RUGBY GAME AND METHOD OF PLAY
The instant invention is new field game based on improvements to the rugby sevens and traditional rugby union laws (including nos. 3, 5, 6 and 10) whereby, among other things, a match is extended to about 45 to 60 minutes and is played in four quarters broken into about 10-15 minutes, played on the same size field as the traditional sevens rugby game. The new game combines the nonstop action of a rugby union and sevens rugby variation, with the feel of a traditional 15-a-side code match.
This is a non-provisional application claiming priority under 35 USC 119(e) to provisional Application Ser. No. 62/072,147 filed on Oct. 29, 2014, reference of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
A. Field of Invention
The present invention generally relates to the field game of rugby. In particular, the present invention is an improvement to rugby union rules (i.e., Laws), namely those Laws which apply to sevens a side, as imposed by rules of rugby sevens.
B. Description of the Related Art
Rugby football is a style of football that developed at Rugby School in Rugby, Warwickshire and was one of many versions of football played at English public schools during the 19th century. In its most common form, the game is between two teams of 15 players using an oval-shaped ball on a rectangular field, called the pitch, with a length typically double the width. The maximum playing area is about 158 yards by 77 yards on a grassy flat surface. Rugby is often played on soccer fields, which must be between 100 and 131 yards in length and 50 to 100 yards wide. The field, or pitch, includes end lines or goal lines at the leading edge of an in-goal area which may be between 10 and 20 yards in depth. Goals, “H-shape” cross bars, are located on each goal line, and are typically the same size as American football goal posts.
A typical rugby union match of 15 players lasts for 80 minutes, broken down into two halves of 40 minutes each. The game of rugby union however has spawned several variants of this full-contact 15-a-side code. The two common differences applied to variants lie in either fewer players or reduced contact. The oldest variant is rugby sevens (also referred to as, sevens rugby, 7's, or VIIs), which originated in Melrose, Scotland in 1883. Sevens is an abbreviated game of rugby union (i.e., rugby) that consists of a reduced amount of players, only 7, who play on a full-sized field, whereby there are two halves, each half being only 7 minutes long. As a result, scoring occurs with much greater regularity, since the fewer players (i.e., defenders) are more spaced out than in rugby union.
The international governing body of rugby union (and associated games such as sevens) is World Rugby (WR) headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. WR, founded in 1886, governs the sport of rugby union and sevens worldwide and publishes the game's rules (i.e., Laws) and associated rankings The Laws are numbered from 1 to 22 and define the rugby union game, whereby seven-a-side variations namely regard modifications to Law nos. 3.1, 3.4, 3.11, 3.13 (number of players); 5.1, 5.2, 5.6 (time); 6.A.14, 6.B.8 (referee); 9.B.1, 9.B.3, 9.B.4 (method of scoring); 10.5 (sanctions); 13.2, 13.3, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9 (kick-offs); 20, 20.1, 20.8 (scrum); and 21.3, 21.4 (penalty kicks). As of February 2014, WR (then known as the IRB, for International Rugby Board) recorded 119 unions in its membership, 101 full members and 18 associate member countries.
Sevens rugby is popular at all levels, with amateur and club tournaments generally held in the summer months. Sevens rugby is one of the most well distributed forms of rugby, and is popular in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and especially in the South Pacific. Notable international competitions include the HSBC Sevens World Series and the Rugby World Cup Sevens. Rugby sevens is also played at some multi-sport events such as the Commonwealth Games, taking place five times (1998: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 2002: Manchester, England; 2006: Melbourne, Australia; 2010: Delhi, India; and 2014: Glasgow, Scotland), Until 2014 the gold medal had been won by New Zealand but in 2014 it was won by South Africa.
Rugby sevens is now recognized as an Olympic sport and will make its debut in the 2016 Summer Olympics. This follows a vote by the executive board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include the sport. That decision was backed at the 121st International Olympic Committee Session in Copenhagen on 9 Oct. 2009. Although rugby has a substantial following in many countries throughout the world, it is not widely followed in the United States. The inventors believe that an obstacle is due to the current rules, time schedule and related scoring methods. Therefore, there is a need, particularly in the U.S., for a new, modified form of rugby which would focus on the American fan base that can be played in several venues, and support a beneficial time for better national television programming. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.
II. SUMMARYThe instant invention is for new game and method of play that is a take on the rugby sevens Laws and traditional rugby union Laws (including nos. 3, 5, 6, 9 and 10) whereby, among other things, a sevens match is now extended from about 14 minutes to about 45 to 60 minutes and rather being played in two halves of 7 minutes, is now played in four quarters that can range from about 10 minutes to about 15 minutes each, and played on a field of about 100 by 70 yards. The improvement disclosed herein advances the game as it combines the nonstop action of a rugby union and sevens rugby variation, with the feel of a traditional 15-a-side code match.
Essentially the method of play includes two teams, whereby a first team of players has as an objective to move a ball in their possession into and touching the field within the first in-goal area and/or drop-kicking the ball through the first goal to score points. The ball is preferably a rugby football, that is, a ball having a general shape of a prolate spheroid. The first team taking possession of the ball advances the ball within the field of play towards the first in-goal area to score by running with the ball and lateraling or passing the ball backwards to teammates.
A second team of players has as an objective to prevent the first team of players having possession of the ball from moving the ball into and touching the field within the first in-goal area and/or drop-kicking the ball through the first goal (i.e., above the crossbar) and scoring. The second team prevents the first team from scoring by either tackling a player of the first team in possession of the ball and or attempting to obtain possession of the ball from the first team so as to advance the ball towards the second in-goal area to score.
Due to the new method of the instant game, the result is a form of rugby that improves the pace and strategy of the game, by allowing more scoring options and, for example by allowing improved time constraints is more fan friendly, especially for a live viewing and or TV audience. The new, improved laws and or game is simple enough for the average sports fan to understand, however it also provides many opportunity for complex and strategic coaching, not otherwise contemplated in traditional and or current rugby sevens laws.
Based on the improvements disclosed herein, the new game favors establishment of a professional league, which is especially well-suited for the United States market, including considerations for commercial advertisements. For example, in a traditional rugby sevens series, matches are fourteen minutes and an organization would have to have about 16 traveling teams to play out a series, much like the HSBC World Series. This model would not succeed well in a domestic professional league in the US, primarily due to the associated financial pitfalls of fourteen minute programming.
The instant improvement additionally supports a gateway for a player and or coach to represent their team, like a National Team, and in a professional sports environment, which shall also favour and support the establishment of a professional league, which based on improvements herein makes the game favorably structured for players, coaches and the industry (not to mention, it also builds and increase the general rugby fan base). It is an object of the invention to allow a time frame that provides a complete sportscast in an allotted programming time frame.
The instant new game and method thereof disclosed includes:
new four quarters of play;
new rolling substitution rules;
a new and enhanced roster, that includes 21 players overall; and
a new and enhanced two referee system.
Such improvements are further discussed herein in the following description and drawings.
The accompanying drawing illustrates the invention. In such drawing:
As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, and explained herein, the present invention resides in a field-sport game, and method of playing the game.
The instant game is played generally in accordance with the rules of rugby sevens based on rugby union, with a variations and or improvements that create a new game and for example, pertain to, number of players (Law 3), time (Law 5), referees (Law 6), scoring (Law 9), fouls (Law 10) and offside (Law 11), and as further explained herein.
With reference to
The dimensions of the playing field 100 of the present invention enable the game to be played in both indoor and outdoor arenas alike, which enables the field-sport game of the present invention to be played in a large number of arenas across the United States, even during inclement weather, and easy to provide television coverage of in said arenas. As shown in
The goals 170 have an H-shape that consists of a cross bar extending between two generally parallel and vertically extending posts. The goals 170 may vary in dimensions, but may be about three meters at the lower measurement (d) and about 2 (d) meters above the crossbar and by about six meters width (e).
Number of Players. Seven-a-side variation allows for up to five replacements and or substitutes, which allows a team to substitute or replace up to five players. In the instant invention, a team may nominate 9 replacements and or substitutes, which allows 16 players per team. Based on the new method, a team can now substitute or replace any number of players during a game. Substitutions of which may now take place, at any time. An embodiment of the new method limits one substitution per team per quarter as an option. At the end of each quarter, however, unlimited substitutions are allowed, which allows for a completely new side to play the following quarter, or, it could be a mix, an option not currently available. The new method should maintain playing action in the latter stages of a game. Additionally, providing unlimited and or rolling substitutions also allows an opportunity for coaching to greatly affect the game outcome, such as, when to bring in the fast wing, when to have a more forward oriented team or bring in a key line out jumper, for example. In this respect, the different criteria to pick players and form a team are an exciting change.
Regarding the embodiment pertaining to laws for example, Law 3.4, may be understood as follows, whereby:
(a) a union may nominate up to nine replacements/substitutes. This allows a maximum of 16 players per team.
(b) a team can substitute or replace any number of players during a game. Substitutions may take place during any dead ball situation with the permission of the referees or delegated official. Players leaving or entering the field of play must do so between the half way line and the 10 m line on the same side of the field as the official assisting with their team's substitutions. Players entering the field of play may only do so after the replaced or substituted player has left the field of play and the players touch hands. Sanction: Penalty Kick where the game would have restarted.
(c) if uncontested scrums have been ordered and there is an injury to a front row player which requires that player to be replaced and there is a front row player available to replace that player then the front row player replacement must be used rather than players other than front row replacements.
Time: Seven-a-side variation allows a match lasts no longer than fourteen minutes, broken into seven minute half, plus lost time and extra time (after half-time the teams change ends). As explained, a match subject to the instant invention is extended to about 45 to 60 minutes and may be played in four, quarters of about 10 to about 15 minutes each. Because of the increased time length of the new game, and the associated fitness and endurance level required, a larger roster with rolling substitutions as provide for above regarding Law 3 is necessary. In an embodiment, there is a rest time interval of not more than two to about six minutes. For example, there is an interval of not more than about three minutes between the first and second and second and third. Halftime, between the second and third quarters, will be about 6 minutes long. And, after each quarter the teams change ends.
Referees, Officials. Under the new rules, in all cases where law 6 makes reference to “referee” in the singular, the instant invention variation allow either or both appointed referees to perform the duties and act in the same manner as the Law specifies. Furthermore, regarding Law 6.A.4, there will now be two referees during a match, whereby one will serve as the head to decide finality on any dispute. Each referee is in charge of one half of the field. The communication as to when a referee is taking over the game is communicated between the head referee and referee.
Furthermore, there are additional substitution rule in this regard, whereby, if the opposition scores a try during the time that a player is temporarily suspended, then the team may bring on any substitute player who is not serving a suspension or sent off, thus returning the team to full strength. If more than one player is temporarily suspended, then the first try scored allows a substitute for the player that was first suspended and a second try scored allows a substitute for the player that was suspended second, and so on. And, if a team has one or more players sent off, then for each player sent off, after two tries have been scored by their opponents, the team may bring on a substitute player who is not serving a suspension and has not been sent off. Under the new rules herein, regarding law 10.5, when a player has been temporarily suspended, the player's period of suspension shall be three minutes.
In practice, the game of the present invention is started with a kick-off to the opponent from about mid-field. Any player of either team may gain possession of the ball, in accordance with the rules of rugby. When running with the ball, players may continue to run until they are tackled, or run beyond the goal line, and touch the ball on the field turf 100 in the in-goal area as defined by the in-goal area, defined by dimensions (g,h) at both field ends i.e., the area behind the goal line 110 that does not exceed the in-goal touch line 190, which results in a score or a try. A conversion attempt may be made by retreating from the in-goal area (g,h) a predetermined distance directly behind the area in which the score or try was made, and then drop-kicking the ball through the goal 117 for additional points. Typically, as in rugby, the successful after-try kick is worth two points.
Addition scoring is provided for in the instant invention whereby different points are awarded based upon for where a try is scored. In this regard, the inventors have added an additional try box defined by 140 that creates a six point score, opposed to the usual 5 pints awarded when a ball is grounded in the in-goal area (i.e., on the goal line 110 or beyond, within (g,h) but not on any other lines), with two-points awarded if scored from the conversion area 150, providing for an increased total point potential of eight points. This improvement provides extra incentive to score in the middle and likewise have the defense prevent a middle score, adding to complexity, strategy and entertainment factors of the game.
Different point for where a conversion may be attempted: The inventors have also provide for an increased conversion point attempt (from two to now three) when the try is scored between the fifteen yard line and the touch line, in the general area defined by (c) (d) to be defined similarly at the corners of the field.
While the team has possession of the ball and is advancing towards their opposing in-goal area (g) (h), the ball may be passed to any other player, however, it may only be passed laterally or backward, never forward. Moreover, any player may kick the ball forward at any time. Once the ball is kicked, players of either team, regardless of whether or not the ball hits the ground, may gain possession. Often times, the ball is kicked in an effort to advance it or obtain relief from poor field position. There is no blocking in rugby, and any player may carry, pass or kick the ball. The ball carrier must release the ball when tackled and roll out of the way so that other players on their feet can play the ball.
After the referee has whistled a violation, a bound group of players from each team form a tunnel with the opposition. The non-offending team puts the ball into the tunnel by rolling it into the middle and each team pushes forward until one player is able to hook the ball with the feet and push it to the back row of players on his or her team. This is what is referred to as a scrum, which consists of three players per team.
After a serious infringement of the law, or rules, offenders are required to retreat ten yards while the opposing team is given the opportunity to restart play unopposed. Players may kick the ball up field to gain field advantage. If in range, the non-offending team may attempt to kick at the goal post, worth three points. Other less serious infringements of the law result in free kicks, sending a player to penalty for a specified period of time, banning the player from the game.
There is an off-side law in rugby, and in general play the ball creates the off-side line and players are not permitted to participate in play if they are on the opposing team's side of the ball. One cannot participate in the game from an off-side position. At a scrum, the off-side lines are drawn across the field through the feet of the last person in each team's scrum.
The new offside rule subject to the instant invention (11.10) allows for off-sides during substitution or replacement, for example, a player leaving or entering the field of play at a substitution or replacement during general play is allowed to temporarily be in an offside position while completing the substitution or replacement, provided that player does not loiter and takes no part in the game. Otherwise, the following sanction is imposed: Penalty kick at the offside line or where the play was when the infraction occurred. This is the choice of the team taking the penalty. And, a yellow card will be given to the offending player.
Players carrying the ball may be stopped by being tackled by the opposing team. Usually, players may only be tackled around the waist and legs for safety purposes. The player must release the ball and roll away from it to allow other players on their feet to play the ball. Supporting players from both teams converge over the ball on the ground, binding with each other in attempting to push the opposing players backwards in a manner similar to a scrum. This situation is known as a nick. The ball may not be picked up by any player until the ball emerges out of the nick. A maul is formed with a similar gathering of players, except the player in possession of the ball is not brought to the ground or tackled, but held up by an opponent as players converge on him. A nick or maul situation creates off-side line laws.
As noted, there are four ways for a team to score points. Five or six points are awarded to a team for touching the ball down in the other team's in-goal area. This is called a Try. Following a Try, two or three points are awarded for a successful kick through the goal posts. Following a major law violation, the kicking team, if in range, has the option to “kick to points”. Three points are awarded for a successful penalty kick. The kick must be from the point of the foul or anywhere on a line straight behind that point. The ball can be played if the kick fails. Three points are also awarded for a successful drop-kick, which can be taken from anywhere on the field at any time during the play. Once again, the ball is live if the kick fails.
Typically, the game is started with a coin toss, to determine which team will kick the ball off. The team then lines up on a predetermined line marker, for example at the ten yard line 160, and kicks the ball off towards the opposing team. Usually, the ball must at least travel a predetermined distance, unless first played by an opponent. Otherwise, it is kicked off again, or a scrum formed at the center at the opponent's option. If the ball is kicked directly into the in-goal area or touch, the opposing team may accept the kick, have the ball kicked off again, or have a scrum formed at the center line.
The opposing team plays defense, in accordance with the rules of rugby seven to prevent the first team of players having possession of the ball from moving the ball into and touching the in-goal area (g) (h) and/or drop-kicking the ball through the goal 170. Change of possession occurs generally in accordance with the rules of rugby seven.
With the improved gave disclosed herein, the impact to the game may be fledged during an entire 60 minutes of play, leading to more fans reaction and ultimately the increased in popularity and passion for the game in the United States. As provided herein, the new game may take place in a usual time slot currently available from television networks that factor in for advertisement space and a four quarter match of about 10-15 minutes each. A typical TV spot, that benefits from the improved invention includes the following time considerations,
In view of the scheduling embodiment, based on 12 minute quarters, error for example may be adjusted during each pause so that the time slot is perfected in a 60 minute slot. Based on the game provided herein, the inventors have determined that an ideal size venue for play would be a smaller MLS or University stadium as the size of the pitch is favorable as well as the number of seats of about between 8,000 and 25,000.
Claims
1. A method of playing a game, comprising the steps of: providing a playing field of approximately 100 yards in length and at least about 70 yards in width defined by a goal line and a touch line; providing a first and second goal at opposing ends of the field that is parallel with and in the same plane as about the center of the goal line and having generally parallel vertical bars and a cross bar extending therebetween; providing a first team of seven players; providing a second team of seven players; the first team taking possession of the ball and advancing the ball within the field of play towards the goal area to score by running with the ball and lateraling or passing the ball backwards to teammates so as to touch the ball to the ground on or over the goal line and/or drop-kicking the ball through the goal and attending to conversion points; and the second team preventing the first team from scoring by tackling a player of the first team in possession of the ball and/or attempting to obtain possession of the ball from the first team so as to advance the ball towards the second in-goal area and/or drop-kicking the ball through the second goal and attending to conversion points.
2. The method of claim 1 whereby the whereby, the timing of a game lasts from about 45 minutes to about 60 minutes, broken down into four quarters of at least about 10 to 15 minutes each.
3. The method of claim 2, whereby after each quarter teams change sides.
4. The method of claim 2, whereby after there is a rest time interval of not more than about three minutes to six minutes between quarters.
5. The method of claim 4, whereby the rest time interval between the first two and last two quarters is about 3 minutes long.
6. The method of claim 1 whereby, a team may comprise no more than 16 players that includes nine substitutes and or replacements.
7. The method of claim 6 whereby, a team can substitute or replace any number of players during a game, at any time.
8. The method of claim 6 whereby, at the end of a quarter, unlimited substitutions are allowed.
9. The method of claim 6 whereby, when a front row player is substituted in a scrum, the player shall be replaced by a front row designated substitute.
10. The method of claim 1 whereby, an additional try box is defined within the in goal area that provides for six points.
11. The method of claim 1 whereby, an alternate conversion may be attempted in the area about between the fifteen yard line and the touch line which if made provides for a three point aware.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 29, 2015
Publication Date: May 5, 2016
Inventors: A. Jon Prushmack (Valley Cottage, NY), Karl Fix (Regina), Jon Hinkin (San Diego, CA)
Application Number: 14/926,224
