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Frequently Asked Questions
Founded When? Any history you'd like to share?
How many in your team or league?
What is your season / practice schedule?
What's your game/practice schedule?
When do you accept new team members?
What's the process for joining the team? (Do you accept all comers or do you audition?)
Any restrictions on membership (age, gender, etc.)?
Social benefits? Do people get together for other (not specifically-exercise-related) events?
What's the best part of being on the team?
What's the worst part of being on the team?
Founded When? Any history you'd like to share?
Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club was founded in 2001, by Scott Glaessgen in honor of his friend and intended cofounder Mark Bingham, hero of Flight 93 on September 11th 2001. The inspiration of Mark’s life, work, and dedication to the sport of rugby led Scott and other New York City rugby players to meet in late 2001 to establish Gotham Knights RFC.
Gotham Knights Rugby Football Club’s mission is to:
1. Increase diversity within the sport of rugby
2. Develop competitive teams on local, national and international levels
3. Provide a welcoming and learning environment for new ruggers who would like to join the sport
4. Support the growth of rugby in New York and beyond
How many in your team or league?
Gotham has 60 current playing members and approximately another 40 supporting, occasional or alumni members. As a member of the Metropolitan New York Rugby Football Union, Gotham competes against teams from all around the Tri-State area. Gotham is also a member of IGRAB (International Gay Rugby Association and Board). It competes biannually at the Bingham Cup. In 2008 Gotham won a position in the Northeast Rugby Union playoffs in Buffalo, and competed against some 30 teams from around the world in the Bingham Cup in Dublin in which it was placed the top team in North America. Gotham has toured extensively, including to Seattle, Dallas, DC, San Diego, Dublin, London and San Francisco.
What is your season / practice schedule?
Gotham operates most of the year around. The two key seasons are the spring and fall, when Gotham holds practices twice per week, and competes in matches and tournaments each weekend throughout the tri-state area against other Metropolitan New York Rugby Football Union teams.
In the summer and winter “off-seasons”, Gotham participates in 7s rugby tournaments in the tri-state area and beyond, and holds fitness, skills and touch rugby sessions, open to anyone who wants to join in.
Our event calendar details the time, location and travel directions of all practices and games.
Gotham practices in facilities around the NYC area. Currently our practices are being held at Indoor and Outdoor facilities on Roosevelt Island. Please check our Home Page and Practice Schedule for more information.
What's your game/practice schedule?
Practices are typically two days/week in the evenings, with matches most Saturdays. Our event calendar details the time, location and travel directions of all practices and games.
When do you accept new team members?
Recruits experienced in Rugby and those new to the sport are encouraged to come out to practice immediately.
Twice a year we host Rugby 101 Boot Camp events geared towards teaching newcomers the sport of Rugby. Anyone can learn to play and sometimes the best way to do that is simply to start practicing with us.
What's the process for joining the team? (Do you accept all comers or do you audition?)
We have a competitive "A" side and a social "B" side. No matter what your ability or prior experience, we have a spot for you. Our club includes ruggers and USA Rugby-certified coaches who are ex-pats from England, Ireland, Australia, etc., who were born with a rugby ball in hand, athletes who come to Gotham from other sports including American Football, soccer, and basketball, as well as players who never touched a ball before. Join the team simply by attending training or registering for and attending Rugby 101.
Any restrictions on membership (age, gender, etc.)?
The only restrictions are that you need to be 18 or over and have basic medical insurance. As the Rugby Football Union does not allow co-ed teams, women are welcome to join Gotham for practice and social, but could not play in Union matches.
Gotham Dues are $150 - Annual fee, $150 - Winter/Spring, $150 Summer/Fall. Dues are collected at the start of each season but can be staggered or sponsored. Members in need of membership financing options are encouraged to contact info
gothamrfc [dot] org. Members can pay online at anytime or via check/cash at training. Rugby 101 registration Fee will go towards paying that season's membership dues.
Social benefits? Do people get together for other (not specifically-exercise-related) events?
This is one of the areas where Gotham excels. You’ll love it. In rugby you play your heart out on the pitch and then celebrate with the other team in one of Gotham's “third half" socials, infamous as some of the best fun you will ever have with your clothes on. In addition, Gotham organizes dinner after every practice and other socials nearly every week. Furthermore, Gotham participates in community outreach programs, to groups, such as Play Rugby USA, which aims to support development of youth Rugby, and raises funds for groups such as God’s Love We Deliver.
What's the best part of being on the team?
There is a truly amazing bond that occurs between players at gotham. The intensity of the game leads to deep loyalties and friendships among teammates. You may come to Gotham for the fun of the game, but you'll likely find a family. This is a rare quality that puts Gotham over most other rugby clubs in the NYC area.
What's the worst part of being on the team?
Rugby is a physically demanding sport and may not be suitable for everyone. If you can handle the occasional bruise or sprain and have medical coverage to protect you in case of an accident everything will be alright.
infogothamrfc [dot] org