|
Where do you play? When do you play?
The team is currently located at Royal County of Berkshire Sports & Social Club off Sonning Lane in Reading. Please click Find Us for full directions to our home venue. The 2007 season kicks off on the first Sunday in May and the full details are located at the bottom of the front page.
Who do the Renegades play against?
The Renegades compete in Division 2 - South West Conference of the British American Football League. Our conference rivals are the Hampshire Thrashers, Cornish Sharks, Plymouth Admirals & South Wales Warriors. We also play this season against other teams in two interdivisional matches.
But I have never played before, or I have never watched football!!
If you ahve never wated it, well what have you been watching?? Whether you have watched the NFL, college football on TB, you can remember watching Blitz Saturday Mornings on Channel 4 or have never even seen a game before, IT DOES NOT MATTER. We will teach you everything you need to know to play football, from how to stand, how to catch, how to throw and hot to hit. If you have never watched a game, but are interested, come to a training session or a game. We will make you feel welcome and will do our best to explain what is going on. If your still interested after that, and you should be, we'll get you on board!
Aren't you all American?
NO, we are not all American, but we do have Americans that play for us. We are all from different backgrounds and from different countries. The majority of our players however, are of UK origin. We are limited by regulation to the number of Americans that we are able to have playing for the team by EFAF (European Federation of American Football).
Ok, so what do you wear? What do I need to bring? But I don't have any kit?
We wear the following items:
Helmet - with face cage
Shoulder pads
Hip pads
Tail pad
Thigh pads
Knee pads
Football/Rugby boots
Shirt
Football pants
Gum shield/Mouth Guard
If your coming to a training session for the first time, wear a T-shirt, track suit bottoms or shorts and trainers or football/rugby boots. MOST ESPECIALLY PURCHASE AND BRING A MOUTH GUARD/GUM SHIELD AND FIT IT FOR YOURSELF. You will need this at every training session! If you are interested in becoming a member of the team please also bring a pair of passport photographs and 30 GBP with you as these are needed for insurance requirements and are a one-off payment for the season!
Although the Renegades don't have much equipment, we can temporarily loan a limited number of players some equipment, however, it is expected that you are responsible for the purchase of your own equipment. We have details of where you are able to purchase your own equipment from for a reduced price due to links with the club. Not having equipment doesn't mean that you won't be able to practice, however, you may not be able to participate in all drills.
Is it just rugby with pads?
Far from it, the game once derived from it, but it is nothing like Rugby as we know it now. Everything from the rules to what happens on the field is different.
Doesn't it hurt when you hit each other?
We could lie and say it doesn't hurt what-so-ever, but we won't say yes it can. Please note the emphasis on can. You will be taught how to hit properly, so that you minimise the possibility of being hurt.
Your safety is our first priority.
Eventually you'll learn that hitting someone is the best part of the game!
But I'm not very big?
It doesn't matter how big, small, round, square, triangular shaped you are, there is always a place on an American Football team for someone of any build. If you don't believe us come to a training session and see the variety of people that play for us.
Err...I'm female?
Your gender doesn't matter. If you want to play you are welcome to play and train with us. There is nothing in the rules that stop females to play.
I won't make the team?
We can't promise you will get on the pitch for every game, but everyone who puts in the effort will be a member of the team, we arrive as a team, we leave as a team. Even if you don't play you'll learn, and when you get your chance, take it.
How long does a game last? How many players? What's a Down? How many Refs!!
Games last 60 minutes playing time. However, there are times in the game which cause the game clock to stop. Therefore games can last anywhere from 3-4 hours.
The game is broken down into four 15 minutes quarters. At the end of each quarter, you change ends. The object of the game is to score more than your opposition. This can be done in many ways, the one most are familiar with is a Touchdown (TD). A TD is when the ball is in your possession and it enters the Endzone. The Endzones are the sections of the field at both ends of the pitch.
How many players - There are 22 players on the field at any one time. 11 Defence, 11 Offence. However a squad may be much larger than that as there are rolling substitutions to both offence, defence and special teams.
A Down - You have four attempts to travel 10 yards from where you started from or score. The first attempt is 1st Down, the second is 2nd Down and so on. If you fail to travel these 10 yards or score, you change possession.
How many Refs!! - There are at least 3 and upto 7 refs on the field. They are the ones wearing black and white stripes (You can't tackle them, they generally don't like it when you try!). There job is to see that a fair game is played and that everyone adheres to the rules.
O & D and Special Teams?
O is for Offence - they are in possession of the ball and try to score. D is for Defence - they try to stop the Offence from scoring. Special Teams - these are players that take plart in Kick-Off, Kick-Return, Punt and Field Goal. Typically involved in kicking the ball.
I don't want to play, but I want to be part of the team?
That's fine, we always need help with Stats, Water, First Aid, Chain Crew, Ball Boys, we need help with organising, you can photograph the games, write match reports for the local press, basically if you have an idea, Contact Us! We are happy to help!
|
|
