Abby is actually doing something athletic this year. Unfortunately the video is from the first half of the game and Abby played in the second half. Abby's team won 42-0 against the Albany Bulldogs on Friday.
Oh yeah--Abby's team is the one in the red jerseys.
Geoff said 4 minutes later
I still don't know how the heck you play this game...you just beat people up right?
Marc said 29 minutes later
Someone in my public speaking class tried to explain the rules to rugby, starting with "They're actually very simple, people just exaggerate how difficult they are." Needless to say, she didn't do so hot on the speech because nobody had any idea what the rules were after. All I know is there is something called a Scrum, of which there is a software process loosely based on the idea.
I didn't see it, but isn't there some point in the game where people are up on each others' shoulders?
Geoff said about 1 hour later
Yeah I saw it a few times...they made makeshift field goals it looked like. This is like a mix of soccer, football, and cheer leading.
GJ said about 1 hour later
American rules football was based on rugby, and the two are very similar. Today's football is a very slow-paced game, with flashes of quick action here and there. Rugby plays more like soccer in terms of flow and speed. However, in terms of gameplay, it shares pretty much nothing with soccer.
GJ said about 2 hours later
Oh, it's also a lot like that game we played as kids, called Kill the Carrier (or in less politically correct times, Smear the Queer).
Geoff said about 2 hours later
I don't recall it ever being called, Smear the Queer.
GJ said about 2 hours later
You didn't burn crosses in the black kids yards, either, didja? Times were different when I was a kid. :)
Marc said about 2 hours later
You did? I know they still do occasionally down here below the Mason-Dixon Line.
GJ said about 4 hours later
OK, bad taste in jokes today. :) But seriously, we did call the game of Kill the Carrier "Smear the Queer" back in the days when "faggot" was tossed around as an insult rather casually.
Geoff said about 18 hours later
lol
Kristen said 1 day later
The best part of rugby (especially women's) is that there is one player who plays the position of "hooker". When the hooker throws the ball back into play, he/she screams an obscene insult at the opposing team, which typically references one of their mothers (men's rugby) or their extracurricular activities (women's rugby). Every game, practice, or chance meeting of two or more rugby players in one place, is religiously followed by a "social". During the season, one or two girls are at some point nominated Rugby Queen, although how that title is earned remains a mystery, to some. Newbies are sponsored by a Big Sister/Brother, who give their mentees a nickname in exchange for chauffeur services.
Sometimes they also throw a ball around while trying to maintain a group huddle. Black eyes and bruises are an added bonus. I think that sums up the rules.
GJ said 1 day later
You'll never guess what position Abby plays, then. :)
Marc said 1 day later
I hope all of those rules are followed in Abby's league. If so, my future kids just found their summer sport. Nothin' like some good 'ol insults during a refereed Kill the Carrier/Smear the Queer.
Has anyone ever asked Dad about his rugby years?
Geoff said 1 day later
At some point I believe "Dad" played Rugby and was subsequently hit really REALLY hard, and became the man he is today. Every now and then, the old Rugby Dad returns...usually when his kids are playing hockey. Generally he keeps the fights in the stands, but often outsources hits to his sons, who respectfully must oblige. We don't ask about those years or who that man was, we simply follow orders and hope his wrath is spent on others.
