BY & FOR BOY MOMS EVERYWHERE

Seeing your son join sports can be hard. It is competitive and fast-paced. Rugby might be top of your list if you live in the UK or Australia, but if you live in the United States you may have very little knowledge of the sport.

If your child is starting to play rugby, you may find yourself learning about the sport for the first time. With its unique rules and hyper-physical play, rugby can seem confusing to newcomers. However, once you understand the basics of the game, it’s easier to follow and more enjoyable to watch. Whether your child is starting in a youth league or joining a rugby club, here’s everything you need to know to support them and stay informed about the sport they love.

What is Rugby?

Rugby is a contact sport that involves two teams of players trying to carry or kick a ball over the opposing team’s goal line to score points. It is a high-energy sport that requires teamwork, strength, strategy, and a lot of running. While it may seem similar to American football, rugby has fewer stoppages and no helmets or pads, making it unique in both its play and safety considerations.

There are two main types of rugby: Rugby Union (the more common version in the U.S.) and Rugby League. The rules are mostly the same, with a few differences in how many players are on the field and specific game rules. Most youth leagues and beginner programs, like flag rugby or youth rugby clubs, typically play Rugby Union. Many leagues and clubs take children around age 6+.

Basic Rugby Rules for Newbies

Understanding rugby’s basic rules will help you feel more confident when watching your child play. Here are some essentials to know:

1. The Objective: The primary goal of rugby is to score more points than the opposing team by either carrying the ball over the opponent’s goal line (a try) or kicking it through the posts (a conversion or penalty kick).
2. The Ball: Rugby uses an oval-shaped ball that players carry, pass, or kick to advance it down the field. Players can run with the ball but can only pass it backward or sideways—they cannot pass the ball forward, which is one of rugby’s most important rules.
3. The Tackle: The game is physical, and tackling is a big part of it. When a player with the ball is tackled (brought to the ground by an opponent), they must release the ball immediately. The opposing team can then attempt to gain possession of the ball, often leading to quick turnovers.
4. Rucks and Mauls: Once the ball is on the ground after a tackle, players from both teams try to gain possession in a ruck (a pile of players over the ball). A maul occurs when the ball carrier is held up by the opposition but is still on their feet, and players from both teams try to push each other over the ball.
5. The Scrum: A scrum happens when play is stopped due to a minor infringement (like a forward pass). The forwards from each team bind together in a formation and push against each other to try and win possession of the ball. It’s a physical aspect of the game but usually results in a reset of play rather than an immediate score.
6. The Kick: Kicking the ball plays an important role in rugby. Kicks can be used for gaining territory, attempting to score points (with penalty kicks), or converting tries into extra points. A successful conversion kick follows a try and adds an additional two points.
7. Scoring: The game offers several ways to score:
   • Try: Worth 5 points, a try is scored when the ball is grounded over the opponent’s try line.
   • Conversion: After a try, the scoring team has the opportunity to kick for an extra 2 points.
   • Penalty Kick: Worth 3 points, a penalty kick can be awarded after certain infringements.
   • Drop Goal: A drop goal is worth 3 points and is scored when a player drops the ball and kicks it through the posts in one continuous motion.

Is Rugby Safe for My Son?

Like all contact sports, rugby comes with some injury risk, but it’s important to note that rugby has a strong emphasis on proper technique and safety.

1. Common Injuries: While rugby has fewer injuries than American football, it’s still a contact sport. The most common injuries are sprains, strains, dislocations, and cuts. Because rugby is played without helmets and pads, players are encouraged to tackle safely using proper techniques to reduce the risk of head and neck injuries.
2. Injury Prevention: Rugby leagues focus heavily on teaching safe tackling techniques, ensuring that players learn how to absorb hits and tackle properly from a young age. Additionally, many rugby clubs now require mandatory head injury education and concussion protocols for players, which helps minimize risk.
3. Physical Conditioning: Rugby requires a good level of fitness. Players are constantly running, tackling, and engaging in scrums, so a strong emphasis on physical conditioning helps reduce the likelihood of injuries due to fatigue or poor form.
4. Age-Appropriate Play: Youth leagues are structured to allow kids to play with others of similar age and skill levels, ensuring that everyone can play at their own pace and strength. The rules are adapted for younger players, making the game safer and more manageable.

Time and Financial Commitment for Rugby

If your child starts playing rugby, it’s important to consider the time and financial commitment involved. Rugby may not require the same extensive equipment as football, but most moms would gladly pay for more protective gear in Rugby. Players and parents are both making serious commitments when they sign up for rugby. Here are some things to consider:

1. Costs: The cost to participate in rugby varies by region and league, but families can generally expect to pay between $200+ for registration fees. You may also need to purchase rugby boots, knee pads, and a mouthguard. Unlike American football, rugby players don’t wear pads or helmets, which can help reduce overall costs.
2. Time Commitment: Rugby teams typically have two to three practices per week, and games are often held on weekends. The time commitment can range from 5 to 10 hours a week, depending on the level of competition and the age of the players. If your child plays on a travel team or enters tournaments, the time commitment may increase due to travel and additional practices.
3. Volunteer Role: As a parent, you may be expected to help out with team logistics, such as organizing carpooling, attending parent meetings, or assisting with fundraising. Rugby clubs are often community-driven, and your involvement will help ensure the team runs smoothly.