Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rugby Football?
Rugby Football is the father of American Football. In fact, the first college football games were actually Rugby football games. This changed when the teams from Yale and Harvard couldn't stop using the Rugby football games as an excuse to just fight and beat the heck out of each other as opposed to following the "Gentlemen Code" of the game which was established by Rugby School back in England. As a result, the game nearly ended between these schools and their Ivy League counterparts.
Yale University's Athletic Director Walter Camp changed the game instead of implementing the "Gentlemen Code" because, "Our boys can't abide by that code," said Camp. As a result, Camp opted to have a Rugby Scrummage form after every tackle to slow things down. Further, he implemented the wearing of pads, later he added the concept of a series of downs. Initially it was four downs across the field. Later, that changed to four downs in 10 yards. Other than that the H goals of Rugby football stayed up as did the touchdown, which stayed as a ball being touched down within the end zone.
While the Yale game was played amongst the Ivy League it swept into the southern States rather quickly. However, out west Rugby Football was still played. In fact, it was a group of Cal-Berkley players who made up the 1920 and 1924 USA Olympic Gold Medal Championship team in Rugby.
1924 Olympic Gold Medal Game for Rugby Football. USA vs France. USA wins the Gold.
USA Olympic Rugby Team today
Lamar's Rugby Competition
Instead of competing within the UIL like most school sports, Lamar's Rugby Football Team competes within Rugby Texas, which is the league overseeing all youth and high school Rugby football in Texas.
Lamar competes within Rugby Texas Division 1 South, which is made up of these teams:
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Lamar High School
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St. Pius High School
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St. Thomas High School
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Strake Jesuit College Prep
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West Houston Rugby Football Club
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the age range of your club?
A: High School Age - This is a club targeted at High School Competitive Play.
Q: Where and When are trainings and Games?
A: Trainings are typically Mondays and Wednesdays at AVEVA Stadium from 4:30PM to 6:30PM. Games schedule is located on this site, Schedule. The other players are pretty good with carpooling, encourage your player to catch a ride.
Q: What equipment is needed to play?
A: Equipment:
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Work out clothes for training (rugby shorts if you have them are preferable.)
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Mouth guard (the $1 to $10 variety tend to be most comfortable, here is an example sold at Walmart)
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Cleats (molded soccer cleats work just fine, should be able to locate for $30 to $40)
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OPTIONAL - Head Gear or scrum cap (typical for forwards to protect ears in scrum, worn by some for added protection)
Q: Is the USA Rugby insurance needed if someone already has good health insurance?
A: Yes, it is insurance for the club, the referees, the coaches, the players. It is issued once you Join USA Rugby, membership is due on an annual basis. Cost typically is about $75 per year and covers both the 15s Season and 7s Season. Join USA Rugby
Q: What are Team Dues Amount?
A: Team Dues are $150 per player for the 2021 Season. The $150 Team Dues Cover the following:
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Shorts,
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Socks,
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Spirit Shirt,
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Practice Shirt,
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Jerseys,
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Balls,
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Cones
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Field Rental.
Q: I want to Donate, how can I and is it tax deductible?
A: Yes, you can donate, all donations are 100% tax deductible as Lamar Rugby is a registered nonprofit entity with the IRS as a 501 C 3. To speak to someone about donating, please e-mail Coach Monks at lawrence@monkshouse.org: Donations go to subsidizing low income players on this team.