Youth Rugby Faq
You are here because your son or daughter has expressed interest in playing rugby. Fear not, rugby is supported by many parents and athletes who consider it to be the safest and best sporting experience of all. Athletes all over the world play this game. In fact, rugby is often seen as a “game for life.” Unlike many other sports, players may continue to participate long after their school athletic career has come to a close.
Just this past fall rugby was given the ultimate stamp of approval as it was overwhelmingly re-admitted into the Olympic Games. Rugby will return to the Olympic stage starting in 2016. Today’s youth rugby players could be the Olympians of the future. That, coupled with increasing improvements to the game at the High School and Collegiate level means that more and more opportunities are becoming available to young rugby players.
This FAQ is intended to help you, the parent, better understand the game of rugby and lay to rest any fear or doubt you may have about your child’s participation.
Here are some answers to common questions that may help.
What is Youth Rugby?
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 or with flags. Akron Youth Rugby promotes a flag version of rugby that is easily picked up by youth and a blast to play and watch.
Where is it played?
Rugby is the second most popular sport in the world. Youth rugby is played all across the world and is one of the fastest growing sports in America. Rugby is very popular in Northeast Ohio with an ever growing list of High School teams.
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 youth 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. Kicking is an advanced technique that we save for the older age groups.
I’ve seen Rugby on the television. How is Youth Rugby different?
Luckily, there’s been Rugby Union shown on many channels including ESPN and Setanta Sports. 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 or flag. Your child will concentrate on the skills of passing, running, and positional play.
Is rugby an expensive sport to participate in?
Absolutely not. Rugby does not require an arsenal of equipment in order to participate. There aren’t any helmets, pads, or sticks involved with rugby.
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 and will 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! Most importantly, everyone has the chance to score!!!!
