Rugby is a team sport that has many similar characteristics tofootball. The version that the LMSRFC boys will play is called XVs. There will be 15 players on the field from each team and it will be full contact. The version the LMSRFC girls will usually play is 7s. There will be 7 players on the field at a time and, yes, it will still be full contact. One of the special qualities of rugby is the camaraderie you build not only with your teammates, but with the referees and your opponents.
How do you play rugby?
Rugby Ready: Please, kids and parents alike, take a look at IRB Rugby Ready. It is online and it will walk you through all aspects of the game, complete with rules, pictures and examples. Topics include items such as the Tackle, the Ruck, the Maul, the Scrum, and the Lineout; Open Field and Principals of Play. http://irbrugbyready.com
Who will LMSRFC play?
The boys will play Woodlands, Katy, Regis, and Western Academy. We are trying to play home and away with all the above. We are also hoping to have the 6th graders field their own team. LMSRFC is also planning to attend some Saturday tournaments where teams from the Austin and DFW areas will also be opponents. As of current, the girls do not have any opponents as we are the only Middle School program in the State. We will have the girls play intra-squad scrimmages against themselves before the boy's home games. We will also look to play some high school teams that are very young with mostly freshman.
What does my child need in order to play?
CIPP Program: Rugby Texas mandates that each and every player, coach, referee, administrator and club will comply with the USA Rugby’s Club and Individual Participation Program (CIPP) for ALL matches. We will enforce all players are CIPP’d prior to letting them participate in contact drills and play in a match. You can "Register", (aka CIPP) at www.usarugby.org. There is a CIPP fee of approximately $65, including a personal accident medical insurance and liability policy. When registering our Club name is Lanier Middle School (Girls) Rugby Football Club. Equipment: We still have the jerseys from last season and are planning to continue to use those. We are going to look into purchase white shorts and black/white hooped socks with money donated to the Club, but there is a possibility that each player will need to buy their own. The expected costs for these items is around $50. Your son or daughter will also need a pair of cleats, a mouth guard, and, if wanted, a scrum cap. A pair of soccer cleats from Academy or Sports Authority will be fine. If using football cleats, the referee may require the front toe stud to be removed before being able to play. This is a rugby rule.
Are there dues for the LMSRFC?
At this time, I am trying to not have to have anyone pay any dues besides the Registration/CIPP fee of $65 to USA Rugby when registering and the cost of buying shorts and socks, about another $50. If you cannot afford the Registration/CIPP fee or the purchase of shorts and socks, please talk to Coach Rob.
Who is LMSRFC's governing body?
First and foremost, the school administration and HISD are supporters of ours and we will follow their directions. But in the context of our competitive competition, an organization called Rugby Texas (www.rugbytexas.org) is our government body. Rugby Texas is the governing body for all Youth Rugby (High School level and younger) in the State of Texas. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to them. Kelly Madonna is the Interim Executive Director and can be reached at [email protected] or at 214-505-2722.