BY KARLIS ZIRNIS RUGBY

T HE HISTORY OF RUGBY  Rugby dates back to 1823  William Web Ellis picked up the ball during a game of soccer and ran with it.  The game grew over the years and by 1850s common rules were established and the Rugby Union was founded in London in  By the late 1800s the first professional leagues were established.  Over the next many years the game spread around the world and throughout the United States.  In the early 1900s the game got so brutal President Roosevelt asked for the game to become milder and the game of American football was born.  The game of rugby was just recently introduced as an Olympic sport.

T HE EQUIPMENT OF RUGBY  No padding or protection is worn. Only a mouth guard.  Cleats are worn on the feet.  A scrum cap is optional and is worn by some forwards to protect their ears.  The traditional uniform is a long sleeve cotton shirt with a collar.  Shorts are worn that are cotton and come to mid-thigh.  Knee length socks are also worn.  For PE classes regular gym wear is appropriate.

T HE FACILITY REQUIREMENTS  The field is grass with some mud present.  The length of the field cannot be larger than 110 yards and the width cannot be larger than 75 yards.  Each try zone cannot be longer than 25 yards in length.  Goal posts are used in the shape of an H and are on the goal line at opposite ends of the field in the try zone.  From the goal line there is a 22 meter line, 10 meter line and half line  There are two sidelines on either side.  For PE classes a soccer field, football field or gym can be used.

R UGBY FIELD

T HE SKILLS OF RUGBY  Underhand pass  Kicking the ball  Tackling (not for PE use)  Catching the ball

T HE RULES OF RUGBY  It is played 15 on 15  Forward pass is not allowed  Only pass is lateral or back but kicking forward to yourself or a teammate is allowed  The object of the game is to get the ball passed the goal line or in the try zone (end zone). Five points is scored when this happens  Extra two points is achieved for kicking the ball through the uprights after crossing the try line.  Three points is awarded for kicking from anywhere through the uprights.  The game is played for 80 minutes split over two 40 minutes halves with a 10 minute break in between.

T HE RULES OF RUGBY FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS  Any number of participants is ok to use, make more or less teams as needed  Instead of tackling, two hand touched should be used  When the ball goes out of bounds the opposite team will get the ball  Any time a kick would be used the students can kick the ball through cones/pylons on the ground instead of the uprights

SOURCES   /History/default.asp /History/default.asp   /Beginners%20Guide/Basic%20Rules%20Update d.asp /Beginners%20Guide/Basic%20Rules%20Update d.asp 