Women's rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and is huge right here in Brooklyn, New York. Though rare in other sports, women's rugby has the same rules, regulations and equipment as men's rugby. Brooklyn's dedicated women are rugby veterans and those new to the sport - we accept athletes of every skill level, even if you're starting with no experience. Today's rugby is a blend of strategy and strength, speed and instinct, and of course a touch of chaos for good measure. No matter what your skill level, Brooklyn Women's Rugby in NY is a great place to learn to love and play the game.
PAY YOUR SPRING 2011 DUES!
Go backWhile we are always looking to recruit experienced ruggers, if you have an interest in playing, athleticism, and the commitment to be part of an amazing group of women, we strongly encourage you to come to one of our informational meetings or a few practices. All practice information can be found here.
Feel free to email info@brooklynwomensrugby.org for more information. If you are completely new to this amazing sport, you might want to check out Lisa Gartner's hilarious narration of a Rookie Primer. Always remember, there's NOTHING TO FEAR! And we promise you you'll never forget our infamous Rookie Night.
Here is everything we can think of that you'll need to know:
Every member of the team is important, should expect to get treated with respect and treat others with respect. We speak to each other as adults and we are always free to speak up if something is amiss or anyone feels neglected/abused/confused or otherwise. We are a team, we are ruggers, we are family.
During the season, mandatory practices are held every Monday and Thursday evening in Brooklyn. While we understand that you won't always be able to make every practice, it is expected that you do your best to show up with your game face on as often as possible. For further information on location, etc. please see our Practice Info page
We play games on Saturdays (and occasionally Sundays also if we are at a 2-day tournament). Away games have a travel time of anywhere from 1 to 7 hours. We try to car pool for travel as much as possible. Members are encouraged to make as many away games as their schedule and budget will allow. Games are approximately 90 minutes long, but we do occasionally play shorter games that only last an hour, particularly at tournaments. Often, if we have a long way to travel, we will play more than one game. After games, there is typically a social at a local bar. This is a rugby tradition! The social is hosted by the home team and has food and drinks provided. Please check the Team Schedule page for specific dates, times and locations of upcoming games and tournaments. You must notify the Team Captain if you are unable to attend a game.
We try to attend a few tournaments a year. Most tournaments are 2-day events, and team members typically stay overnight, generally roughing it (i.e. CAMPING). Your dues pay for the tournament fees, but everyone contributes to the gas and any other fees associated with overnights (including F&B, camp site fees, etc). Spectators are always welcome, so bring your friends!
We frequently have team get-togethers, usually associated with a team meeting or after practice. Most meetings are in the evening and are held at a bar. While these events are not mandatory, they help to build team unity so everyone is encouraged to attend. You are always welcome to bring guests to social events.
We have a few team meetings every year; specific dates are announced ahead of time through the Brooklyn Women's Rugby Google Group email. Team business, elections, and policy changes are discussed. These meetings are not generally attended by nonmembers. Only members who are current with their dues, actively participate in practices and attend games and tournaments may vote for officers.
We try to have three-five fundraisers every season. All members of the team are expected to help raise money. The funds helps to keep membership dues down and goes towards tournament fees, team insurance, union dues, Jersies, field fees, equipment, balls, and other team expenses.
Please feel free to contact any of the officers if you have questions or concerns about ANYTHING. We are always available to help out, and if we can't help you, we will redirect you to someone who can!
Most players wear a molded mouth guard while playing. While this is not required, it is STRONGLY encouraged. Some players wear shoulder pads under their jerseys or scrum caps to protect their heads (and avoid those horrendous ears - you know what we're talking about 2nd Row!) and these are available through rugby catalogs.
Player Dues are $150 each season and are used to help finance game and tournament fees as well as team equipment. Only members who are current with their dues may participate in practice, play in games and tournaments, and vote for officers and captains. As a rookie, we ask that you pay half of your dues prior to your first game. The balance will be due within the next two weeks. We are very excited that you want to try rugby, and we only expect you to pay dues once you've decided to join the team! We know how expensive this city is and if you are unable to pay the lump sum, a payment plan may be worked out with the Treasurer on a case-by-case basis. Simple Rule: NO PAY = NO PLAY
PAY YOUR SPRING 2011 DUES!
Each player (and the club itself) must be registered (i.e. CIPPed) in order to be a part of the team. In the event of a lawsuit due to catastrophic injury if the club or players aren't enrolled in the Club & Individual Participation Program then the 3rd party liability insurance which protects the field owner, the referee, and players during the match would NOT be in effect! Before your first game or tournament you must register with USA Rugby (CIPP) through the following website: https://membership.usarugby.org/IndividualDefault.aspx. The cost is $35 and is payable by online by most major credit cards. Simple Rule: NOT CIPPED = NOT ON THE TEAM
The team owns one set of short-sleeved black and blue jerseys (our kit). Players are responsible for purchasing black rugby shorts and SOLID black rugby socks. Cleats are necessary for games and may be purchased at any sporting-goods store or online. Soccer cleats and football cleats are acceptable, but the toe cleat (or stud in the front) needs to be removed. If you are not sure about committing to the team immediately, you can usually borrow shorts and socks from a veteran team member. Be sure to ask around before hand so someone can bring extra shorts and socks for you.
You need it. If you don't have it, get it. You'll understand why soon enough.
Go backMondays and Thursdays 830 PM - 1030 PM (Jan 31st - March 31st) Please arrive 15 minutes early.
PS 58 - The Carroll School 330 Smith Street NY 11231-4604 (718) 330-9322
Take the F train to Carroll Street. The school is on the corner of Smith St. and Carroll St.
We practice twice per week: Mondays in Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Thursdays in Red Hook, Brooklyn (see specific instructions below)
If you are going to be late please contact our Captain (Emily King) and let her know.
Practices are mandatory but if you cannot make a practice please contact our President (Talia Fromm) or our Captain (Emily King) to let them know.
We practice in all weather, so please be prepared by wearing season-appropriate athletic clothing that is durable; layering works best when the weather is chilly. If the weather is extremely bad, you will be notified by 4pm EST via our Googlegroup if we are forced to cancel practice.
Please do not wear any clothing that is special to you. We get dirty, and occasionally clothing gets torn during drills.
You will also need to bring a mouth guard as we often have "full contact" and wear cleats.
DO NOT WEAR ANY JEWELRY (this includes body piercings as well)
Monday Night Practice Information: 6:30pm in Prospect Park (please arrive 15 minutes early) we are racing against sundown!
Enter Prospect Park at the 9th Street entrance on Prospect Park West. Walk into the park, cross the road inside of the park, and continue walking along the path. We practice between the baseball diamonds on the right hand side of the path (due to sodding, we may be on the left so look in both directions!).
Closest Subway: F to 7th Avenue (If you're heading DOWNTOWN, be in the first car of the train for closest access to the nearest exit to the park; If you're heading UPTOWN, be in the last car of the train)
Thursday Night Practice Information: 6:30pm in Red Hook, Brooklyn (please arrive 15 minutes early) we are racing against sundown!
Closest Subway: F to Smith - 9th Sts. (If you're heading DOWNTOWN, be in the last car for closest access to the subway platform exit; if you're heading UPTOWN on the F, be in the First Car for closest access). From the stop, it is about a 15 minute walk to the field. You can also take the Westbound B77 bus which goes right by the field at Bay St. and Hicks St.
From the Borough Hall Subway stop (2/3/4/5/A/C/F/M/R), you can walk a few blocks south to Atlantic Ave and catch the B61 bus which runs down to Ikea as well. Get off at the SW corner of the Red Hook Playground complex (where our field is).
Closest Ferry: Free Ikea Shuttle (operated by New York Water Taxi - see here for schedule)
Closest Shuttle: A complimentary Ikea shuttle runs from both the 4th Ave/9th St and Court St/Borough Hall subway stations from 3 pm to 8 pm daily Monday through Friday every half hour (click here for more info)
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