UGA Rugby operates as a club sport under the UGA Rec Sports umbrella, and is therefore subject to the rules detailed in the Club Sports Handbook.   In addition, all collegiate rugby in the United States is controlled by various governing bodies    A few key takeaways:

• Players must be active, FULL-TIME UGA students,

• Players have a total of 5 years of eligibility, which expire 7 years from their high school graduation

 

Players must sign the Rec Sports Competitive Sports Waiver (on the UGA Involvement Network) before being allowed to practice.  Instructions to do this:

1. Go to https://uga.campuslabs.com/engage/ and sign in,

2. Search for “competitive sports.”

3. Click on “Competitive Sports” in the Organizations section.

4. When you get to that page, scroll down to where it says “forms” then click “view all forms” and scroll down until you see the 6th competitive sports waiver option. Click on that option and fill it out.  

5. You should get an email saying it’s being reviewed, and once it’s approved they’ll send another email. Let the officers know as soon as you get the approval email, so they can add you to the club roster.

We hold field trainings twice a week - currently Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-9pm at the IM Fields (field #1).  Before attending, you must sign the Rec Sports Waiver (detailed above), and upon each training, you must check in with the Rec Sports personnel, with YOUR UGA ID CARD.  This is mandatory. 

​

We also hold occasional classroom sessions, typically on Monday nights 7-9pm at the Ramsey Student Center.

​​

Rain Policy:  Rec Sports may close the IM fields due to rain.  If that happens, practice that day will change to 7-8pm at the Club Sports Complex at 2435 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605. 

Like all club sports at UGA, dues are required to pay for our expenses, including but not limited to:  field rental, equipment, referees, trainers, and social events.   We also receive support from our alumni, and  may do fundraising as needed, to keep dues as low as possible.  

 

New members are not expected to pay dues until they've committed to playing, which can usually be decided after playing their first match.  Dues should be paid directly to the club Treasurer.

​

Fall 2022 dues:  $175 

Spring 2023 dues:  $175

​

NOTE:  The last thing we want is for money to be the primary reason you can't participate.  If financial challenges are a key concern for you, please talk to the coaches or officers.   There are many options that we can explore, and we're confident we can figure out a win-win solution - discreetly of course.

UGA Rugby is a member of the Southeastern Collegiate Rugby Conference (or SCRC).   As such, we are bound by the rules and guidelines set forth by the SCRC, and we must register with a national governing body (USA Rugby or NCR).   Membership under either provides our club, coaches, and players with additional levels of accident and liability insurance coverage.

​

For the 2022-2023 season, UGA Rugby has elected to register with NCR.  As such, to be eligible to play in competitive, league-sanctioned rugby matches in the fall, or the SCRC/NCR tournaments (A-side) in the Spring, players must register themselves with NCR (https://www.ncrugby.org/), and pay the annual registration fee ($30 in 2022).    The coaches can provide guidance on if/when you need to do this.

Generally speaking, rugby requires very little equipment.  The team will provide jerseys for our matches, but there are a few pieces of gear you'll need:  

- cleats:  This is your #1 purchase.  Rugby-specific cleats are great, especially if you're in the tight 5 - but soccer cleats will also do just fine.  Other types of cleats (such as baseball or football) are not allowed.

- a mouthpiece:  you are technically allowed to play without one, but we do NOT recommend doing so.  Wearing a mouthpiece is much less painful and costly than replacing your teeth.

- rugby shorts:  you will need a pair of real rugby shorts - anything else will tear.  Check with the officers or coaches to see if we have any team shorts to sell (typically around $20).

- rugby or soccer socks:  yes, you can play without long socks, but we recommend against it unless you don't like the skin on your legs.  Most players find socks well worth the $6 investment.  ​

​

Optional/Nice-to-haves:

- a practice rugby jersey:  practice involves a lot of contact, during which normal clothes (t-shirts) often get torn.   Forwards also bind onto jerseys during scrummaging.  Rugby jerseys are built to withstand this, and can often be purchased relatively cheaply.  

- a scrum cap: certain players (such as locks/second rows) wear a scrum cap to help protect their ears during scrums.  Other players who are particularly concerned about concussions may choose to wear them as well. 

​