SPECTATORS GUIDE TO RUGBY
Rugby is the precursor of American football and has been played in
the United States since about 1870.  American football as well as
basketball owe many of their characteristics to Rugby.  Basketball
was invented by James Naismith as an indoor alternative to Rugby
when the New England winters required an indoor game. Some of
Rugby's characteristics such as quick switches between attack and
defense, ball handling and committing defenders to attack space are
all found in basketball.  Some people liken Rugby to tackle basketball
on grass.  Similarly, American Football evolved with many of the
same principles, strategies and tactics as Rugby.  However, there are
several obvious differences. Rugby is played at a fast pace, with few
stoppages and continuous possession changes. All players on the
field, regardless of position, can run, pass, kick and catch the ball.
Likewise, all players must also be able to tackle and defend, making
each position both offensive and defensive in nature.  There is no
blocking of the opponents like in football and there are a maximum of
seven substitutions allowed per team. A match consists of two
40-minute halves.  Rugby is considered to be a gender equity sport
as approximately 25 percent of all players in the U. S. are female.