Rugby for the Younger Ones

Rugby is a team sport that is based on the original football. Rugby historians say the sport traces its origins back to the early 19th century, in Rugby School, England. Today, the sport has become a pastime for both men and women in different countries all over the world. There are even world leagues held every now and then, with countries pitting their best rugby players against each other to achieve the coveted World Cup.

However, in America, rugby doesn’t seem to be as popular as in other countries. Most Americans see the sport as very violent, even more so than American football. This is why majority of the American youth are hesitant to play rugby. Although rugby games seem too rough for younger people, the sport is actually good for anyone, regardless of age.

Contrary to popular belief, rugby is actually a very safe sport. Rugby has relatively low injury rates compared to American football. It is ironic that the lack of protective equipment such as thick shoulder pads and sturdy protective headgear is the very reason why there is a smaller chance of players sustaining serious injuries. Since the head, neck and shoulders are unprotected, a rugby player does not perform reckless tackles and charges.

This relative safety of the sport allows young players from elementary to high school to join rugby games. Youth rugby league features slightly modified set of rules and regulations to accommodate smaller and younger players. Playing field dimensions are usually altered because normal rugby field sizes are too big for young players.

Fortunately, the sport is slowly losing its bad reputation as a dangerous sport, and the number of young rugby players is steadily increasing. Different rugby clubs from neighboring schools or towns sometimes hold a youth rugby league to experience playing with each other on a regular basis. This furthers the positive image of rugby as a sport.

Parents might initially be against their children joining a youth rugby league. However, as people develop a deeper understanding of rugby, the sport becomes more popular among elementary and high school children, and parents become more comfortable with the idea of their children playing an exciting yet safe sport.