Brooklyn Women's Rugby team is currently recruiting new players!

While we are always looking to recruit experienced ruggers, if you have an interest in playing, athleticism, and the commitment to be part of an amazing group of women, we strongly encourage you to come to one of our informational meetings or a few practices. All practice information can be found here.

Feel free to email info@brooklynwomensrugby.org for more information. If you are completely new to this amazing sport, you might want to check out Lisa Gartner's hilarious narration of a Rookie Primer. Always remember, there's NOTHING TO FEAR! And we promise you you'll never forget our infamous Rookie Night.

Here is everything we can think of that you'll need to know:

CONDUCT

Every member of the team is important, should expect to get treated with respect and treat others with respect. We speak to each other as adults and we are always free to speak up if something is amiss or anyone feels neglected/abused/confused or otherwise. We are a team, we are ruggers, we are family.

PRACTICES

During the season, mandatory practices are held every Monday and Thursday evening in Brooklyn. While we understand that you won't always be able to make every practice, it is expected that you do your best to show up with your game face on as often as possible. For further information on location, etc. please see our Practice Info page

GAMES

We play games on Saturdays (and occasionally Sundays also if we are at a 2-day tournament). Away games have a travel time of anywhere from 1 to 7 hours. We try to car pool for travel as much as possible. Members are encouraged to make as many away games as their schedule and budget will allow. Games are approximately 90 minutes long, but we do occasionally play shorter games that only last an hour, particularly at tournaments. Often, if we have a long way to travel, we will play more than one game. After games, there is typically a social at a local bar. This is a rugby tradition! The social is hosted by the home team and has food and drinks provided. Please check the Team Schedule page for specific dates, times and locations of upcoming games and tournaments. You must notify the President if you are unable to attend a game.

TOURNAMENTS

We try to attend a few tournaments a year. Most tournaments are 2-day events, and team members typically stay overnight. Your dues pay for the tournament fees. Spectators are always welcome, so bring your friends!

SOCIAL EVENTS

We frequently have team get-togethers, usually associated with a team meeting or after practice. Most meetings are in the evening and are held at a bar. While these events are not mandatory, they help to build team unity so everyone is encouraged to attend. You are always welcome to bring guests to social events.

TEAM MEETINGS

We have a few team meetings every year; specific dates are announced ahead of time through the Brooklyn Women's Rugby Google Group email. Team business, elections, and policy changes are discussed. These meetings are not generally attended by nonmembers. Only members who are current with their dues, actively participate in practices and attend games and tournaments may vote for officers.

FUNDRAISING

We try to have three-five fundraisers every season. All members of the team are expected to help raise money. The funds helps to keep membership dues down and goes towards tournament fees, team insurance, union dues, Jersies, field fees, equipment, balls, and other team expenses.

OFFICERS

Please feel free to contact any of the officers if you have questions or concerns about ANYTHING. We are always available to help out, and if we can't help you, we will redirect you to someone who can!

SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Most players wear a molded mouth guard while playing. While this is not required, it is STRONGLY encouraged. Some players wear shoulder pads under their jerseys or scrum caps to protect their heads (and avoid those horrendous ears - you know what we're talking about 2nd Row!) and these are available through rugby catalogs.

DUES

Player Dues are $150 for Spring season, $150 for Fall, and $75 for summer and are used to help finance game and tournament fees as well as team equipment. Only members who are current with their dues may participate in practice, play in games and tournaments, and vote for officers and captains. As a rookie, we ask that you pay half of your dues prior to your first game. The balance will be due within the next two weeks. We are very excited that you want to try rugby, and we only expect you to pay dues once you've decided to join the team! We know how expensive this city is and if you are unable to pay the lump sum, a payment plan may be worked out with the Treasurer on a case-by-case basis. Simple Rule: NO PAY = NO PLAY

CIPP

Each player (and the club itself) must be registered (i.e. CIPPed) in order to be a part of the team. In the event of a lawsuit due to catastrophic injury if the club or players aren't enrolled in the Club & Individual Participation Program then the 3rd party liability insurance which protects the field owner, the referee, and players during the match would NOT be in effect! Before your first game or tournament you must register with USA Rugby (CIPP) through the following website: https://membership.usarugby.org/IndividualDefault.aspx. The cost is $35 and is payable by online by most major credit cards. Simple Rule: NOT CIPPED = NOT ON THE TEAM

UNIFORMS

The team owns one set of short-sleeved Columbia Blue and Navy jerseys (our kit). Players are responsible for purchasing black rugby shorts and our team socks can be purchased for $8. Cleats are necessary for games and may be purchased at any sporting-goods store or online. Soccer cleats and football cleats are acceptable, but the toe cleat (or stud in the front) needs to be removed. If you are not sure about committing to the team immediately, you can usually borrow shorts and socks from a veteran team member. Be sure to ask around before hand so someone can bring extra shorts and socks for you.

HEALTH INSURANCE

While it is highly advised that you have your own personal health insurance, Brooklyn Women's Rugby has purchased insurance that covers all of its members for injuries occurring during sanctioned practices or matches.