organization called Rugby PA , which includes a mix of single schools and club teams throughout western Pennsylvania .
As a sport , rugby football has a reputation for being dangerous — a stereotype that Danka hopes North Pitt United can overcome through basic education .
“ Rugby is viewed as being too rough due to the fact that there are no pads . Because there are no pads , we have to be even more careful with the way we instruct players in the contact zone . Everything is controlled ,” he explains , adding that there are no “ shoulder charges ” or hitting a player without “ wrapping ,” like in football .
“ Many football programs have looked to rugby-style tackling for safer alternatives to the contact zone in football ,” Danka says . Leading this movement , according to him , is the
head coach of the Seattle Seahawks , Pete Carroll .
The sport also requires a high level of respect between players , coaches and referees .
“ We live in a society with a lot of screaming from the sidelines and stands ,” notes Danka . “ In rugby , everything is about respect . Only one person speaks to the sir [ referee ], and that is the on-field captain . Everything must be funneled through that player when emotions arise .”
In addition , after every match , players from both teams meet for a post-match meal with the referee , coaches and parents .
“ The post-match meal is always a hard habit to break for players , since many sports would not even think about sharing a meal with their opponent after battling for 70 minutes ,” Danka
says . “ Our players have been extremely respectful on and off the pitch .”
Athletes interested in learning more about the sport can participate in a youth co-ed program this summer . The program will take place on Thursday evenings in June and July at St . Ursula Church on Duncan Avenue in Allison Park . The cost is $ 50 per person , and each player receives a T-shirt and rugby ball .
For more information about North Pitt United RFC , call 724.882.3131 or send an email to northpittunited @ gmail . com . You can also find information about the club on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram by searching @ NorthPittUnited . n
Shaler Area Varsity Boys Christian Henning Neil Conley
Shaler Area Varsity Girls Cailey Jones
New Club
Ellie Hall fighting her way through a defender to solidify a 50-meter try down the sideline against Moon .
Christian Henning looking to offload in traffic during the team ’ s Kiski Valley match .
Mya Orgovan getting through a defender during a match this season at Moon .
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