Our hacks for parents new to rugby will help you and your kid understand the game on a whole new level. Involving your children in rugby can be a great way to introduce them to a fast, exciting sport that encourages constant involvement from all its players.
Parents often find that rugby gets their children to come out of their shell by rewarding communication and teamwork.
The sport is full of all kinds of people of all sizes and backgrounds and there is a huge social side to rugby’s surrounding culture.
However it can be daunting for a parent or carer to know what first steps to take if they know little about the sport. These hacks should help get the ball rolling and show how to start your child’s rugby journey.
Hack 1: Educate yourself about how kids play rugby
Here at Rugby Hackers we find that most parents don’t understand how kids rugby works.
Parents can fear that their child will play the sport they’ve seen on TV – picturing enormous players, hard tackles, and the potential for cauliflower ears.
This isn’t the case!
There are strict rules about what children and young people can do at each age level, through until the age of 19.
At younger ages, and in beginners school rugby, a non-contact version of the sport is played, making it a fun sport for all abilities.
Further Reading: How Does Kids Rugby Differ From Adult Rugby?
Hack 2: Start with a taster session
Many rugby clubs offer taster sessions, trial periods or holiday clubs.
Attending these will help your kid experience the sport without having to commit to long term memberships.
Hack 3: Learn more about the sport
We must first make it clear that you don’t need an encyclopaedic knowledge of rugby to get involved in the game.
Whilst you don’t have to be a fan, it may be worth having some rudimentary knowledge to help your child’s engagement.
Being able to talk about rugby to your child helps in fostering their interest in the sport.
Further reading: The Rules of Rugby Made Easy
Learning more can also help address any concerns you may initially have about rugby.
We are mindful that rugby is a physical sport and safety will be at the forefront of your priorities.
Understanding how players and clubs deal with risk will give you more confidence as a parent.
Hack 4: Become Part of a Local Club Or Team
Look for a local rugby club or team that offers programs for children. The majority of clubs will have a significant online presence. There you can learn about what teams they have and what ages they represent.
Social Media can be particularly good for showing what the club is like day to day. It will also give an idea of how engaged its members are in the community.
Beyond traditional local clubs, other avenues exist to get involved in Rugby.
In cities and more built-up towns, parks and other leisure areas often host amateur touch rugby leagues. These leagues offer a more casual way to get involved.
Your child’s school may also run after-school sessions. This has the benefit of allowing your kid to play with their classmates.
Hack 5: Get the right rugby kit
Your children may need different levels of protective gear depending on their age, check with their club before purchasing
Usually, a player will wear a shirt, shorts, rugby boots and mouth guard (if playing contact rugby).
To learn more, check out our detailed guide on essential and additional gear, Essential Kids’ Rugby Bag Items.
Hack 6: Play rugby at home
You can play simple rugby games anywhere with just a rugby ball and two willing players.
This activity is not only great fun but also an excellent way to enhance fundamental skills and learn ball-passing.
Check out our guide Rugby Games To Play At Home With Your Kids for inspiration.
Hack 7: Be a Rugby Hacker
We launched Rugby Hackers just for you! We understand how confusing it can feel when you lack rugby knowledge in a knowledgeable crowd.
Sign up for our mailing list, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get loads of hints and tips about supporting your child as they go on their rugby journey.
Before you go…
You might find our guide to understanding the game, The Rules of Rugby Made Easy, interesting for getting a better grasp of rugby.
Additionally, we have an article titled How Kids Rugby Differs From Adult Rugby, which explains how the sport is played at different ages compared to adult rugby.
