Rugby players, parents, and guardians --- welcome to the 2004 season. Some of
you are familiar with rugby, many of you are not. This may answer some
questions:

WHAT IS THE EAST HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB?

We have been a recognized club sport at East High School for 17 years. We
are part of a 22-team high school league, affiliated with USA Rugby, the
national organization regulating the sport. Last year our record was 17 wins and
4 losses. We won first place in the Rocky Mountain Classic Tournament, won the
Stat Sportsmanship Award, and came in second in the State Tournament. Las spring
we toured to Des Moines, Iowa to play.

WHAT IS RUGBY?

Rugby started as an outgrowth of soccer in 1823, and is the forerunner of
American football. The ball is advanced by running it forward, avoiding the
opposing team’s tackles. The essence of rugby is a team game, each phase
dovetailing with another. Although there are different positions, each player
carries the ball, passes, tackles and scores. The only protective equipment is a
mouthpiece.

IS RUGBY DANGEROUS?

Like any sport, nicks and bruises do happen and on occasion, injuries do
occur. However, serious injuries are rare, and the injury rate is lessened
because of reliance upon the player'’ own physical and mental efficiency rather
than "protective" clothing. Also, rugby tackles are made low, allowing the ball
carrier to fall over the shoulder of the tackler. This minimizes serious knee
and head injuries.

DOES A PLAYER NEED TO BE BIG TO PLAY RUGBY?

There are 15 players on the field for each team. Although general in nature,
the game requires a wide variety of skills and sizes, and many top rugby players
are small. We encourage players to start rugby as early in high school as then
can.

HOW CAN A STUDENT BENEFIT FROM HIGH SCHOOL RUGBY?

As the ultimate team game, rugby teaches hard work, fitness, sportsmanship
and teamwork. High school rugby is played in the spring to allow for an
athlete’s soccer or football program in the fall. The most impressive benefit is
the development of respect and camaraderie that is evident throughout the
world-wide rugby community. Almost all colleges have rugby clubs. Many of our
players have gone on to play in college and have benefited from this
involvement.

WHAT DOES THE RUGBY PROGAM ASK OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS?

We need your support. We are blessed with active parent participation and a
parent committee. As a club, we need to raise funds, organize trips and support
the students.


At the registration meeting, films will be shown, questions answered, permission
forms will be completed and dues, $60 made payable to East High Rugby, will be
collected. If a student wants to play but finds dues an obstacle, scholarships
are available. T-shirts, hats, etc. will be available for purchase and
additional donations are always welcome.