Forms

You must have these filled out, signed and turned in to play league games.

1. Signed Parent Consent form from each player. Go HERE
2. Medical information for each player. Go HERE
3. 2008 USA Rugby CIPP for each player. Go HERE
4. Signed Code of Conduct for each player. Go HERE

Why Rugby?

So, your son (or daughter) has decided to play Rugby? Don't Panic! Rugby is a wonderful game, with a rich tradition here in Tennessee and 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 throught 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 by joining local men or women's clubs.

Rugby is definitely a "contact" sport, but is 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, its much less dangerous than 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 or 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 local league. Rugby places as much importance on sportsmanship as on winning.

The Game
The Object of the Game is that two teams of fifteen, ten or seven players each, observing fair play according to the Laws and sporting spirit, should by carrying, passing, kicking and grounding the ball score as many points as possible, the team scoring the greater number of points being the winner of the match.

Want Details, this is an excellent reference from USA Rugby:
SPECTATORS GUIDE TO RUGBY

Summary: Rugby vs. American Football

1. Possession: Rugby is a game of possession, not yardage. Therefore, 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 yoiu 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 hopig to open a hole in the defense. In football, space is created for a runner by blocking brute force. In rugby, space is created by guile and cunning (passing and misdirection). In rugby, nealry all collisions between players is anticipated by both, and therefore, both are better prepared.

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 safter play, but for sure 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).