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Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I have never played rugby before?
A: Do not worry about it. Only a few of the guys in the club have played before. Rugby is fun to learn and our first competitive matches won't happen until we are ready!
Q: What if I am out of shape?
A: Playing will help get you into shape. We have players of all ages and levels of fitness. We stretch and warm up at every practice and have suggested work out routines for the gym.
Q: What if I do not think I have the time?
A: We only practice once a week on the weekend for an hour and a half right now. Come try it and then see if you can work it into your schedule.
Q: What if the weekend is when I like to spend time with my partner?
A: That is great. Bring him (or her) along. He can play or he can watch. He will have a good time!
Q: What if I do not have the right build for rugby?
A: A successful team has guys of all sizes. There are positions that are ideal for everybodys body!
Q: Is it dangerous?
A: We emphasize safety and we will teach you the skills to protect yourself on the pitch (field). At the same time, there is a danger of injury in any sport so we suggest you have health insurance just like you'd need for softball or even bowling!
Q: What equipment do I need to get started practicing?
A: Rugby cleats (soccer cleats are fine for practice), rugby shorts, and a mouth guard. We can tell you where to buy them.
Q: What if I?Äôm not sure I want to play, but I want to support the club?
A: That?Äôs great. We need people to cheer us on at matches, be financial sponsors, help run the club's operations, and most of all be need fans to join us for our third half celebrations (a.k.a. "drink-ups").
Register with USA Rugby or you CAN NOT play in a match.
For Practice
Rugby shorts, rugby boots and a practice rugby jersey are ideal. But, any sturdy shorts and heavy t-shirt will do. Soccer cleats are also OK for practice till you have real boots. REMEMBER to bring water or gatorade to practice. The Grizzlies provide these for matches. Bring sweat pants of something to keep your muscles warm after practice during the cold months.
What the Grizzlies provide for matches
Jersey - Each number on a rugby jersey corresponds to a particular position and you may play several different positions (even in the same match), so the Grizzlies RFC provides your jersey at the match.
What you need to provide
Rugby boots - These are actually just shoes with cleats, but you know how the English have a propensity to exaggerate. Rugby boots are different from cleats worn in soccer and other sports in that they DO NOT have a toe-cleat. You will appreciate this subtle difference when you are on the ground in a ruck. Boots are checked for compliance with this "Law" (Laws are just the "rules"... again thank the English) by the Sir (referee) before each match. If you cannot get rugby boots, it is OK to play/practice in soccer or other cleats, just be sure to file-off the toe-cleat if there is one.
Rugby shorts - We wear a standard navy blue rugby short. There are basically two types of rugby short, the ones with a 2 inch inseam and the ones with 4 inch inseam. Though we would like to see you in the 2 inch "hot pants" version, either is fine. Any make should also be fine.
Socks - We wear navy blue with a gold (yellow) band that folds over at the top.
Mouth guard - Even with great dental insurance this is a good idea. Whatever type you feel most comfortable with is fine.
Compression shorts - These are helpful to keep you from pulling a ham and help keep your quads in good condition during practice and matches.
Pads - This is Rugby, not football, so there will be lots of snickering (possibly open ridicule) if you show up with pads. However, for those playing Forward positions (Props and Hooker in particular) and those wanting to achieve the structured-shoulder look made popular by Crystal and Alexis (that is a Dynasty reference for you kids), certain very thin "pads" are allowed. Basically they are thin pieces of foam sewn into a compression shirt. Be sure they are regulation (USA Rugby approved) before you buy. Brands that are approved will say so. No "hard plastic" of any sort is allowed on the pitch so athletic "cups" are NOT allowed, one more reason you should consider compression shorts - keep the boys high and out of harms way.
Caps - these are mainly to keep your ears from being torn off in a scrum, or particularly rough rucks and mauls. these are most often worn, and recommended for those playing the second-row positions of Lock.
- choose Create New Log In and follow the instruction.
- It costs $35 per year.
- You will need to print and sign the WAIVER on that site or print and sign the .pdf version of that waiver here at USAR-Waiver.pdf
Bring three things to practice:
2 - copy of your Drivers License
3 - a copy of your Insurance card (or something that shows you have medical insurance).
What to wear - the Grizzlies "Kit"
Remember, we may not always win on the pitch, but we ALWAYS win on the runway.
Nashville Grizzlies RFC
Membership Application, waiver & release - print, sign and bring a copy of this to the club Secretary at practice.
-Downloadable file, click here - Grizzlies_Waiver.pdf
Below is basic information on the sport of rugby to get you started.
But join us at a practice to get a feel for how it all works and for the camaraderie that is the most basic and rewarding aspect of rugby.
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