Snow Rugby is used following the rules of Rugby Union.

History

Rugby was invented in England when a player picked up the ball during a soccer game and began to run with the ball. A player from the other team then tackled the ball carrier. After several rule changes and a ball transformation the game of Rugby developed.

Object of the Game

The object of the game is to score more tries than the opponent.

The game starts with a drop kick from one team to the other.

The player in possession of the ball (attacker) may run or pass (or kick) the ball to achieve a try.

Players without the ball (defenders) try to prevent the attackers from scoring by tagging the ball carrier with two hands.

Scoring

A Try is awarded to the attacking team when the ball is touched to the ground using two hands on or behind the opponent's try line ("In the opponent's end zone").

A try is worth 5 points.

Rules of the Game

A great video is linked in:

Start at the beginning and stop at 1:15, then continue at 6:30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F22A_V77Tic

Basics:

'Knock On' = forward movement of the ball. A Knock On is a penalty. In regulation Rugby a scrum is the result of a Knock On. In PE, a turnover is the result.

Obstruction - An obstruction is when a defender deliberately obstructs a player from making a tackle or two handed touch - there is no blocking. Rugby is not NFL.

A tackled/tagged player must release the ball immediately after the 'tackle'. The ball can then be grabbed from any player on the field, except the tackler. The tackler can not gain possession of the ball.

Contact

Ideally Snow Rugby is played with safe and slow tackling, but weather conditions may prevent this situation. Ice, lack of snow, or other unsafe conditions will eliminate the tackling option.

Defenders are not allowed to actively block progress of anyone except the ball carrier (only allowed to block progress of the ball carrier if tackling is allowed).

Ball carrier may not use hand, elbow, or ball to block defenders.

Defenders must not attempt to dislodge the ball, grab at a ball carrier's shirt or clothing, or make any attempt to trip up the ball carrier or other attacking side players.

Tackling

SAFETY is FIRST.

A safe tackle consists of the following things:

Tackler MUST keep chin and head up. We are not triceratops. Keep head out of tackle!

Tackler must slow down upon approaching the ball carrier.

Tackler must aim of the hips, keep the tackle low, but not around the ankles or knees.

Tackler must wrap up the ball carrier with his/her arms.

Tackler must go to the ground with the ball carrier.

Finally, tackler's feet must be in a good position.

If the ball carrier is sprinting a tackle is not allowed.