Want to be a part of MIT Rugby?

HOW DO I JOIN THE TEAM?
It’s extremely simple, just walk in to practice at your earliest convenience and give it a try! There are no tryouts or tests whatsoever, all players – new to the game and experienced – are welcome to come. If walking down to a pitch where you know no one feels awkward, drop us an email at mit.rugby.newplayers@gmail.com and we’ll arrange to meet you 10-15 minutes before practice.

ARE THERE ANY EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS?
No. Many new players join the team each year, most of which have never tried rugby before. Every fall we play an A and a B side each week, so all players should have an opportunity to play. Just come down to practice at the earliest of your convenience and we’ll get you up to speed!

WHAT'S THE SCHEDULE?
During the season (spring: March-May; fall: September-November) we practice twice a week and play a game on the weekends. Practice times are announced on the homepage but do check in advance. Unless otherwise said, practice will be in Briggs Field (the grass rugby pitch in Vassar St, just across Simmons Hall).

I WANT TO GIVE IT A TRY, WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED FOR PRACTICE?
The optimal would be to have: cleats (soccer/football are fine), high socks, mouth guard, rugby shorts and jersey. This might be a lot to have if you just want to try the sport. Bring whatever you have or can borrow. In any case, a pair of old sneakers, sport shorts and a T-Shirt you are not in love with will be enough for the first couple of practices. When you decide to come frequently, you will need to purchase all the gear.

OK, I AM COMMITTED TO COMING. WHERE CAN I BUY ALL THE GEAR?
Internet is always a good resource, but there are multiple options in Boston we recommend you explore:

  • Cleats/Studded boots. We know City Sports has rugby boots/cleats (as well as soccer), but other sport stores should have them as well.
  • Mouth guard. Again, City Sports (there's one at Harvard Square) has them.
  • Shorts and socks. For this, we recommend buying the team’s socks and shorts, as you will have to wear them for matches. Plus, they also work really well for practice. Ask at practice.
  • Jersey. The team will provide match jerseys. However, we recommend you have your own rugby jersey for practice.

If you need to buy all or most of the above, we recommend you consider buying the player pack most of us have. It includes one practice jersey, practice shorts/socks, gym top, match shorts/socks and a club gear bag. Just ask for it at practice!

HOW DO I KEEP INFORMED ABOUT TEAM PRACTICES?
The best way to be informed is registering on the team’s website. This will automatically sign you up to a mailing list (although you have to approve this yourself through an email you’ll get) where we talk about the public matters of the team.

Private team information is distributed through the website’s private forum, which you’ll be able to access after your registration is approved. For this to happen, you need to have shown some degree of commitment to the team, which generally means showing up to practice recurrently and making sure the coaches and team know who you are.

WHAT IS THE USUAL TIME COMMITMENT FOR THE CLUB?
Playing rugby involves coming to practice twice a week during weekdays and playing one game per weekend, from September to late October/November. Attendance to practice and games is highly encouraged, as it will directly affect your chances of being selected for the games.
Having said that, we all have personal and academic commitments we cannot ignore and may prevent us from coming to practice/ games. Should this happen, please let other people in the team know in advance. Don’t just disappear without notice!

WHAT ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS DO I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF AFTER JOINING?
Once you have come down to practice recurrently and the rest of the team knows you, you will get full access to the team’s website. Now it’s time to go through all the administrative process:

  • Register with USA Rugby. Visit USA Rugby Membership Page and register as a member of "Massachusetts Institute of Technology Men's RFC". This costs $45 for an entire year (valid September to August) and allows you to play games, plus provides additional insurance. At the end of the registration process, the system will generate a waiver you need to sign and hand in to the Club President next time you come to practice.
  • Print, sign and give this MIT CSC waiver to the Club President. This is in addition to the USA Rugby waiver mentioned above.
  • Availability spreadsheet. You must fill in your availability for the upcoming games.
  • Logistics spreadsheet. This is used for our away games, to plan the transportation. Just fill in whether you will be driving (and how many other people you can take) or you will need a ride.
  • Profile picture. Add a passport-type picture of yourself to your profile. This is extremely helpful for the coaches to know who you are and select you!
  • Team dues. Pay your dues through the team website. This will mainly cover for team equipment (game jerseys, balls, etc.) and other expenses for running the club.