VALLEY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY
LETTER TO PARENTS

So, your son has decided to play Rugby? DON'T PANIC! Rugby is a wonderful game, with a rich tradition both here in California and around the world. It is the contact game of choice for countries such as England, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Scotland and Wales. Founded in 1823 at Rugby School in England, Rugby is played throughout the world as early as grade school on through adulthood. In fact, Rugby is truly a "Life Sport" because unlike American-Football, players continue to participate in Rugby 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 our program.

Some other Rugby players you may have heard of: President Bill Clinton played at Oxford and President George W. Bush played at Yale. Pope John Paul played for Poland; 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, and many others.

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 nor 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. In rugby, sportsmanship is as important as winning. Here are some other reasons rugby compares favorably with 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.

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, both are better prepared.

3) Passing, passing, passing: Rugby is first and foremost, a passing game. That means the ball is in constant motion, and is repeatedly passed from one player to the next, all-the-while advancing the ball forward towards the try line (end zone). Players who do not have possession of the ball cannot be touched by the opposition for any reason. To do so warrants a penalty.

4) Tackling: (Surprise part deux) Tacklers must wrap their arms when tackling. No 'rolling body block' type tackles are allowed and no head-first tackling. Also, NO tackling is allowed above the shoulders. Also known as 'high tackling', it is strictly forbidden and quickly penalized if it occurs. The unions take this VERY seriously and do not tolerate this kind of play, especially at the high school and youth rugby levels. This not only makes for safer play but for sure tackling. Coaches teach not only how to tackle but how to be tackled (i.e. how to fall in such as way that your team keeps possession of the ball).

So now that we've set aside some common myths, what do you need to do to get started?

There are some forms that you and your son will need to complete before your son will be allowed to participate in games or contact.

-First we have the Valley Christian High School Rugby Player Participation form which will be maintained by the coaches.

-Second, we have the CIPP (certified individual player participation) form in order to register with USA Rugby (USARFU is the governing body of American Rugby).

Dues will be collected from each player to cover:

Kit (game jersey, practice jersey, shorts, socks, mouthpiece), CIPP (USA Rugby Card), and other practice equipment.

Your son will need to purchase appropriate Rugby cleats, or wear soccer or football cleats slightly modified to meet regulations (no toe cleat).

The first game will be on February 1. There are 9 teams in our conference, and games are played on Fridays in the evening and Saturdays in the morning. For a look at our scheduled games, please click here. We each automatically receive a playoff berth. Each team plays 2 games in their division in order to qualify for the conference championships. The exact times for game and locations have been distributed, but may be subject to change until the start of the season.

We encourage and need parent involvement. Parents are welcome at all Rugby functions including practices. A real area of need is driving players to away games. Your presence at the games have a very positive effect on your son (despite what he may communicate to you!) and he really wants you there and so do we.

If you have any questions about any of this, please feel free to give me a call.

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 try.

Yours in Rugby,

Mike Annab
VCHS RFC Founder/Coach

Valley Christian High School Rugby Football Club