If the standard of rugby in the EPRU, MARFU and USA is to improve, it is vitally important that we introduce our players to the game at an early age. Accordingly, increasing emphasis is being placed on the development of high school and youth rugby programs in our Union. At present the EPRU administers these youth rugby programs: U-19 Boys and Girls, U-15 Boys Contact and U-15 Co-Ed Non-Contact.
The High School Rugby Program is for players enrolled in grades 9 to 12. Matches are played in the spring between teams of 15-a-side on a full-sized pitch. Although most Laws of the senior game apply, there are modifications. (See Under 19 Variations) Teams are organized in divisions and play a round-robin schedule. Division I teams also participate in an EPRU Championship.
The EPRU Girls High School Rugby Program is directed by the Girls High School Coordinator. Besides coordinating the scheduling of matches, tournaments and All-Star play, the Coordinator is a liaison between the participating teams and the EPRU.
The EPRU Girls High School Coordinator is responsible for all facets of the high school program.
Girl's High School Coordinator - Responsibilities
Organize league by geography and talent to assure maximum competitiveness
Organize agenda and annual coaches meeting
Prepare league schedule and communicate to membership
Communicate in a timely fashion to membership re league rules, match reporting procedures, protest procedures
Mediate disputes between members
Interact with Referee Society to maximize use of scarce referee resources
Assist EPRU Secretary with the collection of necessary annual paperwork and dues
Interact with USA Rugby U19 coaches/administrators to assure that EPRU players receive selection consideration
Input match results weekly in a timely fashion
Assure that venues exist for end-of-season playoff matches/tournaments
At the conclusion of league season organize playoff brackets/match-ups
Organize committees as required to manage selected league functions
Organize and oversee an All-Star program
Prepare and monitor an annual budget for EPRU HS-related expenses
Communicate player development camp opportunities to members
Respond to member inquiries/issues in a timely fashion
Provide support and assistance to newly-formed teams
EPRU 'Safer Rugby News' - The Latest Safety News is Now Available
- As part of its continuing proactive approach towards rugby safety, the EPRU will be issuing a regular newsletter to help clubs to be best prepared for the care of their players. Contact: John O'Donnell, ATC, rugby@tryod.com, phone: 484-680-4713 , Details »
MARFU Sideline Behavior Policy
- This policy is applicable to all matches played under the direct jurisdiction of the Mid-Atlantic RFU (MARFU), such as, but not limited to, League matches, Playoff matches and MARFU Qualifiers , More detail »
Real American Rugby Stories--- Video Clip
- Enjoy this clip of young deaf players playing rugby,
http://www.realamericanstories.com/hydemodel-rugby/ , More detail »
YOU Can Reach Thousands of Rugby Players !!
- How? Advertise on the EPRU Website! Tournaments, Fundraisers, Businesses, Club Sponsors, Rugby Suppliers, etc. High hit volume and low prices.. , Advertising Details »
Making Rugby Safer and Medical Preparedness
- Have you read the EPRU's proactive safety practices "Making Rugby Safer"? If not, please take the time to do so. Is your Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place? Do you have Medical Coverage at your matches? Contact: John O'Donnell, ATC, rugby@tryod.com, phone: 484-680-4713 , Link to EPRU Safety/Risk Mgmt Program »
EPRU Field Preparation and Sideline Policy
- All clubs are to adhere to this important Policy aimed at improving the playing environment and enhancing the enjoyment of the match by everyone. , Details »
Jul 21, `09
8th Annual East Stroudsburg Rugby Player Development Camp
- In its eighth year, the East Stroudsburg Rugby Player Development Camp has been the premier co-educational rugby camp focused on improving athletes’ foundation and knowledge of the game. The camp continues to grow in size and was registered to capacity this year. The campers’ enthusiasm and eagerness to learn as well as the instructors’ inspiration and love of the game are instrumental in the camp’s success. Contact: Kevin Castner, castner@live.com, phone: 570-460-2626 , More detail »
Jul 7, `12
Cheesesteak 7s
- at Anson B. Nixon Park, Kennett Square for 40 teams; 16 Club Men, 16 Club Women, 4 HS Boys, 4 HS Girls. Entry fee $225 for Club Men & Women, $125 for HS, due by June 29. After June 29, $250 and $150 respectively. Contact: Patricia Delamere, president@brandywinerugby.org, phone: 716-698-5795 , Details »
Jun 30, `12
Harrisburg 7s
- Campbelltown Volunteer Fire Company, Route 422, Annville, PA. Brackets for Club Men & Women and HS/U19 Boys & Girls. Entry fee $200 before June 1, $250 after.
Contact: Mike Snyder
Phone: 717-566-3237 x 309 or 717-533-9893
Contact: Mike Snyder, msnyder@dtma.com, phone: 717-566-3237 x 309 , Details »
May 19, `12
Subaru 7s
- at Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington, DE for 44 teams. Combination of Club Women, College Men & Women, HS Boys & Girls and U15 Non-Contact. All teams are guaranteed 3 games. Trophies to all group winners and runners-up. Entry fee $100 to $250 due by May 11.
Proceeds support the Delaware Rugby Foundation Contact: Andy Newcombe, ACNewcombe@comcast.net, phone: 302-584-5999 , Details »
May 17, `12
UPDATED: Payments Currently Due to EPRU
- Does your team owe dues, fines or Fairmount Park permit fees? , Go to Payments Page »
Feb 25, `12 - Feb 26, `12
3rd Annual Frost Bite Pre-Season Rugby Tournament
- Hosted by Hempfield Knightmare RFC and Roses Athletic Club at Hempfield HS, Lancaster, PA Contact: Tom Hallowell, THallowellPA@gmail.com, phone: 717-434-8383 , More detail »
Jan 15, `12 - Jan 31, `12
Deadline for HS/U19 Teams to Submit Paperwork & Dues
, More detail »
Jul 16, `11
Marsh Creek Challenge 7s Tournament and Youth Showcase
- hosted by Downingtown RFC - Contact: Scott Brown, brownies726@gmail.com, phone: 484-678-3444 , More detail »
Jul 7, `11 - Jul 10, `11
10th Annual Player Development Camp, East Stroudsburg, PA
- Open to all high school and college males & females of all levels and abilities Contact: Kevin Castner, castner@live.com, phone: 570-460-2626 , More detail »
Apr 26, `11
Concussion Testing Now Available for all EPRU Athletes
- get a Baseline Test for only $8.00 Contact: John O'Donnell, ATC, rugby@tryod.com, phone: 484-680-4713 , More detail »
Apr 20, `11
State Based Rugby Proposed For EPRU High School Teams
- A crowd of 24 interested EPRU club administrators recently gathered to hear Kurt Weaver of USA Rugby explain the benefits of creating State Based Rugby Organizations (SBRO) for High School teams. Contact: Joe Grohovsky, jgrohovsky@gmail.com, phone: 215-595-5553 , More detail »
Apr 10, `11
Six Rookie Rugby Teams Created in Delaware
- the Delaware Rugby Foundation has made great strides in getting rugby into six schools Contact: Christopher Wierzbowski, chris@derugbyfoundation.org, phone: 603-209-0686 , More detail »
Apr 9, `11
Concussion Symptoms Differ in Male, Female Athletes
- according to a new study , More detail »
Mar 16, `11
EPRU Pilots IRB Level 2 Coaching Course
- first IRB Level 2 coaching course held in this country! , More detail »
Feb 4, `11
24 Hour Fitness and USA Rugby Offer Special Member Rate
- Get fit for the new rugby season with USA Rugby and 24 Hour Fitness - USA Rugby members get an exclusive membership rate! , More detail »
Dec 1, `10
Spectators Guide to Rugby
- Get the Spectators Guide to Rugby for your parents, friends. Easy to print pdf file , More detail »
Nov 28, `10
New Book 'Earth Angels' Focuses on Heroism of Women's Rugby Team
- IUP Women helped survivors of a multi-vehicle accident on the PA Turnpike. , More detail »
Nov 26, `10
IRB Releases Law Amendments
- Changes Put Player Welfare First , More detail »
Nov 24, `10
There's an App for that ! New Rugby Laws App Now Available
- IRB launches an innovative application for universal download of the Game's Laws. , More detail »
Nov 19, `10
USA Rugby Offers New Insurance Plan for Members
- a Voluntary Rugby Accident Policy is now available , insurance@usarugby.org , More detail »
Oct 21, `10
IRB Launches New Player Welfare Website
- The International Rugby Board has launched a new interactive Player Welfare website aimed at educating and informing the global Rugby family on best-practice medical and player welfare policies and research. , More detail »
Sep 12, `10
CDC, USA Rugby Partner for 'Heads Up' Concussion Awareness
- to help coaches, players, match officials, and parents identify and manage concussions in rugby.
, More detail »
Aug 30, `10 - Nov 10, `11
2011 National Playoff and Championship Dates
- Check these dates before you plan your schedule Contact: Lindsay Tiernan, Events Manager, USA Rugby, LTiernan@usarugby.org, phone: 303.539.0300 x 106 , More detail »
Aug 20, `10 - Sep 5, `10
2010 Women's World Cup, London, England
- USA Women in Pool B in the 6th Women's World Cup facing 2006 runners-up England, as well as Ireland and Kazakhstan. , More detail »
Jun 1, `10
Sports Authority Stores Now Carrying Rugby Balls
- the following stores in the EPRU area now carry rugby balls , More detail »
Mar 15, `10
The Rise of American Rugby - Rugby Movie
- A Giant Awakens is a 60 minute HD documentary that explores 130 years of rugby in America. Order it now , More detail »
Feb 12, `10
MARFU U23 Women - Warm Up Drill
- A video of the MARFU U23s warming up with some grass drills got picked up by Dan Cottrell's Better Rugby Coaching. , More detail »
Jan 7, `10
EPRU Welcomes Dr. Brian Reiter
- The EPRU is excited to have Dr. Reiter as a go-to resource for orthopedic injuries with same-day or next-day availability to rugby players. , More detail »
Dec 2, `09
HS Players - Find a College With a Rugby Program
, More detail »
Oct 28, `09
USA Rugby's College Rugby Project - Important Information for HS Rugby Players
- The College Rugby Project is a database of colleges with rugby programs containing information on both the program and the institution. The document is updated each week with new submissions. , More detail »
Oct 2, `09
I Play Rugby - watch USA Rugby's new promo video
- Excellent - share it with your family and friends , More detail »
Aug 26, `09
USA Rugby Announces Change in Under 20 Women's National Team Eligibility
- To be eligible for the Women Under-20’s squad for the upcoming season players must be under 20 years old on September 1, 2009. This is a change to the prior date of January 1, 2010 , More detail »
Jun 18, `09
EPRU U19 Girls Win Tournament in Charlotte, NC
- go undefeated and dominate the Georgia Rugby Union, the Florida Rugby Union and the host North Carolina Rugby Union , More detail »
Jun 15, `09
EPRU Announces Winners of Essay Contest
- Four chosen as winners - will attend camp tuition free , More detail »
Jun 12, `09
2009 EPRU Under 19 Girls All-Stars Chosen
- team to travel to Charlotte, NC for tournament
Contact: Tony DeRemer, aderemer@wcupa.edu, phone: 610-517-6385 , More detail »
May 19, `09
USA Rugby Announces Newest Partnership with Better Rugby Coaching
- The Coach Development Department is excited to announce its partnership with Better Rugby Coaching, an online resource dedicated to the betterment and continuous education of rugby coaches around the world. Contact: Mollie McCarthy, USA Rugby, mmccarthy@usarugby.org , More detail »
Mar 30, `09
IRB Issues Monthly Coaching Newsletter
- Check out the latest coaching news. , More detail »
Rugby Magazine Launches New High School Rugby Publication
- a free, oversized 8-page newsletter for American teenage rugby players.
, More detail »
Mar 1, `09
USA Rugby Launches Rookie Rugby Club
- USA Rugby is launching a new online club and educational resource for youth rugby supporters. The Rookie Rugby Club is a social-networking website that allows players, coaches, referees and educators to connect and learn about the game Contact: Mark Griffin, USA Rugby Director, Youth and HS, mgriffin@usarugby.org , Learn more about Rookie Rugby »
Feb 24, `09
Your Club and the East Penn Rugby Referees Society
- Everything your clubs needs to know to make a Match Day go smoothly both on and off the field. Contact: David McHugh, David.McHugh@thomsonreuters.com, phone: 973-207-0186 , More details »
Jan 26, `09
Welcome to IRBCoaching.com
- Sign up today for this free and outstanding coaching resource from the IRB. , More details »
Nov 16, `08
High School Rugby Team Breaks Down Barriers
- For members of what is believed to be the nation's first
all-African-American high school rugby team, the sport has opened up new possibilities. , Link to NY Times Articles »
Nov 14, `08
Sebastian River High School Girls' Rugby Team Is Making History
- First-ever HS Varsity Girls Rugby Team is ready to take the field , SHRS Girls Rugby Website »
Oct 22, `08
USA Rugby Launches New Youth and High School Website Format
- Check out the latest info today! , Link to USA Rugby Website »
Oct 18, `08
EPRU HS Player Wins 2008 Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Grant
- Seymira Salamy of State College Girls RFC is selected for grant. , Details »
Jun 14, `08 - Jun 15, `08
RESULTS: EPRU U 19 Girls Compete in Northeast U-19 Tournament
- defeat Met NY 37-10 , Details »
May 11, `08
State College Girls Win Fifth Straight Division 1 Championship
- defeat Doylestown 26-0 in final , Details »
If the standard of rugby in the EPRU, MARFU and USA is to improve, it is vitally important that we introduce our players to the game at an early age. Accordingly, increasing emphasis is being placed on the development of high school and youth rugby programs in our Union. At present the EPRU administers these youth rugby programs: U-19 Boys and Girls, U-15 Boys Contact and U-15 Co-Ed Non-Contact. 
