Rugby!

Believe it or not, karate is one of least injurious sports. I've never had anything worse than a split lip, black eye or bruised ribs. With the bruised ribs it only takes five or six weeks to be able to breathe, laugh or sneeze comfortably! 😂😂😂😂😂😂 A friend ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while sparring when she slipped on a pool of sweat on the floor! Of course it was sweat from one of the men! They sweat buckets! That finished karate for her and she was devastated.

ACL ruptures are fairly common in soccer players, I believe. It's the turning at speed that does it, I think. Nowadays, soccer players are at least safer from brain injuries caused by heading a wet, leather football. The balls are no longer made from leather and youngsters are not allowed to head the ball after quite a few cases of dementia in professional footballers was linked with repeated impacts.

Professional sports players can also get repetitive strain injuries e.g. shoulder, elbow, wrist in racquet sports, foot and knee in runners, but they are also common in other professions. I have wrist and thumb problems from using hand tools in sewing and much writing. My son has similar problems from sitting safely at a computer and using a mouse!

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.

That’s a huge generalisation. It may be true where you live, but certainly not round here. When my DS was playing football, his club had a thriving social scene and we made lifelong friends. In fact we had a 30 year reunion just the other week of the parents involved in fundraising for the original clubhouse.

My DGS are now playing for football clubs just like that, with regular family nights out, quizzes, treasure hunts etc. The local rugby club and cricket club are similar.

Anyone going to watch a match this season? Expensive these days - used to be a fiver.

Exactly wellbeck

Our sons went to a rugby playing school and hated it. The older ones got out of it pretty quickly but the youngest was tall and solid and in much demand for the rugby teams. Basically, we refused to let him play for the school at weekends and gradually he was forgotten about. Phew. But he was a great cricketer and did play for the school and university and that's left him with a damaged back from bowling.

how can a child give informed consent to a risk that few adults really understand.

the ethical issues concern me, re informed consent, and understanding the mechanism of traumatic brain injury. theconversation.com/tackling-in-childrens-rugby-must-be-banned-to-curb-dementia-risks-151879

I think in many sports they have an element of danger. But you have to weigh up risks against benefit to physical and mental well-being.
My son was/is sport mad. He didn’t take up Rugby which in a way we were pleased about but wouldn’t have stopped him if he wanted to. When younger he was into cycle speedway and I cannot count the number of times he went over the crossbar and injured himself. He was such a regular at A&E the triage nurse told him he was on the Christmas card list,
He then played ice hockey for his University team, also quite a few injuries.
He is now in his 30s and plays field hockey to a reasonable high level but still has frequent injuries. He is concerned he may have to stop soon but is considering coaching.

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.

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!

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 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.

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

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

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 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.

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. [

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.

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

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

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 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!

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.

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.

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.