhat limited by the elimination of the forward pass. But the variation in distance, speed and delivery is endless. Good squads will exploit all possibilities, even using the forward pack as a rushing group of huge option quarterbacks.

KICKING: The final option of a triple threat attacking rugger is the kick. It's much easier to boot the ball forward thirty yards than it is to carry it the same distance. The kicking game is the backbone of a rugby side. Good kicks set up the good pass or the good run. The punt (for touch): This is a long kick in American football style. Used by a team defending its own end, it gets the pressure off by advancing the ball from behind the team's twenty-two meter line and out of bounds. The Pop-kick: Here is another method of beating the opposite player. In this case, when the opponent approaches, the ball carrier uses a short stab of his leg and foot to literally "pop" the ball over the head of the opponent. If the ball isn't kicked too far, the kicker should be able to field it coming down or on one of its first bounces and continue up field. The Up-and-Under: In this kick the player with the ball gives it a tremendous taste of his foot, not for distance, but for height. He aims to drop it several yards down field from his own forward pack, where they descend with increasing speed and bloody intentions on the hapless soul who parks in the spot to try to field the falling "red cross." This kick is often taken by the scrum-half from the line-out or in a penalty situation.

THE FINAL GOAL, A BLEND: No rugby team will win many games if they rely too heavily on a single facet of the game, the run, pass, or kick. Variety is important. For example, a player that has been passing all day may 'sell the dummy', fake the pass and keep the ball, catching his opposite number helplessly off balance. Or a team that has been going to the open side of the field consistently may take the ball blind side to the chagrin of their opposition. These are all tactics that contribute to winning rugby.

Once you learn the basics of rugby and give the game a chance, you'll be able to appreciate the finer points. There will be no doubt in your mind, however, that rugby is a delicate true blend of strength, finesse, speed and stamina.

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Youth Rugby FAQ


What is Youth Rugby and where is it played?

Youth Rugby is rugby played by athletes, ages 14 and under. In most areas, Youth Rugby is played with a two-hand tap replacing the tackle. Scrums are uncontested and lineout is contested. A loose ball on the ground is contested. Many countries around the world have used variations of this program starting ages of five years old and up. Australia and New Zealand have adult leagues using a variation of Youth Rugby, since without tackling; women can play on a competitive level with men.

How do you play Youth Rugby and how is it similar to other sports?

The rugby ball is shaped like a football. Teammates will run with the ball in their hands, passing the ball among them, looking to run between or around the opposition to score in the end zone. The skills learned are similar to soccer, lacrosse, and basketball, only you don't dribble with the feet or your hands or carry the ball with a stick. This allows you to work on space (spreading out the offense) and pace (controlling your speed to provide good support, then bursting to score).

Is Youth Rugby played under the same rules and laws?

No. Youth rugby laws are amended to provide a fun safe opportunity for youths to learn the sport.

Is there kicking in Youth Rugby?

Positional kicking allows you to kick the ball behind the defense to continue the attack. It also allows the defense to get themselves out of situations when their back is against the wall. You'll learn a range of kicks during this program.

I've seen Rugby on the television. How is Youth Rugby different?

Luckily, there's been Rugby Union shown on the International Channel. That's the type of rugby that Youth Rugby is based on. There is a different type of rugby shown at times called Rugby League. In that game when a ball carrier is tackled, play stops like in football. In Youth Rugby, play does not stop if you're tagged or tackled. The ball changes sides when the offense makes a mistake. Sometimes, on TV, you'll see teams playing "crash ball", driving into the opposition. In Youth Rugby, you'll learn how to attack space. Coaching and training will involve passing and running with the ball to go between or around the defense, or kick past them.

Are there special skills necessary to start playing Youth Rugby?

No special skills are necessary to begin. If you can pass a little bit and catch a ball while running, you'll be a star. Remember, tackling will be replaced with the two-hand tag. You will concentrate on the skills of passing, running, kicking and positional play.

Will Youth Rugby help me in my other sports?

Rugby is excellent preparation for any team sport. The game will get you in excellent shape. You'll improve your ability to read defenses. Your passing will be vastly improved in your other sports, whether it's with a tick in lacrosse, your feet in soccer, or yours hands in basketball.

In some sports I play now, I hardly touch the ball. Will that happen in Youth Rugby?

No! Because there are no downs, the ball keeps moving around the field. Everyone touches the ball! Everyone runs with the ball! Everyone passes the ball!