Rookie Rugby 7s Launched
In 2009, USA Rugby launched Rookie Rugby, a non-contact version of the sport that is safe for kids of all ages. Rookie Rugby has been enormously successful, reaching over 350,000 youth players in 2010 alone. Two years later, USA Rugby is proud to announce the next progression of Rookie Rugby: Rookie Rugby 7s. Rookie Rugby 7s is aimed at young players aged nine and older and features a safe, controlled introduction to contact and set-pieces.
Why Rookie Rugby 7s?
With the October 2009 announcement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that rugby would again be an Olympic sport in 2016 and 2020, USA Rugby started working hard on reaching the younger population of future Olympians. From this, Rookie Rugby 7s was born, and is the next step in the USA Rugby 'Rugby for All' Continuum.
Rookie Rugby 7s introduces contact and builds on the skills and game play concepts that should be mastered in Rookie Rugby such as the basics of catching, passing, running with the ball, and general game play concepts.
"We are thrilled to launch Rookie Rugby 7s. Introducing kids to the game at an earlier age is the key to not only growing the game across all levels, but also ensuring that kids stay safe by learning proper technique in a controlled environment,' said Erin Kennedy, USA Rugby's Youth Development Manager.
USA Rugby created both the Rookie Rugby 7s Rulebook and a Coaching and Refereeing Manual that can be downloaded for free on USA Rugby's website at www.tinyurl.com/rookierugby7s.
Kennedy points out that Rookie Rugby 7s is a framework for introducing contact safely and that coaches, league administrators, and organizations can use the Rookie Rugby 7s concepts and materials to tailor a game appropriate for different ages and skill levels.
Futher Information:
Erin Kennedy | Youth Development Manager | USA Rugby | ekennedy@usa.rugby
