NEWS

Fall '08 Newcomer information

Fall Schedule Highlights for Arizona Rugby Newcomers

Monday, August 25: Classes Begin
Newcomer Sign Up (Student Recreation Center, 6-8 p.m.)

Tuesday, September 16: Newcomer Orientation
McKale Center (Room 108, 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.)

Thursday, September 18: First Newcomer Traiining
Rincon Vista Pitch, 4-6 p.m.

The Newcomer Program will train AT LEAST every Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00 p.m.  Usual seesion length:  2 hrs

Newcomers are invited to attend varsity training on Monday and Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. on the Mall

Academics

Players must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average to remain eligible for active membership (Nearly half of the team members achieved at 3.0 GPA in 2007-2008)

Pima College Students may train with the team and play for the junior varsity or newcomer teams.

Players must be enrolled in at least six units in the fall and at least 12 units in the spring to be eligible.

More detailed eligility requirements will be presented at the the Newcomer Orientation on 16 September

In General

Regardless of previous experience, all newcomers will train together for at least six weeks.  Newcomers will not train on the weekends during the month of September.  However, Saturday training and competition will be introduced in October.  The newcomers will play at least four competitions in the fall semester.

The full varsity and newcomer schedules will be posted on the web site on or about September 1, 2008.  www.wildcatrugby.org

Players may be assimilated into the varsity/ junior varsity teams on the basis of ability in November.  The Varsity season begins with matches in northern California in early November. 

Fall newcomer dues are $135.00.  Included in the newcomer package will be practise shorts; practise socks; Gilbert Rugby Ball; and team t-shirt.  Newcomers must furnish their own cleats, running shoes, mouth piece.  ( As players progress in the system, a practise jersey and additional equipment will be required.) Dues will be collected before the September 30 training session.  T-shirts and athletic shorts will be acceptable for practise until then.

Newcomers should continue with their current strength and conditioning programs through the summer.  A UA Rugby Fitness program will be introduced to newcomers at orientation.  Emphasis on upper body strength as well as aerobic fitness is recomended.

The Varsity teams (A & B ) compte in the Premiere Division of the SoCal Conference.  The newcomer squads compete against colleges at large, some JV matches, and the third division of the Arizona Rugby Union.

The 2008-2009 season will mark the fortieth anniversay of Arizona Rugby.  You may part of a very exciting program!