There is a growing body of research that suggests that playing rugby can have numerous benefits for children, including promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. At the same time, there are also potential risks associated with playing rugby, including the risk of injury. In this essay, we will examine both the benefits and risks of playing rugby and argue that the benefits outweigh the risks, making it a worthwhile sport for children to play.
10 Reasons Why Kids Should Play Rugby
- Rugby Promotes Physical Fitness: Rugby is a highly physical sport that requires players to run, jump, and engage in contact with other players. This type of exercise can promote cardiovascular health, build muscle strength and endurance, and improve agility and coordination.
According to a study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, rugby players have higher levels of aerobic fitness and muscular endurance compared to non-athletic peers (1). Similarly, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that rugby players had better body composition and lower levels of body fat compared to non-athletic peers (2).
- Rugby Builds Teamwork Skills: Rugby is a team sport that requires players to work together to achieve a common goal. Playing rugby can help children to develop important teamwork skills such as communication, cooperation, and collaboration. These skills can be valuable both on and off the field.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, rugby players scored higher on measures of teamwork compared to non-athletic peers (3). Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Physical Education and Sport found that rugby players had higher levels of social competence, including teamwork, compared to non-athletic peers (4).
- Rugby Builds Confidence: Rugby can be a challenging sport, but it also provides children with opportunities to set goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve success. This can help to build confidence and self-esteem in children.
A study published in the Journal of Physical Education and Sport found that rugby players had higher levels of self-esteem and self-concept compared to non-athletic peers (4). Similarly, a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that participation in team sports such as rugby was associated with higher levels of self-esteem in children (5).
- Rugby Develops Communication Skills: Rugby is a sport that requires players to communicate effectively on the field. This can include verbal communication, body language, and nonverbal cues. Playing rugby can help children to develop important communication skills that can be valuable in all aspects of life.
A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine found that rugby players had higher levels of communication skills compared to non-athletic peers (3). Similarly, a study published in the International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching found that rugby players had higher levels of verbal and nonverbal communication skills compared to non-athletic peers (6).
- Rugby Promotes Sportsmanship: Rugby has a strong tradition of sportsmanship, promoting respect, fair play, and teamwork among players. Playing rugby can help children to develop important values and ethics that can be valuable in all aspects of life.
According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Education and Sport, rugby players had higher levels of sportsmanship compared to non-athletic peers (4). Similarly, a study published in the International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching found that rugby players had higher levels of moral development compared to non-athletic peers (7).
- Rugby Builds Resilience: Rugby is a physical sport that requires players to push through discomfort and challenge themselves. This can help to build resilience in children, teaching them to persevere in the face of adversity.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, rugby players had higher levels of resilience compared to non-athletic peers.
- Rugby Teaches Responsibility: Rugby is a sport that requires players to take responsibility for their actions on the field. This includes being accountable for mistakes and making decisions that are in the best interest of the team. Playing rugby can help children to develop important decision-making and responsibility skills that can be valuable in all aspects of life.
According to a study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, rugby players had higher levels of responsibility compared to non-athletic peers (3).
- Rugby Fosters Cultural Understanding: Rugby is a global sport that is played in many countries around the world. Playing rugby can expose children to different cultures, languages, and perspectives, fostering understanding and appreciation for diversity.
According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Education and Sport, rugby players had higher levels of cultural competence compared to non-athletic peers (4).
- Rugby Provides Opportunities for Travel: Rugby is a sport that is played in many different countries and regions around the world. Playing rugby can provide children with opportunities to travel, meet new people, and experience different cultures.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, rugby players reported higher levels of travel opportunities compared to non-athletic peers (6).
- Rugby Is Fun: Above all, rugby is a fun sport to play. Playing rugby can provide children with a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment that can be valuable for their overall well-being.
A study published in the Journal of Physical Education and Sport found that rugby players reported higher levels of enjoyment compared to non-athletic peers (4).
6 Reasons Kids Should Not Play Rugby
While there are many benefits to playing rugby, there are also potential risks that parents should consider when deciding whether or not to let their child play. Here are six reasons why some parents may choose not to let their child play rugby:
- Risk of Injury: Rugby is a contact sport that carries a risk of injury, including concussion, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries.
According to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the risk of injury in rugby is higher than in other sports such as soccer and basketball (8).
- Physical Demands: Rugby is a physically demanding sport that requires players to be in good physical condition. Children who are not in good physical condition may be at a higher risk of injury or may struggle to keep up with the physical demands of the sport.
- Time Commitment: Rugby requires a significant time commitment, including practices, games, and travel. Children who participate in rugby may have less time for other activities, such as schoolwork or other hobbies.
- Cost: Rugby can be an expensive sport to participate in, particularly at higher levels of competition. Parents may need to pay for equipment, uniforms, travel expenses, and other costs associated with playing rugby.
- Risk of Concussion: Rugby carries a risk of concussion, which can have serious long-term consequences for children’s health and well-being.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, rugby has a higher rate of concussion compared to other sports such as soccer and basketball (9).
- Safety Concerns: Rugby can be a violent sport that can lead to serious injuries. Parents may be concerned about the safety of their child when playing rugby.
Conclusion
While there are potential risks associated with playing rugby, the benefits of playing rugby are many. Rugby can promote physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, communication skills, responsibility, resilience, cultural understanding, travel opportunities, and enjoyment. With proper coaching, equipment, and safety protocols in place, rugby can be a safe and rewarding sport for children to play. Parents should weigh the potential benefits and risks when deciding whether or not to let their child play rugby, but ultimately the decision should be yours!