| 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. |
