American flag rugby

American Flag Rugby
General Information
Originated 1998, Denville, New Jersey, USA

American flag rugby (AFR) is a mixed-gender, non-contact version of rugby union and is a variant of the sport Tag Rugby. American flag rugby is designed for American children entering grades K–9.[1] The organization itself exists to provide free start up kits and support to any community looking to add a youth rugby program to their community. The program has received great praise in the USA including an article in Rugby magazine and a spot on Fox Sports Net.[2][3] The initial program from Morris County has helped create various other programs start up and now encompasses thousands of kids and adults across America participating in the youth sport and starting up programs.[4]

Overview

American flag rugby is divided up among four different levels based upon the grade level a child is entering. The four levels are:

Each division itself has a unique set of rules in recognition that there will be different ability levels between the various age groups.[5] The game, while based on rugby union, is actually far more related to rugby sevens. Similarities are seen with the number of players on the field and the arrangement of the line-outs, scrums, and kick-offs.[5][6] Like rugby union, games are played in halves but the halves are significantly reduced. The halves are the same for all four levels at 10 minutes each instead of 40 minutes each.

The rule differences between each division are minor and gradually shift closer towards rugby union rules as the child advances up in divisions and increases his or her skill set. For Owls the game typically revolves around teaching the chlidren to run with the ball, learning to touch the ball down when scoring a try, and learning basic passing skills. Nothing is contested, there is no kicking, and there are no conversions. However, when children reach the Eagle level, many of the prior mentioned restrictions are removed and the children play with contest, are allowed open field kicking, and the game has a more dynamic flow to it.[7]

Field size

History

The first iteration of American flag rugby was founded by Tom Feury in 1998. Feury was initially looking for nothing more than a way to get his children and their friends introduced to the game. In 1999 the town of Denville granted him access to a field in order to do so. The first year began with only one team and 28 children.[8]

See also

References

  1. Craig Chapman. "About". American Flag Rugby. Retrieved June 2013.
  2. Rank, Katy, "Morris Spreads Rugby Fever to 1000+ Youth" (PDF), Rugby Magazine, retrieved June 2013
  3. "American Flag Rugby". YouTube. 2008-04-22. Retrieved June 2013. (republished on the website of American Flag Rugby)
  4. Craig Chapman. "Successful Programs | American Flag Rugby | Overview". American Flag Rugby. Retrieved June 2013.
  5. 1 2 Craig Chapman. "How to Play". American Flag Rugby. Retrieved June 2013.
  6. Craig Chapman. "How to Play". American Flag Rugby. Retrieved June 2013.
  7. Stumpf, Michael J. (2005), The Laws and Guidelines for American Flag Rugby (PDF), American Flag Rugby, retrieved June 2013 External link in |publisher= (help)
  8. "Denville Dawgs | Morris Rugby Youth Program". Denvillerugby.com. Retrieved June 2013.
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