American flag rugby facts for kids
American flag rugby (AFR) is a super fun, non-contact version of rugby union played across the United States. It's a bit like Tag Rugby, where players wear flags that opponents try to pull off instead of tackling. This exciting sport is made especially for kids from kindergarten all the way up to 9th grade. The organization behind American flag rugby helps communities start their own youth rugby programs by giving them free starter kits and support. Many people in the USA love this program, and it has even been featured in Rugby magazine and on Fox Sports Net! What started with a small program in Morris County has grown to include thousands of kids and adults playing and starting new programs all over America.
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What is American Flag Rugby?
American flag rugby is designed to be a safe and exciting way for young people to learn the sport of rugby. It focuses on teamwork, running, passing, and scoring, all without the physical contact of traditional rugby. This makes it a great sport for everyone to try!
How the Game is Played
American flag rugby has four different levels, or divisions, based on a child's grade level. This helps make sure everyone plays with kids their own age and skill level.
Divisions and Skill Levels
The four divisions are:
- Owls (for kids in kindergarten and 1st grade)
- Falcons (for kids in 2nd and 3rd grades)
- Hawks (for kids in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades)
- Eagles (for kids in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades)
Each division has its own set of rules. These rules change slightly as players get older and their skills improve. The game is similar to rugby sevens, which is a faster version of rugby. For example, both have fewer players on the field and similar ways to start the game after certain plays.
Game Time and Rules
All games are divided into two halves, just like in many other sports. Each half lasts for 10 minutes, which is much shorter than a full rugby union game.
For the youngest players, the Owls, the game teaches basic skills. Kids learn how to run with the ball, how to score a "try" (which is like a touchdown in American football), and how to pass the ball to teammates. At this level, there's no kicking the ball, and no extra points after a try.
As players move up to the Eagle level, more rules from traditional rugby are added. They can try open field kicking, and the game becomes more dynamic and exciting. This helps players develop advanced skills as they grow with the sport.
The Playing Field
The size of the field changes for each division, getting bigger as players get older and their skills grow.
Field Sizes for Each Division
- Owls: Fields are 20 meters wide by 30 meters long. This is about one-quarter the size of a regular rugby field. There are no goal posts because players don't kick for points.
- Falcons: Fields are 25 meters wide by 50 meters long. This is about one-third the size of a regular rugby field. Goal posts can be used, but they are not always needed.
- Hawks/Eagles: Fields are 40 meters wide by 60 meters long. This is about half the size of a regular rugby field. These fields are wider to allow for more open field kicking and passing as players become more skilled.
The Story Behind American Flag Rugby
Every great sport has a beginning, and American flag rugby is no different!
How It All Began
The idea for American flag rugby started in 1998 with a person named Tom Feury. He simply wanted to introduce his own children and their friends to the game of rugby in a fun and safe way. In 1999, the town of Denville helped him out by letting him use a field. That first year, the program began with just one team and 28 children. From those small beginnings, American flag rugby has grown into a popular youth sport across the country!
Learn More
- Mini rugby
- Rugby sevens
- Rugby tens
- Beach rugby
