RUGBY.
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY:
The most romantic version of this sport's origin, tells that when a student started running with the ball in his hands while playing a football match, created a new modality of this game that was called Rugby. The legend took place during 1823 at England's Rugby Public School in the small town of Rugby. That young player who became so popular was William Webb Ellis. Nowadays the World Champion gets a trophy called after him (only four nations have won it so far, can you guess which ones did?)
The most romantic version of this sport's origin, tells that when a student started running with the ball in his hands while playing a football match, created a new modality of this game that was called Rugby. The legend took place during 1823 at England's Rugby Public School in the small town of Rugby. That young player who became so popular was William Webb Ellis. Nowadays the World Champion gets a trophy called after him (only four nations have won it so far, can you guess which ones did?)
Anyways, the prelude to Rugby were the fighting and ball games held in Ancient Rome (Harpastum), During the XIX century the English Sporting Model developed and promote the use of many medieval games as part of the education system. Thomas Arnold was a significant personality in this task and is consider one of the Modern Sports pioneer. His methodology had an idealistic component based on: fair play, respect for others and loyalty. For years every school in England played different modifications of this games (in Rugby, they decided to use hands to play the ball, remember?) and thanks to Thomas Arnold the spirit and values became the most important aspect. In 1871, the English Federation was created and rules were unified. In our days, Rugby is still a sport that preserves values of respect and sportsmanship. Players and supporters feel proud of this feature and don't leave space for cheating and foul play.
RUGBY BASICS.
RUGBY'S CORE VALUES.
|
BASIC RULES.
There are many rules in Rugby. Let's take a loot at the main infringements.
- FORWARD BALL: you cannot pass the ball forward or play it forward with your hands. You are allow to kick the ball forward.
- BALL NOT RELEASED: after being tackled you have to released the ball passing it back. Holding the ball is consider as penalty. Continuity is one of the essential principles of this game.
- HIGH TACKLE: you can only tackle a player with the ball and below his shoulders.
- OFFSIDE: all the offensive players must stay behind the back foot of the offensive team (in possession of the ball) and the defensive should remain in front of it, never surpass it.
SIMPLE GUIDE TO RUGBY. AUSTRALIAN RUGBY UNION. |