Colby College has decided to end its men's and women's rugby program due to lack of financial support from the administration and due to a "growing awareness of health and safety risks of a high collision/impact sport." We, as a group of alumni, students and supporters, feel that this decision was made too quickly and without any communication on what costs were required. We demand that the Administration provide a detailed byline of the costs needed to keep the program going, and discuss other possibilities in which the College can support the rugby program.
Sign the petition to the Colby College Administration to save Colby Rugby and let them know that as a student, alumni or supporter, you think the Colby Rugby program should be preserved too. *If you are an alumni or student, or parent to an alumni or student, please note the class year in the name field, e.g. John Smith, '06 or Bob Smith, P '06.
For the past 30 years, two seasons of the year, the rugby program has taught hundreds of students lessons of fair play on the field, provided a strong sense of camaraderie, and most importantly, taught how to become part of a team. For some, it has even helped students come out of their shell and evolve as young adults, bridging friendships among new faces, and ultimately helping to make the most out of their College experience. Now it's time to save this program that provides so much more to students than just a chance to run on the field. Join us and help keep the game alive!
To stay involved, visit http://www.colbyrugbyalumniassociation.com.
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
November 22, 2013
Reached 1,000 supporters
November 21, 2013
November 21, 2013
We just hit 100 signatures to save Colby Rugby. Email the administration today to demand a transparent budget meeting.
Reached 100 supporters
November 21, 2013
November 20, 2013
We need to hit the 1,000 signature mark before we deliver this to the administration. Post this link on your Facebook page right now and text three friends who played for the team to get them on board today.
1,463 Comments
School admin should take a look at the strict regulations the IRB has instituted regarding even the *hint* of a concussion. Far, far more stringent than amateur and NFL football. Rugby culture does not treat head injuries as lightly as football culture does.
The lessons learned from the Rugby pitch at a competitor school to Colby have shaped skills I use daily in my career and taught me more practical skills of teamwork and communication compared to my collegiate classes. Please continue the Colby rugby team!
I did not play rugby myself but I met all of my best friends because they played rugby together. My Colby experience would not have been the same without Colby rugby. It would be a tragedy to get rid of this sport that brings lifelong friends together.
Bowdoin womens's rugby alum here - no sport is as inclusive, no sport is as comprehensive, and no sport brings different schools together like rugby does. These programs should be growing, not closing. See article in the Portland Press Herald,Nov 21, 2013.
Colby Rugby was an important part of my Colby experience. I made friends with a broad spectrum of the Colby student body. Rugby was great that way: it attracted students from every group and part of campus and brought them together! CWRFC must continue.
Caleb Schmidt class of ‘24
Rugby teaches young men and women invaluable lessons in camaraderie, respect, and safety. Please save Colby Rugby!
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Colby College has decided to end its men's and women's rugby program due to lack of financial support from the administration and due to a "growing awareness of health and safety risks of a high collision/impact sport." We, as a group of alumni, students and supporters, feel that this decision was made too quickly and without any communication on what costs were required. We demand that the Administration provide a detailed byline of the costs needed to keep the program going, and discuss other possibilities in which the College can support the rugby program.
Sign the petition to the Colby College Administration to save Colby Rugby and let them know that as a student, alumni or supporter, you think the Colby Rugby program should be preserved too. *If you are an alumni or student, or parent to an alumni or student, please note the class year in the name field, e.g. John Smith, '06 or Bob Smith, P '06.
For the past 30 years, two seasons of the year, the rugby program has taught hundreds of students lessons of fair play on the field, provided a strong sense of camaraderie, and most importantly, taught how to become part of a team. For some, it has even helped students come out of their shell and evolve as young adults, bridging friendships among new faces, and ultimately helping to make the most out of their College experience. Now it's time to save this program that provides so much more to students than just a chance to run on the field. Join us and help keep the game alive!
To stay involved, visit http://www.colbyrugbyalumniassociation.com.
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
November 22, 2013
Reached 1,000 supporters
November 21, 2013
November 21, 2013
We just hit 100 signatures to save Colby Rugby. Email the administration today to demand a transparent budget meeting.
Reached 100 supporters
November 21, 2013
November 20, 2013
We need to hit the 1,000 signature mark before we deliver this to the administration. Post this link on your Facebook page right now and text three friends who played for the team to get them on board today.
1,463 Comments
get real, if you're worried about safety risks pull the plug on the football program. That would be a radical statement and would put Colby ahead of the curve nationally. a ton of money would be freed up for another new fancy building too. A win-win.
School admin should take a look at the strict regulations the IRB has instituted regarding even the *hint* of a concussion. Far, far more stringent than amateur and NFL football. Rugby culture does not treat head injuries as lightly as football culture does.
The lessons learned from the Rugby pitch at a competitor school to Colby have shaped skills I use daily in my career and taught me more practical skills of teamwork and communication compared to my collegiate classes. Please continue the Colby rugby team!
I did not play rugby myself but I met all of my best friends because they played rugby together. My Colby experience would not have been the same without Colby rugby. It would be a tragedy to get rid of this sport that brings lifelong friends together.
Bowdoin womens's rugby alum here - no sport is as inclusive, no sport is as comprehensive, and no sport brings different schools together like rugby does. These programs should be growing, not closing. See article in the Portland Press Herald,Nov 21, 2013.
Colby Rugby was an important part of my Colby experience. I made friends with a broad spectrum of the Colby student body. Rugby was great that way: it attracted students from every group and part of campus and brought them together! CWRFC must continue.
Caleb Schmidt class of ‘24
Rugby teaches young men and women invaluable lessons in camaraderie, respect, and safety. Please save Colby Rugby!
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get real, if you're worried about safety risks pull the plug on the football program. That would be a radical statement and would put Colby ahead of the curve nationally. a ton of money would be freed up for another new fancy building too. A win-win.