Welcome to the Chuckanut family! For over 50 years, Chuckanut Bay Rugby Club (CBRC) has been the home for rugby in Northwest Washington. We don’t just coach athletes; we develop people of high character using the traditions and history of a global game.

If you are new to rugby, this guide will take you from "curious" to "ready for the pitch."

🏉 1. Kickoff: "Try Rugby" Days

Not sure if rugby is for your child? Join us for our Free Try Rugby Days. These are no-pressure, fun-focused sessions for all ages.

• When: Every Saturday in January | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Where: Squalicum High School (Turf Field)
• What to Bring: Athletic clothes, water, and cleats (soccer cleats work great!).

🛡️ 2. Safety First: A Different Kind of Sport

For parents unfamiliar with the sport, it is important to understand that Rugby is a "contact" sport, not a "collision" sport. * Technique Over Impact: Unlike sports with helmets and pads that can sometimes encourage using the head as a tool, rugby players are taught that "you are your own helmet". We prioritize shoulder-led tackling and safe "falling" techniques from day one.

• Priority on Welfare: Our coaches are trained to recognize signs of injury and physical or psychological stress, taking these indicators seriously to ensure athlete welfare at all times.
• Natural Progression: We do not rush kids into contact. Our pathway ensures that players only move to contact once they have mastered the core skills of body control and positioning.

📅 3. Our Teams: The Development Pathway

Our programs are designed to grow with your child, moving from the fun basics of flag rugby to the strategic depth of the High School game.

🌟 4. Our Core Values

Our club is driven by four words that encapsulate the essence of rugby. We aim to build a winning culture by developing people of high character on and off the field.

• Camaraderie: Fosters strong bonds among teammates that last a lifetime.
• Passion: Drives players to excel and give their all to the team.
• Respect: For the game, the referee, and the opponents.
• Sportsmanship: Ensures a fair and enjoyable experience for all.

💳 5. Registration, Dues & Accessibility

To register, visit www.chuckanut.rugby/register. Your registration fees are split into three parts: USA Rugby (insurance), Rugby WA (regional matches), and Chuckanut Rugby (fields and equipment).

The Chuckanut Commitment

We believe every child deserves the chance to play.

• No Barriers: We will not prevent a child from playing due to financial limitations.
• Scholarships: We offer scholarship opportunities to help families cover dues.
• Family Discounts: We offer discounts for families registering multiple children.

If you need assistance, please contact us at contact@chuckanutrugby.com. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

🤝 6. Parent Involvement & Sideline Conduct

As a club, we hold our spectators and parents to the same high standards as our players. When you join CBRC, we ask that you:

• Be a Role Model: Act as a positive role model to all players.

• Respect the Officials: Respect match officials’ decisions, even if they appear to be a mistake—remember, they are volunteers.
• Shout 'For,' Not 'At': Verbally encourage all players in a positive manner.

• Keep Your Composure: Remember, the players are the ones playing. Verbal or physical abuse is never tolerated and is grounds for removal from the grounds.

💡 7. Volunteering

Chuckanut is a volunteer-powered organization. We rely on our parents to keep the club thriving, whether it's helping at the concession stand or supporting our major events:

• Annual Dinner & Auction: This is our premier event, held in May. It is an incredible night of camaraderie and the primary way we fund our programming and scholarship funds.
• The "Third Half": A unique rugby tradition where we host and feed the visiting team after every match. Parents often help coordinate these socials to build community beyond our own club.

📅 Quick Summary:

• Practices: Tue/Thu, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM (Starting late Jan).
• Games: Saturdays (Schedule provided via SportsPlus).
• Required Gear: Cleats, water, and a mouthguard (essential for U12+).

Ready to join the team? We’ll see you at Squalicum High School this Saturday!