Rugby 101

Rugby 101

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The basics of rugby are easy to learn.

Even if you aren’t familiar with rugby, you’ve probably seen familiar elements of the game in some of the other sports you enjoy watching. Rugby is a free-flowing game of possession, territory, and of course points.

The methods of scoring are comparable to American football. A try is worth five points and occurs when a member of the attacking team touches the ball to the ground in the opponent’s try zone. After a try is scored, a player on the scoring team attempts to kick the ball through the goalposts for two extra points. At any time, a player may drop-kick the ball through the goalposts for three points. Teams also score points through penalty goals which are also worth three points and can be attempted whenever a penalty occurs in a match.

The gameplay is continuous, like soccer or basketball. Teams use a mix of creativity, speed, and power to move the ball down the field. Unlike American football, forward passing is forbidden; passes must travel either laterally or backwards. Another thing that makes rugby unique is that any player can kick the ball at any time. Kicking is used to strategically change field position, possession, and to provide try scoring opportunities.

Defenses stop an opposing player with the ball by tackling. Once a player is tackled, the ball carrier must release the ball and play continues. The attacking team keeps possession of the ball until they commit a penalty or turn the ball over to the other team.

The most popular version of rugby union is fifteens. Fifteens consists of 15 players on each team playing at one time. A variant called sevens is a faster version of rugby. Each team plays with only seven players on a full-sized pitch. The match consists of two seven-minute halves and a two-minute halftime. Once only played in tournaments, sevens made its Olympic debut at Rio in 2016.

The best way to learn rugby is to watch a game in person. At Infinity Park, you can always find rugby players and hardcore fans in the stands that will be more than willing to help you understand the rules of the sport. There is nothing better than making a new friend and learning about the game at the same time!

Scoring

Try – 5 points – A try is scored when a player on the attacking team touches the ball to the ground in the opponent’s in-goal area.

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Conversion Kick – 2 points – A conversion is attempted after a try is scored. The conversion is attempted in line with where the ball was grounded for the try.

Penalty Kick – 3 points – After a penalty occurs, the attacking team has the option to attempt a penalty goal. The attacking team can attempt a penalty goal from anywhere on the pitch.

Drop Goal – 3 points – A drop goal is scored by kicking a goal from a drop kick in open play.

Penalty Try – 7 points – A penalty try is awarded by the referee when foul play prevents a probable try from being scored, or scored in a more advantageous position within the in-goal. No conversion is attempted because it is awarded within the penalty try.

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The Set Piece

The set piece is a means of restarting the game.

Scrum – A contest for the ball involving eight forwards who bind together and push against the other team’s assembled eight forwards for possession of the ball.

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Knock On – A knock-on is committed when a player knocks the ball towards their opponents’ in-goal area with their hands or arms and it either touches the ground or an opposing player.

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Line-Out – Occurs when the ball goes out of bounds. Forwards from both teams line up in two lines opposite of each other and one team throws the ball down the middle of the channel. Each team lifts a player up into the air to secure possession of the ball, and whichever teams secures possession becomes the attacking team.

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Loose Play

Maul – Occurs when a player carrying the ball is held by one or more opponents, and one or more of the ball-carrier’s teammates bind on the ball-carrier.

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Ruck – A ruck is formed when a ball carrier is tackled. A tackled player must release the ball immediately, however one or more players from each team, who are on their feet and in contact, close around the ball on the ground attempting to get possession. Once a ruck has been formed, players can’t use their hands to get the ball.

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Positions

Let’s take a look at the different player roles in Rugby Union.

Forwards

The Front Row

Your primary role is to anchor the scrum and provide lifting power and support for line-outs. You are pivotal in rucks and mauls.

You, the hooker, have two very important jobs. Win possession in the scrum and to throw the ball in for a line-out.

2nd Row

If you’re a lock your job is to win the ball in line-outs and restarts. You also push forward in scrum, rucks and mauls.

Back Row

You are the enforcers on both offense and defense. Use your speed and physicality to make tackles and ruck to help win possession on defense, and power through potential tacklers on offense.

You do it all. You secure possession at the base of the scrum, carry the ball in open play, link the forwards and backs in attack and defend aggressively.

Backs

Half Backs

You provide the link between forwards and backs at the scrum and in rucks. In open play, you’ll need to judge whether to get the ball out to the backs, keep it in tight with the forwards, or kick the ball away.

You’re the field leader. You take the ball from the scrumhalf and then choose to kick, pass or make a run for it. Your knowledge and decision making affect the outcome of the game.

Three Quarters

You are the finishers. You will need to use your speed and agility to beat the defense to score a try when your team is on offense, and on defense you’ll need to keep up with the opposing team’s fastest players while simultaneously being prepared to cover any kicks that the opponent may attempt to drop in behind you.

You are pivotal in offense and defense. On defense you will often need to tackle the opposing team’s strongest ball carriers, and on the attack you’ll need a combination of speed, power and creativity to break through defensive lines.

You’re the last line of defense. You need a good boot to get your team out of trouble and you’ll have to enjoy making death-defying tackles. You’ll need to return kicks to keep your offense in good field position, and be ready to jump in any backline to help your team score.

Penalties & Infractions

Offside – Rugby’s offside law restricts where on the field players can be, to ensure there is space to attack and defend. In general, a player is in an offside position if that player is further forward (nearer to the opponents’ goal line) than the teammate who is carrying the ball or the teammate who last played the ball. Being in an offside position is not, in itself, an offence, but an offside player may not take part in the game until they are on-side again. If an offside player takes part in the game, that player will be penalized.

Forward Pass and Knock On – In rugby, players may not use their hands to push the ball forward at all. The ball can only be progressed toward the goal by foot (running or kicking). A Forward Pass, the ball being thrown to another player who is closer to the goal than the passer, is never allowed. If a defensive player knocks the ball forward while tackling or attempting to gain possession this is called a knock on. It’s also considered a knock on if an offensive player mishandles the ball in a manner that advances the ball toward their goal line.

Failure to Release Player or Ball – After a tackle, the tackler must immediately release the ball carrier, and the ball carrier must immediately release the ball. Failure on either of these counts limits a fair contest for possession. If release does not occur within a reasonable time frame, the referee will award a penalty to the non-offending team.

Failure to Roll Away – Any players on the ground when a ruck or maul is formed must immediately roll away from the ball, so as to allow continuity of play for the team in possession. Failure to do so will result in the award of a penalty to the non-offending team.

Joining Ruck/Maul from the Side – When joining a ruck or maul, all players must do so from behind the hindmost foot of their hindmost teammate. If they join from the side, they are in an offside position and taking part in the game, and this will immediately be penalized with the award of a penalty to the opposing team.

Un-Playable Ball Ruck or Maul – If the ball becomes unplayable in a ruck or maul, e.g., underneath players who are on the ground, but neither team is at fault, the referee will award a scrum to the team who was in possession before the ruck or maul was formed.

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older. The City of Glendale shall have at least one business day after receiving application to review. The City of Glendale reserves the right to take additional time to review any application.

Full payment of rental fees and required deposits are required at the time of application. A deposit will be required prior to your event and will be returned within 30 days after your event as long as no damages are incurred. An employee from Infinity Park and/or the Glendale Public Works department will report on any damages or cleaning charges before your deposit will be returned.

Rental fees are charged for the entire reserved time which is to include set-up and tear down/clean up. Your group will be expected to vacate space promptly at end time listed on permit. Additional fees may apply based on the size and scope of event.

The City of Glendale reserves the right to: 1) amend the rental rules as needed to serve the best interest of the City; 2) relocate any meeting/activity based on unforeseen circumstances; 3) have a designated employee visit any activity site or require that the Glendale Police Department enforce the terms of this rental agreement; 4) terminate the permit at any time in the interest of public safety without refund of rental fees or deposit.

The City of Glendale assumes no liability for lost or stolen property on park premises or for personal injuries sustained on the premises during the permit holder’s activity.

Permits will be issued upon approval of application. Reservation notices will be posted on the day of the event.

Changes to date or site may be charged $25.00 per permit change.

Applications

Applications should be submitted at least 10 business days prior to requested date of use. Applications received within 24 hours of event/activity may be charged a $25 service fee. Payment and all applicable documents must besubmitted at least 5 business days prior to permit date. Depending on the nature of the activity, “applicable” documents may include an Athletic Organization Information Form, Waiver of Liability and/or Insurance Agreement.

All applications will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis and will be accepted via mail, fax or email. Payment must accompany application before being considered. Any application submitted without complete information and/or without payment will not be reviewed.

Mailing Address: Infinity Park Operations, 950 S Birch St., Glendale, CO 80246
Email: Park@InfinityParkatGlendale.com
Fax: 303-639-4611

Payment

By mail: Applications must be accompanied by payment: check (made out to “City of Glendale”), money order or Visa/MasterCard.

By email or fax: A credit card authorization form must accompany application.

Rental Guidelines, Terms & Conditions

1. Daily Park Hours: The Synthetic Turf Athletic Field at Infinity Park is available to reserve from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM. The volleyball courts, as well as the pavilions and fields at Creekside and Mir Parks, are available to reserve from 8:00 AM until 9:00 PM. Use of all spaces may be limited to certain months of the year and select days of the week

2. Park Permit: A permit is required for any group activity (“group” is defined as activities with 10 or more people). The permit must be in the possession of the group while the site is in use. Permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. The City of Glendale reserves the right to change and/or revoke any permit and restrict activities in the park at any given time. Any violations of City of Glendale policies, rules, regulations, or guidelines may result in immediate revocation of permit. Use of any of the facilities described in this document without the appropriate authorization may result in fines and possible loss of future scheduling privileges.

3. Usage Priority: If a site has been permitted, the permit-holder has priority over other users. Contact Park Operations (number listed on permit) for any site issues.

4. Fees: Fees are due in full; deposits or partial payments are not accepted. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, and money orders (made payable to City of Glendale) or Master Card or Visa Credit Cards.

5. Attendee Conduct: The permit-holder is responsible for his/her actions as well as the actions of gathering attendees.

6. Restroom Facilities: Restroom facilities are taken on an “as is” basis and are not part of any reserved space.

7. Vehicular Access: Motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited. Roadways and parking areas are clearly marked and established. Driving beyond designated boundaries to load and unload equipment or transport goods is prohibited. Vehicles will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.

8. Site Clean Up: It is the permit holder’s responsibility to clean up after each use. Trash must be properly disposed of in dumpsters or trash barrels (depending on the size and scope, certain permit holders may be required to provide additional trash receptacles/dumpsters). Ice may be placed in barrels or spread out on hard surfaces. Grills of any type are prohibited. Trash is not to be left in flowerbeds, on grassy areas, under/in trees, shrubs, vegetation, buildings, or structures. Excessive trash removal on the part of Infinity Park or the Glendale Public Works Department may result in forfeiture of deposit, fines and possible loss of future scheduling privileges.

9. Destruction of Property: It is unlawful for any person, other than authorized personnel, to mark, remove, break, or climb upon, or in any way injure, damage or deface trees, shrubs, plants, turf, or any of the buildings, fences, monuments, goal posts, or other structures or property within or upon the park.

10. Damage: Broken fences, seating, goals, or any potential safety hazards such as holes or broken sprinkler heads should be reported immediately to the phone number listed on the permit.

11. Glass Bottles/Containers: Glass bottles and containers are prohibited.

12. Alcoholic Beverages: 3.2% beer is the only alcoholic beverage allowed in the park, except under special licensing. Beer must be served in cans or from a keg in plastic cups. All State liquor laws apply. Alcoholic beverage sales, including purchased tickets, are prohibited, except under special licensing.

13. Dogs: Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Bag dispensers are provided, and dog owners are expected to clean up after their pets.

14. Amplified Sound: Amplified sound (i.e. P.A. systems, music) is prohibited without Assembly Permit or Special Event Contract.

15. Canopies and Tents: Tents, canopies and additional tables and chairs provided by groups using the parks/pavilions will be permitted. Staking is prohibited; weights, including water, lead and sand are allowed.

16. Signage: Signs, banners, party decorations, and canopies may not be attached to trees, shelters, light fixtures, or other park structures. Blocking areas, including sidewalks, parking lots, paths, and roadways is prohibited.

17. Prohibited Activities/Items: included, but not limited to: aircraft, air castles, carnivals, climbing walls, dunk tanks, fireworks, golf, horseback riding, hot air balloons, inflatable games, model airplanes, moon walks, petting zoos, pony rides, and search lights (some of these activities may be allowed with limited hours and Assembly City of Glendale 950 South Birch St, Glendale. CO 80246 Page | 6 permit or Special Event Contract). Weapons, including but not limited to such items as knives, firearms, bows and arrows, martial arts weapons, javelins, shot-puts, discus, and all other projectiles, are prohibited. All Federal, State and Municipal laws apply.

18. Admission: Charging admission or gate charges is prohibited, except under a Special Event or Assembly permit.

19. Gambling: Raffles, gambling, bingo, and games where money buys a chance are prohibited.

20. Grills: Mir and Creekside Park Pavilions: portable gas grills are allowed (permit holders may also use the grills located at the pavilions); Infinity Park: grills of all types – charcoal, gas, portable, etc., – are prohibited. Two (2) stationary, charcoal grills are located west of the pavilion.

21. Event Equipment Needs: The permit holder is responsible for providing all necessary equipment and services, including but not limited to activity-related equipment, canopies, tents, chairs, tables, scaffolding, portable toilets, hand sinks, water or water containers, trash receptacles, trash pick-up, recycling, and clean-up crews. All equipment and fixtures provided by permit holder must be temporary in nature and may not be affixed, attached or permanently change the condition of the playing surface.

22. Insurance: Insurance is required for reservations for 100 or more people. In such cases, permit holder must provide commercial general liability insurance for the benefit of all activity-related individuals and groups, including permit holder group members, participants, attendees, invitees, and the City of Glendale. The commercial general liability insurance shall provide coverage of at least $1,000,000 and name the City of Glendale, its employees, agents and/or assigns as Additional Insured. The certificate of this commercial general liability insurance shall be received by theCity no later than twenty-one (21) days prior to the permit holder’s scheduled use of the site reserved. Permit holder expressly acknowledges and agrees that homeowner’s insurance coverage does not meet the requirements hereof. Certificate must read as follows with this exact language: ADDITIONALLY INSURED: THE CITY OF GLENDALE, ITS OFFICERS, OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES. If you are unable to obtain this insurance, please contact Park Operations at 303-692-5799

23. Permit Revocation: Permits may be revoked for failure to follow guidelines in any way.

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES SPECIFIC TO SPORTS FIELDS

1. Field Conditions: Athletic field permit holders may be asked to limit field use hours and days as determined by Infinity Park Operations and/or the City of Glendale Public Works Department. In the case of adverse field conditions, such as weather, sprinkler operations, field repairs, etc., athletic fields may be closed. Any use of the athletic fields without the appropriate authorization or when the fields are closed may result in fines and possible loss of future scheduling privileges.

2. Snow Removal: Individuals are not allowed to remove snow from any of the fields.

3. Equipment: All teams, organizations and players are required to provide their own equipment for practices, games and tournaments. All equipment and fixtures provided by permit holder must be temporary in nature and may not be affixed, attached or permanently change the condition of the playing surface.

4. Field Markings: Any field markings not applied by the Glendale Public Works Department may result in forfeiture of deposit, penalty fees and loss of future scheduling privileges.

5. Insurance/Waiver of Liability Options: Option 1. The permit holder provides 1) a roster with player names, addresses and cities of residence listed and 2) proof of insurance on an “Accord Insurance Certificate.” Insurance Certificate must 1) reflect a minimum coverage amount of $1,000,000; 2) reflect a 30 day cancellation period with notice of intent to cancel provided to Infinity Park AND the City of Glendale at the address listed on the permit; and 3) state the Additionally Insured as “THE CITY OF GLENDALE, ITS OFFICERS, OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES.” Binders and pending or blanket policies are not acceptable.

Option 2. In lieu of an Insurance Certificate, permit holder signs waiver form on behalf of all participants (form located next page).