American football and rugby are similar games. Competitions are held on almost identical fields. The balls are hammered into the same goal. And the goal of the game itself has few differences. Further I would like to tell how rugby differs from American football.
Equipment
The form of rugby players is no different from the one worn by athletes playing European football that is familiar to all of us. At the same time, in American football, opponents must constantly restrain the opponent’s offensive actions. The speeds here are much higher than in rugby. Therefore, athletes put on durable protective equipment similar to hockey. The equipment for American football is represented by massive bibs, shields on the shoulders and knees. Helmets with visors are also used here, which prevent concussion and blows to the face.
Field
We continue to talk about how rugby is different from American football. Defining differences are in the field parameters. In rugby, it has a width of 70 m and a length of 100 m.
American football is a game in which the field is much narrower. Its width is only 49 m. As for the length, it is 110 m. In this case, all measurements are performed in yards. The fact is that the field is divided into separate zones. Each of them represents a stretch of 5 yards. The zones are drawn in solid lines that indicate to the players what distance is left to run to the enemy’s base. In the same lanes are the defenders that impede the advancement of the opponent.
Gears
How is rugby different from American football? In rugby, members of one team have the right to graze only along the transverse line or give the ball back. It is allowed to play in arbitrary directions by hitting a sports equipment with a foot.
American football is a game where you can direct the ball anywhere. However, there is only one forward forward attack. Further, the promotion of the ball is due to the sprint races of the attackers.
Points system
How is rugby different from American football? Significant differences exist in the rules. In rugby, points are added to the asset of the attacking team when the ball is successfully added to the score zone. For this, 5 points are awarded. From the same place, the players subsequently have the right to kick the projectile. If the ball hits the goal, the team is awarded 2 more points. If there are prohibited tricks on the part of the opponent, in rugby players have the right to make free kicks. In the latter case, the defeat of the opponent’s goal gives another 3 points.
As for the rules of American football, for scoring a player here it is enough to bring the ball into the test zone. This is called a touchdown. For him, the team gets 6 points. Moreover, during the game, participants have the right to kick the ball at any time, passing a pass or trying to hit the goal. In case of falling into the frame, the attacking team is credited with 3 points.
The number of players in the team
In rugby on the field, 15 people have the right to be in one team. They can be changed an unlimited number of times, at any time of the match, at the request of the coach. Based on this rule, rugby is somewhat reminiscent of hockey.
In the team in American football is only 11 people. Players can also change without restrictions. At the same time, fewer participants make this sport more dynamic.
Power tricks
In rugby, contact from the defending side can only be applied to a member of the opposing team that holds the ball. In American football, the physical impact can be on any opponent. In this game, as a rule, the bulk of the participants are focused on personal confrontation. However, only a few attackers are involved in passing the ball.
Do girls play rugby?
Women play rugby, just like men. However, in this case, this sport is called flag football. This discipline is a specific form of American football, in which hard contact between opponents is prohibited. Each player catches the ball and passes it to a partner. To remove an opponent from the game, you must not knock him down, but tear off the flag from the equipment, which is fixed at the belt. For this reason, protective pads on the body are not required here.
Match duration
In American football, the meeting is divided into 4 halves. Each of them lasts 15 minutes. There are breaks for one minute between the first and second, as well as the third and fourth halves, which is enough to get the coach’s instructions, take a breath, adjust equipment and drink water. At the equator of the match, in other words - after the second quarter, players rest for 15 minutes.
Rugby match consists of 2 halves lasting 40 minutes. Pauses and forced breaks can occur only if the participants in the duel need medical attention. The game can be stopped by the arbiters to resolve contentious issues or watch videos of episodes. On the whole, rugby rules do not provide for breaks per se.