Rugby

HOW DID IT START?

In 1823 the game of Rugby was born by accident when an English Football player ran with the ball rather than kick it. This new technique caught on the game of Football and Rugby took off. It was soon modernised and the official rules were set in stone.

In the United States it originated in 1874, when Harvard University hosted the first rugby game in the nation. The game maintains a strong presence throughout the country and continues to grow and expand both in the United States and here in Australia

OBJECT OF THE GAME:

The basic object of the game is to reach the other end of the field and score. The defence tries to stop opponents by tackling them to the ground.

RULES OF THE GAME:

Rugby is a truly unique game that puts two teams against each other on a field slightly larger than an American Football field. There are 15 players on each side. A game can only be played with no less than 12 players. If a player is injured during the game, the player can be replaced. Up to 4 players can be replaced during a game. Before the match begins the two captains toss a coin for the right to kick off. A free kick is awarded for a fair catch or to the non-offending team as stated in the Rules.

Rules:
- Catch or pick up the ball and run with it.
- Pass, throw or knock the ball to another player.
- Kick or otherwise propel the ball.
- Tackle, push or shoulder an opponent holding the ball.
- Fall on the ball.
- Take part in scrimmage, ruck, maul or line-out.
- Ground the ball in In-goal.

A goal may not be scored from a free kick. A tackled player must immediately pass the ball or release the ball and get up or move away from the ball. After a tackle any other player must be on their feet when they play the ball.

A player who goes to the ground and gathers the ball or falls with the ball in their possession but who is not tackled must immediately get up on their feet with the ball or pass the ball.

A penalty kick is a kick awarded to the non-offending team as stated in the Rules.
A player may keep their hand on the ball while kicking it.

DEFINITIONS:

Dead: The time the ball has been out of play, this is when the game stops.
Defending Teams: The team who's half of the ground the stop of play occurs. The opponents of the defending team are referred to as "The Attacking Team".
Drop Kick: A drop kick is made by letting the ball fall from your hands to the ground and kicking it at the first rebound as it rises.
Place Kick: Kicking the ball after it has been placed on the ground makes a place kick.
Punt: A punt is made by letting the ball fall from your hands and kicking it before it touches the ground.
Mark: The mark is the place in which a free kick or penalty kick is awarded.
Field of Play: Is the area as shown on the plan, bounded by, but not including, the goal lines and touch lines.
Playing Area: Is the field of play and in-goal.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THE GAME:

- Cleats
- Mouthpiece
- Helmet
- Clothing: Shorts, Jersey and Socks.
- Scrum caps
- Thigh protectors
- Sweat bands on head or wrist
- Shin Guards

- Ashlee Hamill