Monday, November 12, 2012

WGR League Meeting 11/27

Wisconsin Girls Rugby will hold their semi-annual coaches scheduling meeting on Tuesday November 27th at the Wauwatosa School District Offices.

Anyone interested in beginning a new team or a new event should contact WGR (wisconsingirlsrugby@gmail.com) to be included on the league agenda. Spring scheudles are ironed out at this meeting.  Guests from the Wisconsin Referee Society and the Illinois Youth Rugby Assocation's girls programs may be on hand as well.

Of particular note is the discussion of how 7's fits into the development of rugby, along with the structure of competitive seasons across the country.   The Iowa Youth Rugby Association ran a Fall 7's league for high school girls for the first time in 2012. 7's is rapidly expanding on the collegiate and club level as well, in conjunction with the upcoming Olympic games. 

At the same time, most states currently play girls rugby in the spring, along with boys high school rugby.  Other states, like Wisconsin and Colorado play their girls conference season in the fall.  Another state, Kansas, recently got on board with having their 15's season played in the Fall.

Of concern to many coaches is that 15's rugby allows for all types of athletes to participate, whereas 7's may limit the otherwise broad appeal of those who enjoy participating in rugby.  Where 7's fits in the picture, long term, remains to be seen.  Is it strictly a summer sport or will it expand to a fall or spring sport?

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