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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’s practice facilities are on IRB (International Rugby Board) regulation-sized artificial turf rugby pitches on Randall’s Island, which is located on the north-east tip of Manhattan.
What's your game/practice schedule?
In spring and fall, practices are typically Monday and Wednesday 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?
To enable new ruggers to join the sport of rugby, Gotham holds rugby boot camps in the spring and fall. Attendance at these averages 40-50 people and allows each of them to join the sport by joining Gotham, supported by its strong coaching staff, and members. Many students have attended our boot camps.
As an alternative to boot camp, come along to any practice or game, and introduce yourself to any of the members and staff. Or get in touch via the email address below and we’ll aim to provide ways to join Gotham.
The Gotham boot camp is a great opportunity to introduce new players to Gotham Knights RFC and the great sport that is rugby and to participate in traditions such as singing rugby songs, playing games, and kangaroo court. All athletic backgrounds and levels are welcome.
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. The best way is to come to boot camp or practice, and then if the sport is for you, join Gotham, practice, and play competitively.
Any restrictions on membership (age, gender, etc.)?
The only restrictions are that you need to be 18 or over and have 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.
Our membership schedule outlines all levels of membership, although we can offer specific payment plans depending on circumstances. Full membership entitles you to participation in 15s practices, games and tournaments in the spring and fall, as well as 7s practices, games and tournaments in the summer, and touch-rugby in the winter, attendance at all drink-ups at games and tournaments, transportation to / from all away games, access to member socials, including end-of-season events. Full membership covers the cost of a rugby jersey, shorts, and socks.
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?
Besides getting to mercilessly tackle guys for 80 minutes? The camaraderie on this team is a rare find in this city. 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.
What's the worst part of being on the team?
There are no bad aspects to this team. Well, maybe the occasional bruise, strain, sprain etc. The good outweighs the bad. Fast and rough, rugby is a physically demanding sport. Everyone should try it, but it’s not for everyone.
info
gothamrfc [dot] org