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FAQ

WHAT IS RUGBY?

Rugby is a game that originated in 1823 on the playing fields of Rugby School in England. William Webb Ellis is credited with starting the game when "with a fine disregard for the rules of football (soccer), as played in his time, first took the ball in his arms and ran with it". (Rugby School, Warwickshire, England 1823)

Rugby is similar in some respects to soccer and American football. It is played by two teams of 15 players on a field about 150 yd (140 m) long and 75 yd (70 m) wide, with goal lines 110 yd (100 m) apart and two in-goals (corresponding to football's end zones). The ball may be kicked, carried, or passed (laterally or backwards); tackling is permitted, but blocking is forbidden. Scoring occurs by applying downward pressure and pushing the ball into the ground with a finger, hands, arms, upper body, by kicking a penalty kick between the goal posts or by kicking a drop kick between the posts during play.

WHAT IS THE GOVERNING BOARD FOR WOMEN’S RUGBY?

The governing board for Women’s Rugby is the College Rugby Association of America (CRAA), in partnership with the USA Rugby Union. Their website can be accessed here.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?

In order to participate, and to encourage students on their path to graduation, each extramural student-athlete must be a fully matriculated student (i.e. admitted for daytime classes and a degree seeking program) that earns 12 credits per semester and maintains a minimum 2.0 GPA each semester. If these requirements are not met, the student will not be eligible to try-out, attend practices, or otherwise play with the team.

WHERE CAN I FIND TRYOUT INFORMATION?

Tryouts are held during the first week of Fall and Winter Semesters. Additional tryout information can be accessed here. No experience is necessary; if you make the team, coaches will teach you.

ARE THERE PARTICIPATION DUES?

Every extramural student-athlete is required to pay team dues each semester. Dues are $110 per semester. The payment will be charged through the student’s myBYU Financial Center. Students may make multiple payments throughout the semester, but the balance must be paid in full prior to registering for classes the following semester or term.

CAN I GET CREDIT FOR PLAYING?

There is a 0.5 credit class (STAC 201R) available to all rostered extramural students. STAC 201R Sections are offered 2nd Block Fall and 2nd Block Winter.

WHAT SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE?

BYU Extramural Sports does not offer scholarships. For other scholarship opportunities, see the links listed below.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE COACH?

Email swellassistant@byu.edu for coaches information.

WHEN AND WHERE ARE PRACTICES?

Practices are generally held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:00-6:50pm, and Saturdays from 8:00-9:50am OR Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday from 6:00-7:50am. Practices are limited to 10 hours per week. The team uses BYU fields, indoor facilities, and weight rooms for practices and training.

If you wish to play, make sure that you set your work and school schedule to accommodate practices and games.

WHEN ARE THE GAMES?

Games are usually on Fridays or Saturdays. We never play on Sunday, period. Our current season schedule can be found here.

HOW LONG IS THE SEASON?

The season starts the first week of fall semester and ends in mid-May.

HOW ARE INJURIES HANDLED?

Rugby is a contact sport and bumps and bruises are expected and anticipated. There are athletic trainers available to extramural athletes to assist with injury recovery and rehabilitation.

DOES THE TEAM HOST YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS?

The girls rugby camp is generally the first week of June or July for ages 12-18. Additional summer camp information can be found here.

WHAT IS BYU'S HONOR CODE?

“Brigham Young University and other Church Educational System institutions exist to provide an education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That atmosphere is created and preserved by a community of faculty, administration, staff, and students who voluntarily commit to conduct their lives in accordance with the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ and who strive to maintain the highest standards in their personal conduct regarding honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others.”

More information on the Honor Code can be found here.