Chesapeake Stingers Women's Rugby
CWRFC competes in the Division III South Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference. We travel within the mid-Atlantic region for matches and tournaments. We play 15's in the Fall and Spring and 7's in the summer. Our team consists of players with a wide range of experience levels from those completely new to the sport to those who have played more than 10 years.
All our welcome at CWRFC! Our team fully supports and accepts trans-athletes, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ individuals as teammates and fans.
Due to the unique nature of our team currently being two clubs combined, our practices will be held at two field locations. On Tuesdays, Practices run from 7:30PM-9:30PM and will be held at 9200 Rhode Island Ave, College Park MD. On Thursdays practices run from 7:00PM-9:00PM and are held at the American Legion of Towson located at 125 York Road, Towson MD. The parking lot for the field is located behind Dunkin Donuts and Papa Johns. Practice will start on time, with players arriving 15 minutes early to help set up the field. Team captains will provide any updates on practice location changes.
Captains will run the team through a dynamic warm-up. Coaches will then run the team through drills that cover a wide range of rugby skills like ball handling, tackling and rucking, scrums, set plays, dynamic play, and lineouts. We usually end practices with scrimmage play or touch to enforce what we've learned and strengthen our ability to work together in game situations. We practice in a variety of conditions, including rain and a range of temperatures. If practice is cancelled an email will go out in advance letting players know. It is critical as a player that you make practices whenever possible. Coaches take attendance and it is factored into playing time. Also, practice will simply make you a better player, and that's what it's all about.
Mandatory Practice Gear:
Dress appropriately for the weather. Rugby shorts, a mouth guard, and boots (cleats) are necessary to participate in practice.
Rugby Safety Gear:
For those looking to have some extra protection, there are various options including scrum caps, and rugby grade upper body armor/padding. If you are uncertain of where to purchase any of this gear or what will work best, reach out to your Captain or E-Board and they will help find the best options.
USA Rugby Membership:
All players must have a Current Membership with USA Rugby to be eligible to compete in matches.
CIPP:
All players must CIPP with USA Rugby. Existing players should renew their membership every August. New players must register with USA Rugby. Be sure to select the Chesapeake Women's Team.
Seasonal Dues:
Players, pay your dues! Dues are $150 for vets and $125 for rookies. Remember you can earn $75 of that back through fundraising credits. Member dues go toward all the costs of running the team including: field space, referee fees, equipment, and tournaments.
Dues can be paid using Pay Pal to chesapeakewrfc@gmail.com. Include a note indicating the payment is for membership dues. Dues may also be paid with cash given to our Treasurer. Any Member experiencing financial hardships and in need of a payment plan may also discuss this matter with our Treasurer as well.
If a player or coach is experiencing any symptoms or is sick in any way they should NOT attend practice, games, or other team events and should get tested for COVID-19.
If a CWRFC player tests positive for COVID-19:
It is the player’s responsibility to inform a member of the e-board to allow the team leadership to notify close contacts of a possible exposure. If an individual on CWRFC tests positive for COVID-19 the e-board will notify all close contacts of a possible exposure and inform them of the recommended procedures based on state guidelines and vaccination status. Any individual who tests positive must provide a negative test result to the e-board in order to return to regular play.
Symptoms of COVID-19:
COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea
To ensure the health and safety of all CWRFC players, coaches, and supporters the e-board will keep track of the local COVID-19 trends/positivity rates and make changes to practice and play procedures accordingly.
When the local positivity rate approaches 15% CWRFC will require regular rapid testing and temperature checks for participation in practice and games.
Mask Policy:
CWRFC recommends players follow local guidance on mask wearing and social distancing. Members are welcome to wear masks at practice, games, and other social events at their own discretion. Mask wearing is encouraged in crowded indoor settings like socials and other team events regardless of vaccination status.
