Rugby and values are linked from every possible aspect. We try to maintain control in the face of the adversities of the game, we follow codes of conduct and use them as transformation tools.
To understand all this, let’s first define: what is rugby? How important can the practice of this sport be at school level? Why is it so related to values?
Rugby is a contact sport, in which the ball is moved from one side of the field to the other by passing to the side or backwards with the aim of scoring a try. The match is played in two halves of 40 minutes each and on a field similar in size to a soccer field. The teams are made up of 15 players.
Although it is considered by most to be a men’s sport, it is becoming increasingly popular among women. Rugby has been an Olympic sport since the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and both genders participate in their “seven” version, that is, 7 players instead of 15.
One of the peculiarities of this sport is that, although it is played mainly with the hands, the use of the foot is totally valid to clear a play, create greater game opportunities or score. You can kick forward as long as the rest of the carrying team is behind the performer. One of the main difficulties is that the ball is oval-shaped and upon contact with the ground it can bounce in any direction.
This sport was born in England in 1823 thanks to William Webb Ellis, a student at Rugby School, who during a traditional soccer match took the ball with his hand and took it to the opponent’s zone.
In our country, rugby had its beginnings in 1997 with the formation of the Peruvian Rugby Federation, also known as Tumis.
The importance of rugby at school level is that it allows us to educate, generating a solid bond with values and improving our social skills, which will not only help to form quality athletes, but also people with good principles, capable of making good decisions, with autonomy and leadership, thus improving the human quality of this society.
In this sport we do not play against another team, we play with another team. Therefore, and as is tradition, there is the third period, which allows us to share some rehydrating drinks or snacks between both squads as an act of camaraderie.
There is no starting age or limit to practice it; Girls and boys can do it and, above all, enjoy it thanks to the different existing adaptations, always maintaining the same essence of keep moving forward.
As the old saying goes: Rugby is a rough game played by gentlemen.
Luis Carrasco Morales
Physical Education Teacher