ROOKIE RUGBY - Introduction
Womens Cougar Rugby is a club sport, and we welcome all women at BYU who wants to play. Rugby is a unique sport, it is meant for all body types and athletic abilities. We've had people from all different athletic backgrounds (swimmers, track runners, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, hopscotch, water polo, tv channel surfers etc); rugby experience is encouraged but not necessary to join the team.
Joining rugby with the BYU Womens Cougar Rugby also means you'll be a part of one of the most highly regarded women's collegiate programs in the country. So don't worry, we'll teach you what you need to know to get started.
This is another chance for you to be on a team sport in a College setting such as BYU. The camaraderie of this team offers a great support system for its players physically, mentally, and spiritually. You can develop as a player, in character and as a good sports person. Feel free to contact us, or just walk on and play!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is rugby?
Rugby is game that originated in 1823 on the playing fields of Rugby School, in England. William Webb Ellis is credited with starting the game when "with a fine disregard for the rules of football(soccer), as played in his time, first took the ball in his arms and ran with it".
Rugby is similar in some respects to soccer and American football. It is played by two teams of 15 players on a field about 150 yd (140 m) long and 75 yd (70 m) wide, with goal lines 110 yd (100 m) apart and two in-goals (corresponding to football's end zones). The ball may be kicked, carried, or passed (laterally or backwards); tackling is permitted, but blocking is forbidden. Scoring is by applying downward pressure and pushing the ball into the ground with a finger, or hands, or arms or upper body and/or by kicking a penalty kick between the goal posts and/or by kicking a drop kick between the posts during play.
Do you do tryouts? When is it?
Women's Cougar Rugby is a club sport, and we welcome all full time students at BYU who wants to play. It is a tradition for the sport, that we don't do tryouts, and we don't do cuts. You can come and check it out. Almost all of our players started playing rugby without any prior experience at all. Some may realize that this is not for them, but the few, the proud go on to represent at a higher level even at the Women's Collegiate All American program, and USA U20 National Team. Rugby is indeed one of the the best games on the planet.
Do you offer rugby scholarships?
No we don't. We are not in a position to offer any scholarship at this time. Our club is privately funded through dues, fund-raising, and our generous donors and parents.
How much does it cost?
2010-2011: USA Rugby Union Registrations = $30
2010-2011: Territorial (Conference) Union Registration = $20.00
2010-2011: Local Area Union Registration = $40.00
Team Dues is based upon travel and team expenses. Contact us via email to get the current amount required from each player.
How do I contact the committee and/or coach?
Committee email: womenscougarrugby (at) yahoo.com *
Coach Tom: coacht (at) byucougarrugby.com *
*Note: (at) used instead of @ to avoid spam.
Where do you practice?
Contact us via email is you wish to attend practice, or to be added onto our email list.
Our main practice fields are:
1. Kiwanis Park, 820 N 1100 East, Provo, Utah 84601.
2. Fort Utah Park a.k.a. Provo City Rugby Field, 200 North Geneva Road, Provo, Utah 84601.
How do I play rugby? I have never played before.
Patience young Jedi. Let's take this one step at a time. Come to practice and we'll show you how. Rugby is a contact sport, and you must prepare mentaly and physically for it.
When is the season?
Both Fall and Winter/Spring semesters. The season usually starts from end of August to the about the first week of May. We usually have a mandatory meeting on first day of school; Fall practice starts on the 3rd day of school.
When do you practice?
The team practices on:
Monday: 4.00pm-6.30pm
Wednesday: 4.00pm-6.30pm
Friday: 4.00pm-6.30pm
Saturday: 9.00am-11.30am (Sat is also game day).
If you wish to play, you must make sure that you set your school and work schedule to accomodate practices and games.
What should I bring to the practices?
Wear sturdy clothing. Bring a white, BYU blue, and gray t-shirt on the first day of practice. You must bring a mouthpiece - not negotiable (safety issue). You will need a pair of cleats for rugby (soccer cleats are acceptable). You can come to your first practices in sneakers if you do not have a pair cleats yet. Make sure all jewelry is removed and your finger nails are cut. In the warm weather bring extra water. In the cold weather dress in layers.
When are the games?
Usually on Saturdays. If we are in a tournament, it is Friday and Saturday. We never play on Sunday, period.
How about injuries? Do you get injured a lot?
Rugby is a contact sport so everybody gets their share of bumps, bruises, or scrapes during a match - similar to field hockey, lacrosse, or soccer. According to a recent study, the incidence of injuries in women's collegiate rugby is comparable with that in other women's contact and collision sports. Our coaches are very strict on safety, and using proper rugby techniques and skill.
Are there really that many schools with rugby teams?
Yes! There are over 450 men's collegiate teams and over 300 women's collegiate teams.
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