Rugby!

I totally understand how you feel. My GS chose to be in goal at his football training. I have similar reservations about that.

No you are not! My children attended a rugby playing school. The eldest boy hated it and tried to avoid it at all costs. The younger one really enjoyed it and I can’t remember how many times we had to take him to A&E as a result. Fortunately our daughter at the same school did not have to play. Maybe they do now. One day I returned home to see my son’s friend leaving our house ( they must have been about 16 ) and I commiserated about his visible injuries. Wait till you see D he said!! It should not be compulsory in my opinion.

As we say, 'It is his choice'. If he doesn't enjoy it, he will give it up. But almost any sport is potentially dangerous. I broke an arm playing rounders, my sister, as a child, broke her thigh running don a garden path and tripping over a doormat.

To be fair, I do not know many rugby players but one of them was my son and none of them ever come to any harm. Rules have recently been introduced to protect all rugby players, but especially children from damage in scrums.

I think you just have to grin and bear it.

I used to hate Saturdays when we lived over 200 miles away and our youngest was playing.
He had a few visits to A&E.
He now lives overseas and plays, it is his passion so there is nothing we can do.
As an ex pat in two different countries now it is how he has made so many good fiends and no doubt so many hangovers!

Both my grandsons play aged 8 & 12 they love it. They found the Rugby club much more inclusive than football where everyone is given a chance to join in however good they are. I was a little concerned to begin with but as my son advised me the little game is much different than that played by older players. The younger one plays no contact Rugby and certainly no scrums for the older one.

Individual choices. These days more attention is paid to safety and at very junior level touch rugby is great fun.
I love football and would love the more gentlemanly conduct of rugby behaviour to be seen there. Not the incessant whining to referee and rolling around trying to gain an advantage.
But children I love to see follow and take part in all sporting endeavours.

You’re not the odd one out, Aveline.

Of course they’ll do what they love and we just have to accept that, and there’s a good chance of injury in any sport, but I’m pleased that my DGS (so far) have opted for football over rugby as they’ve got older.

I come from a Rugby playing family from grandfathers down and so does DH.
Rules seem to be being put in place to try and make it safer.
I always said I was glad I had DDs until one had to attend A&E after an accident in the swimming pool at school and the other had a nasty accident camping with the guides.
If the the children involved are aware of the dangers then like Monica says you have to grin and bare it.
I do not agree with children doing sports who do not enjoy them or constantly have accidents.

My husband is the manager for an under 10's rugby team. Four of his grandchildren play, including a 6 year old girl.
They play touch rugby until they are about 9 and even after that there are lots of rules and regulations about what they can and cannot do.
Rugby is a great game to teach children discipline, you won't get players arguing with the ref like they do in football.
Children can get hurt in all kinds of sports not just rugby.

Two of my GSs play rugby the older one plays for Yorkshire. It is very intensive training. Hours every day. They have both had minor injuries but love the sport.
I do worry but it's a part of their lives that they enjoy.

I only wish it was touch rugby at DGSs school but it's not ☹️.
I feel guilty saying it, but it's lucky he's just not very good at it!

I agree Sar53 Rugby does teach them to follow rules and you rarely see them arguing with the ref. It was funny during the last World Cup some were sent off and had to sit on what appeared to be a naughty chair looking very shame-faced.
My grandad told a tale of getting his comeuppance for being rough and aggressive a woman ran onto the pitch and brained him with her heavy umbrella.

I bet it was the player's Gran! That's what I'd do if I saw anyone likely to hurt my DGS!

My son played Rugby at age of 11. He loved it and enjoyed being part of a team. He continued until he went to university.
The worst he had was gray on his leg but other than that, he was fine. He is now a strong man and enjoys watching Rugby.
My grandson is doing trials for Rugby, so watch this space. He's only 5 , so is sweet watching him learning social skills. I am a HUGE rugby fan and looking forward to six nations on Friday.
Big difference between rugby and football, the fans are not violent supports

One of my granddaughters has a birth defect that makes her physically quite fragile.
She attends all the activities that her sisters do. Presently they are skiing in the season, climbing, ice hockey and rugby.
My daughter told me the ice hockey and rugby required her constant to sign off on the activity.
She does everything twin does and is thriving. The coaches are very aware all children are fragile to an extent and they are well protected.

I knew a top-class rugby referee who would not allow his son to play the game. That speaks volumes. My GSs have never taken to the game for which I am very thankful, though I must confess I love to watch international matches and will be cheering on Scotland in the Six Nations. [

I know former internationalist rugby players who wouldn't let children play rugby these days. If some of the clashes that happen on the pitch happened in the street the police would be involved.

We're a big rugby family with DS and two DGS played/ playing at representative level. Youngest DGS aged 8 and 10 also play. I know it looks very scary but proper training and experience mitigates the risks. All players must wear mouth guards, scrums aren't contested under 14 and nor are lineouts until they're 15. These youngsters learn discipline (don't talk back to the ref!) and how to play as part of a team, valuable life lessons. The battle scars are worn with almost a sense of pride! DS only ever broke one bone in his life and it wasn't playing rugby - he was trying to roller skate! There are many sports which are more hazardous than rugby - cycling, gymnastics, horse riding, golf etc. Try not to worry - I'm sure your DGS will be fine.

I will never be OK about my DGS being hurt unnecessarily in what is just a game.

Three of our grand daughters, aged 9, 11 and 15 play rugby for a club. They really enjoy it.

My 11 year old grandson and 19 year old Goddaughter are both very keen rugby players, with my 5 year old granddaughter champing at the bit until she’s old enough to play. My Goddaughter is currently awaiting an knee operation following a very serious injury, but still entertains hopes of turning professional. My grandson has had several minor injuries (two needing hospital attention), but just loves the game.

My children and grandchildren all have a favourite sport and none of them are particularly ‘safe’, so I would be in a permanent state of worry if allowed myself to dwell that aspect. Instead I try to concentrate on the fact they’re good at, and enjoying, what they do. It doesn’t stop me from worrying altogether, but I have my concerns under control.

I hated it, I told him always to throw ball to a friend when he got it! On upside Rugby clubs are very family friendly.

My first born son was a Rugby Player so as he has a genetic condition which means he is easily bruised with dislocations, he only ever stayed on the pitch for a very short time he was injured. I hated it but not as much as when as a young adult, he had his broken nose fixed so he could breathe properly again and he promptly signed up for a Charity Boxing Event. I was horrified. Fortunately, just before the actual event, it was cancelled. I loathe and detest boxing anyway but really didn't want to watch him getting hurt whilst I supported his money raising!

My youngest son was entirely different. As he has the same condition, he couldn't understand why anyone would play Rugby where you guaranteed to get hurt but loved Hockey. Doing that he has broken fingers, broken his nose and had a prolapsed disc. I now know why I have always lacked an interest in playing any sport!

GS (13) has just given up football in favour of rugby. GD is hoping for a trial with the county for rugby.
After a football game. everyone just leaves the pitch and goes home. After the rugby matches, the coach has a chat and thanks the visiting team, then they all go for something to eat, including parents and visitors.
There are different rules for different age groups. Things they are not allowed to do. How many rugby players argue with the ref. What respect do football players give to referees. I know of some who have given up football refereeing due to abusive threats , (mainly from parents).
For indoor sport, try Judo. no one argues with the ref.