A sport for every body

Why Rugby

With so many other sports and activities to choose from, why choose rugby?

• Rugby is an all-around sport with positions for all body types.  In rugby, everyone runs the ball and passes on offense, and everyone chases and tackles on defense, so the sport generally requires all players to possess some strength, speed, endurance and strategic thinking under pressure.  But while there are several tactical skills and abilities a player can develop to improve at their position (kicking, throwing, lifting, jumping, maneuvering, etc.) there is no narrow set of skills that players must develop or set of physical characteristics players must be granted by their genetics in order to enjoy the sport and play competitively.  Big and strong but not very agile?  There’s a position for that.  Stout and scrappy but too short for most sports?  There’s a position for that.  Lean and fast but not dense enough to push others around?  There’s a position for that!

• Rugby imparts genuine character-building values.  

• Rugby is a true team sport.  In rugby there is no star player, no quarterback, no pitcher, no goalie, etc.  Every position in rugby is vital to the team’s success and every player has a responsibility to do their best for their teammates.  

• Rugby teaches perseverance.  It’s a tough sport requiring players to overcome mental and physical challenges in order to play to the best of their ability.  No matter their position, there is always another skill or bit of strategy a player can learn to improve their game, and players are rewarded for developing a growth mindset and pushing themselves to their limits.

• Rugby requires being a good sport.  Referee calls are based partially on player intent, and refs are fully ready to penalize a team for players (and parents) displaying unbecoming behavior on- or off-pitch.  Simply put, rugby is a game for those who play with class.

• Rugby is built on a culture of respect.  We compete on the pitch, but after the match the host throws a party for the visiting team where players, parents, coaches and supporters join to encourage each other and to celebrate good gameplay and a spirit of a shared love of the sport. 

• Rugby only costs what it costs (which is very little).  Player dues help cover basic operational costs for the club (mostly to do with match-hosting and training equipment) and the equipment a player’s family is responsible for providing is minimal (a mouthguard and a pair of cleats).  Coaches and administrators volunteer their time so fundraising dollars go towards growing and sustaining the club and keeping player dues as low as possible.  Competition is focused on nearby clubs to minimize travel time and expenses for busy families.  Rugby is a sport for everyone and cost will not be a barrier to entry.

• Rugby is a life-long sport and your club is your family for life.  Across the globe, rugby is played by all ages from early youth to 70’s and up, and there is no team-selection filter barring continuity in the sport for as long as someone wants to play.  If your child moves away for college, there’s a good chance they can play for their school, or for a senior club in the area.  If your rugger travels abroad for school or work, there’s an even better chance they can find a club to join.  Players who decide to stop playing the game can remain engaged as coaches or referees, and the club is open to literally anyone who wants to join whether they play currently, played in the past, or just enjoy watching and supporting.  But wherever your Junior Spartan goes and whatever their form of involvement, they’ll be a Spartan for life.

Eligibility and Age Brackets

Rugby is a physical sport involving running, passing and kicking a ball, tackling opponent players, and participating in contests of strength against the other team.  Because players do not wear pads as a rule, and because the rules of rugby are very specific about what counts as a legal tackle, players must learn to tackle safely and under control and as a result rugby is a remarkably safe sport, appropriate for school-aged children and seniors alike.  Even so, you will be required to sign a liability waiver in order for your rugger to participate in practices or matches.

Youth Rugby in Georgia is played in age brackets as follows (relative to the player’s age as of September 1):

• U8: ages 5-7

• U10: ages 8-9

• U12: ages 10-11

• U14: ages 12-13

• U16: ages 14-15

• U19: ages 16-18

All ruggers play together regardless of gender for U8-U10, while ruggers will be separated into male-presenting and female-presenting for U12-U19.

Practice

• Practices are led by World Rugby-certified coaches, each of whom volunteers their time to coach out of love for the sport.

• Practices begin in the fall (October) and continue through the spring season (April).

• Practice times and locations will be announced soon. Parents/guardians for ruggers in U8-U10 are expected to remain at practice throughout.

• All your rugger needs is a mouthguard, soccer cleats and athletic clothing appropriate to the weather.  Wear layers during cold practices so that they can adjust to their internal temperature as it rises due to activity.  Ideally, wear clothes with pockets because gloves make drills difficult.