How is rugby different from American football? Distinctive differences

American football and rugby are similar games. Competitions are held in almost identical fields. The balls are hammered into the same gate. And the very purpose of the game has little difference. Next, I would like to tell you how rugby is different from American football.

Equipment

The form of rugby players is no different from the one worn by athletes playing in the familiar to all of us European football. At the same time in American football, opponents must constantly restrain the offensive actions of the enemy. The speed here is much higher than in rugby. Therefore, athletes wear robust protective equipment, similar to hockey. The outfit for American football is represented by massive breastplates, shields on the shoulders and knees. They also use helmets with visor, which prevent concussion and blows in the face.

Field

Let's continue to talk about what 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. At the same time, all measurements are performed in yards. The fact is that the field is divided into separate zones. Each of them is a 5-yard line. Zones are drawn in solid lines, which indicate to the players what distance it is left to run to the enemy base. On the same bands are defenders, preventing the advance of the opponent.

Transmissions

How is rugby different from American football? In rugby the members of one team have the right to pass only on the cross line or to give the ball back. In arbitrary directions it is allowed to play, hitting the sports projectile with your foot.

American football - a game in which you can direct the ball anywhere. However, the transfer forward for the attack is only one. Further promotion of the ball is due to sprinting strikers' attacks.

Scoring system

How is rugby different from American football? Significant differences exist in the rules. In rugby points are entered into the asset of the attacking team when the ball is successfully entered into the scoring zone. For this is calculated 5 points. From the same place, players subsequently have the right to kick the projectile with a foot. When the ball hits the team, another 2 points are awarded. If there are prohibited receptions on the part of the opponent, in rugby players have the right to make penalties. In the latter case, the defeat of the opponent's gate gives another 3 points.

With regard to the rules of American football, for scoring the player here is enough to bring the ball into the scoring zone. This is called a touchdown. For him, the team is credited with 6 points. Moreover, during the game participants have the right to kick the ball at any time, performing a pass or trying to hit the gate. In case of hitting the frame, the attacking team is credited with 3 points.

Number of players in the team

In rugby on the field as a part of one team have the right to be 15 people. They can change an unlimited number of times, at any time of the match, at the first request of the coach. Based on this rule, rugby is somewhat reminiscent of hockey.

In the same team in American football there are only 11 people. Players can also change without limits. 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 who owns the ball. In American football physical impact can be on any opponent. In this game, as a rule, the bulk of participants is concentrated on personal confrontation. In this case, only a few attack players are engaged in the transfer of the ball.

Do girls play in rugby?

In rugby, women play, like men. However, in this case, this sport is called flag football. This discipline is a specific type of American football, in which rigid contacts between opponents are forbidden. Each player catches the ball and hands it to the partner. To get the opponent out of the game, you do not have to knock him down, but to tear off the flag from the equipment, which is fastened to the belt. For this reason, no protective patches are required on the body.

Duration of the match

In American football, the meeting is divided into 4 halves. Each of them lasts 15 minutes. Between the first and second, as well as the third and fourth halves, breaks for one minute are held, which is enough to get the trainer's instructions, to take a breath, to improve equipment and drink water. At the equator of the duel, in other words - after the second quarter, players rest for 15 minutes.

Rugby match consists of 2 halves of 40 minutes duration. Pauses and forced breaks can occur only if the participants in the fight need medical assistance. The game can be stopped by the arbitrators to resolve disputed issues or watch video episodes. In general, however, the rules of rugby do not provide for breaks.