Policies & Procedures

Player

Demonstrate Respect for Coaches & Staff

Demonstrate Respect for Teammates

Demonstrate Respect for Opponents

Demonstrate Respect for Referees

Demonstrate Respect for the Sport

Coach

Be a Model of Good Sportsmanship

Place Safety for Player Health Above All

Demonstrate Respect for Opponents

Demonstrate Respect for Referees

Demonstrate Respect for the Sport

Spectator (Parent)

Be a Model of Good Sportsmanship

Support All Athletes (yours and others)

Demonstrate Respect for Referees

Demonstrate Respect for Coaches

Required Competition Attire

1. Team Jersey, player number on the back of at least seven inches (7")

   • Home Jersey must be predominantely white or light in color

   • Away Jersey must be predominantly darker in color (Avoid black, unless it is the school's primary color.)

2. Rugby Shorts with drawstring, 

   • Not longer in length than mid-thigh

3. Socks, maybe crew or knee-high

   • Must match the color of the jersey or short

   • Must be uniform in height and color across the team

4. Athletic Shoes or Cleats (soccer cleats work fine)

   • Metal cleats are prohibited

5. Mouth-Guard

6. Undergarments

   • Sports Bra (females)

   • Compression Shorts or Spandex preferred

   • Leggings and long-sleeve shirts are permitted.  

   • All Items must be black, white, or match the uniform color

Optional Rugby Attire

1. Rugby Head Cap

   • This is a position specific item to avoid rubbing of the ears and head during the scrum. 

   • These do not prevent or reduce concussions!  Your technique in contact does, so practice and play correctly.

2. "Padded" Undergarments

   • Must be made of soft material be no thicker than 1cm when uncompressed 

   • Absolutely no hard shell coverings

3. Protective Eye Goggles - must meet World Rugby or ASTM impact standards 

   • Glasses are not allowed (prescription or not) 

4. Soccer Shin Guard (for the "hooker", number-2 position only)

5. Long Cleated Rugby Shoes

   • Really only useful for front-row players (scrum) on a wet, natural grass field.

   • Metal cleats are prohibited

Grooming

1. Long hair must be secured to shoulder blade height with elastic bands or ties.

   • No plastic or metal devices may be used (i.e. barrette/clip, bobby-pins)

2. Nails must be trimmed and short.

3. All external (visible) jewelry must be removed.

4. Any wounds must be securely covered.

As a school-based club or varsity activity, coaches are expected to familiarize themselves with the weather policies of their school / school district.  Volunteer coaches, who are not school employees, should consult with the club's faculty-advisor for a copy of the relevant policies.

Competitions shall follow the weather guidelines established by the UIL (and generally followed by the TAPPS), unless the following are stricter.

Rain

Rain generally does not affect practice, unless it is accompanied by cold weather (50 degrees fahrenheit or below).  If rain is forecast, athletes should pack an extra set of clothing in a plastic bag to keep dry.

In the case of HEAVY RAIN: Activities should be canceled if flooding is a possibility.

Lightning in the Area

If lightning encroaches within a distance of 10 miles, activities will be suspended until 30-minutes have passed since the last strike within a distance of 6 miles.

If activities are or will be suspended for longer than 45-minutes, practices should be canceled and competitions are to be shortened or canceled.

Shelter: If lightning is a threat, athletes will be evacuated to the nearest covering or indoor facility.  If neither are available, athletes will be directed to their/an approved person's car where they will sit or go to a nearby facility to wait.  Athletes that "wander" or fail to stay were directed will be suspended from participation in competition that day (if applicable) or the next competition.

Hot Weather

Abbreviation of Activities: activities will be abbreviated or periodic rest-breaks provided when;

        1. Ambient temperature reaches 95 degrees fahrenheit;

     2. Heat index reaches 100 degrees fahrenheit.

Cancellation of Activites: all activities should be canceled/suspended when one-hour before the event start time or during activities;

        1. Ambient temperature reaches 105 degrees fahrenheit;

        2. Heat index reaches 110 degress fahrenheit.

Hydration: The school will supply and provide water breaks every 10 to 15 minutes.  Athletes should also bring and drink water frequently.  If activities last longer than two hours, special breaks will be given for athletes to consume approved sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade).  Athletes susceptible to cramping should start consuming fluids/sports drinks well before physical activities start.

Hot Weather Dress: Athletes are encouraged to wear light-weight, breathable, non-dark clothing.  Use 30-spf sunscreen or higher (50-spf) is recommended.

Cold Weather

Abreviation of Activities: outdoor activities will be shortened when the ambient temperature or wind-chill during an activity is (or is predicted to be) below 45 degrees fahrenheit.

Cancellation of Activities: outdoor activities will be canceled/suspended when the ambient or wind-chill temperature is below 35 degrees fahrenheit two-hours before the event start time/during activities.

Cold Weather Dress: Athletes are encouraged to wear layers of clothing and thermal head caps.  If conditions are wet, tell athletes an extra set of clothing (particularly socks and shirt) should be packed to change into.

Dimensions

Markings (modifications)

Safety / Barriers