Rugby game day guide for parents

The short answer

On a rugby game day, arrive early, bring layers, water and anything your club asks for, stay on your side of the touchline and cheer for both teams' good plays. Rugby has a strong tradition of respect for the referee and for opponents, and parents set the tone. Know that games can be muddy, loud and fast, and that your child will likely be on the field for much of it.

Before game day

• Check the schedule, the field location and any parking instructions.
• Pack your child's kit the night before: jersey, shorts, socks, boots, mouthguard and a spare layer. See the equipment checklist.
• Check the weather. Rugby is usually played rain or shine unless fields are unsafe.
• Pack a water bottle and ask the club about snacks.
• Make sure the coach has any updates about medical information or allergies.

Arrival and warm-up

Most clubs ask players to arrive a set time before kickoff for a warm-up. Arrive on time, hand your child over to the coach, and find a spot on the sideline. Warm-ups matter, since they prepare muscles for running and contact and give players time to focus.

Where to stand and how to behave

• Stay behind any marked spectator line, and keep the touchline and in-goal areas clear.
• Stand on one side and leave the coach's area free for the team.
• Cheer for effort, good passes and tackles by either team.
• Do not coach from the sideline. Mixed messages confuse players.
• Do not shout at the referee. See rugby referee calls explained for what the calls mean.
• Keep dogs, balls and chairs out of the way of play.

What you will see during the game

Expect rapid changes. A try may be scored within seconds of a turnover. The ball may disappear into a ruck, and the game may stop for a scrum. Many youth games have frequent substitutions, so every player gets time on the field, but the rules on this vary by league. If you are new, pick one thing to watch each time, such as the ball carrier or the tackle, and see our rugby rules for beginners for help.

If a player is hurt

If a player is injured, the referee will usually stop the game. Stay back and let coaches and trained staff handle it. Do not run onto the field unless you are asked. A player who seems dazed, confused or unwell should be removed from play and seen by a coach, doctor or athletic trainer. Do not pressure a child to return.

After the game

Rugby has a tradition of shaking hands or forming a line to applaud the other team after the match. Many clubs also share a snack or meal afterward. Encourage your child to thank the referee and their opponents, and let them lead the conversation about the game.

The car ride home

• Start with "I loved watching you play."
• Ask open questions, such as "What was the best part?"
• Leave analysis to the coach unless your child brings it up.
• Be proud of effort, not just scores.

Common parent mistakes

• Arriving late and missing the warm-up.
• Standing behind the in-goal line where players run.
• Yelling instructions during play.
• Comparing your child to others during the game.
• Forgetting a water bottle or a change of clothes.

What to ask your league

• What time should players arrive before kickoff?
• Where may spectators stand?
• What is the policy for weather delays and cancellations?
• How does substitution and playing time work?
• Who is the first-aid contact at the field?

Weather and field conditions

Rugby is often played in rain, wind and mud, so dress for the sideline as well as the field. Waterproof layers, a hat and warm socks make a long morning easier. Fields can be soft or slippery, which is one reason shoes and boots matter. If conditions look unsafe, the club or referee may delay or cancel the match, and the club will normally tell you how it communicates those decisions.

Tournaments and festivals

Many youth programs play in festivals, where several teams meet at one site and play a series of short games. Bring extra food and water, sun protection or warm layers, and a chair, and expect long days with breaks in between. Ask the organizers for a schedule and map. Keep your child fed, hydrated and rested between games, and remember that the aim is to have fun and learn.

Bringing siblings and friends

Many families bring younger siblings, so pack snacks, a book or a small ball to keep them busy, and keep them out of the way of the field. If you are new to the club, introduce yourself to other parents. Rugby clubs are known for being welcoming, and the sideline is often where new families first make friends and learn how things work.

If you are asked to help with something, such as setting up equipment, running a line or providing a snack, say yes if you can. Clubs depend on volunteers, and it is a quick way to feel part of the team.

One more habit worth building is a simple pre-game routine. Eat a normal meal a few hours before, arrive calm instead of rushed, and keep the mood light in the car. Children play better when they feel relaxed, and a calm start from the adults around them helps more than any pep talk. If your child is nervous, remind them that the coach, teammates and referee all want the game to go well.

For the vocabulary you will hear shouted from the sideline, keep our rugby terms for new parents glossary handy.

Sources and further reading

1. Player Welfare USA Youth and High School Rugby
2. Concussion USA Rugby
3. Equipment World Rugby
4. American Academy of Pediatrics Offers Updated Guidance on Sport-Related Concussions HealthyChildren.org (AAP)

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Frequently asked questions

What should I bring to a youth rugby game?

Your child's kit, mouthguard, water, a spare layer and a change of clothes. Bring a chair or blanket for yourself if your club allows it.

Where should parents stand at a rugby match?

Behind any marked spectator line, away from the touchline and in-goal areas, and not in the team's area.

Can parents coach from the sideline?

It is best not to. Leave coaching to the coaches, because mixed messages confuse young players.

Do rugby games get canceled for rain?

Usually not unless fields are unsafe. Ask your club about its weather policy.

What should I say to my child after a rugby game?

Start with how much you enjoyed watching, then ask open questions like what the best part was.