June 4th, 2011
Tag rugby: flag football’s close relative
Rugby is a quickly growing sport in America. Its similarities to Football are making it a favorite sport at many colleges. It’s entertaining play and quick pace are making it a favorite sport for spectators as well. The physical nature is the only downside when it comes to playing the sport, but that is quickly being remedied by tag rugby. Tag rugby is very similar to flag football, and is becoming a popular youth sport.
Tag rugby is typically played with 40 minute halves on a 70 by 50 meter field. Eight players per team are on the field at once. It has similar rules to regular rugby, including no forward passes, but certain rules are simplified for tag rugby. For instance, there are no conversions, which are like PATs in football, or recycling of the ball after tackles. Using a flag system similar to flag football, the ball carrier is tackled when one of their flags is removed. The attacking team gets six plays to score. After the six plays are up, the ball is given to the other team, and they start with a free pass.
Tag rugby has long been used by professional teams. It gives them a chance to practice skills without risk of serious injury. It is invaluable to creating the chemistry that rugby players need in order to play well. In fact, a former player created the standard rules while coaching.
In the same way that flag football can help introduce younger kids to the sport, tag rugby can introduce an entire country to a new sport. It is far safer than traditional rugby, but demands the same level of athleticism. It teaches the fundamentals, but won’t make you too sore to play it again tomorrow. Flag rugby is easily the best way to bring rugby to America.The information party rocks on: Flag football fanatic