Everything You Need to Know About Spring Season Rugby

Welcome to the Chuckanut family! For over 50 years, Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club (CBRC) has been the home for rugby in Northwest Washington. We don’t just coach athletes; we develop people of high character using the traditions and history of a global game.

If you are new to rugby, this guide will take you from "curious" to "ready for the pitch."

🏉 1. Kickoff: "Try Rugby" Days

Not sure if rugby is for your child? Join us for our Free Try Rugby Days. These are no-pressure, fun-focused sessions for all ages.

When: Every Saturday in January | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Squalicum High School (Turf Field)
What to Bring: Athletic clothes, water, and cleats (soccer cleats work great!).

🛡️ 2. Safety First: A Different Kind of Sport

For parents unfamiliar with the sport, it is important to understand that Rugby is a "contact" sport, not a "collision" sport. * Technique Over Impact: Unlike sports with helmets and pads that can sometimes encourage using the head as a tool, rugby players are taught that "you are your own helmet". We prioritize shoulder-led tackling and safe "falling" techniques from day one.

Priority on Welfare: Our coaches are trained to recognize signs of injury and physical or psychological stress, taking these indicators seriously to ensure athlete welfare at all times.
Natural Progression: We do not rush kids into contact. Our pathway ensures that players only move to contact once they have mastered the core skills of body control and positioning.

📅 3. Our Teams: The Development Pathway

Our programs are designed to grow with your child, moving from the fun basics of flag rugby to the strategic depth of the High School game.

Age Group	Focus	Format
U8	Catching, passing, and learning through familiar field games and relays.	Non-Contact (Flag)
U10	Running into space, working in multiple phases, and building structure.	Non-Contact (Flag)
U12	Introduction to tackling, safe contact techniques, and set pieces (scrums/rucks).	Contact Intro
U14	Transition phase: tactical awareness and position-specific skills are practiced.	Competitive Contact
High School	High-level strategy, fitness, and preparation for college or club rugby.	Elite Contact

🌟 4. Our Core Values

Our club is driven by four words that encapsulate the essence of rugby. We aim to build a winning culture by developing people of high character on and off the field.

Camaraderie: Fosters strong bonds among teammates that last a lifetime.
Passion: Drives players to excel and give their all to the team.
Respect: For the game, the referee, and the opponents.
Sportsmanship: Ensures a fair and enjoyable experience for all.

💳 5. Registration, Dues & Accessibility

To register, visit www.chuckanut.rugby/register. Your registration fees are split into three parts: USA Rugby (insurance), Rugby WA (regional matches), and Chuckanut Rugby (fields and equipment).

The Chuckanut Commitment

We believe every child deserves the chance to play.

No Barriers: We will not prevent a child from playing due to financial limitations.
Scholarships: We offer scholarship opportunities to help families cover dues.
Family Discounts: We offer discounts for families registering multiple children.

If you need assistance, please contact us at contact@chuckanutrugby.com. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

🤝 6. Parent Involvement & Sideline Conduct

As a club, we hold our spectators and parents to the same high standards as our players. When you join CBRC, we ask that you:

Be a Role Model: Act as a positive role model to all players.

Respect the Officials: Respect match officials’ decisions, even if they appear to be a mistake—remember, they are volunteers.
Shout 'For,' Not 'At': Verbally encourage all players in a positive manner.

Keep Your Composure: Remember, the players are the ones playing. Verbal or physical abuse is never tolerated and is grounds for removal from the grounds.

💡 7. Volunteering

Chuckanut is a volunteer-powered organization. We rely on our parents to keep the club thriving, whether it's helping at the concession stand or supporting our major events:

Annual Dinner & Auction: This is our premier event, held in May. It is an incredible night of camaraderie and the primary way we fund our programming and scholarship funds.
The "Third Half": A unique rugby tradition where we host and feed the visiting team after every match. Parents often help coordinate these socials to build community beyond our own club.