Rugby For Youngsters: Why Parents Shouldn’t Worry

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The Rugby Football Union (RFU) has advocated rugby as an athletic activity for children. Over the past years, however, there has been a call to ban the contact version of the sport. With the concerns presented by parents and medical professionals, the RFU banned contact rugby until age 18 to fully introduce all other important aspects of the sport to younger players.

In many schools, children have the option to play flag rugby or non-contact tough rugby. As children progress in the sport, tackling and contact are introduced but not encouraged during games. With these rules governing the sport, parents shouldn’t worry about their child getting into rugby.

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Just like other team sports, rugby promotes teamwork. It also develops a child’s confidence and leadership skills. As an intense sport, the different aspects of the game improve the body’s endurance and the mind’s logic. Many teachers have reported that students who have taken up the sport showed better performance in class. The game has also taught its young players to become respectful and giving.

Rugby parents are encouraged to show their support for their young athletes by being involved as a coach or a referee. Parents’ immersion in the sport with their children is a good way to ensure their safety and development.

Brendan Triplett is a rugby enthusiast. He is a fan of PRO Rugby and a regular viewer of the Collegiate Rugby Championship. Find out more about Brendan and his interests on Twitter.

Wearable Technologies Keep Rugby Players Safer

Rugby is a contact sport where players wear very little protection. This improves their agility and speed but does open them to injury. Coaches and medical professionals have always debated on the proper way to protect players; how much can be done without changing the way the game is played? The answer, it seems, is in wearable technologies.

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The initial aim of wearable technologies was to detect illnesses and symptomatic responses in patients with chronic conditions. These devices were plugged in a machine that kept track of these changes. Emergency personnel or family members were immediately alerted when there were dramatic shifts in patterns. Eventually, these technologies expanded for more general health purposes; body rhythms along with heart rates could be easily monitored. Many health-conscious individuals warmly received this development.

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Then, scientists realized that these technologies could be used to detect potential injuries. When their first use was combined with gradual iterations, wearable devices were now being designed specifically for contact-intensive sports. One of the first sports to be tested was rugby. Players were fitted with customized devices that tracked heart rate and measured the amount of force being felt with each tackle or fall. If the pressure was deemed to be potentially dangerous, coaches were alerted. The player was then tagged for special observation. After two to four more of these dangerous tackles, coaches would be recommended to bench their player – even if there is no visible sign of injury. This is a preventive measure.

The technology still has to be further studied and experimented on, but many coaches are open to the change.

Brendan Triplett is an avid rugby enthusiast. For more rugby updates, subscribe to this Twitter account.

The Nuances of Rugby with Brendan Triplett

The Ins and Outs of Rugby

If you have never followed the game of rugby, this sport may at times seem either amusing or confusing. After all, what other sport would have a situation that would call for a scrum, which is an unusual pitching of the forces of one team against another by the forwards of each team connecting together as one unit through interlocking their arms and then dropping their heads down and ramming forward into the other team which is similarly bound together, all with the idea of gaining possession of the rugby ball and then kicking it backwards towards the rest of their team.

One person who has a keen understanding and appreciation of the sport and art of rugby is Brendan Triplett. While Brendan loves to write about this game for other fans and for newbies interested in learning more of the fascinating sport, he also recalls the many years during high school and college when he was on the field and in the scrums in efforts to help push his team to victory. Even when he joined the United States Army,rising quickly to infantry sergeant, it was not long before he got ad hoc teams together and taught them about the fun and beauty of this wonderful game. Many of his troops quickly saw how much military training and rugby training were alike, so needless to say, many of them took to rugby like a duck does to water.

Brendan Triplett still says that those Army years were the most special in his life. After he was honorably discharge with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, Brendan Triplett stays in the game of rugby by writing about it as a journalist. Readers have come to greatly appreciate his perspective and can see that they are reading about the game through the eyes of a real rugby player. See for yourself and learn about rugby: you can find Brendan Triplett on Facebook and read his writings at his blog.

Brendan Triplett Loves Rugby

Getting into the Game of Rugby

As a former player and an eternally avid fan, Brendan Triplett sees many parallels between life and the game of rugby. Often seemingly brutal and forceful, once in the midst and flow of this game a player also experiences the art and poetry of this rather rugged and manly sport. Sometimes, as in life, when the going is particularly tough you simply hunker down and push ahead, and then in that effort, there are moments when the obstacle that has been pushed against simply seems to evaporate and all of a sudden, one is running, almost flying, without any effort or resistance.

For Brendan Triplett, this is the beauty and totality of rugby. Those who have neither participated in nor watched the game at any length can capture the subtlety of play, but with a little guidance and education, you can learn to fully appreciate the nuances of rugby. There are good reasons why Brendan Triplett is particularly qualified to offer his insights and point of view to rugby. Ever since his teens, Brendan Triplett has been on the field and in the middle of scrums while bringing his all-out effort to contribute to a winning match. From high school and through college, this was Brendan Triplett’s favorite pastime.

Even when he joined the United States Army, Brendan could see parallels between the discipline and teamwork of the military and rugby, and he contributed the experiences he gained on the playing field to his commitment to the Army and quickly reached the rank of infantry sergeant.

Upon his honorable discharge from the United States Army, Brendan Triplett was honored to also carry away a Purple Heart and Bronze Star medal. While he can no longer be on the rugby field, he stays in the game by writing about this inspiring sport, bringing his knowledge and field experience to the writing table.

To gain greater appreciation for the great sport of rugby, you can like Brendan Triplett on Facebook and follow his blog.

Core Workout For Rugby Players

Core strength is vital for a rugby player’s in-field performance. While a lot of game points are from the high kicks players display, their core holds their bodies still. It allows the player’s body to have fuller force. It is the foundation of the body, which helps strengthen the limbs. Here are some workout routines that will help improve rugby players’ performance.

Turkish getup

Lie on the floor, face up next to a kettlebell or dumbbell. Press the kettlebell or dumbbell vertically above the shoulder. Keep the elbow locked and the wrist straight. Sit up and bring the foot up on the same side. Push off the foot and turn into a kneeling position on the other leg. Straighten the torso, and then stand up straight. Repeat as needed.

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Abdominal brace

Lie facing downwards while supporting the body using the forearms and toes. Ensure that the ankles, hips, and shoulders are aligned. Brace the abdominal area and hold for 60 seconds.

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Bench dips

Place hands on a bench’s edge and support the body weight with the feet. Maintain vertical torso position and lower the body until the upper arms are equidistant to the floor. Extend the elbows and return to the starting position after. Complete the exercise with three sets of eight repetitions.

Brendan Triplett is a former infantry sergeant, rugby enthusiast, and author. Learn more about the tough game of rugby by vising this blog.

Fun Facts About Rugby

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When the masses watch rugby, a lot of them see the brutality of the sport. Groups of massive, bulky men with unbelievable athleticism and toughness try to outmaneuver and outsmart each other to try to get their ball to the opposing team's territory. But there’s a lot more to rugby than that. Here are some fun facts people may not know about this amazing sport.

• The first rugby balls were made from the bladders of pigs and were difficult to catch and hold on to.
• Rugby was only played in the modern Olympic Games four times – 1900, 1908, 1920, and 1924. The United States won in 1920 and 1924, making the country the winningest in the sport in Olympic history. 
•  Legend has it that a team is singing a national anthem before a game was first done in a rugby match. The Welsh sang their national anthem in Cardiff in 1905.
• The record for the most points ever scored in a rugby match was accomplished by the New Zealand All Blacks, when they trounced Japan 145-17 in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The largest margin of victory though happened in 2003, when the Aussies defeated the Namibian team, 142-0.
• Rugby and basketball have a tight connection. James Naismith, the person credited with the invention of basketball cited football, lacrosse, baseball, hockey, and rugby as influences when he came up with basketball.

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Brendan Triplett served in the U.S. Army as an infantry sergeant from 2001 to 2009. He was also awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Drexel University. His sport of choice is, of course, rugby. Learn more about this fascinating sport by visiting this blog.

Honor Roll: The History Of The Order Of The Purple Heart

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The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces, who were injured by an instrument of war and posthumously granted to the family of soldiers who were killed or died of wounds received in combat. The Purple Heart is often described as the oldest medal in the military.

The recognition was created 0n Aug. 7, 1782, by no other than Gen. George Washington and was called the Badge of Military Merit back then. During the waning days of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress prohibited Washington from granting commissions and promotions in rank as recognition for merit. But with the desire to still honor merit, the badge was established.

The purple, heart-shaped piece of silk, with a thin silver edge that had the word Merit stitched on the face in silver, was presented to a soldier for meritorious service or bravery in combat. By wearing it, the awardee was able to pass guards and sentinels without challenge. As soon as the revolution ended, the Badge of Merit was largely forgotten until Feb. 22, 1932 – the bicentennial of Washington’s birth.

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Gen. Douglas MacArthur helped in reviving the award, with the U.S. War Department eventually announcing the creation of the Order of the Purple Heart. It is now awarded to the soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation.

Former infantry sergeant Brendan Triplett has been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal for his services in the U.S. Army. Learn more about him here.

Japan Puts 38M Yen Golden Rugby Ball For Sale

Recently, Japan unveiled its 38M Yen (US $360,000) golden rugby ball in Tokyo as a tribute to the country’s shocking win against South Africa in last year’s World Cup. The golden ball is said to weigh around 2.8 kg and is currently displayed in the country’s oldest department store chain, Mitsukoshi. 

The golden ball is the object of much interest, not only for its weight and determinedly brilliant appearance, but for its representation of Japan’s first world tournament win in 24 years. It is hoped that the golden ball’s display and eventual sale will inspire the Brave Blossoms further when Japan hosts the next World Cup in 2019. 

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In Asia, Japan’s national rugby team have continually shocked the prevailing order in the sport. They are arguably the strongest Asian team today, and international players are impressed most by the size and speed of Japanese rugby players. There is usually a sense of superiority among opposing teams which the Japanese readily outsmart. The Japanese rugby team have participated in every World Cup event since 1987 and have performed well in all of the editions.

The Brave Blossoms’ 34-32 win over South Africa’s Springbooks was a remarkable upset in the latter’s home soil. Most bets were placed on the more well-known South African team. The Japanese win therefore went against all odds and expectations. 

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The golden rugby ball might augur and inspire not just singular victories but a continuous winning streak for the Japanese in future World Cup editions. 

Brendan Triplett is a former infantry sergeant who loves rugby. Visit this Twitter account for the latest in the sport.

Seizing The Game: The Origins Of Rugby

Rugby is a well-loved sport around the world, but not a lot of people know about its unique origins. This great British treasure has a long and rich history and has been evolving ever since.

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Many say that the game has been famous for over 2,000 years. According to folklore, the Romans used to call the game “harpastum,” which is a Greek word for “seize.” In Medieval England, young men leave work early to compete in their village or town’s football games.

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However, a popular belief is that in 1823, a rugby school student named William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it during a soccer match. The person who made the story viral was local author and antiquarian Matthew Bloxam. Although a lot of people dismiss his account, historians from the rugby school think that this is accurate.

Before the Ellis “incident,” a local shoemaker named William Gilbert has been supplying balls to rugby school. The first balls were bigger and rounder than today’s standard. Gilbert established his company and worked with Lindon. They replaced the bladder inner tubes with rubber and did more modifications with the ball. Many years later, Gilbert is known around the world for producing quality rugby sporting materials.

A significant moment in the game’s evolution was the writing and printing of the rules. The rules of football were recorded for the first time at Rugby School. It was initiated by Isaac Gregory Smith, Walter Waddington Shirley, Frederick Leigh Hutchins, and William Delafield Arnold. Charles Harcourt Chambers illustrated the rules with images of rugby football.

Learn more about rugby by following this Brendan Triplett Twitter account.

The Bronze Star Medal: A Symbol of Courage and Valor

A military decoration in the shape of a star, inscribed with the words “Heroic Achievement” and the recipient’s name at the reverse side of the medal is awarded to members of the U.S. military who sacrificed to safeguard the country. The Bronze star medal is pinned on to soldiers and veterans in honor of their heroism while in combat with opposing military forces.

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Under Executive Order No. 9419, the award specifically recognizes heroism in ground battles, which means that aerial service is excluded. Acts of bravery and valor should be exhibited in the battlefield. Bravery of the highest form is endowed with either the Legion Merit or the Silver Star medal.

Veterans who served between December 7, 1942 and September 2, 1945 and had been recipients of the Combat Infantryman’s Badge can also receive a bronze star medal upon application. The medal is annotated with a bronze “V,” which stands for valor. Soldiers and veterans could be awarded multiple times for valor, however, only one “V” should be worn or attached to the ribbon of the bronze star medal.

Honoring real-life heroes is one of the ways the state and the people could show their gratitude and recognition to these men in uniform. The bronze star medal may just be a small decoration but it symbolizes pride and value for soldiers’ contributions to the preservation of the country.

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A former infantry sergeant in the American army, Brendan Triplett has been awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. Follow this Twitter page to know more abut him.

Creative Concerns in Using Pseudonyms

The mention of an author’s name could bring excitement or disdain among book lovers. Names like J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, or Mark Twain could bring about opinions about their body of work. Aspiring authors have the choice to use their own name or to pick another one that has the potential to be iconic.

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Some authors use pseudonyms because they are from a different field or have been known earlier as a writer in a different genre. A horror novelist may want to switch courses and explore the historical romance genre, or a well-known physics professor may want to write an epic-like narrative. However, some authors use pseudonyms because they want to hide from their friends and families. Bearing in mind all these, an author must carefully consider the name he or she will use. When creating a pen name, an author must keep in mind that he or she will stick with it for a long time. So before using random adjectives as a pen name, spend some time and list down choices. Be clever.

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Names create impressions. When a reader browses through the shelves and sees the book cover with the author’s pseudonym on it, there has to be an interesting ring. Some people base their next purchase on the cover design. There are also a group of readers who like to pick up books after seeing a name they don’t recognize yet. An author’s goal is to gain a new patron. The challenge is to create a pseudonym that will capture their interest. 

Brendan Triplett is a former infantry sergeant, a Purple Heart awardee, rugby fan, and an author, who has penned books under the name Michael Westen. To know more about Brendan and his many interests, subscribe to this blog.