Thank you for coming out to the picnic this evening. It was a shame we got rained out, but we did manage to get our awards handed out in time.
Thank you for the superbly thoughtful and perfectly aimed coaches' gift--outstanding idea and execution.
Congratulations to our team winners:
U-11 top scorer: Simon M.
U-11 season MVP: Matt G.
U-13 top scorer: Anthony A.
U-13 season MVP: Andy L.
U-15 top scorer: Pace W.
U-15 season MVP: Ruslan P.
If anyone needs an extra certificate, or if I misspelled a name, just let me know and I'll send you a new one.
I still need 11 trophy/medal payments, please. Trophies are $6.16 and medals are $4.17, cash or check made out to me. You can mail it to me at 2207 Wittington Blvd, Alex, VA 22308.
I am holding trophies and medals for:
Connor T.
Cory C.
Mark P.
Jon D.
Peter F.
David F.
Connor C.
Tom B.
Anthony L.
Denis P.
Dan M.
You can come by the house between 6:00 and 8:00 to pick them up. Call first: 703-780-5859.
Next rugby event is the "Forever Strong" movie, and we'll look to go as a team on Saturday afternoon, 27 September.
Thanks so much for another great Fort Hunt rugby season. I can't wait for next year.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Tournament Recap, Picnic, Awards, The Future, Etc.
And so the third season of Fort Hunt Rugby goes into the history books...
Gratitude
First and foremost, from me and on behalf of Andy and all of the club's leadership, THANK YOU, moms/dads/supporters for making this club and our program go. Thank you for having the open mind to bring your player into the unknown/fringe/misunderstood sport of rugby, and for sticking with it. Thank you for having confidence in the program and in our coaches. Thank you for collecting money, keeping scores, taking on passengers, cooking hot dogs, etc. Thank you for helping out in all of the ways you have. We cannot make this club work without you, and you all have done a magnificent job of bringing this still very new program to a new level of success. Big, big thanks to all of you.
Thanks to Commissioner Andy Vonada for handling our registrations and finances, for scheduling our field, and for representing rugby to the leadership in FHYAA. Thank you to Andy for conceiving of this program, and for getting it off the ground.
Thank you to FHYAA for making rugby part of its sports program.
And super-mega-honkin' big thank-you to the coaching staff--Andy Vonada, Bobby Strawbridge, Dan Dickert, Dale Roach, Jim Woods, Dave Poulin, Layton Golding, and every parent who got out there and ran with us and helped the kids learn this sport.
Tournament Recap
Last year Fort Hunt fielded a single U-11 touch team, onto which a few of our older players snuck. This year we fielded full U-11, U-13 and U-15 sides, and competed fully in all of our matches, without having to rely on in-fill from other clubs. We played nine rugby matches in six hours with enthusiasm and positive attitudes, and clearly improving play as the day went on.
The U-11s finished #5 in the 8-team field.
The U-13s finished #3 in their 4-team field.
The U-15s took second in their 2-team field. What really impressed me about the U-15s was that the first match was all Bailey's, and by the time we got to the final, two matches later, we had the cohesion and confidence to play them solidly, with the score at half 19-0, in our favor. We got a trophy for our U-15s, and we'll hold a drawing on Sunday among the U-15s players (who were at the tournament) to determine who gets to take it home.
On Sunday, Anthony A, Adam H and Cory C came out for tackle. They hooked up with Braddock Road, and all three started in the first BRYC match, ahead of the BRYC players in attendance--that speaks greatly to the character and abilities of our players. I watched them play in two matches, and they performed outstandingly, running straight and true, holding the ball well, posting correctly in the tackle, showing unselfish play and both teamwork and sportsmanship; they represented our club beautifully.
Trophies/Medals
The mementoes are ordered, and will be here in time for the picnic. The picnic will be the main venue for handing them out.
Trophies are $6.16.
Medals are $4.17.
You can pay me in cash or make a check out to me.
If you'd like to come by my house and pick up the trophy/medal, feel free to come by in the evenings. They won't be here until Thursday at the earliest.
Picnic
We will hold our end of season picnic this Sunday at 4:00 in Area E at Fort Hunt Park (see map).
All players, wear your jerseys, as we need to take team pictures. All coaches, please wear your green coaching shirts.
The club will provide burgers, dogs, drinks and plates/napkins/cups/etc. Anyone who has any leftovers from the season, please bring that out.
You come with non-flatware-required food (sandwiches, cookies, brownies, chips, veggies, etc.) for your crew and 2-3 others. Don't worry about main course, appetizer, dessert, and all of that over-specialization; keep it simple.
I will buy all of the stuff on Saturday, so please give me an RSVP with adult/kid numbers by the end of the day on Friday.
Guests are welcome, especially prospective rugby players.
We'll hand out certificates, trophies/medals and team awards, and should be done and clear by 6:00 or so. There might even be time in there for the much-rumored Dads vs. Kids touch match... for the Ultimate Championship of All Space and All Time! Coaches/Dads: if you're up for this, wear good shoes and comfortable clothes.
Extra Gear For Sale
At the picnic on Sunday we will have extra jerseys for sale, and our team patch for sale. The jerseys are great for siblings, moms and dads, and are a powerful recruiting tool--buy lots!
We have jerseys in the following sizes: 2 XLs, 10 Larges, 2 Mediums, 1 Small. Cost will be $40, check or cash.
Patches are $5.
Upcoming Events
Some of you may have seen the banners at the tournament for the rugby-themed movie "Forever Strong," which opens on 26 September. I propose that we meet as a team on the evening of Saturday, 27 September, all of us wearing our Fort Hunt Rugby gear, to see the film as a group. I figure the Hoffman AMC will be the best bet.
The film's website is: http://www.foreverstrongmovie.com/
Check out the trailer at http://www.rugbymovie.com/, http://www.mtv.com/movies/, http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?vid=263356
The film has not yet been officially rated; it most likely will be PG or PG-13.
More info as the date approaches.
Coming up on Sunday, 9 November is the Ambassador's Shield rugby competition at Trinity College in DC. See the website at: http://www.ambassadorsshield.com/index.html (it hasn't been updated yet).
This is a day of high-level competition starting with a U-19 (high school) 7s match, followed by U-21 (collegiate) men's and women's matches between territorial sides, culminating in the final match between the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union Select XV (all-stars) against a hand-picked New Zealand national representative side of Kiwis playing in North America. This is the best way to get to see a haka live and in-person. Max and I have gone the past two years and it is a great day of rugby watching, with lots of souvenirs to buy, too.
More details to follow as it gets closer.
We will try to host a rugby clinic during the Fairfax County Public Schools spring break, 6-10 April 09.
Right now it's looking something like three two-hour sessions running Tuesday-Thursday, but may expand it as we develop our plans, maybe going each night, M-F, and finishing with a proper rugby social/BBQ on the last day. If anyone has ideas, let me know.
Cost is likely to be free.
More info to come.
The Distant Future
My goals for Fort Hunt Rugby next summer are:
100 registered kids (we had 53 this year)
Full U-9 and U-11 touch.
U-13 and U-15 touch programs for players who want to play only touch.
U-13 and U-15 tackle-only teams.
Enter U-13 and a U-15 tackle teams in next year's tournament and play all day without fill from another club.
I stress this again: if players want to play tackle at U-13, U-15 or U-17 next season, we will need early commitment from all interested players so we can form a team and make commitments to the league. If players want to play tackle, they need to recruit sufficient numbers to make it happen.
My overall goals for Fort Hunt Rugby are:
U-13, U-15 and U-17 tackle rugby every summer, and to be competitive in the tackle tournament.
A Mount Vernon HS/WestPo HS combined Fort Hunt U-19 rugby club (for kids 15+), which will take part in the March-June Rugby VA spring season each year.
Build a catalog of Fort Hunt Rugby gear, to include custom jerseys, t-shirts, patches, team jackets, hats, stickers, pins, coins, hoodies, ties, etc. This will reinforce team, build pride, will help recruitment, and will generate funds for our program.
Get more parents into coaching, and get coaches to national certification training. This further legitimizes our program, and makes our coaches better at applying the latest methods in top-flight instruction to our kids, directly from the national level.
My long-term goals for Fort Hunt Rugby are:
A late summer or spring (tackle) rugby tour for U-15s, U-17s or U-19s. Possible destinations include Canada, the Northeast, the Southeast, or West Coast. This would be a proper rugby tour, with club ties and blazers, club kit bags, matching uniforms, formal dinners and lots of rugby union football. It is not unreasonable to consider doing something like this in the late summer of 2010, or the spring of 2011.
An overseas tour. This is quite a ways off, but something to think about.
Recruiting
There are two key assets to recruiting for our program: players and parents.
Players: if the kids want a full tackle team for next summer, they must bring their buddies out to play. Have them wear their jerseys to school, have them talk about rugby, and have them bring their friends along. This is one of the big reasons we'll be doing the spring break clinic, to introduce new kids to the sport.
Parents:
You are key to dispelling the untrue myths and unjust prejudices many parents have about rugby; you are key to convincing other parents that rugby is not an uncontrolled melee, that rugby is dangerous for their kids, and that rugby is a clean, safe, actively coached, controlled and positive experience in every way.
Stress that for the third year, we have had no injuries, in practice or in matches.
Stress that our coaches are nationally certified (Andy and me), and that we are trained specifically in introducing rugby to and coaching youth players who are brand-new to the sport.
Stress the sportsmanship, respect for the referee, playing aspects of decision making/teamwork/common skills and that every kid no matter how small or big not only can but is supposed to run and score, and the highly important social aspect of the sport.
Volunteers
Our volunteering this season was fantastic--thank you again to everyone who lent a hand to make our program go, especially the home game socials--this is a key aspect of our sport, and we did it the right way every single time, unlike many of our opponents.
We still need a number of volunteers. These will not just be needed/nice to have in 2009, but absolutely critical if we do in fact turn out 100+ kids.
Next year, we will need the following:
Dedicated U-11 coach.
Dedicated U-13 coach.
Dedicated U-15 coach.
Assistant coaches for all teams.
Match secretary, for arranging all club home and away match details.
Equipment and field manager, to take care of all aspects of field marking and setup/take-down for home games, and to manage the club's expanding physical kit.
Social chairman, to arrange for home game socials.
I will be in contact in the spring to ask for volunteers for next summer's season.
Donations
When you sign up for any FHYAA sport, you have the option of making a donation in addition to registration fees, and you can tag that donation specifically to the sport of your choice. If you donate to FHYAA rugby, that allows us to buy more balls, tackling pads, cones and disks, goalpost pads, medical kits, training jerseys, kicking tees, drink coolers, etc.
I believe that FHYAA donations are tax-deductible.
Thanks, in advance.
Communication
The good news is that the nonstop barrage of emails from me is going to stop, by the end of the week.
I will continue to send out email notes from time to time, and will do my best not to clog your in-boxes.
If you'd like to be taken off the club email list, just let me know.
I will continue to update the club blog, so check it often.
Do not ever hesitate to contact me, about any issue.
That's long-winded, and you'll get to hear a good portion of this again on Sunday--thanks for bearing with me.
See you on Sunday.
Gratitude
First and foremost, from me and on behalf of Andy and all of the club's leadership, THANK YOU, moms/dads/supporters for making this club and our program go. Thank you for having the open mind to bring your player into the unknown/fringe/misunderstood sport of rugby, and for sticking with it. Thank you for having confidence in the program and in our coaches. Thank you for collecting money, keeping scores, taking on passengers, cooking hot dogs, etc. Thank you for helping out in all of the ways you have. We cannot make this club work without you, and you all have done a magnificent job of bringing this still very new program to a new level of success. Big, big thanks to all of you.
Thanks to Commissioner Andy Vonada for handling our registrations and finances, for scheduling our field, and for representing rugby to the leadership in FHYAA. Thank you to Andy for conceiving of this program, and for getting it off the ground.
Thank you to FHYAA for making rugby part of its sports program.
And super-mega-honkin' big thank-you to the coaching staff--Andy Vonada, Bobby Strawbridge, Dan Dickert, Dale Roach, Jim Woods, Dave Poulin, Layton Golding, and every parent who got out there and ran with us and helped the kids learn this sport.
Tournament Recap
Last year Fort Hunt fielded a single U-11 touch team, onto which a few of our older players snuck. This year we fielded full U-11, U-13 and U-15 sides, and competed fully in all of our matches, without having to rely on in-fill from other clubs. We played nine rugby matches in six hours with enthusiasm and positive attitudes, and clearly improving play as the day went on.
The U-11s finished #5 in the 8-team field.
The U-13s finished #3 in their 4-team field.
The U-15s took second in their 2-team field. What really impressed me about the U-15s was that the first match was all Bailey's, and by the time we got to the final, two matches later, we had the cohesion and confidence to play them solidly, with the score at half 19-0, in our favor. We got a trophy for our U-15s, and we'll hold a drawing on Sunday among the U-15s players (who were at the tournament) to determine who gets to take it home.
On Sunday, Anthony A, Adam H and Cory C came out for tackle. They hooked up with Braddock Road, and all three started in the first BRYC match, ahead of the BRYC players in attendance--that speaks greatly to the character and abilities of our players. I watched them play in two matches, and they performed outstandingly, running straight and true, holding the ball well, posting correctly in the tackle, showing unselfish play and both teamwork and sportsmanship; they represented our club beautifully.
Trophies/Medals
The mementoes are ordered, and will be here in time for the picnic. The picnic will be the main venue for handing them out.
Trophies are $6.16.
Medals are $4.17.
You can pay me in cash or make a check out to me.
If you'd like to come by my house and pick up the trophy/medal, feel free to come by in the evenings. They won't be here until Thursday at the earliest.
Picnic
We will hold our end of season picnic this Sunday at 4:00 in Area E at Fort Hunt Park (see map).
All players, wear your jerseys, as we need to take team pictures. All coaches, please wear your green coaching shirts.
The club will provide burgers, dogs, drinks and plates/napkins/cups/etc. Anyone who has any leftovers from the season, please bring that out.
You come with non-flatware-required food (sandwiches, cookies, brownies, chips, veggies, etc.) for your crew and 2-3 others. Don't worry about main course, appetizer, dessert, and all of that over-specialization; keep it simple.
I will buy all of the stuff on Saturday, so please give me an RSVP with adult/kid numbers by the end of the day on Friday.
Guests are welcome, especially prospective rugby players.
We'll hand out certificates, trophies/medals and team awards, and should be done and clear by 6:00 or so. There might even be time in there for the much-rumored Dads vs. Kids touch match... for the Ultimate Championship of All Space and All Time! Coaches/Dads: if you're up for this, wear good shoes and comfortable clothes.
Extra Gear For Sale
At the picnic on Sunday we will have extra jerseys for sale, and our team patch for sale. The jerseys are great for siblings, moms and dads, and are a powerful recruiting tool--buy lots!
We have jerseys in the following sizes: 2 XLs, 10 Larges, 2 Mediums, 1 Small. Cost will be $40, check or cash.
Patches are $5.
Upcoming Events
Some of you may have seen the banners at the tournament for the rugby-themed movie "Forever Strong," which opens on 26 September. I propose that we meet as a team on the evening of Saturday, 27 September, all of us wearing our Fort Hunt Rugby gear, to see the film as a group. I figure the Hoffman AMC will be the best bet.
The film's website is: http://www.foreverstrongmovie.com/
Check out the trailer at http://www.rugbymovie.com/, http://www.mtv.com/movies/, http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?vid=263356
The film has not yet been officially rated; it most likely will be PG or PG-13.
More info as the date approaches.
Coming up on Sunday, 9 November is the Ambassador's Shield rugby competition at Trinity College in DC. See the website at: http://www.ambassadorsshield.com/index.html (it hasn't been updated yet).
This is a day of high-level competition starting with a U-19 (high school) 7s match, followed by U-21 (collegiate) men's and women's matches between territorial sides, culminating in the final match between the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Football Union Select XV (all-stars) against a hand-picked New Zealand national representative side of Kiwis playing in North America. This is the best way to get to see a haka live and in-person. Max and I have gone the past two years and it is a great day of rugby watching, with lots of souvenirs to buy, too.
More details to follow as it gets closer.
We will try to host a rugby clinic during the Fairfax County Public Schools spring break, 6-10 April 09.
Right now it's looking something like three two-hour sessions running Tuesday-Thursday, but may expand it as we develop our plans, maybe going each night, M-F, and finishing with a proper rugby social/BBQ on the last day. If anyone has ideas, let me know.
Cost is likely to be free.
More info to come.
The Distant Future
My goals for Fort Hunt Rugby next summer are:
100 registered kids (we had 53 this year)
Full U-9 and U-11 touch.
U-13 and U-15 touch programs for players who want to play only touch.
U-13 and U-15 tackle-only teams.
Enter U-13 and a U-15 tackle teams in next year's tournament and play all day without fill from another club.
I stress this again: if players want to play tackle at U-13, U-15 or U-17 next season, we will need early commitment from all interested players so we can form a team and make commitments to the league. If players want to play tackle, they need to recruit sufficient numbers to make it happen.
My overall goals for Fort Hunt Rugby are:
U-13, U-15 and U-17 tackle rugby every summer, and to be competitive in the tackle tournament.
A Mount Vernon HS/WestPo HS combined Fort Hunt U-19 rugby club (for kids 15+), which will take part in the March-June Rugby VA spring season each year.
Build a catalog of Fort Hunt Rugby gear, to include custom jerseys, t-shirts, patches, team jackets, hats, stickers, pins, coins, hoodies, ties, etc. This will reinforce team, build pride, will help recruitment, and will generate funds for our program.
Get more parents into coaching, and get coaches to national certification training. This further legitimizes our program, and makes our coaches better at applying the latest methods in top-flight instruction to our kids, directly from the national level.
My long-term goals for Fort Hunt Rugby are:
A late summer or spring (tackle) rugby tour for U-15s, U-17s or U-19s. Possible destinations include Canada, the Northeast, the Southeast, or West Coast. This would be a proper rugby tour, with club ties and blazers, club kit bags, matching uniforms, formal dinners and lots of rugby union football. It is not unreasonable to consider doing something like this in the late summer of 2010, or the spring of 2011.
An overseas tour. This is quite a ways off, but something to think about.
Recruiting
There are two key assets to recruiting for our program: players and parents.
Players: if the kids want a full tackle team for next summer, they must bring their buddies out to play. Have them wear their jerseys to school, have them talk about rugby, and have them bring their friends along. This is one of the big reasons we'll be doing the spring break clinic, to introduce new kids to the sport.
Parents:
You are key to dispelling the untrue myths and unjust prejudices many parents have about rugby; you are key to convincing other parents that rugby is not an uncontrolled melee, that rugby is dangerous for their kids, and that rugby is a clean, safe, actively coached, controlled and positive experience in every way.
Stress that for the third year, we have had no injuries, in practice or in matches.
Stress that our coaches are nationally certified (Andy and me), and that we are trained specifically in introducing rugby to and coaching youth players who are brand-new to the sport.
Stress the sportsmanship, respect for the referee, playing aspects of decision making/teamwork/common skills and that every kid no matter how small or big not only can but is supposed to run and score, and the highly important social aspect of the sport.
Volunteers
Our volunteering this season was fantastic--thank you again to everyone who lent a hand to make our program go, especially the home game socials--this is a key aspect of our sport, and we did it the right way every single time, unlike many of our opponents.
We still need a number of volunteers. These will not just be needed/nice to have in 2009, but absolutely critical if we do in fact turn out 100+ kids.
Next year, we will need the following:
Dedicated U-11 coach.
Dedicated U-13 coach.
Dedicated U-15 coach.
Assistant coaches for all teams.
Match secretary, for arranging all club home and away match details.
Equipment and field manager, to take care of all aspects of field marking and setup/take-down for home games, and to manage the club's expanding physical kit.
Social chairman, to arrange for home game socials.
I will be in contact in the spring to ask for volunteers for next summer's season.
Donations
When you sign up for any FHYAA sport, you have the option of making a donation in addition to registration fees, and you can tag that donation specifically to the sport of your choice. If you donate to FHYAA rugby, that allows us to buy more balls, tackling pads, cones and disks, goalpost pads, medical kits, training jerseys, kicking tees, drink coolers, etc.
I believe that FHYAA donations are tax-deductible.
Thanks, in advance.
Communication
The good news is that the nonstop barrage of emails from me is going to stop, by the end of the week.
I will continue to send out email notes from time to time, and will do my best not to clog your in-boxes.
If you'd like to be taken off the club email list, just let me know.
I will continue to update the club blog, so check it often.
Do not ever hesitate to contact me, about any issue.
That's long-winded, and you'll get to hear a good portion of this again on Sunday--thanks for bearing with me.
See you on Sunday.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Rugby Game Day, Saturday, 2 August + Updates
Tournament
All tournament details are contained in the detailed post, below.
The U-13s play first at 9:00, so everyone needs to be there by 8:30.
U-11s play at 9:30, so need to be there no later than 9:00. The U-13s may be a little low on numbers, so I recommend U-11s show up a half-hour early and you can run with the U-13s.
Then the U-15s play at 10:00, and Fort Hunt has a game going in every single block until noon. There will be plenty of chances to play, all day long.
All players please bring and wear your mouthguards.
Sunday play: all players who want to play tackle, please come out by 9:00 on Sunday morning. Bring your mouthguards, or you will not play.
Registration
I have checks for registration from Conway, Africano and Collett that I need to return to you--the club picks up this cost. Please remind me tomorrow, and I'll give you your checks back.
Trophy/Medal
Trophies and medals are ordered, and we will have them in time for the pic-a-nic on the 10th.
The medal cost is $4.17, and the trophy is $6.16. You can pay me in cash or check ("John Dacey"). You can mail it to me at 2207 Wittington Blvd, Alex, VA 22308.
See you tomorrow morning.
All tournament details are contained in the detailed post, below.
The U-13s play first at 9:00, so everyone needs to be there by 8:30.
U-11s play at 9:30, so need to be there no later than 9:00. The U-13s may be a little low on numbers, so I recommend U-11s show up a half-hour early and you can run with the U-13s.
Then the U-15s play at 10:00, and Fort Hunt has a game going in every single block until noon. There will be plenty of chances to play, all day long.
All players please bring and wear your mouthguards.
Sunday play: all players who want to play tackle, please come out by 9:00 on Sunday morning. Bring your mouthguards, or you will not play.
Registration
I have checks for registration from Conway, Africano and Collett that I need to return to you--the club picks up this cost. Please remind me tomorrow, and I'll give you your checks back.
Trophy/Medal
Trophies and medals are ordered, and we will have them in time for the pic-a-nic on the 10th.
The medal cost is $4.17, and the trophy is $6.16. You can pay me in cash or check ("John Dacey"). You can mail it to me at 2207 Wittington Blvd, Alex, VA 22308.
See you tomorrow morning.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Post-Tournament Rugby Party, Saturday, 2 August
SYC has arranged for a party/get-together after the tournament on Saturday, details below:
There is nothing official scheduled, there is no requirement to attend, and all costs are borne by individuals/families.
-----
You're invited!
Who: Coaches, Referees, Parents, & Kids
What: Virginia Rugby Tournament Fiesta
When: Saturday August 2, 5:00pm - ?
Where: Lucky's Sports Bar in Kingstowne...fairly close to Hooes Rd Park
Secret Password to Tell the Hostess: "Rugby rocks!"
Informal get-together immediately after the tournament on Saturday. Lucky's has a restaurant and bar, plus lots of games for the kids. See their web site at http://www.luckyssportstheatre.com/. We don't have anything organized there on an official basis, but we're rugby players so we may as well take over the joint. ;-)
Directions from Hooes Rd Park:
* Go back out of park and turn right onto the Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
* Follow 1-2 miles. You'll see the metro station on the right as you drive by.
* Turn left at the next intersection with Beulah Rd (has stoplight).
* Almost immediately, turn right into the strip mall. Lucky's is on the right, in a free-standing building.
* Finding a parking spot, come in, and get Lucky.
There is nothing official scheduled, there is no requirement to attend, and all costs are borne by individuals/families.
-----
You're invited!
Who: Coaches, Referees, Parents, & Kids
What: Virginia Rugby Tournament Fiesta
When: Saturday August 2, 5:00pm - ?
Where: Lucky's Sports Bar in Kingstowne...fairly close to Hooes Rd Park
Secret Password to Tell the Hostess: "Rugby rocks!"
Informal get-together immediately after the tournament on Saturday. Lucky's has a restaurant and bar, plus lots of games for the kids. See their web site at http://www.luckyssportstheatre.com/. We don't have anything organized there on an official basis, but we're rugby players so we may as well take over the joint. ;-)
Directions from Hooes Rd Park:
* Go back out of park and turn right onto the Franconia-Springfield Pkwy
* Follow 1-2 miles. You'll see the metro station on the right as you drive by.
* Turn left at the next intersection with Beulah Rd (has stoplight).
* Almost immediately, turn right into the strip mall. Lucky's is on the right, in a free-standing building.
* Finding a parking spot, come in, and get Lucky.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
End of Season Trophy/Medal
Alas, the end of the season is approaching, so it's time to start thinking about a memento. It's up to the individual on this, and I'll offer a choice of trophy or medal on a ribbon.
Trophy
This will be a six-inch trophy with a distinct rugby medallion insert which also spins. Each trophy will be customized with the player's name and club name. Cost will be approximately $9 each.
Take a look at the trophy at http://www.crownawards.com/StoreFront/TRSPIN.Rugby.Trophies.6%22_METAL_Spin_Insert_Trophy~4.prod
Medal
This will be the same as the man of the match medals we hand out to visitors, with a green/gold lanyard. Each one will be customized on the back with the player's name and club name. Cost will be approximately $5 each.
Take a look at the medal at http://www.crownawards.com/StoreFront/CM09RGRG.ALL.MedalsDogtags.Rugby.prod
Orders Due Thursday, 31 July
I need all trophy/medal orders by Thursday, 31 July. I will place the order that evening, to hand out at the end of season party. I need only confirmation that a trophy/medal is wanted, and the name to go on it. Payment can follow later, when I determine final pricing.
Trophy
This will be a six-inch trophy with a distinct rugby medallion insert which also spins. Each trophy will be customized with the player's name and club name. Cost will be approximately $9 each.
Take a look at the trophy at http://www.crownawards.com/StoreFront/TRSPIN.Rugby.Trophies.6%22_METAL_Spin_Insert_Trophy~4.prod
Medal
This will be the same as the man of the match medals we hand out to visitors, with a green/gold lanyard. Each one will be customized on the back with the player's name and club name. Cost will be approximately $5 each.
Take a look at the medal at http://www.crownawards.com/StoreFront/CM09RGRG.ALL.MedalsDogtags.Rugby.prod
Orders Due Thursday, 31 July
I need all trophy/medal orders by Thursday, 31 July. I will place the order that evening, to hand out at the end of season party. I need only confirmation that a trophy/medal is wanted, and the name to go on it. Payment can follow later, when I determine final pricing.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
SYC Touch Tournament Details, Saturday, 2 August
Okay, here are the tournament details. Read this through all the way, please.
The tourney location is Hooes Road Park, 7233 Hooes Road, Springfield VA. Directions are attached in the notification email.
Bring chairs, shade, water and sunscreen. We will have the big NFL cooler on hand for the club to use, and will stock it with drinks.
The match schedule was attached in the notificatin email. First games kick off at 9:00am each day, and play will conclude by 4:30. The tournament WILL stay on time.
All players check your boots to make sure you do not have a single toe stud at the front of your boots. Molded, or screw-in, this stud must come off/out. If you have screw-in studs, make sure the rest of the studs are serviceable (no metal showing).
No regular eyeglasses in touch play; only sports goggles are allowed. No eyewear permitted in tackle.
EMTs will be present both days. Bring your own tape and supplies if you want to get taped.
Concessions and t-shirts: SYC will be selling hot dogs, drinks, etc. There will be a limited quantity of Rugby VA t-shirts available, as well as lots of SYC Rugby merch. Possibly also some rugby merch from Balls Out, though they won't have a separate booth.
Touch rugby laws... Remember that touch rugby is touch rugby. No dangerous play tolerated.
All coaches, parents and players must conduct themselves with sportsmanship and civility. We're all competitive people, but let's keep things in perspective that ultimately this is just a game, and we need to set a good example for the kids.
For Sunday tackle play, all interested players need to be at the site by 8:30 to get onto a team. I will be there to help out.
Players have to be on time, as games will start spot on time, and teams not on the field or with insufficient players will forfeit.
PLayers may play up a division, so if you are U-11, you can play in the U-13 matches. If you are U-13, you can be used in the U-15 matches. This may mean showing up earlier than your division's scheduled matches.
U-11
First match is at 9:30 on Field 4, so showtime is 9:00.
The next match will be at 11:00 on Field 4.
U-11 will have at least one more match, depending on its performance in the first two.
U-13
First match is at 9:00 on Field 3, so showtime is no later than 8:30.
Next match is at 10:30 on Field 3.
There are only four teams in U-13, so a third game is guaranteed, and it will be at 2:20, on either Field 2 or Field 4.
Depending on our performance/If we win, the U-13 final will be at 3:40 on Field 3.
U-15
There are only 2 teams entered, so it is us against the same team--Baileys--all day long.
First game is at 10:00 on Field 3; showtime for players is 9:30.
Next game is at 11:30, and the U-15 final is at 3:00.
We have a very good chance of winning this division, and there is hardware for champions, so players need to stay all day.
See you at practice this evening.
John Dacey
The tourney location is Hooes Road Park, 7233 Hooes Road, Springfield VA. Directions are attached in the notification email.
Bring chairs, shade, water and sunscreen. We will have the big NFL cooler on hand for the club to use, and will stock it with drinks.
The match schedule was attached in the notificatin email. First games kick off at 9:00am each day, and play will conclude by 4:30. The tournament WILL stay on time.
All players check your boots to make sure you do not have a single toe stud at the front of your boots. Molded, or screw-in, this stud must come off/out. If you have screw-in studs, make sure the rest of the studs are serviceable (no metal showing).
No regular eyeglasses in touch play; only sports goggles are allowed. No eyewear permitted in tackle.
EMTs will be present both days. Bring your own tape and supplies if you want to get taped.
Concessions and t-shirts: SYC will be selling hot dogs, drinks, etc. There will be a limited quantity of Rugby VA t-shirts available, as well as lots of SYC Rugby merch. Possibly also some rugby merch from Balls Out, though they won't have a separate booth.
Touch rugby laws... Remember that touch rugby is touch rugby. No dangerous play tolerated.
All coaches, parents and players must conduct themselves with sportsmanship and civility. We're all competitive people, but let's keep things in perspective that ultimately this is just a game, and we need to set a good example for the kids.
For Sunday tackle play, all interested players need to be at the site by 8:30 to get onto a team. I will be there to help out.
Players have to be on time, as games will start spot on time, and teams not on the field or with insufficient players will forfeit.
PLayers may play up a division, so if you are U-11, you can play in the U-13 matches. If you are U-13, you can be used in the U-15 matches. This may mean showing up earlier than your division's scheduled matches.
U-11
First match is at 9:30 on Field 4, so showtime is 9:00.
The next match will be at 11:00 on Field 4.
U-11 will have at least one more match, depending on its performance in the first two.
U-13
First match is at 9:00 on Field 3, so showtime is no later than 8:30.
Next match is at 10:30 on Field 3.
There are only four teams in U-13, so a third game is guaranteed, and it will be at 2:20, on either Field 2 or Field 4.
Depending on our performance/If we win, the U-13 final will be at 3:40 on Field 3.
U-15
There are only 2 teams entered, so it is us against the same team--Baileys--all day long.
First game is at 10:00 on Field 3; showtime for players is 9:30.
Next game is at 11:30, and the U-15 final is at 3:00.
We have a very good chance of winning this division, and there is hardware for champions, so players need to stay all day.
See you at practice this evening.
John Dacey
Registration Requirement
Dear Eagles Players, Moms, Dads and Supporters:
Please read this--it's important, and absolutely required if your player wants to be in the tournament, either Saturday or Sunday.
If your player will not be playing in the tournament, this is not required, as our league playing season is over.
If your player's name is below, there is nothing more to do--you're good to go. If your player is not registered, please choose one of the options below. The easiest option is to get with us at practice tonight, tomorrow, or Thursday.
-------------------------------------
David B
Cory C
Will C
Jonathan D
Benjamin F
Peter F
David F
Andrei G
Matthew G
Colin F G
William H
Adam H
Alex L
Austin L
Peter L
Anthony L
Megan Mc
Neel M
Grayson M
Daniel M
Max P
Ruslan P
Mark P
Denis P
Michael P
Patrick P
Austin R
Dale R
Erik R
Brennan V
Monica V
Pace W
Connor W
---------------------------------------
Since all players must be registered with USA Rugby in order to play in the upcoming tournament, the parents of those who plan on playing this Saturday have two options:
1. Go online and register the player themselves and bring a completed/signed copy of the attached waiver form to us at practice or the tournament (with this option, they must pay $6.67 + $1.50 via credit card).
Online registration must be completed no later than noon on Friday so I can print a roster from the USA Rugby website on Friday evening - I need to take a copy to the tournament.
2. Complete and sign the attached form (with the exception of the payment information) and provide it to me at practice and I will register their player (with this option, there is no cost to the parent the - registration fee will be absorbed by their FHYAA registration - and, it saves them the burden of online registration).
Andrew L. Vonada
O: 703-354-9414
C: 703-300-1858
Please read this--it's important, and absolutely required if your player wants to be in the tournament, either Saturday or Sunday.
If your player will not be playing in the tournament, this is not required, as our league playing season is over.
If your player's name is below, there is nothing more to do--you're good to go. If your player is not registered, please choose one of the options below. The easiest option is to get with us at practice tonight, tomorrow, or Thursday.
-------------------------------------
David B
Cory C
Will C
Jonathan D
Benjamin F
Peter F
David F
Andrei G
Matthew G
Colin F G
William H
Adam H
Alex L
Austin L
Peter L
Anthony L
Megan Mc
Neel M
Grayson M
Daniel M
Max P
Ruslan P
Mark P
Denis P
Michael P
Patrick P
Austin R
Dale R
Erik R
Brennan V
Monica V
Pace W
Connor W
---------------------------------------
Since all players must be registered with USA Rugby in order to play in the upcoming tournament, the parents of those who plan on playing this Saturday have two options:
1. Go online and register the player themselves and bring a completed/signed copy of the attached waiver form to us at practice or the tournament (with this option, they must pay $6.67 + $1.50 via credit card).
Online registration must be completed no later than noon on Friday so I can print a roster from the USA Rugby website on Friday evening - I need to take a copy to the tournament.
2. Complete and sign the attached form (with the exception of the payment information) and provide it to me at practice and I will register their player (with this option, there is no cost to the parent the - registration fee will be absorbed by their FHYAA registration - and, it saves them the burden of online registration).
Andrew L. Vonada
O: 703-354-9414
C: 703-300-1858
End of Season Picnic, Sunday, 10 August
We'll have our end of season picnic at 4:00 pm on Sunday, August 10th.
The location is Area E in Fort Hunt Park (see map). This is located on the "back side" of the park. Continue on the circular drive, and Area E is the first picnic area on the right after you pass the horse stables. There is a parking lot and restroom there, too.
Food: The club will provide burgers and dogs, fixin's and drinks. Families should bring potluck handfood--chips, sandwiches, cookies, brownies, etc.--to keep us from having to deal with flatware. Your planning factor for food preparation is your family group + 4 others.
We'll hand out certificates and end of season awards, maybe play a game or two, and take some pictures. We should be done by 6:00 or so.
The location is Area E in Fort Hunt Park (see map). This is located on the "back side" of the park. Continue on the circular drive, and Area E is the first picnic area on the right after you pass the horse stables. There is a parking lot and restroom there, too.
Food: The club will provide burgers and dogs, fixin's and drinks. Families should bring potluck handfood--chips, sandwiches, cookies, brownies, etc.--to keep us from having to deal with flatware. Your planning factor for food preparation is your family group + 4 others.
We'll hand out certificates and end of season awards, maybe play a game or two, and take some pictures. We should be done by 6:00 or so.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Tackle Opportunity at the SYC Tournament, Sunday, 3 August
The Fort Hunt Eagles will field U-11, U-13 and U-15 teams for the SYC-hosted touch rugby tournament this coming Saturday, 2 August.
There is a separate opportunity for those players who want to play tackle rugby to come out and play on Sunday, 3 August. There are a number of teams that have entered the tackle tournament, and many of them have contacted me to ask if we can provide tackle players. This is for both U-13 and U-15 players.
There is no need to make a firm commitment to play tackle on Sunday. I will be on hand at the tournament to help place our players--likely as a single Fort Hunt group--with a team in need, most likely BRYC or FPYC. I will remain on hand all day Sunday for any of our players who are engaged in the tackle tournament.
Feel free to ask questions at practice this week.
More details about the tournament to follow later in the week.
There is a separate opportunity for those players who want to play tackle rugby to come out and play on Sunday, 3 August. There are a number of teams that have entered the tackle tournament, and many of them have contacted me to ask if we can provide tackle players. This is for both U-13 and U-15 players.
There is no need to make a firm commitment to play tackle on Sunday. I will be on hand at the tournament to help place our players--likely as a single Fort Hunt group--with a team in need, most likely BRYC or FPYC. I will remain on hand all day Sunday for any of our players who are engaged in the tackle tournament.
Feel free to ask questions at practice this week.
More details about the tournament to follow later in the week.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Eagles Update, 27 July 08
Recap
It was a tough day of rugby yesterday, with vacations taking their toll on our numbers.
The U-11s traveled to Braddock Road once again, and despite their efforts went down in defeat. Lots of tries scored by us, but we just couldn't get around their game-killing yet legal rolling maul tactic.
The U-13s traveled to Warrenton with only six, truly stalwart rugby players. All reports is that all of the lads who came out did very well in only their second tackle outing, with lots of heart. Man of the match went to all six, for showing up and playing on.
the U-15s traveled to Fairfax, and showed with only five. We borrowed one and played 6s for a full match. Mike P kicked two conversions and Sam L got his first try on a 10m rumble. Sam got man of the match for running straight and true, and in support.
Training
We'll practice Tu, Wed and Thur this week ahead of the tournament next Saturday, 6:00-8:30 at Collingwood Park.
Tournament
All three of our teams will play in the touch tournament this coming Saturday at SYC's Hooes Road Park complex. Touch was a difficult decision, but what it came down to was that we didn't have the depth to field a full team of 11 all day long, with sufficient substitutes.
Start time probably will be 9:00, and play will continue all day long--bring camp chairs, a shade canopy if you have one, and lots of water.
There will be concessions on site, as well as port-a-johns. There probably will be a rugby outfitter selling t-shirts and trinkets.
We will be guaranteed three matches, and if we do well, we will play 2-3 more up to the championship. If we do well, we could be there up until 5:00, and if we do not do well, each team could be done by 12:00 or 1:00.
U-11s may play up to U-13, and U-13s may play up to fill out a U-15 side. Players may not play down.
Players who want to play tackle on Sunday can come out, and I and the other coaches will be on hand to place players--ideally as a single Fort Hunt unit--with a team that needs players.
End of Season Trophies/Medals
These are strictly voluntary.
The choice is a modest trophy or a medal on a lanyard, both of which will be customized with name.
The trophy will be approximately $9, and the medal approximately $5.
I need all answers by the end of practice on Thursday. Payment can come later.
End of Season Picnic
We'll meet at Area E in Fort Hunt Park on Sunday, 10 August.
Time is 4:00, and we should be done by 6:00 or so.
We'll hand out trophies, medals and certificates, highlight man of the season for each team, and have some chow. And take some pictures.
Basic format is potluck, emphasis on handfood, to avoid the need for plates and flatware.
More info to come out later this week and early next week.
See you at practice.
It was a tough day of rugby yesterday, with vacations taking their toll on our numbers.
The U-11s traveled to Braddock Road once again, and despite their efforts went down in defeat. Lots of tries scored by us, but we just couldn't get around their game-killing yet legal rolling maul tactic.
The U-13s traveled to Warrenton with only six, truly stalwart rugby players. All reports is that all of the lads who came out did very well in only their second tackle outing, with lots of heart. Man of the match went to all six, for showing up and playing on.
the U-15s traveled to Fairfax, and showed with only five. We borrowed one and played 6s for a full match. Mike P kicked two conversions and Sam L got his first try on a 10m rumble. Sam got man of the match for running straight and true, and in support.
Training
We'll practice Tu, Wed and Thur this week ahead of the tournament next Saturday, 6:00-8:30 at Collingwood Park.
Tournament
All three of our teams will play in the touch tournament this coming Saturday at SYC's Hooes Road Park complex. Touch was a difficult decision, but what it came down to was that we didn't have the depth to field a full team of 11 all day long, with sufficient substitutes.
Start time probably will be 9:00, and play will continue all day long--bring camp chairs, a shade canopy if you have one, and lots of water.
There will be concessions on site, as well as port-a-johns. There probably will be a rugby outfitter selling t-shirts and trinkets.
We will be guaranteed three matches, and if we do well, we will play 2-3 more up to the championship. If we do well, we could be there up until 5:00, and if we do not do well, each team could be done by 12:00 or 1:00.
U-11s may play up to U-13, and U-13s may play up to fill out a U-15 side. Players may not play down.
Players who want to play tackle on Sunday can come out, and I and the other coaches will be on hand to place players--ideally as a single Fort Hunt unit--with a team that needs players.
End of Season Trophies/Medals
These are strictly voluntary.
The choice is a modest trophy or a medal on a lanyard, both of which will be customized with name.
The trophy will be approximately $9, and the medal approximately $5.
I need all answers by the end of practice on Thursday. Payment can come later.
End of Season Picnic
We'll meet at Area E in Fort Hunt Park on Sunday, 10 August.
Time is 4:00, and we should be done by 6:00 or so.
We'll hand out trophies, medals and certificates, highlight man of the season for each team, and have some chow. And take some pictures.
Basic format is potluck, emphasis on handfood, to avoid the need for plates and flatware.
More info to come out later this week and early next week.
See you at practice.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Rugby Game Day, Saturday, 26 July
Dear Eagles Players, Moms, Dads and Supporters:
What an excellent evening for rugby last night. All reports of the U-11s were positive, with lots of play and even some singing afterwards.
The U-13s and U-15s got in a lot of play for our mini-festival, and the hosting was outstanding. Big thanks to the coaching staff for keeping things organized and moving, and even bigger thanks to Kelley Perconti and the parents who helped out with ice, chow, and manning the tables to get everything done. Our opponents know that we treat our guests well, and they're always eager to come back and play us.
From watching the play last night, it is so obvious that our players have got the fundamentals of rugby down. The running was good, and usually straight, there were very few instances of forward passes, and players are running in support. We're even getting the kicking game into play, which is impressive.
And now for tomorrow's festivities
U-11
The U-11s will return to BRYC for another match with them.
Kickoff is 10:30, so showtime for players is 10:00.
The location is the same as last night, Braddock Lake Park, 9450 Lake Braddock Drive, Burke, VA 22015.
All players should play with a mouthguard, but this is not a requirement for touch. No eyeglasses, please.
Jim Woods will again take charge of the U-11s. Pull his email address out of the cc line if you need assistance with directions or a ride.
U-13
The U-13s will travel to Warrenton to play tackle.
Kickoff is at 10:30, so showtime for players is 10:00
This is a tackle match so all players must bring a mouthguard. Players without a mouthguard will not play.
Our hosts have advised us to bring shade.
Directions: Great Meadow field event facility. Take I-66 west to exit 31 (The Plains & Old Tavern). Turn left on Rte 245. Go about 3 miles to Great Meadow on the left. Turn in at Gate 2 and then immediate right to follow the boundary fence all the way to the rugby pitch.
Google maps link: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=great+meadow+event&ie=UTF8&ll=38.833289,-77.795906&spn=0.056296,0.105743&z=13
Coaches Vonada and Strawbridge will be in charge of this match-up. Their addresses also are in the cc line if you need assistance with a ride or directions.
U-15
The U-15s will travel to Fairfax (FPYC) for a tackle match.
Kickoff is at 10:00, so showtime for all players is no later than 9:30.
This is a tackle match so all players must bring a mouthguard. Players without a mouthguard will not play.
The venue is Paul VI High School, 10675 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030; directions are attached to the announcement email message.
I will be with this team, as will Dan Dickert.
What an excellent evening for rugby last night. All reports of the U-11s were positive, with lots of play and even some singing afterwards.
The U-13s and U-15s got in a lot of play for our mini-festival, and the hosting was outstanding. Big thanks to the coaching staff for keeping things organized and moving, and even bigger thanks to Kelley Perconti and the parents who helped out with ice, chow, and manning the tables to get everything done. Our opponents know that we treat our guests well, and they're always eager to come back and play us.
From watching the play last night, it is so obvious that our players have got the fundamentals of rugby down. The running was good, and usually straight, there were very few instances of forward passes, and players are running in support. We're even getting the kicking game into play, which is impressive.
And now for tomorrow's festivities
U-11
The U-11s will return to BRYC for another match with them.
Kickoff is 10:30, so showtime for players is 10:00.
The location is the same as last night, Braddock Lake Park, 9450 Lake Braddock Drive, Burke, VA 22015.
All players should play with a mouthguard, but this is not a requirement for touch. No eyeglasses, please.
Jim Woods will again take charge of the U-11s. Pull his email address out of the cc line if you need assistance with directions or a ride.
U-13
The U-13s will travel to Warrenton to play tackle.
Kickoff is at 10:30, so showtime for players is 10:00
This is a tackle match so all players must bring a mouthguard. Players without a mouthguard will not play.
Our hosts have advised us to bring shade.
Directions: Great Meadow field event facility. Take I-66 west to exit 31 (The Plains & Old Tavern). Turn left on Rte 245. Go about 3 miles to Great Meadow on the left. Turn in at Gate 2 and then immediate right to follow the boundary fence all the way to the rugby pitch.
Google maps link: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=great+meadow+event&ie=UTF8&ll=38.833289,-77.795906&spn=0.056296,0.105743&z=13
Coaches Vonada and Strawbridge will be in charge of this match-up. Their addresses also are in the cc line if you need assistance with a ride or directions.
U-15
The U-15s will travel to Fairfax (FPYC) for a tackle match.
Kickoff is at 10:00, so showtime for all players is no later than 9:30.
This is a tackle match so all players must bring a mouthguard. Players without a mouthguard will not play.
The venue is Paul VI High School, 10675 Fairfax Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22030; directions are attached to the announcement email message.
I will be with this team, as will Dan Dickert.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Rugby Game Day, Thursday, 24 July
Dear Eagles Players, Moms, Dads and Supporters:
We have an evening of rugby set up for tomorrow night. As the summer wanes, we need our players.
U-11
The U-11s will travel to Braddock Road. The address is Braddock Lake Park, 9450 Braddock Lake Drive, Burke, VA 22015. You can also check their website at www.byrcrugby.org for directions.
Kickoff is at 6:30, so showtime for players is 6:00.
Jim Woods will be taking charge of the team at BRYC. if anyone needs a ride, contact him at jwoods24@cox.net.
U-13/U-15
Our U-13s and U-15s will host a mini-festival at home tomorrow evening against SYC and BRYC, with a few from Alexandria coming along to help fill out sides.
All play will be touch.
First kickoff for U-13s will be at 6:30, so showtime for players is 6:00. We will play a round-robin format until we run out of energy or daylight.
Hosting:
Kelley Perconti has purchased all of the chow for our hosting, so we need the following:
5 bags of ice
A couple of volunteers to man the grill to cook the hot dogs
A volunteer to collect a $5/player match fee
I will bring the big cooler, 5-gal water cooler, cups and camp table
We will practice this evening at home, 6:30-8:00.
See you there.
We have an evening of rugby set up for tomorrow night. As the summer wanes, we need our players.
U-11
The U-11s will travel to Braddock Road. The address is Braddock Lake Park, 9450 Braddock Lake Drive, Burke, VA 22015. You can also check their website at www.byrcrugby.org for directions.
Kickoff is at 6:30, so showtime for players is 6:00.
Jim Woods will be taking charge of the team at BRYC. if anyone needs a ride, contact him at jwoods24@cox.net.
U-13/U-15
Our U-13s and U-15s will host a mini-festival at home tomorrow evening against SYC and BRYC, with a few from Alexandria coming along to help fill out sides.
All play will be touch.
First kickoff for U-13s will be at 6:30, so showtime for players is 6:00. We will play a round-robin format until we run out of energy or daylight.
Hosting:
Kelley Perconti has purchased all of the chow for our hosting, so we need the following:
5 bags of ice
A couple of volunteers to man the grill to cook the hot dogs
A volunteer to collect a $5/player match fee
I will bring the big cooler, 5-gal water cooler, cups and camp table
We will practice this evening at home, 6:30-8:00.
See you there.
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Haka
We have been telling our young novice players about the rich history of Rugby Union Football, and one of the greatest things to learn about is the New Zealand haka.
From the Wikipedia entry: "The All Blacks, the international rugby union team of New Zealand, perform a haka (Māori traditional dance) immediately prior to international matches. The Haka is also performed by some other New Zealand national teams, such as the Kiwis (rugby league) and the Tall Blacks (men's basketball). Over the years they have most commonly performed the haka "Ka Mate". In the early decades of international rugby, they sometimes performed other haka, some of which were composed for specific tours. Since 2005 they have occasionally performed a new haka, "Kapa o Pango.""
Learn more about it at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haka_of_the_All_Blacks
Check out these incredible haka videos:
From the Wikipedia entry: "The All Blacks, the international rugby union team of New Zealand, perform a haka (Māori traditional dance) immediately prior to international matches. The Haka is also performed by some other New Zealand national teams, such as the Kiwis (rugby league) and the Tall Blacks (men's basketball). Over the years they have most commonly performed the haka "Ka Mate". In the early decades of international rugby, they sometimes performed other haka, some of which were composed for specific tours. Since 2005 they have occasionally performed a new haka, "Kapa o Pango.""
Learn more about it at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haka_of_the_All_Blacks
Check out these incredible haka videos:
Rugby Game Day, Saturday, 12 July 08
It was a great evening of rugby for the U-11s last night, and I heard the U-13s and U-15s did well also. I'll get the match rundown out a little bit later today, probably.
We've got more rugby competition on tomorrow morning:
U-11
The U-11s will travel to SYC (Springfield) to play SYC Red tomorrow morning.
The location is Hooes Road Park, off the Fairfax County Parkway just west of I-95. Directions are attached.
Kickoff is on Field 3 at 9:00 a.m., so showtime for players is 8:30.
Jim Woods will be in charge of the U-11s tomorrow. His email is jwoods24@cox.net
U-11s should play with thier mouthpieces.
There is no overhead shade at SYC, so I recommend you bring a sunshade or umbrella, and a chair or two if you can. And the sunblock.
U-13/U-15
The U-13s and U-15s will host BRYC (Braddock Road) at home tomorrow.
Kickoff is at 11:00 for the U-13s, with the U-15s to follow after two periods (and with play alternating). Showtime for all players is 10:30.
This is our first weekend of tackle rugby, and I will be there to referee and maintain very tight control of play.
All players must wear a mouthguard, no exceptions.
The field lining is just about done, and I will have the flags and markers.
Hosting:
I will bring the following: camp table, filled 5-gal water cooler for drinks, cups, NFL ice chest, about two dozen Gatorade bottles from the last U-13/U-15 home match.
We need the following:
5 bags of ice
hot dogs, buns, chips, drinks, some lemonade or Gatorade mix for the 5-gal cooler, condiments (big squeeze bottle each of mustard and relish, 2 for ketchup) for ~60 rugby players (at least 100 hot dogs)
napkins, foil for the dogs
small grill (gas or charcoal), with tools, and someone to man it
I strongly recommend one person purchase all of the goodies (to include the napkins and foil), bring it all, and collect a $5 match fee per home player
None of this has to be ready until after play has concluded, so we can work a lot of this out at the field tomorrow, with the Hollin Hall Safeway all of 1/4 mile away.
Note: I am off to Scout camp with Max on Sunday, so will not be at practice this week or the matches on Thursday night. Andy Vonada will be in charge for the week. I'll be back for our matches at Vienna next Saturday, where all 3 teams will be together for the only time this entire season. It will be picture day for us, so everyone should come out.
See you tomorrow.
J
We've got more rugby competition on tomorrow morning:
U-11
The U-11s will travel to SYC (Springfield) to play SYC Red tomorrow morning.
The location is Hooes Road Park, off the Fairfax County Parkway just west of I-95. Directions are attached.
Kickoff is on Field 3 at 9:00 a.m., so showtime for players is 8:30.
Jim Woods will be in charge of the U-11s tomorrow. His email is jwoods24@cox.net
U-11s should play with thier mouthpieces.
There is no overhead shade at SYC, so I recommend you bring a sunshade or umbrella, and a chair or two if you can. And the sunblock.
U-13/U-15
The U-13s and U-15s will host BRYC (Braddock Road) at home tomorrow.
Kickoff is at 11:00 for the U-13s, with the U-15s to follow after two periods (and with play alternating). Showtime for all players is 10:30.
This is our first weekend of tackle rugby, and I will be there to referee and maintain very tight control of play.
All players must wear a mouthguard, no exceptions.
The field lining is just about done, and I will have the flags and markers.
Hosting:
I will bring the following: camp table, filled 5-gal water cooler for drinks, cups, NFL ice chest, about two dozen Gatorade bottles from the last U-13/U-15 home match.
We need the following:
5 bags of ice
hot dogs, buns, chips, drinks, some lemonade or Gatorade mix for the 5-gal cooler, condiments (big squeeze bottle each of mustard and relish, 2 for ketchup) for ~60 rugby players (at least 100 hot dogs)
napkins, foil for the dogs
small grill (gas or charcoal), with tools, and someone to man it
I strongly recommend one person purchase all of the goodies (to include the napkins and foil), bring it all, and collect a $5 match fee per home player
None of this has to be ready until after play has concluded, so we can work a lot of this out at the field tomorrow, with the Hollin Hall Safeway all of 1/4 mile away.
Note: I am off to Scout camp with Max on Sunday, so will not be at practice this week or the matches on Thursday night. Andy Vonada will be in charge for the week. I'll be back for our matches at Vienna next Saturday, where all 3 teams will be together for the only time this entire season. It will be picture day for us, so everyone should come out.
See you tomorrow.
J
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Match Info for Thursday Evening, 10 July
We will play touch rugby matches this Thursday evening:
U-11s
We will host Vienna at home.
Kickoff is 6:30, so showtime for all players is 6:00.
I will skipper the U-11s.
Field lining commences at 5:00--I will need assistance.
We will host, so I need volunteers for:
5 10-lbs bags of ice
grill and fuel/charcoal, tongs, and volunteers to get it cooked and presented
hot dogs, buns, chips, drinks for 30 kids--purchase, transport and setup
I recommend we do this the same way as last time, with 1-2 volunteers doing the purchasing, and a $5 match fee per player to cover the costs. I have a lot of leftover supplies from last time, including cups, napkins, foil, and condiments.
U-13/U-15
They will play at Bailey's Crossroads.
Kickoff is at 6:30, so showtime for players is 6:00.
The match location is Bailey's Elementary School. Directions are at: http://www.fcps.edu/maps/besas.htm
Andy Vonada will skipper the teams at this venue.
All players must bring and wear their mouthguards--U-11 included.
Saturday, 13 July Matches
The U-11s will travel to SYC. Jim Woods has volunteered to skipper the team on Saturday.
The U-13s and U-15s will host Braddock Road at home in our first tackle matches. I will skipper the effort. Mouthpieces are mandatory for tackle--no exceptions.
Match information for Saturday is coming, due by tomorrow or Thursday.
See you at training tonight and tomorrow night.
U-11s
We will host Vienna at home.
Kickoff is 6:30, so showtime for all players is 6:00.
I will skipper the U-11s.
Field lining commences at 5:00--I will need assistance.
We will host, so I need volunteers for:
5 10-lbs bags of ice
grill and fuel/charcoal, tongs, and volunteers to get it cooked and presented
hot dogs, buns, chips, drinks for 30 kids--purchase, transport and setup
I recommend we do this the same way as last time, with 1-2 volunteers doing the purchasing, and a $5 match fee per player to cover the costs. I have a lot of leftover supplies from last time, including cups, napkins, foil, and condiments.
U-13/U-15
They will play at Bailey's Crossroads.
Kickoff is at 6:30, so showtime for players is 6:00.
The match location is Bailey's Elementary School. Directions are at: http://www.fcps.edu/maps/besas.htm
Andy Vonada will skipper the teams at this venue.
All players must bring and wear their mouthguards--U-11 included.
Saturday, 13 July Matches
The U-11s will travel to SYC. Jim Woods has volunteered to skipper the team on Saturday.
The U-13s and U-15s will host Braddock Road at home in our first tackle matches. I will skipper the effort. Mouthpieces are mandatory for tackle--no exceptions.
Match information for Saturday is coming, due by tomorrow or Thursday.
See you at training tonight and tomorrow night.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
28 June Match Wrap-Up and Update
Dear Eagles Moms, Dads and Supporters:
Sorry that this is a bit late--it's taken a while to get the match reports together.
Who would like to be a contributor to this blog? This would come in very handy for posting photos—send me an email and I’ll add you to the blog team.
Sorry that this is a bit late--it's taken a while to get the match reports together.
Who would like to be a contributor to this blog? This would come in very handy for posting photos—send me an email and I’ll add you to the blog team.
And so we conclude our second weekend of rugby matches, in our brand-new rugby jerseys.
I hope both players and parents/supporters had a good time.
Overall, all teams showed greatly improved play over last weekend. The magnet-ball mentality is still there, especially in the U-11s and U-13s, but not nearly as much as last weekend. Our rugby players are definitely coming along.
U-11s
U-11s
The U-11s traveled 60-odd miles west to visit Winchester
In a straight-up match of 4 10-minute quarters, Winchester Fort Hunt 32, Winchester
Tries were scored by Erik Roach (1), Max Dacey (1) and Simon Miller (4), including one Simon Miller try in which the referee had called “Advantage!” to Fort Hunt and all players stopped dead, thinking play had stopped; the light went on for Simon, he picked up the ball and ran unopposed from midfield for the score.
Simon was selected the U-11 man of the match.
U-13s
U-13s
The U-13s hosted SYC and a contingent of BRYC at home at Collingwood Park
The U-13s struggled, with SYC going way out and not coming back, the final score, SYC 56, Fort Hunt 7 (our try scored by a BRYC sub).
Our weakness was magnet-ball, with too many players clustering to the ball, leaving their outside players unmarked.
The U-13s man of the match was David Finfrock.
U-15s
The U-15s also hosted SYC and BRYC at Collingwood.
The turnout was much different in this competition, with our U-15s taking it to the visitors, 48-14. Tries were scored by Mike Poulin, Peter Finfrock, Pace Woods (2), Nick Africano (2) and Connor Woods (2). Ruslan Pietra (2), Connor Woods and Nick Africano had conversions.
The U-15s had good all-around play, with good defensive positioning, impressive quick hands and passing after the tag/making the tackler commit, as well as strength in kicking conversions.
The U-15s man of the match was Connor Woods.
Looking Ahead
We will practice this evening, Wednesday (informal) and Thursday this week. I’ll be at practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Andy Vonada will take practice on Thursday, 3 July.
All players: bring your mouthpiece to every practice and every game. The U-13s and U-15s will be concentrating heavily on tackle at practice from now on.
Blog
The club blog is at http://forthuntrugby.blogspot.com/. Bookmark it and tell all your friends and neighbors!
I am updating the blog, and am looking for more photos. If you’re taking photos at the matches, send them to me or give me a CD at practice, and I’ll add them to our album.
There are no matches scheduled for the 4th of July weekend.
28 June Match Wrap-Up and Update
Dear Eagles Moms, Dads and Supporters:
Sorry that this is a bit late--it's taken a while to get the match reports together.
Who would like to be a contributor to this blog? This would come in very handy for posting photos—send me an email and I’ll add you to the blog team.
Sorry that this is a bit late--it's taken a while to get the match reports together.
Who would like to be a contributor to this blog? This would come in very handy for posting photos—send me an email and I’ll add you to the blog team.
And so we conclude our second weekend of rugby matches, in our brand-new rugby jerseys.
I hope both players and parents/supporters had a good time.
Overall, all teams showed greatly improved play over last weekend. The magnet-ball mentality is still there, especially in the U-11s and U-13s, but not nearly as much as last weekend. Our rugby players are definitely coming along.
U-11s
U-11s
The U-11s traveled 60-odd miles west to visit Winchester
In a straight-up match of 4 10-minute quarters, Winchester Fort Hunt 32, Winchester
Tries were scored by Erik Roach (1), Max Dacey (1) and Simon Miller (4), including one Simon Miller try in which the referee had called “Advantage!” to Fort Hunt and all players stopped dead, thinking play had stopped; the light went on for Simon, he picked up the ball and ran unopposed from midfield for the score.
Simon was selected the U-11 man of the match.
U-13s
U-13s
The U-13s hosted SYC and a contingent of BRYC at home at Collingwood Park
The U-13s struggled, with SYC going way out and not coming back, the final score, SYC 56, Fort Hunt 7 (our try scored by a BRYC sub).
Our weakness was magnet-ball, with too many players clustering to the ball, leaving their outside players unmarked.
The U-13s man of the match was David Finfrock.
U-15s
The U-15s also hosted SYC and BRYC at Collingwood.
The turnout was much different in this competition, with our U-15s taking it to the visitors, 48-14. Tries were scored by Mike Poulin, Peter Finfrock, Pace Woods (2), Nick Africano (2) and Connor Woods (2). Ruslan Pietra (2), Connor Woods and Nick Africano had conversions.
The U-15s had good all-around play, with good defensive positioning, impressive quick hands and passing after the tag/making the tackler commit, as well as strength in kicking conversions.
The U-15s man of the match was Connor Woods.
Looking Ahead
We will practice this evening, Wednesday (informal) and Thursday this week. I’ll be at practice on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Andy Vonada will take practice on Thursday, 3 July.
All players: bring your mouthpiece to every practice and every game. The U-13s and U-15s will be concentrating heavily on tackle at practice from now on.
Blog
The club blog is at http://forthuntrugby.blogspot.com/. Bookmark it and tell all your friends and neighbors!
I am updating the blog, and am looking for more photos. If you’re taking photos at the matches, send them to me or give me a CD at practice, and I’ll add them to our album.
There are no matches scheduled for the 4th of July weekend.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sponsorship!
We have secured sponsorship for our club this season!
Primo's, located in the northwest corner of the Belle Haven shopping center, has very graciously decided to partially sponsor our jerseys this summer.
So, check out Primo's: 703-765-6766; they offer quick and inexpensive carry-out.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Jerseys Are In!
Yes! Just in time for tomorrow's matches, our jerseys are in, and they are fantastic!
Players, come on out and play in your new jersey tomorrow. Or, you'll have to wait until Tuesday to pick it up.
Players, come on out and play in your new jersey tomorrow. Or, you'll have to wait until Tuesday to pick it up.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Coaches' Contact Info
If you need to reach any of the coaches, here you go:
John Dacey
home 703-780-5859
cell 301-503-3377
primary email: rugby007@aol.com
secondary email: johnrd4@dni.gov, john.r.dacey@ugov.gov, daceyj@centratechnology.com, john.dacey@associates.dhs.gov
Andy Vonada
email: alvonada@hotmail.com, avonada@hotmail.com, avonada@jbmanagement.com, alvonada@jbmanagement.com
Bobby Strawbridge
home: 703-360-6276
email: the_strawbridges@yahoo.co.uk
Daniel Dickert
email: ddick6gj@umw.edu
John Dacey
home 703-780-5859
cell 301-503-3377
primary email: rugby007@aol.com
secondary email: johnrd4@dni.gov, john.r.dacey@ugov.gov, daceyj@centratechnology.com, john.dacey@associates.dhs.gov
Andy Vonada
email: alvonada@hotmail.com, avonada@hotmail.com, avonada@jbmanagement.com, alvonada@jbmanagement.com
Bobby Strawbridge
home: 703-360-6276
email: the_strawbridges@yahoo.co.uk
Daniel Dickert
email: ddick6gj@umw.edu
Saturday, 21 June Match Wrap-Up
And so we conclude our first weekend of rugby matches. I hope both players and parents/supporters had a good time. The weather, although hot, was just about perfect.
U-11s
The U-11s hosted Chantilly on our home field at Collingwood Park.
In 5 periods of rugby, Chantilly pulled away, but just barely, taking home the victory, by a score of something like 13 tries to our one (65-5).
Both sides suffered from playing magnet-ball during the opening periods (when Chantilly scored 9 of their 13 tries), but play was much better and flowing by the final two periods.
Matthew Gottlieb scored our one try, and was selected the U-11 man of the match for his positive attitude and running straight and in support (trophy to be presented at training on Tuesday).
U-13s
The U-13s went on the road to Braddock Road (BRYC).
Coach Strawbridge noted highly positive play and enthusiasm from all Eagles players throughout--good on ya.
Tries were scored by George Strawbridge, Neel Metha and David Finfrock.
The U-13 man of the match was Neel Mehta (trophy to be presented at training on Tuesday). A very close runner- up was Will Cummins
Looking Ahead
This weekend we have the following:
Tuesday/Thursday: regularly scheduled training, 6:30-8:00.
Wednesday: informal training, at 6:30, running no later than 8:00. These informal Wed sessions are going to be very valuable for the U-13s and U-15s as we transition into tackle.
All players: bring your mouthpiece to every practice and every game.
U-11s
The U-11s will travel all the way out to Winchester to play their youngsters. This is the first time Fort Hunt has been out there, and our longest trip yet--it should be interesting.
I am available to provide carpooling. I can take 5 or 6 rugby players along with me.
If we opt for carpooling, we will meet in the parking lot at Collingwood Park, time TBD.
More information on this trip as the week moves along, and once I coordinate with the Winchester team.
U-13/U-15
Both teams will host SYC at home this Saturday.
Kickoff most likely will be at 11:00. We'll firm this up once we talk to SYC.
The field will need to be lined prior to play. Many hands make light the work, so I encourage volunteers to help out.
Hosting. The planning factor should be 50 rugby players. The U-11 moms and dads did such a fantastic job on Saturday, showing our Chantilly guests how it is done. The best way to go is a small grill, with hot dogs, chips and sodas in the big cooler. The U-11 approach was for one buyer with everyone else chipping in. We'll settle on the approach at practice on Tuesday evening.
U-11s
The U-11s hosted Chantilly on our home field at Collingwood Park.
In 5 periods of rugby, Chantilly pulled away, but just barely, taking home the victory, by a score of something like 13 tries to our one (65-5).
Both sides suffered from playing magnet-ball during the opening periods (when Chantilly scored 9 of their 13 tries), but play was much better and flowing by the final two periods.
Matthew Gottlieb scored our one try, and was selected the U-11 man of the match for his positive attitude and running straight and in support (trophy to be presented at training on Tuesday).
U-13s
The U-13s went on the road to Braddock Road (BRYC).
Coach Strawbridge noted highly positive play and enthusiasm from all Eagles players throughout--good on ya.
Tries were scored by George Strawbridge, Neel Metha and David Finfrock.
The U-13 man of the match was Neel Mehta (trophy to be presented at training on Tuesday). A very close runner- up was Will Cummins
U-15s
The U-15s went to Springfield (SYC), and played a round-robin with SYC and Bailey's Crossroads.
The first period against Bailey's saw the Eagles triumph, 24-14, with 2 tries each from Nick Africano and Mike Poulin, and two conversions from Mike Poulin.
The second period saw SYC win 10-7, with a try and conversion by Pace Woods.
The third period had the Eagles over Bailey's again, 19-0, with tries from Pace Woods, Daniel Morris and Nick Africano, and two conversions from Mike Poulin.
The final period saw a draw with SYC, 7-7, with Peter Finfrock scoring and Mike Poulin converting.
The man of the match was Mike Poulin, althrough Coach Vonada stresses the choice was very difficult based on balanced and intelligent play by all (trophy to be awarded at training on Tuesday).
The U-15s went to Springfield (SYC), and played a round-robin with SYC and Bailey's Crossroads.
The first period against Bailey's saw the Eagles triumph, 24-14, with 2 tries each from Nick Africano and Mike Poulin, and two conversions from Mike Poulin.
The second period saw SYC win 10-7, with a try and conversion by Pace Woods.
The third period had the Eagles over Bailey's again, 19-0, with tries from Pace Woods, Daniel Morris and Nick Africano, and two conversions from Mike Poulin.
The final period saw a draw with SYC, 7-7, with Peter Finfrock scoring and Mike Poulin converting.
The man of the match was Mike Poulin, althrough Coach Vonada stresses the choice was very difficult based on balanced and intelligent play by all (trophy to be awarded at training on Tuesday).
This weekend we have the following:
Tuesday/Thursday: regularly scheduled training, 6:30-8:00.
Wednesday: informal training, at 6:30, running no later than 8:00. These informal Wed sessions are going to be very valuable for the U-13s and U-15s as we transition into tackle.
All players: bring your mouthpiece to every practice and every game.
U-11s
The U-11s will travel all the way out to Winchester to play their youngsters. This is the first time Fort Hunt has been out there, and our longest trip yet--it should be interesting.
I am available to provide carpooling. I can take 5 or 6 rugby players along with me.
If we opt for carpooling, we will meet in the parking lot at Collingwood Park, time TBD.
More information on this trip as the week moves along, and once I coordinate with the Winchester team.
U-13/U-15
Both teams will host SYC at home this Saturday.
Kickoff most likely will be at 11:00. We'll firm this up once we talk to SYC.
The field will need to be lined prior to play. Many hands make light the work, so I encourage volunteers to help out.
Hosting. The planning factor should be 50 rugby players. The U-11 moms and dads did such a fantastic job on Saturday, showing our Chantilly guests how it is done. The best way to go is a small grill, with hot dogs, chips and sodas in the big cooler. The U-11 approach was for one buyer with everyone else chipping in. We'll settle on the approach at practice on Tuesday evening.
Team Breakdowns and Contact Info
Team Breakdown and Contact Information
U-11 (players under 11 years of age as of 1 July 2008)
Joseph A.
Thomas B.
Max D.
Justin E.
Ben F.
Andrei G.
Matthew G.
William H.
Alex L.
Alex M.
Simon M.
Patrick P.
Erik R.
James W.
africano5@earthlink.net, chuck.africano@isai-usa.com, sburr1@cox.net, YTart@aol.com, yvonne.dacey@fcps.edu, jelmo@cox.net, helen.elmore@cox.net, Fornshill@aol.com, gottlieb2@verizon.net, mkwih@verizon.net, mlagow@cox.net, robert.lagow@gmail.com, julianmaster@gmail.com, julian.master@smithgroup.com, tjslmiller@cox.net, jmiller@hudginslawfirm.com, anneep@cox.net, bjwroach@cox.net, jwoods24@cox.net, dale.roach@noblis.org,
U-13 (players under 13 years of age as of 1 July 2008)
Anthony A.
Daniel B.
Cory C.
David C.
Will C.
Jon D.
David F.
Adam H.
Austin L.
Anthony L.
Andy L.
Neel M.
Grayson M.
Max P.
George S.
Brennan V.
U-13 email contact list:
africano5@earthlink.net, chuck.africano@isai-usa.com, berkon5@aol.com, dberkon@culmen.com, vhsignco@aol.com, DCummins@FDIC.gov, d.cummins7@gmail.com, clfinfrock6@cox.net, hitchings39@hotmail.com, mlagow@cox.net, robert.lagow@gmail.com, rajalower@cox.net, robl338@yahoo.com, JOEANDSAM@aol.com, tmehta@cox.net, hilarimoore@cox.net, bmoore@cla-val.com, kperconti@cox.net, jjpoole@cox.net, the_strawbridges@yahoo.co.uk, bhvaughan@cox.net,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U-15
(players under 15 years of age as of 1 July 2008)
Nicholas A.
Connor A.
David B.
Connor C.
DJ C.
Jonathan D.
Peter F.
Colin G.
Peter L.
Sam L.
Megan M.
Daniel M.
Ruslan P.
Denis P.
Mark P.
Michael P.
Dale R.
Erik R.
Monica V.
Connor W.
Pace W.
U-13 email contact list:
africano5@earthlink.net, chuck.africano@isai-usa.com, andersonfthunt@verizon.net, barritt@fr.com, lcollett2@cox.net, jcondon2@cox.net, dcrane5@cox.net, edalch@cox.net, dalchs@state.gov, dalcsm@state.gov, clfinfrock6@cox.net, vsanchezinteriors@cox.net, pjackson1@cox.net, cindy.laporta@kwccpa.com, cindylaporta@cox.net, JOEANDSAM@aol.com, smckinn2001@yahoo.com, blu68caddy@hotmail.com, kekm64@hotmail.com, peter.pietra@dhs.gov, petertraci@verizon.net, jjpoole@cox.net, anneep@cox.net, bjwroach@cox.net, Dale.Roach@noblis.org, kejohnsonmd@cox.net, jdromanin@cox.net, hvroomen@tfi.org, Suzqltva@aol.com, dwoods1054@cox.net, bwoods@cbmove.com,
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
U-11s: Directions to Winchester for 28 June Match
Directions to Winchester:
The good news is that we don't have to go all the way to Winchester.
Sherando Park: http://www.co.frederick.va.us/parkandrecreation/SherandoPark.htm
Mapquest: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=%5b200%2d299%5d%20Splash%20Ave&city=Stephens%20City&state=VA&zipcode=22655&country=US&geodiff=1
Route 66 West to the Front Royal Exit/Rt. 522 North.
At the bottom of the ramp keep right and merge onto Rt. 522 North.
Go to the second four way intersection, on your left hand side there will be a 7-11 store on the front left and Dinosaur Land on the near left. At this intersection take a left onto Route 277. Follow route 277 for approximately three miles, passing through one four way intersection, the entrance to the park will be on you right hand side after the White Oak Campground.
I'll be at Collingwood Park by 7:45 on Saturday morning, and will depart at 8:00 sharp. If anyone needs a ride, let me know. My cell phone is 301-503-3377.John Dacey
The good news is that we don't have to go all the way to Winchester.
Sherando Park: http://www.co.frederick.va.us/parkandrecreation/SherandoPark.htm
Mapquest: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=%5b200%2d299%5d%20Splash%20Ave&city=Stephens%20City&state=VA&zipcode=22655&country=US&geodiff=1
Route 66 West to the Front Royal Exit/Rt. 522 North.
At the bottom of the ramp keep right and merge onto Rt. 522 North.
Go to the second four way intersection, on your left hand side there will be a 7-11 store on the front left and Dinosaur Land on the near left. At this intersection take a left onto Route 277. Follow route 277 for approximately three miles, passing through one four way intersection, the entrance to the park will be on you right hand side after the White Oak Campground.
I'll be at Collingwood Park by 7:45 on Saturday morning, and will depart at 8:00 sharp. If anyone needs a ride, let me know. My cell phone is 301-503-3377.John Dacey
The Rugby Social/Hosting Protocols
Dear Eagles Moms, Dads and Supporters:
There have been some questions about how snacks and drinks work for rugby, so I'll explain.
Home Games
When we host a team at our home field, we take care of snacks and drinks for BOTH them and us. Upon conclusion of play, our players grab a snack and drink and before anyone on our side has a refreshment, we make sure our visitors are fully taken care of. Our players grab a dog and a drink, and they seek out their opposite number--or any opponent--and hand it to them, thanking them for coming to our field to play. Only when all of our guests have been taken care of do our players get their own.
Ideally, we host with like hot dog and chips, with a selection of drinks (water, gatorade, CapriSun, etc). This doesn't have to be a full-on feed with plates, flatware, potato salad, cloth napkins and tufted wingback chairs, but should be better than a dinky bag of lame, dry cookies and a lukewarm juice box as everyone heads for their cars.
The social aspect of rugby is a major part of our sport, of the larger rugby lifestyle, and we take it very seriously; we look forward to hanging for a while after playing with our fellow rugby players, and taking a little bit of time getting to know them. We will see each other again on the rugby pitch, whether it's next week, next month or next summer, so we should be mates.
For this Saturday, I'll have a big cooler full of ice and we'll stock it with some drinks. We're looking to have a small charcoal grill, and we can do hot-off-the-grill hot dogs for all of our guests. As we show them that we know how to properly host, they will remember us, and they will look forward to coming back.
Away Games
When we visit another team, the above kind of treatment is what we should expect.
We should bring with us plenty of hydration to take care of ourselves during the match, but we do not have to have our team bring snacks and drinks for our players for the end of the match--this is the responsibility of the host.
It is a great feeling to be hosted properly, to be welcomed at another team's field and to be thanked for coming to play. We are opponents while on the pitch, but off the field we are all rugby mates, and this is the kind of thing that makes it happen.
Singing
For those of you who have ever been to a proper, adult rugby post-game social, you'll know that it can get quite, ahem, entertaining. We aim to try this, tempered to the needs of the youth program.
We will attempt to sing a few songs, especially when we host. For anyone who's done Scouting, songs like "Singing in the Rain" or "Father Abraham" work quite well. We'll also do "Sunshine Mountain" and a few other, entry-level songs. Players will learn as we go.
There have been some questions about how snacks and drinks work for rugby, so I'll explain.
Home Games
When we host a team at our home field, we take care of snacks and drinks for BOTH them and us. Upon conclusion of play, our players grab a snack and drink and before anyone on our side has a refreshment, we make sure our visitors are fully taken care of. Our players grab a dog and a drink, and they seek out their opposite number--or any opponent--and hand it to them, thanking them for coming to our field to play. Only when all of our guests have been taken care of do our players get their own.
Ideally, we host with like hot dog and chips, with a selection of drinks (water, gatorade, CapriSun, etc). This doesn't have to be a full-on feed with plates, flatware, potato salad, cloth napkins and tufted wingback chairs, but should be better than a dinky bag of lame, dry cookies and a lukewarm juice box as everyone heads for their cars.
The social aspect of rugby is a major part of our sport, of the larger rugby lifestyle, and we take it very seriously; we look forward to hanging for a while after playing with our fellow rugby players, and taking a little bit of time getting to know them. We will see each other again on the rugby pitch, whether it's next week, next month or next summer, so we should be mates.
For this Saturday, I'll have a big cooler full of ice and we'll stock it with some drinks. We're looking to have a small charcoal grill, and we can do hot-off-the-grill hot dogs for all of our guests. As we show them that we know how to properly host, they will remember us, and they will look forward to coming back.
Away Games
When we visit another team, the above kind of treatment is what we should expect.
We should bring with us plenty of hydration to take care of ourselves during the match, but we do not have to have our team bring snacks and drinks for our players for the end of the match--this is the responsibility of the host.
It is a great feeling to be hosted properly, to be welcomed at another team's field and to be thanked for coming to play. We are opponents while on the pitch, but off the field we are all rugby mates, and this is the kind of thing that makes it happen.
Singing
For those of you who have ever been to a proper, adult rugby post-game social, you'll know that it can get quite, ahem, entertaining. We aim to try this, tempered to the needs of the youth program.
We will attempt to sing a few songs, especially when we host. For anyone who's done Scouting, songs like "Singing in the Rain" or "Father Abraham" work quite well. We'll also do "Sunshine Mountain" and a few other, entry-level songs. Players will learn as we go.
Match Information for Saturday, 28 June
Dear Eagles Moms, Dads and Supporters:
We've got another fun weekend of touch rugby coming up, and here are the details:
U-11s
I will skipper the U-11s on the first real road trip this club has ever undertaken, way on out to Winchester.
Kickoff is 10:00 a.m., so all players should show by 9:30.
I figure a travel time of approximately 90 minutes, so recommend a departure no later than 8:00.
I have room for up to six rugby players (and moms/dads, if needed) in my truck. The rally point will be Collingwood Park, with a departure promptly at 8:00. Let me know if you need to carpool.
I anticipate about an hour of play, with another hour or so of hosting (if they do it right). If we depart by noon, that should have us back here by approximately 2:00 pm.
We still do not have directions from Winchester, and I will send those as soon as we get them.
U-13s/U-15s
Both will play at home on Saturday at Collingwood Park.
The U-13s will lead off with a kickoff at 11:00. Both U-13s and U-15s need to be at the field by 10:30.
Both SYC and Braddock Road will be coming, so we'll play 2 10-minute periods of U-13, followed by 2 periods of U-15, and on until everyon'e gotten to play and the kids are all tuckered out.
Coach Vonada will need the following assistance:
Line the field, starting at 9:00. If four folks help out, you can go over the lines I put down last Saturday and have the field done in about 45 minutes, flags, posts and all.
Someone needs to track our scoring stats for all of our matches, first and last names and scores, as I'm tallying this for all teams.
Kelley Perconti, Sue McKinney and the rest of the volunteer U-13 and U-15 parents have gotten a really good handle on hosting, so take their leads. We may need a volunteer or two to make a quick run to the Safeway for last-minute items, but that's easy to do.
Jerseys
We are still waiting for our jerseys, and will distribute them as soon as possible. Players who already have a jersey from past play should wear it, to show our colors.
We have the loaners for wear once more.
Mouthguards
All players bring your mouthguards, especially the U-13s and U-15s as we're going to work on tackling and contact at training tomorrow night. A player without a mouthguard will not participate in contact training, and will not play in tackle matches.
Man of the Match Trophy
Last Saturday's man of the match winners need to bring their trophy to their matches so it can be awarded to this Saturday's man of the match. See you at practice tomorrow evening.
John Dacey
We've got another fun weekend of touch rugby coming up, and here are the details:
U-11s
I will skipper the U-11s on the first real road trip this club has ever undertaken, way on out to Winchester.
Kickoff is 10:00 a.m., so all players should show by 9:30.
I figure a travel time of approximately 90 minutes, so recommend a departure no later than 8:00.
I have room for up to six rugby players (and moms/dads, if needed) in my truck. The rally point will be Collingwood Park, with a departure promptly at 8:00. Let me know if you need to carpool.
I anticipate about an hour of play, with another hour or so of hosting (if they do it right). If we depart by noon, that should have us back here by approximately 2:00 pm.
We still do not have directions from Winchester, and I will send those as soon as we get them.
U-13s/U-15s
Both will play at home on Saturday at Collingwood Park.
The U-13s will lead off with a kickoff at 11:00. Both U-13s and U-15s need to be at the field by 10:30.
Both SYC and Braddock Road will be coming, so we'll play 2 10-minute periods of U-13, followed by 2 periods of U-15, and on until everyon'e gotten to play and the kids are all tuckered out.
Coach Vonada will need the following assistance:
Line the field, starting at 9:00. If four folks help out, you can go over the lines I put down last Saturday and have the field done in about 45 minutes, flags, posts and all.
Someone needs to track our scoring stats for all of our matches, first and last names and scores, as I'm tallying this for all teams.
Kelley Perconti, Sue McKinney and the rest of the volunteer U-13 and U-15 parents have gotten a really good handle on hosting, so take their leads. We may need a volunteer or two to make a quick run to the Safeway for last-minute items, but that's easy to do.
Jerseys
We are still waiting for our jerseys, and will distribute them as soon as possible. Players who already have a jersey from past play should wear it, to show our colors.
We have the loaners for wear once more.
Mouthguards
All players bring your mouthguards, especially the U-13s and U-15s as we're going to work on tackling and contact at training tomorrow night. A player without a mouthguard will not participate in contact training, and will not play in tackle matches.
Man of the Match Trophy
Last Saturday's man of the match winners need to bring their trophy to their matches so it can be awarded to this Saturday's man of the match. See you at practice tomorrow evening.
John Dacey
Directions to Fort Hunt Eagles RFC Home Pitch--Collingwood Park
From Points North/East
Exit the inner loop of the Beltway/I-495 at the Church Street exit. Loop around on the exit and turn right onto S. Washington Street, which becomes the George Washington Memorial Parkway, southbound.
Exit the outer loop of the Beltway/I-495 for Route 1 northbound. After approximately 3 blocks and between the two gas stations on the right-hand side, turn right on Franklin street. Go to S. Washington Street and turn right. This turns into the George Washington Memorial Parkway, southbound.
Go approximately 8 miles south on the parkway, and turn right onto Collingwood Road.
From Points South/West:
Take Route 1 north through Woodbridge, Lorton and Fort Belvoir.
Turn right onto the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway/Route 235.
Follow 235 to Mount Vernon, and take the traffic circle around so that you are headed northbound on the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Travel approximately two miles north, and turn left onto Collingwood Road.
Once on Collingwood Road:
Take an immediate right onto West Boulevard Drive.
The entrance to Collingwood Park is approximately 200m ahead on the left side.
The rugby pitch is at the far end of the park, where the treeline divides the park.
Exit the inner loop of the Beltway/I-495 at the Church Street exit. Loop around on the exit and turn right onto S. Washington Street, which becomes the George Washington Memorial Parkway, southbound.
Exit the outer loop of the Beltway/I-495 for Route 1 northbound. After approximately 3 blocks and between the two gas stations on the right-hand side, turn right on Franklin street. Go to S. Washington Street and turn right. This turns into the George Washington Memorial Parkway, southbound.
Go approximately 8 miles south on the parkway, and turn right onto Collingwood Road.
From Points South/West:
Take Route 1 north through Woodbridge, Lorton and Fort Belvoir.
Turn right onto the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway/Route 235.
Follow 235 to Mount Vernon, and take the traffic circle around so that you are headed northbound on the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
Travel approximately two miles north, and turn left onto Collingwood Road.
Once on Collingwood Road:
Take an immediate right onto West Boulevard Drive.
The entrance to Collingwood Park is approximately 200m ahead on the left side.
The rugby pitch is at the far end of the park, where the treeline divides the park.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Fort Hunt Eagles RFC Summer 2008 Match Schedule
Fort Hunt Eagles Rugby Football Club
Match Schedule, Summer 2008
Match Schedule, Summer 2008
- All U-11 matches are touch matches.
- U-13 and U-15 matches are either touch or tackle, as noted.
- All times TBD, and will be posted here as they are available. Match times also will be sent via email.
- Showtime for all players is at least 30 minutes prior to kickoff.
- Fort Hunt Eagles home field is Collingwood Park.
Saturday, 21 June
U-11: Home v. Chantilly
U-13: @ BRYC (touch)
U-15: @ SYC (touch)
Saturday, 28 June
U-11: @ Winchester, 10:00 a.m. kickoff
U-13: Home v. SYC (touch), 11:00 a.m. kickoff
U-15: Home v. SYC (touch), 11:00 a.m. kickoff
Thursday, 10 July
U-11: Home v. Vienna
U-13: @ Baileys (touch)
U-15: @ Baileys (touch)
Saturday, 12 July
U-11: @ SYC Red
U-13: Home v. BRYC (tackle)
U-15: Home v. BRYC (tackle)
Thursday, 17 July
U-11: Home v. FPYC
U-13: @ SYC (touch/tackle)
U-15: @ SYC (touch/tackle)
Saturday, 19 July
U-11: @ Vienna (w/ Winchester)
U-13: @ Vienna (tackle)
U-15: @ Vienna (tackle)
Thursday, 24 July
U-11: @ BRYC
U-13: Home Festival (touch/tackle)
U-15: Home Festival (touch/tackle)
Saturday, 26 July
U-11: @BRYC
U-13: @ Warrenton (tackle)
U-15: @ Vienna (tackle)
Saturday-Sunday, 2-3 August: End of Season tournament @ SYC
Saturday: touch play
Sunday: tackle play
USA Rugby Spectator's Guide to Rugby
This is a text-only copy of a USA Rugby handout. Contact me and I'll send you the pdf original.
ORIGINS OF RUGBY
Rugby is the precursor of American football and has been played in the United States since about 1870. American football, as well as basketball, owes many of its characteristics to rugby. In fact, basketball was invented by James Naismith as an indoor alternative to Rugby when the New England winters required an indoor game.
Some of rugby’s characteristics such as quick switches between attack and defense, ball handling and committing defenders to attack space are all found in basketball. Some people liken rugby to tackle basketball on grass.
Similarly, American football evolved with many of the same principles, strategies and tactics as Rugby. However, there are several obvious differences. Rugby is played at a fast pace, with few stoppages and continuous possession changes. All players on the field, regardless of position, can run, pass, kick and catch the ball. Likewise, all players must also be able to tackle and defend, making each position both offensive and defensive in nature.
There is no blocking of the opponents like in football and there are a maximum of seven substitutions allowed per team. A match consists of two 40-minute halves.
Rugby is considered to be a gender-neutral sport as almost forty percent of all players in the U. S. are female.
RUGBY ETHOS
All players, coaches, officials, parents and fans are encouraged to remember that rugby holds a unique place in American sport. Rugby is not about hooliganism or violence; however that is often the image of rugby that is projected in the United States. The conduct of every player, coach, official, parent and fan has a lasting effect on the image of rugby in our country.
The iRB Playing Charter states: “Rugby owes much of its appeal to the fact that it is played both to the letter and within the spirit of the Laws. The responsibility for ensuring this practice lies not with one individual -- it involves coaches, captains, players and referees. It is through discipline, control and mutual respect that the spirit of the game flourishes and, in the context of a game as physically challenging as Rugby, these are the qualities which forge the fellowship and sense of fair play so essential to the game’s ongoing success and survival.
"Rugby is valued as a sport for men and women, boys and girls. It builds teamwork, understanding, co-operation and respect for fellow athletes. It is because of, not despite, rugby’s intensely physical and athletic characteristics that such great camaraderie exists before and after matches.”
To help further the positive values that rugby engenders, USA Rugby has partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance© (PCA). Through its coach education and development programs, USA Rugby promotes the “Double-Goal Coach,” who wants to win but has a second, more important, goal of using sports to teach life lessons; and the principle of “Honoring the Game.” This includes having respect for the rules of the game, opponents, officials, teammates and self.
FIELD OF PLAY
Rugby is played on a field, called a pitch, which is longer and wider than a football field, more like a soccer field. Additionally, there are 10-22 meter end zones, called the in-goal area, behind the goalposts. The goalposts are the same size as American football goalposts.
THE BALL
A rugby ball is made of leather or other similar synthetic material. It is easy to grip and does not have laces. Rugby balls are made in varying sizes (three, four or five) for both youth and adult players. Like footballs, rugby balls are oval in shape, but are rounder and less pointed than footballs to minimize erratic bounces.
PLAYERS & POSITIONS
Rugby has 15 players on each team. Everyone on the pitch plays offense and defense, and the number of each player signifies that player’s specific position.
Jersey numbers above 15 are worn by substitute players. Players numbered one through eight are forwards, typically the larger, stronger players of the team whose main job is to win possession of the ball. They would be the equivalent to American football linebackers and lineman.
Players numbered nine-fifteen are backs, the smaller, faster and more agile players. Their main role is to exploit possession of the ball won by the forwards. Backs may be equated to running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks in American football.
STARTING THE GAME
Just as in American football, rugby begins with a kickoff to the opponent from mid-field. Provided that the ball travels beyond the 10-meter line, any player from either team may gain possession of the ball. You may occasionally see players lift each other to gain advantage here.
MOVING THE BALL
Rugby is continuous like soccer. There is no blocking in rugby. Additionally, rugby does not have downs and it is not required to reach 10 yards and stop.
The player with the ball leads the attack and there are several ways to move the ball. Any player may carry, pass or kick the ball and play is not stopped and therefore continues when the ball hits the ground or when a player is tackled.
• Running: When running the ball, players may continue to run until they are tackled, step out of bounds or run beyond the goal line. Players run the ball to advance toward the opponent’s goal line.
• Passing: The ball may be passed to any player. However, it may only be passed laterally or backward, never forward. Players pass the ball to an open teammate to keep it in play and further advance it.
• Kicking: Any player may kick the ball forward at any time. Once the ball is kicked, players of either team, regardless of whether or not the ball hits the ground, may gain possession. Players typically kick the ball to a teammate in an effort to advance it or to the opposing team to obtain relief from poor field position.
SCORING
There are four ways for a team to score points in rugby:
• Try: Five points are awarded to a team for touching the ball down in the other team’s in-goal area. This is much like a touchdown in American football but requires the ball actually be grounded.
• Conversion: Following a try, two points are awarded for a successful kick through the goal posts. The attempt is taken on a line, at least 10 meters, straight out from the point where the ball was touched down. This is like an extra point in American football.
• Penalty Kick: Following a major law violation, the kicking team, if in range, has the option to “kick for points.” Three points are awarded for a successful penalty kick. The kick must be from the point of the penalty or anywhere on a line straight behind that point. The ball can be played if the kick fails.
• Drop Goal: Three points are awarded for a successful drop kick. A drop kick may be taken from anywhere on the field during play. A drop goal is similar to a field goal in football; however, in rugby the kick is made during the course of normal play. The ball is alive if the kick fails.
RESTARTING PLAY
There are two methods of restarting play following a stoppage caused by either the ball going out of bounds or because of an infraction of the laws.
• Line-Out: If the ball goes out of bounds, it is restarted with a line-out. Both teams form a line perpendicular to the touchline and one-meter (three feet) apart from one another. A player of the non-offending team calls a play and throws the ball in the air in a straight line between the two lines. Players of each team may be supported in the air by their teammates to gain possession of the ball. This is similar to a jump ball in basketball.
• Scrum: Rugby’s unique formation, the forerunner of the American football line of scrimmage, is the method used to restart the game after the referee has whistled a minor law violation. A bound group of players from each team form a “tunnel” with the opposition. The non-offending team puts the ball into the tunnel by rolling it into the middle and each team pushes forward until one player is able to hook the ball with the feet and push it to the back row players of his/her team. The scrum half then retrieves the ball and puts it into play.
OFFSIDE
One of the more challenging aspects about rugby for a first time rugby observer is the offside law. Similar to soccer, the offside line is continually moving up and down the pitch. In most instances, the ball creates the offside line and players are not permitted to participate in play if they are on the opposing team’s side of the ball.
Simply being offside is not a penalty, but attempting to participate in the game from an offside position is.
ADVANTAGE
After an offense occurs, if the referee thinks the non-offending team might benefit by playing on they may play advantage. How much territory or opportunity is needed before advantage is gained depends on the nature of the offense--more for a penalty then for a scrum. Skillful use of advantage can minimize stoppages and provide for a more flowing game.
TACKLES, RUCKS AND MAULS
Players in possession of and carrying the ball may be stopped by being tackled by the opposing team. Players are tackled around the waist and legs and, in general, may not be tackled higher.
Once a player is tackled, however, play does not stop as it does in football. A player who is tackled to the ground must make the ball available immediately so that play can continue.
Supporting players from both teams (one from each team) converge over the ball on the ground, binding with each other and attempt to push the opposing players backwards in a manner similar to a scrum. This situation is known as a ruck. The ball may not be picked up by any player, until the ball emerges out of the ruck. The ruck ends and play continues.
A team that can retain possession after the tackle and the ensuing ruck has a huge advantage.
A maul is formed with a similar gathering of players, except the player in possession of the ball is simply held up, and not tackled. The maul ends when the ball emerges.
OTHER RUGBY TERMS
Drop Kick: A kick made when the player drops the ball and it bounces off the ground prior to being kicked. Worth three points if it travels through the goalposts. Drop kicks are also used to restart play after a score.
Forward Pass: A violation that usually results in a scrum to the non-offending team.
Infringement: A violation of a law.
Knock-On: The accidental hitting or dropping of the ball forward. The infringement is the same as that for a forward pass; a scrum to the other team.
Non-Contact Rugby: A Version of rugby designated to introduce the game to first time players (touch rugby). Two-hand tag replaces the tackle.
Penalties: Penalties occur regularly in rugby. Unlike other sports, there typically aren’t yardage penalties and teams do not have to play shorthanded. Instead, the non-offending team is usually awarded a choice to kick the ball to gain field advantage.
Some of the more important penalties are listed below:
• Penalty Kick: Awarded after a serious infringement of the law. Offenders are required to retreat 10 yards while the opposing team is given the opportunity to restart play unopposed. Teams will often kick the ball up field and out of bounds to gain field advantage. When they do this, play is restarted as a lineout where the ball goes out of bounds. If in range, they may attempt a kick at the goal posts, worth three points. Finally, they may simply tap the ball with their foot and run with it.
• Free Kick: A kick is awarded to the non-offending team for an infringement by its opponent. Unless a Law states otherwise, a free kick awarded of an infringement is awarded at the place of infringement. Also, a free kick may not be kicked at goal for three points.
• Sin Bin: On occasion, the referee will send a player behind one of the in-goal areas (the Sin Bin) for serious and/or repeated infringements for a specified period of time. The team is required to play short-handed until the referee permits the player to return. This penalty is fairly rare, but used by the referees to maintain control of the game.
• Send-Offs: In extreme cases a referee may send a player off the field for dangerous or reckless play. A player who has been sent off is banned from that game and is not permitted to return or be replaced.
Put In: Rolling the ball down the center of the scrum tunnel by the scrum half.
Sevens: An abbreviated game of rugby that follows the same laws except a 7s team consists of only seven players and each half is seven minutes long. Much like a game of three-on-three full court basketball, it’s a wide open contest. Because of its wide open style of play, the 7s version of rugby is a very entertaining game to watch.
Set Piece: A term for scrums and line-outs because these are the only choreographed plays of the game.
Support Players: Players who position themselves to increase the ball transfer options of the ball carrier.
Tap and Go: A gentle kick to oneself, followed by a pick up, used to restart play after either a penalty or free kick is awarded.
Throw-In: Throwing the ball down the middle of a lineout.Touchline: The side boundary of the field (sideline).
22-Meter Line: Balls kicked out of bounds from behind the “22” are restarted by a lineout at the spot where the ball went out. Balls kicked out of bounds from in front of the 22 are restarted by a lineout where the ball was kicked. The exception is a ball kicked out of bounds immediately after a penalty has been awarded. In this case, the lineout is held where the ball went out and the kicking team retains the throw-in.
Contact Information
For more information about rugby or to learn where to play rugby in your area, please visit the USA Rugby website at http://www.usarugby.org/ or contact:USA Rugby 1033 Walnut Street, Suite 200Boulder, CO 80302(p) 303.539.0300 (f) 303.539.0311info@usarugby.org
ORIGINS OF RUGBY
Rugby is the precursor of American football and has been played in the United States since about 1870. American football, as well as basketball, owes many of its characteristics to rugby. In fact, basketball was invented by James Naismith as an indoor alternative to Rugby when the New England winters required an indoor game.
Some of rugby’s characteristics such as quick switches between attack and defense, ball handling and committing defenders to attack space are all found in basketball. Some people liken rugby to tackle basketball on grass.
Similarly, American football evolved with many of the same principles, strategies and tactics as Rugby. However, there are several obvious differences. Rugby is played at a fast pace, with few stoppages and continuous possession changes. All players on the field, regardless of position, can run, pass, kick and catch the ball. Likewise, all players must also be able to tackle and defend, making each position both offensive and defensive in nature.
There is no blocking of the opponents like in football and there are a maximum of seven substitutions allowed per team. A match consists of two 40-minute halves.
Rugby is considered to be a gender-neutral sport as almost forty percent of all players in the U. S. are female.
RUGBY ETHOS
All players, coaches, officials, parents and fans are encouraged to remember that rugby holds a unique place in American sport. Rugby is not about hooliganism or violence; however that is often the image of rugby that is projected in the United States. The conduct of every player, coach, official, parent and fan has a lasting effect on the image of rugby in our country.
The iRB Playing Charter states: “Rugby owes much of its appeal to the fact that it is played both to the letter and within the spirit of the Laws. The responsibility for ensuring this practice lies not with one individual -- it involves coaches, captains, players and referees. It is through discipline, control and mutual respect that the spirit of the game flourishes and, in the context of a game as physically challenging as Rugby, these are the qualities which forge the fellowship and sense of fair play so essential to the game’s ongoing success and survival.
"Rugby is valued as a sport for men and women, boys and girls. It builds teamwork, understanding, co-operation and respect for fellow athletes. It is because of, not despite, rugby’s intensely physical and athletic characteristics that such great camaraderie exists before and after matches.”
To help further the positive values that rugby engenders, USA Rugby has partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance© (PCA). Through its coach education and development programs, USA Rugby promotes the “Double-Goal Coach,” who wants to win but has a second, more important, goal of using sports to teach life lessons; and the principle of “Honoring the Game.” This includes having respect for the rules of the game, opponents, officials, teammates and self.
FIELD OF PLAY
Rugby is played on a field, called a pitch, which is longer and wider than a football field, more like a soccer field. Additionally, there are 10-22 meter end zones, called the in-goal area, behind the goalposts. The goalposts are the same size as American football goalposts.
THE BALL
A rugby ball is made of leather or other similar synthetic material. It is easy to grip and does not have laces. Rugby balls are made in varying sizes (three, four or five) for both youth and adult players. Like footballs, rugby balls are oval in shape, but are rounder and less pointed than footballs to minimize erratic bounces.
PLAYERS & POSITIONS
Rugby has 15 players on each team. Everyone on the pitch plays offense and defense, and the number of each player signifies that player’s specific position.
Jersey numbers above 15 are worn by substitute players. Players numbered one through eight are forwards, typically the larger, stronger players of the team whose main job is to win possession of the ball. They would be the equivalent to American football linebackers and lineman.
Players numbered nine-fifteen are backs, the smaller, faster and more agile players. Their main role is to exploit possession of the ball won by the forwards. Backs may be equated to running backs, wide receivers and quarterbacks in American football.
STARTING THE GAME
Just as in American football, rugby begins with a kickoff to the opponent from mid-field. Provided that the ball travels beyond the 10-meter line, any player from either team may gain possession of the ball. You may occasionally see players lift each other to gain advantage here.
MOVING THE BALL
Rugby is continuous like soccer. There is no blocking in rugby. Additionally, rugby does not have downs and it is not required to reach 10 yards and stop.
The player with the ball leads the attack and there are several ways to move the ball. Any player may carry, pass or kick the ball and play is not stopped and therefore continues when the ball hits the ground or when a player is tackled.
• Running: When running the ball, players may continue to run until they are tackled, step out of bounds or run beyond the goal line. Players run the ball to advance toward the opponent’s goal line.
• Passing: The ball may be passed to any player. However, it may only be passed laterally or backward, never forward. Players pass the ball to an open teammate to keep it in play and further advance it.
• Kicking: Any player may kick the ball forward at any time. Once the ball is kicked, players of either team, regardless of whether or not the ball hits the ground, may gain possession. Players typically kick the ball to a teammate in an effort to advance it or to the opposing team to obtain relief from poor field position.
SCORING
There are four ways for a team to score points in rugby:
• Try: Five points are awarded to a team for touching the ball down in the other team’s in-goal area. This is much like a touchdown in American football but requires the ball actually be grounded.
• Conversion: Following a try, two points are awarded for a successful kick through the goal posts. The attempt is taken on a line, at least 10 meters, straight out from the point where the ball was touched down. This is like an extra point in American football.
• Penalty Kick: Following a major law violation, the kicking team, if in range, has the option to “kick for points.” Three points are awarded for a successful penalty kick. The kick must be from the point of the penalty or anywhere on a line straight behind that point. The ball can be played if the kick fails.
• Drop Goal: Three points are awarded for a successful drop kick. A drop kick may be taken from anywhere on the field during play. A drop goal is similar to a field goal in football; however, in rugby the kick is made during the course of normal play. The ball is alive if the kick fails.
RESTARTING PLAY
There are two methods of restarting play following a stoppage caused by either the ball going out of bounds or because of an infraction of the laws.
• Line-Out: If the ball goes out of bounds, it is restarted with a line-out. Both teams form a line perpendicular to the touchline and one-meter (three feet) apart from one another. A player of the non-offending team calls a play and throws the ball in the air in a straight line between the two lines. Players of each team may be supported in the air by their teammates to gain possession of the ball. This is similar to a jump ball in basketball.
• Scrum: Rugby’s unique formation, the forerunner of the American football line of scrimmage, is the method used to restart the game after the referee has whistled a minor law violation. A bound group of players from each team form a “tunnel” with the opposition. The non-offending team puts the ball into the tunnel by rolling it into the middle and each team pushes forward until one player is able to hook the ball with the feet and push it to the back row players of his/her team. The scrum half then retrieves the ball and puts it into play.
OFFSIDE
One of the more challenging aspects about rugby for a first time rugby observer is the offside law. Similar to soccer, the offside line is continually moving up and down the pitch. In most instances, the ball creates the offside line and players are not permitted to participate in play if they are on the opposing team’s side of the ball.
Simply being offside is not a penalty, but attempting to participate in the game from an offside position is.
ADVANTAGE
After an offense occurs, if the referee thinks the non-offending team might benefit by playing on they may play advantage. How much territory or opportunity is needed before advantage is gained depends on the nature of the offense--more for a penalty then for a scrum. Skillful use of advantage can minimize stoppages and provide for a more flowing game.
TACKLES, RUCKS AND MAULS
Players in possession of and carrying the ball may be stopped by being tackled by the opposing team. Players are tackled around the waist and legs and, in general, may not be tackled higher.
Once a player is tackled, however, play does not stop as it does in football. A player who is tackled to the ground must make the ball available immediately so that play can continue.
Supporting players from both teams (one from each team) converge over the ball on the ground, binding with each other and attempt to push the opposing players backwards in a manner similar to a scrum. This situation is known as a ruck. The ball may not be picked up by any player, until the ball emerges out of the ruck. The ruck ends and play continues.
A team that can retain possession after the tackle and the ensuing ruck has a huge advantage.
A maul is formed with a similar gathering of players, except the player in possession of the ball is simply held up, and not tackled. The maul ends when the ball emerges.
OTHER RUGBY TERMS
Drop Kick: A kick made when the player drops the ball and it bounces off the ground prior to being kicked. Worth three points if it travels through the goalposts. Drop kicks are also used to restart play after a score.
Forward Pass: A violation that usually results in a scrum to the non-offending team.
Infringement: A violation of a law.
Knock-On: The accidental hitting or dropping of the ball forward. The infringement is the same as that for a forward pass; a scrum to the other team.
Non-Contact Rugby: A Version of rugby designated to introduce the game to first time players (touch rugby). Two-hand tag replaces the tackle.
Penalties: Penalties occur regularly in rugby. Unlike other sports, there typically aren’t yardage penalties and teams do not have to play shorthanded. Instead, the non-offending team is usually awarded a choice to kick the ball to gain field advantage.
Some of the more important penalties are listed below:
• Penalty Kick: Awarded after a serious infringement of the law. Offenders are required to retreat 10 yards while the opposing team is given the opportunity to restart play unopposed. Teams will often kick the ball up field and out of bounds to gain field advantage. When they do this, play is restarted as a lineout where the ball goes out of bounds. If in range, they may attempt a kick at the goal posts, worth three points. Finally, they may simply tap the ball with their foot and run with it.
• Free Kick: A kick is awarded to the non-offending team for an infringement by its opponent. Unless a Law states otherwise, a free kick awarded of an infringement is awarded at the place of infringement. Also, a free kick may not be kicked at goal for three points.
• Sin Bin: On occasion, the referee will send a player behind one of the in-goal areas (the Sin Bin) for serious and/or repeated infringements for a specified period of time. The team is required to play short-handed until the referee permits the player to return. This penalty is fairly rare, but used by the referees to maintain control of the game.
• Send-Offs: In extreme cases a referee may send a player off the field for dangerous or reckless play. A player who has been sent off is banned from that game and is not permitted to return or be replaced.
Put In: Rolling the ball down the center of the scrum tunnel by the scrum half.
Sevens: An abbreviated game of rugby that follows the same laws except a 7s team consists of only seven players and each half is seven minutes long. Much like a game of three-on-three full court basketball, it’s a wide open contest. Because of its wide open style of play, the 7s version of rugby is a very entertaining game to watch.
Set Piece: A term for scrums and line-outs because these are the only choreographed plays of the game.
Support Players: Players who position themselves to increase the ball transfer options of the ball carrier.
Tap and Go: A gentle kick to oneself, followed by a pick up, used to restart play after either a penalty or free kick is awarded.
Throw-In: Throwing the ball down the middle of a lineout.Touchline: The side boundary of the field (sideline).
22-Meter Line: Balls kicked out of bounds from behind the “22” are restarted by a lineout at the spot where the ball went out. Balls kicked out of bounds from in front of the 22 are restarted by a lineout where the ball was kicked. The exception is a ball kicked out of bounds immediately after a penalty has been awarded. In this case, the lineout is held where the ball went out and the kicking team retains the throw-in.
Contact Information
For more information about rugby or to learn where to play rugby in your area, please visit the USA Rugby website at http://www.usarugby.org/ or contact:USA Rugby 1033 Walnut Street, Suite 200Boulder, CO 80302(p) 303.539.0300 (f) 303.539.0311info@usarugby.org
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