University
of Minnesota Women’s Rugby Club
Welcome to the team!! As you probably have heard, you do not need any previous rugby experience to be a part of the club. That’s what is so great about rugby. You are learning the game right along with everyone else. J Do not be afraid to ask questions, we promise we don’t bite. Alright, here’s a run-down of the team.
MISSION STATEMENT
The University of Minnesota Women’s Rugby Club is affiliated with many different groups that ensure our success and structure our sport. We are a Sports Club under the Department of Recreational Sports, a registered team with USA Rugby and part of the Midwest Rugby Unionand Minnesota Rugby Union. We recently have begun to compete at the Division 1 level. Becoming a Division 1 team means many fun tournaments, more traveling, and better competition. With this increased level of play comes a need for increased level of commitment. The club strives to develop the complete person and create great opportunities for our players. This means that the goal is to work hard and be rewarded, both academically and on the field.
Not only do we continue to remain one of the most dominant women’s rugby clubs in the state and the region, but we are also constantly working to build our program. We work with Sports Club, the Gopher Rugby Booster Club, and the University Men’s team to create opportunities for our players within the team and beyond. With the help of great coaches, committed players and officers, loyal alumni, and generous rugby fans, Minnesota Rugby works to carry out “One Program, One Goal, One Result”.
HISTORY
The women’s rugby team has won national titles and made many national trips. In Fall 2003 we took first in the Midwest tournament to go on during the spring season and compete in the National Tournament. In the Fall of 2004, the team took third in the Midwest tournament. The U of M Women’s team has won the All-Minnesota tournament the past 5 years, and has not had a losing season for over 5 years. Just recently the team gained Division 1 status. This is a great accomplishment and we have high hopes and a lot of potential to become a standout D1 team.
PLAYER COMMITMENT
The decision to move up to a Division 1 status means that both on and off the field, players need to be committed to the team and its goals. We understand that everyone plays for different reasons and that special situations may arise; however, here is a breakdown of the general level of commitment that we expect from every player:
DUES
Dues are to be paid during the Fall season for the duration of a school year. If a player joins during the spring season, their dues will only apply to that spring season. Checks can be made payable to U of M Women’s Rugby for $130. You must pay your dues before you can compete with the team.
Dues cover the cost of your uniform, CIPP registration (must have to compete), and most travel expenses. Money from the Department of Rec sports, team fundraising, and the support of the Booster Club, help to supplement your dues. Women’s rugby is still the cheapest club on campus. Please be responsible and turn in you money to the treasurer on time. Listen for the announcements and e-mails for due dates.
AVAILABILITY
It is understandable that classes or special situations may arise and you may be unable to attend a practice or game. Please inform the President or Vice President AND coach immediately so we can prepare ahead of time for your absence. This is a Student run organization so communication is KEY!!
ELIGIBILITY
· Full-time student with 13 credits or more.
· Undergraduate with 5 years of eligibility starting first year of enrollment.
· Or first year as a graduate student if U of M was place of undergrad.
· If your nearby college does not have a women’s rugby team you can possibly acquire an affiliates card for $65 through the U of M’s Sports Club. Just contact the President or Vice for the information.
STRUCTURE OF SPORT
Rugby on the national level is governed by USA Rugby. They determine eligibility rules, competitive structures, and give funding for the sport. Rugby is also governed according to territory (we are Midwest) and LAU, local area union, (we are part of the Minnesota Rugby LAU).
Each rugby year includes two seasons. For collegiate women, the fall season is a qualifying season. This means league games are played and teams compete to place in the Midwest Tournament. Each year, the top two or three teams in the Midwest tournament advance to Nationals, which is held in the Spring.
Along with league games, U of M has always competed in several tournaments. All-Saints tournament, held in St. Cloud and the All-Minnesota tournament have been going on for years and are associated with great tradition. The team is always open to different tournaments and annually plays in a spring break tournament. Traveling is a great way to bond with your teammates and meet people…crazy rugby people. Believe me.
MISCALLANEOUS
We have three practices a week with amazing coaches that will teach you everything you need to know. Twice a week is good to learn the fundamental skills of the game but each person needs to put in extra effort to be physically fit too, that is why we have added Friday captains/fitness practice. Our team has a group e-mail list that will tell you when other members of the team are working out too!! Working out is a BLAST!!! Plus, it is way more fun to play the game when you aren’t worried about catching your breath all the time.
School is always a first priority. But so is your health. Plan your time wisely so you can do your homework and make it to practices and workouts. College is the best time to find that good balance in your life. Being healthy is a really important part of being an athlete. Get rest, treat your body well, and WORKOUT!! Help yourself now to become a healthier individual; it will surely pay off later in life.
Fundraising is a team effort. You will not have to pay out of pocket to travel if everyone helps the team in our many coordinated fundraisers. Please do your part. Sometimes they are even fun….and we have parties after…
How did you find out about the team?!? Most members have found out by word of mouth. That is why your RECRUITMENT IS KEY!! Even if you do not hold an officer position, you can help our team grow and find many new friends by blabbing about rugby to everyone. It’s a great way to meet new people or just introduce yourself on the first day of class!! J
Officer’s work really hard to make sure the team runs smoothly. Please help them out when they ask for quick responses to emails, help with recruiting, attendance at events, etc. Even more important…WE ALWAYS NEED OFFICERS!! If you are interested in being more involved in the team, let us know. We currently have “officers in training” who work under each officer to acquaint people with the duties and help them transition more smoothly.
Our final
goal is for everyone to have FUN!! That is why you are part of this
team and
that is what we are here to help you with. Rugby is an amazing
competitive
sport, allows you to play with great teammates, creates long-lasting
friendships, and lets you in on a huge (and very crazy/fun) social
network.