Parents, players, and even some new coaches can be at a loss to explain the concepts and laws of rugby.  They are often very different from other sports.  In addition, many of the laws of the game have changed dramatically over the past three decades, so veterans of past decades may be unable to interpret certain calls by a referee. Into the early nineties, lifting in lineouts, for instance, was not allowed.  Often on the sidelines this lack of knowledge can lead to frustration. 

We recently came across the image above which captures the concept of "the gate" in rugby.  Basically, players from each team must enter a contact situation through this "gate."  For the Blue team it's the blue lines and the red team, the red lines. Simply put, a team must always enter a breakdown from behind their own ball, not through the sides of the contact area.  This simple rule, if followed and enforced, can clean up a match and help give both sides some space and cleaner rucks.

As we enter our first week of conference play, we at WGR wish to remind new players, parents, and coaches that our sport isn't basketball or football.  We don't yell at referee's for their calls.  The captains interact with the referee on the pitch.  It's a refreshing tradition and so different from what we often see on TV from professional athletes, coaches, and fans.