The 32 Degree Rule : No More

Our players have been involved in “touch” rugby with some local clubs at Dorl Field over the last few weeks. As winter sets in here in the Ohio Valley we used to have the “32 Degree Rule”. The Rule stated that we would only play rugby so long as it was not technically freezing outside. However, I am happy to report that the rule no longer applies!

The kids have braved falling temps and howling winds as they played alongside some the best in the area. We even played on New Year’s Eve! On January 30th regular practice will set in and the rugby we have played all Winter will provide an excellent foundation to build on.

The Pitch of Dreams

There is little doubt that rugby has come to Cincinnati in a big way. The numbers of kids who held a rugby ball for the first time this past week blew me away – over 4,100!

Going into the gym every morning at Norwood Middle brought back some powerful memories. The sound of the buzzer on the scoreboard acted in place of a time machine and for a few moments I was half my age again.

However, the real work lies, not in the early 90′s but in the future. There is much to do and these kids I taught this last week deserve our very best efforts. On April 7th we will take to the pitch for the first time. It is important to note that our pitch will be what is left over of the softball field at the corner of Sherman and Allison just west of the High School. My kids and I walked those grounds today and, while I am happy to have a place to play, I was not all that impressed.

My dream pitch is called Dorl Field. It’s near the old US Playing Card building and will be perfect for rugby. Currently it looks like some soccer teams use it and it has two baseball diamonds as well. Again, I have walked the width and breath of this place several times and today I was told, “If you build it, they will scrum.”

The future of rugby in Norwood is looking good. While we have some years of struggling ahead of us, we have some great kids, a wonderful game and a supportive community. Truly, the wind is at our back now.

If you would like more information on how to get involved with The Norwood Rugby Union Football Club please contact Joshua Hanauer.

Notes from the Rugby Conference (Part One)

I have learned a great deal in my short time here in Carmel, IN. I have rubbed elbows with Nigel Melville (left) CEO of USA Rugby, shared our dream with Ron Bowers (below) head coach of Ohio State Rugby 7s team, won tickets to the International Sevens Tournament in Las Vegas and otherwise had a wonderful time. Coming home I am armed with a new and exciting action plan with creative ways to engage Xavier University. We are more prepared than ever to run an after school program, host a rugby clinic and launch a greater vision for the growth of the game in our neighborhood.

Rugby ‘Hits’ After School Programs Hard

Rugby has been taught in the PE classes of Norwood Middle School and may be coming to the after school program list as well. Joshua Hanauer has a meeting scheduled with Laura Ferguson (Norwood City Schools After School Program Coordinator) next week before leaving for Carmel, IN and the National Rugby Conference. We are confident that after hearing what our program has to offer, Norwood Rugby will be welcomed onto the list of options presented to the kids.

The Norwood After School Program will provide another venue to get kids playing rugby in Norwood and show the City Schools what an asset our organization is. We are hopeful that the conversation will go well and that your child may soon have a rugby ball in his hand as interest and passion for our sport grows in the community.

Rugby’s Youth Conference on the Game

Joshua Hanauer of Norwood Rugby will travel to Carmel, IN for USA Rugby’s Youth Conference on the Game :: January 21 – 23. The conference will present some opportunities for Norwood Rugby to rub elbows with the ones who have been leading the way in our sport for quite some time. He plans on learning a great deal over these two days and is prepared to put much of that learning into action in the coming weeks and months. Stay tuned here to learn more about this exciting opportunity to impact the youth of our neighborhood.