AIBU to want the DCs to avoid rugby?

[Quattrocento]

Watched DS's rugby match today. He is 11 and he is something called a prop.

He caught a ball somewhere near the back of the pitch. He said it was the 22 (?).

Then he ran with it. Various big boys tackled him at several points. He woozled round them or ran through them.

Then just before the touchline, FIVE of them dived on him and brought him down.

I nearly had apoplexy. The potential for serious harm in this game is immense.

DS came back to me covered in mud and his eyes shining. 'Did you see my try?'

No, I didn't see your try DS. Because you were underneath a pile of flailing arms legs feet and boots (with studs).

This game is too dangerous. Isn't it? But it would break DS's heart and embarass him horribly if I make him stop.

So, AIBU to want him to give up rugby?

YANBU if it makes you uncomfortable and you don't like to see your ds play it, you don't. It is not a religion in the end, just one of a zillion sports. I did see a boy killed in a rugby game. I think he was 15 or so and died through an unlucky, (unallowed) tackle. The guy who did it was mortified

I think it can be an exciting game to watch at times and I sometimes enjyo watching a match but there is no reason your ds absolutely has to play it.

No, it's not a religion (to me) but it is to DS and it is to his school, somewhat unfortunately.

Quattro you're his mum, you will worry whatever he does.

I have seen Dads turn a whiter shade of pale following collapsed scrums, bad tackles etc. You don't need to MTFU, you just need to learn to act as though you have, or get a cuppa at the right time

Just re read the thread, and all the people who think YABU appear to be rugby fanatics who know all about the game. I guess this help to be objective about the risks....as does proper coaching, but it is after all, about how you weigh up the risks.

I still think YANBU, as I personally know someone injured badly (paralysed) in a rugby scrum.

However just wait till he passes his driving test. THEN you will know what worry is.

I cannot believe the amount of bashing football is getting on this thread! I love football and my partner and his friends arrange five a side matches regularly. It is a good way for them to keep fit, catch up and socialize. A lot of them bring thier children too and make it a father child bonding activity (including the girls). Just because of the stereotype associated with football, do not assume that people who play football are lager louts and wife beaters!

In regards to Rugby, I find it hard to watch rugby as it looks so violent but my partner also played rugby for many years and has told me it is very safe. Although if it were my son I would most likely freak too.

My son is 6 and I can honestly say I love the fact that he plays rugby.

He isn't very good and he struggles socially.

We had tried football - rude parents, coaches who favoured 'talented' kids whilst sitting the 'untalented' on the sideline, the long waits in line to kick a ball, the aggressions between boys who support different teams....

I tried 3 different football teams / training.

Rugby - friendly, community, run my child ragged for 2 hours (on a FREEZING pitch), inclusive, welcoming, supportive, politeness, team mentality...

My son struggles and at rugby he doesn't because when he is struggling to concentrate, listen, etc they just continue to like him and include him.

I don't care how scary it gets - he could trip over the cat and get hurt - he is getting fantastic life training.

Oh and the rugby coaches in tiny shorts oh yes brightens up my sunday morning!!

I dated the most gorgeous no 9 once. He played for Richmond [wistful].

Ds plays rugby and does riding and skiing. I guess that makes me the epitome of a delinquent parent!

Dayshift Ds is 6 and rubbish at rugby. I think your post sums up what is so good about it. Even though he is rubbish he still gets the chance to play in tournaments and is included. As are all the boys and girls.

I've skimmed this thread. I love love love rugby and can't wait for tiny weedy little DS to be old enough to play. Not even old enough for rugby tots yet though!

I took up rugby at uni and have played 12 years on and off. Played my first game since DS was born last week and it was fantastic! Team spirit, discipline, meeting people outside your comfort zone... It's great for all that. But it does hurt and i've had various injuries over the years, which may affect my ability to do other things like skiing. Still I'd never stop my kids from doing it. And I play front row. I really think refs work very hard to make it as safe as possible.

Any MNers out there still playing?