| |
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 |
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 2/18/2023 |
|
| Once again I went 1/3 in the college men's games. Called a 1 point game for the FSU/FIU game so chalking that one up as a moral victory. Boca came through and picked up a win on the road against a quality Tampa team. Orlando almost picked up a road dub, wish I could watch that match! Clean sweep of D4 and high school matches this week. Let's see if I can keep the momentum going in those divisions. I went nuts when I saw the Daytona score. Hats off to them on their first win since moving up this year. It sounds like Sarasota is really trying to turn around their culture. I only go based off of what I see and hear so film AND post your matches if you want to showcase your product! Until then, if you don't like it, do better!
|
| 2/16/2023 2:11:06 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 2/11/2023 |
|
How the Darts Landed Week 2 (10-7) Overall (15-10).
Two big scoring games in the men’s college division with my picks being on the receiving end of the barrage. USF-UNF was a foregone conclusion, almost. Men’s D2 had the most surprises with a tie and Pelicans knocking off an undefeated Tridents. D4 shook out as expected, and one of my D3 picks was wrong because I guess I needed to light a fire under the rear end of the club located in the largest city in the state. I hope you all enjoy the commentary. It’s meant to be fun and it’s based on what I can see. If you don’t like it, do better!
|
| 2/9/2023 2:18:05 PM |
|
| Featured Articles |
| About the COVID-19 (Corona Virus) |
|
| The following policy is for matches, trainings, and union events within the Florida Rugby Union with regard to Covid-19. This has been adopted by the Executive Board and is effective March 12, 2020. We are interested in athlete, referee, and spectator welfare and will continue to monitor and revise this policy as necessary. |
| 3/12/2020 1:08:22 PM |
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| Featured Articles |
| Advanced training methods |
|
| We followed up with Fabian Pourrain about his advanced training methods he has developed for rugby. We wanted to get some details on this approach. |
| 6/25/2019 7:09:20 AM |
|
| Featured Articles |
| UCF goes to Nationals |
|
| UCF was the team that ended first in the general table in FLorida. That gave them a pass for Nationals. Somewhat odd, following week they came back and played vs USF for the Florida Title, which they lost. We talked to coach Fabián Pourrain about the season. |
| 5/28/2019 12:58:39 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for the Florida Finals - 4.21.2018 |
|
| So, the man has decided to predict all 4 mayor finals for this weekend. Well, maybe he was feeling bad for not predicting the semifinals, so here is something for everybody! May the best teams win! |
| 4/20/2018 7:00:50 AM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for March 24, 2018 |
|
| Last regular date for Men's D2 and D3. Final positions will be decided this weekend for the playoffs. |
| 3/21/2018 4:01:37 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for March 17, 2018 |
|
| Just two rounds to go for the mens before the playoffs. After this weekend we will probably have a clear idea of who will be advancing. |
| 3/16/2018 3:32:54 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for March 10, 2018 |
|
| The SW was a little late this week, but the predictions are finally in. With only three rounds to go, this is crunch time for a few teams, specially in D2. |
| 3/9/2018 7:12:08 AM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for March 3, 2018 |
|
| Well, so much for me doing women’s games. Hope you enjoyed my brief foray into that side of things, but I guess some people take this column FAR too seriously. Maybe dismal was the wrong word, but this is meant to be some light-hearted entertainment, folks, not a serious piece of journalism. If you have enough free time to get this angry over something frivolous like this, find a hobby. --SW |
| 3/2/2018 8:14:11 AM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for February 24, 2018 |
|
| A few crucial games this weekend to be played across the state. Let´s see if the man can keep his percentage strong. You can email The Sideline Whisperer at sw@rugbyfl.com or leave your comment on our Facebook page. This post will be pinned untill next week. |
| 2/21/2018 7:54:26 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for February 17, 2018 |
|
| Due to the new format for D2, a decisive weekend is coming up that will determine the fate of a few teams for the rest of the season. Also, some tough games to predict in the D3 league, including the game between leaders, Gainesville and Palm Beach. |
| 2/14/2018 1:32:19 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for February 10, 2018 |
|
| The man is back! Took some effort and getting a sponsor, but let's leave all that behind and now and enjoy his predictions. We have also added the Women D2 to the mix. So, welcome ladies!
Special thanks to the FIU Rugby Alumni for their sponsorship. They are raising awareness for the FIU Rugby College Fund. You may donate to their fund on this page.
A final note as this is something that seems to be confusing. I am not the Sideline Whisperer! I just don't have what it takes to come up with these predictions. It doesn't matter who it is. At the end of day, it's all for fun and to add some excitement to our competitions. Enjoy!
Carlos 'Charlee' Velázquez
Rugby in Florida Owner. |
| 2/6/2018 2:53:30 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 1.21.2017 |
|
| Sorry about last week, loyal readers. I was a little under the weather, and not from an illegal high tackle that would now perhaps produce a yellow or red card. Get low, folks! |
| 1/20/2017 2:09:03 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 12.10.2016 |
|
| As we approach the holiday season, I would like to wish everyone a merry christmas, happy hanukkah, happy kwanzaa and of course, a great festivus. No matter what you celebrate, we all really pray to the oval ball and the joy it brings us, no matter our color, age, sex, orientation or whatever. Rugby is our true religion! |
| 12/9/2016 9:29:49 AM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for December 3 |
|
| Another year, another rugby season in sunny Florida. It was 80 degrees with 85% humidity here this morning, miserable. Not exactly the kind of December weather that gets one in the mood for the holiday season, or the rugby season. But, it's been a while since we've had some proper competitive 15s action in the Sunshine State, so any meaningful rugby is a good thing. |
| 12/1/2016 7:18:52 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Kick off to the 2016-17 season |
|
| Dear readers, while there is one D2 game this weekend, I'm considering the real start of the season to be Dec. 3, when we have three games. So no season preview this week. Enjoy stuffing your face with turkey and carbs, and I'll see you in a couple of weeks. --SW |
| 11/16/2016 1:52:09 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Playoffs! |
|
| All the hard work has led to this: The Playoffs. An old, successful regular season ends, and a new knockout season ends. Well, sort of. Those who win this week in the men's D2 and D3 playoffs will move on, and will actually be guaranteed two more games, regardless if they lose on April 16 on Championship Saturday in Wellington. Of course, everyone wants to be state champions and host a first-round playoff game, so losing is not on anyone's mind at the moment. Win, or go home this weekend, simple as that. |
| 4/1/2016 8:44:16 PM |
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| Featured Articles |
| Referee blindsided |
|
| This incident occured during the Fort Lauderdale vs Orlando game on 2.6.2016, involving a Fort Lauderdale player and the referee. |
| 3/11/2016 11:53:20 AM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 3/12/2016 |
|
| Before I get into my analysis of what is sort of the last week of the season, I want to apologize for my lack of an article last week. I was a little under the weather to say the least, but I'm feeling much more above the weather this week....well, enough to write this piece of junk anyway. Good luck to all the teams playing for something this weekend! |
| 3/10/2016 10:19:27 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 2/27/2016 |
|
| After a great weekend of Ruggerfest and USA/Chile down in Fort Lauderdale, it's back to the action in D2 and D3 this Saturday, with plenty of intriguing matchups. |
| 2/25/2016 6:33:14 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 2/13/2016 |
|
| Crunch time. Why is it called that? I have no clue. Anyway, we're there in D2. Even though some teams have three games left, others have four, and a couple even have five games still to play, this is what those weird Brits call "squeaky bum" time. No idea why they call it that either. |
| 2/4/2016 5:22:58 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 2/6/2016 |
|
| Note from Editor: No intro this week. I guess the guy was too busy or not inspired enough. But, we still have the predictions, that what matters! |
| 2/4/2016 5:22:06 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 1/30/2016 |
|
| Yes, it was a little cold last weekend in the world of Florida rugby, but at least we didn't face Jonah or Snowzilla or whatever you want to call it. |
| 1/28/2016 5:28:24 PM |
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| News |
| Cisco Lopez appointed to AR the USA-Chile game for ARC |
|
| Congratulations to our own FRRA referee Cisco Lopez (Miami) on his USA Rugby appointment as an Assistant Referee for the Americas Rugby Championship test match between USA and Chile, which will be played in Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday February 20, 6 PM at Lockhart Stadium. |
| 1/26/2016 1:13:33 AM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 1/23/2016 |
|
| Ready for some chilly rugby in Florida? The high in Daytona for Saturday's game between the Coconuts and Indian River is only supposed to be 51 degrees. You thought knock-ons were frequent when it's warm down here? Just wait until this weekend. Unless of course Daytona forfeits again after not taking enough to Gainesville last week to field a full team. Always a good way to start to the season, that. |
| 1/21/2016 12:40:33 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 1/16/2016 |
|
| As you can guess, I didn't win the Powerball jackpot. Thus, I'm back here once again. Someone in Melbourne Beach did win $300 million, however, so hopefully it was a member of Indian River or Brevard rugby clubs! That would buy a lot of rugby balls... |
| 1/14/2016 1:55:19 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 1/9/2016 |
|
| Happy New Year to all of my loyal followers. The rest of you, well, I hope you last to see 2017! Maybe by then you'll have jumped on my bandwagon. |
| 1/8/2016 3:47:12 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for 12/19/2015 |
|
| Remember in last week's column when I mentioned how hard it is to repeat as champions? I also said the Tridents would make the playoffs. Of course, I then predicted Orlando would beat the Tridents last week. Boy, was I wrong. |
| 12/17/2015 7:04:30 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Florida Men´s Division II inaugural games |
|
Ahhhh, it feels so good to be back.
For a minute there, I thought I might have to take a season off as the future of this web site was in major doubt, but thankfully some nice people came through to help Charlee Velázquez, the guy who makes this great online place for Florida ruggers happen. If there is anyone who does more for the sport in this state than Charlee, I don't know them yet. |
| 12/10/2015 12:04:00 PM |
|
| News |
| Sevens Overview |
|
| This article is just a quick overview on how the FRU's Sevens Season is structured. |
| 6/7/2015 7:15:04 PM |
|
| Florida Rugby Youth Union |
| Florida State Championships |
|
| One more day until the big Tournament.
Results will be posted as they occur on our Facebook page. |
| 4/24/2015 10:39:53 AM |
|
| High School Swami |
| HS Swami predictions for April 18th, 2015 - HS Semifinals |
|
| Playoffs! Have you seen the Goff Rugby National High School Rankings? Orlando, Naples, Daytona, and Riviera Beach are all in the top 20. Some scoff and say it is one guy’s opinion. Swami agrees but Alex is arguably the most knowledgeable journalist there is on the topic of High School (and College Rugby) in the USA. So, it matters. And these teams are deserving of the recognition. Time for the playoff picks! |
| 4/15/2015 8:54:33 PM |
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| High School Swami |
| Swami HS Predictions for April 11th, 2015 |
|
| It has been a great season for High School Rugby in Florida. There have been some ups and downs and we lost several school based programs over the years. But the HS and youth games in our state have never been stronger. The future is exciting as more and more coaches get involved to bring the game to more and more young men and women. |
| 4/9/2015 3:14:27 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, March 28th. |
|
| Feels good sometimes to bask in the glory!
Gift Time tried his best with our challenge last week, but then I went 8-0. Just call me Kentucky until tomorrow.
With all playoff spots in both divisions pretty much sewn up, barring something ridiculous happening, gonna be short and sweet this week. It's been a long season. |
| 3/27/2015 11:31:52 AM |
|
| High School Swami |
| Swami HS Predictions for March 28th, 2015 |
|
| Here is the week where we learn if what the national journalists are saying is true about our Florida high schools. Are all the North teams that much stronger than the South? 53431 (Numeric code for Swami) believes this to be true. You gotta like the direction of the Youth game today. We are still in our infancy and easy to understand how one coach or a couple of players can tip the balance of power from one season to the next. The state of our union is strong. |
| 3/26/2015 8:57:41 AM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for March 21, 2015 - Special Edition |
|
| Special edition of the predictions for Senior Men for this weekend. We will have side-by-side predictions of the Division II games from our own Sideline Whisperer and from Gift Egbelu from the Gift-Time Rugby Network. (www.GiftTimeRugby.com). It's on! |
| 3/18/2015 6:21:16 PM |
|
| High School Swami |
| Swami HS Predictions for March 21st, 2015 |
|
| The season is hurtling to the end with many teams still with a shot at the playoffs. HS Rugby has a lot of challenges, as we all know: Fields, coaches, Spring Break, SATs, Spring Football, to name a few. Three cheers for the coaches and team managers and Rugby Moms and Dads who have worked hard to give these young men the opportunity to play the Glorious Game at this important time in their lives.
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| 3/17/2015 11:19:55 PM |
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| High School Swami |
| Swami HS Predictions for 3.14.2015 |
|
| All of the high school teams are getting better every week. Swami predicts a lot of close games this week. There is no better way to lift the standard of the game than to play a 10 game season. A tip of Swami's turban to Florida Youth Rugby for putting this schedule together. While there are no official records, 2015 must set the record for the most high school games played in a season in Florida. With the strength of the Juice program, it will not be long before Florida produces another USA Eagle from the HS ranks. (Cam Dolan of Naples was the first.)
|
| 3/11/2015 12:37:59 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, March 7th, 2015 |
|
With only a few games remaining in the regular season, The Sideline Whisperer takes a look at this weekend's great and not-so-great matchups.
Picture by Angie Pachcinski.
|
| 3/5/2015 5:30:30 PM |
|
| High School Swami |
| Swami High School Predictions for 3.7.2015 |
|
| People are getting excited about HS Rugby in Florida! Juice coaches are out scouting at virtually every game! There are college scholarships available. We have an incredible opportunity to grow the sport as more and more young players move into referee and coaching roles - and we need to encourage them! Swami is happy to help create some buzz! No surprise, how I predicted the Krewe win over Riviera Beach last week - the Swami knows when it will rain and who will have the advantage! Email me Swami@rugbyfl.com |
| 3/4/2015 7:14:48 PM |
|
| High School Swami |
| High School predictions for Saturday, February 28th. |
|
| The high school season is in full swing with seven games on the schedule this week. It is very exciting to hear about the strong numbers of kids in the youth programs around the state. Some teams have over 100 kids involved. The game will grow when the parents become interested, when school friend are excited to come out and watch, and when rivalries develop between schools. That is the primary objective for this Swami to write this article and predict these games - to get people talking about our sport! |
| 2/26/2015 5:09:46 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for February 28th, 2015 |
|
| I hope you are all sufficiently sunburnt after Vegas and Ruggerfest. While I didn't get to visit Sin City this year, I did get to watch some action in Fort Lauderdale last weekend, and saw some great high-level rugby that isn't usually showcased in this state of ours. The visitors from Argentina, Alumni RFC, were the real deal, and showed just how further Florida rugby still has to come. Now we get into the stretch run of the season, with both D2 and D3 having games scheduled for four of the next five weekends, finishing up on March 28. |
| 2/26/2015 4:57:45 PM |
|
| High School Swami |
| High School Swami predictions for 2.14.2015 |
|
| We are starting a new weekly section with High School Predictions by the High School Swami. An exciting tournament with 15 teams competing for the title. |
| 2/13/2015 12:07:19 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for February 7th. 2015 |
|
| Man, February is a busy month for rugby. We've got the USA 7s in Vegas next weekend (will it be the last?), and then the rejuvenated Fort Lauderdale Ruggerfest on the 21st-22nd.
And, are you sitting down? We have D3 back in action this week after a two-month hiatus! Partner that with high school and youth rugby now in full swing and things are insane in this second month of the year. |
| 2/5/2015 5:18:13 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, January 31st., 2015 |
|
Rivalries.
They are an integral part of sports and one of the most fun, or most stressful, depending on what kind of fan you are.
When it comes to Florida D2 rugby at this time, there are three main rivalries.
While Tampa and Orlando have a solid mid-state rivalry, they've already played twice this season, with the Griffins coming out on top twice.
Thus, this week we have the two most bitter men's rugby rivalries in the state taking place, with Fort Lauderdale hosting Boca Raton and Miami Tridents hosting Miami RFC.
If you don't get out much in South Florida to see rugby, make this weekend the time to do it. You won't regret it.
And don't forget to email me with your own ramblings at sidelinewhisperer@rugbyfl.com
|
| 1/29/2015 6:15:31 PM |
|
| Florida Rugby Union |
| Florida High Performance Program names roster for upcoming games |
|
| The 25 men roster for the upcoming games for the Florida HPP Men´s side has been released by Head Coach Frank Tito. The selection was made after a tryout session this past Sunday at Indian River. Next training session will be Sunday February the 15th. at Indian River. |
| 1/28/2015 5:02:27 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Prediction for Saturday, January 24th, 2015 |
|
| No one's perfect.
Well, occasionally my picks are, but it's rare and really not much of a reflection on me. More, it's the teams taking care of business on the field as I expect them to.
|
| 1/24/2015 2:56:07 PM |
|
| News |
| 39th Fort Lauderdale Ruggerfest shaping up nicely |
|
| The lineup for the 39th Annual Ruggerfest is shaping up nicely with very qualified and diverse competition across all levels. We are looking to close all brackets at the end of this month, but have not gotten much response from Florida clubs.
Please contact Toby Lawrence at TOBY@FTLRUGBY.COM if your club would like to be part of the action. Teams are encouraged to send developmental players/sides to fill the club division. |
| 1/21/2015 9:01:39 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, January 17th. |
|
| In my preseason D2 predictions, I had South Florida teams in my top three spots. Last week showed me I wasn't a total idiot doing that as all four sides from the area won their games, three of them VERY convincingly. Of course, this area has the highest population concentration, and as such should produce quality rugby year after year, but there are four teams within an hour of each other, including two within a stone's throw, so the talent does get thinned out on occasion. |
| 1/16/2015 8:53:28 AM |
|
| News |
| Rugby in Florida overview. Season 2014-15 |
|
| This article is an attempt to present an overview of how rugby in Florida is currently organized. In this version Sevens is not covered. It may contain some errors or inaccurate information, --my apologies for that--. It is a work in progress. I will post a revised version once I get some feedback, which would be very much appreciated. Please send any comments to charlee@rugbyfl.com
|
| 1/16/2015 1:02:30 AM |
|
| Featured Articles |
| First tryout for USAR South Panthers U19/18 |
|
| The first tryouts are set for a South U19 team that will, when selected, compete in the NACRA U19 Championships next July at Florida International University. |
| 1/14/2015 1:41:26 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for January 10th, 2015 |
|
| Happy new year to all 14 of my loyal readers! I hope you behaved yourselves impeccably over the break and didn't eat yourself from a sleek wing into a lumbering second row over the space of two weeks.
D2 gets back into action this Saturday, while D3 continues to sit in the middle of their insane mid-season break. Will D3 players even remember the laws once they get back on the field in February? Questionable. Thanks, scheduler!
|
| 1/8/2015 9:59:45 AM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Satuday, December 13th, 2014 |
|
| Love me or hate me, I do this column for you guys, the rugby community of Florida. I do it just to get you guys fired up, commenting, talking, or simply visiting this great website that Charlee Velazquez put together three seasons ago to fill a void that wasn't being filled by the Florida Rugby Union. We're not just a "third party site", as some people might refer to us as. We are the must-visit site for all things Florida rugby and will continue to be, no matter what the haters might think.
|
| 12/11/2014 10:37:52 AM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, December 6th, 2014 |
|
| How does one know it's December in Florida? Well, other than the temperatures dropping just slightly below Hades and the roads being plagued with those nasty white and blue Quebec license plates (is Je Me Souviens French for I can't drive particularly well?), we know December is here because men's senior rugby is finally in full swing!
|
| 12/4/2014 1:32:31 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for November 22nd, 2014 |
|
| Well, it didn't take long for the D3 world to be shaken up, did it? And D2, come to think of it.
Picture by Angie Pachcinski |
| 11/21/2014 11:18:25 AM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for November 15th. |
|
| Sorry for the delay this week, people. Sideline Whisperer just sometimes can't get away from his job involving national security to write this column. The safety of the nation comes before rugby, unfortunately! |
| 11/13/2014 11:08:12 AM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, November 8th. |
|
| What an interesting month in rugby October was.
After going 4-0 in my opening weekend of the 18th. I decided against going to All Florida Weekend, and boy am I glad I made that decision. Only six of the 17 men's teams in the state showed up, so I wouldn't have got to do much scouting. And one of those teams was Tallahassee, who are in their first year as members of the FRU! Props to them for making the trip. Pathetic showing if you ask me, and it's clear the union has to do something to get the event back on track. No point in calling it ALL Florida Weekend if less than 50 percent of the men's teams are going to show up. |
| 11/6/2014 4:02:50 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, October 18th 2014 |
|
| Like a bear emerging from hibernation after months of napping, the SW is rubbing his eyes and wondering why he's up after such a glorious rest. |
| 10/17/2014 10:50:30 AM |
|
| News |
| U19 Men Panthers begins preparations for 2015 |
|
| The USA Rugby South u19 program competed for the first time and finished 3rd in the 2014 U19 North America Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Championships. We are beginning preparation for the 2015 NACRA Championships. |
| 10/2/2014 5:47:28 AM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| State Finals D2/D3 Predictions |
|
| Well, folks, as another season of Florida rugby comes to a close, I would like to thank you all for reading the Sideline Whisperer. I do this column for fun and to get people talking, and I hope some of you even got some motivation and/or laughs from my very amateur insight. |
| 4/11/2014 10:48:44 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Florida Rugby Union Men´s D2 & D3 Playoffs |
|
There's nothing quite like the playoffs in sports.
The thrill of knockout competition - knowing that a loss will end your season, but a win would extend it for at least one more game.
Underdogs are ready to cause upsets, while favorites want to prove their regular season success was no fluke.
And you can't deny that the level of rugby takes a step up when this much is on the line.
Note from the publisher: The Sideline Whisperer is a member of our Florida Rugby Community who will remain anonymous. |
| 4/2/2014 4:04:34 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for March 22nd, 2014 and playoffs scenarios |
|
| Hallelujah! The final week of the regular season is finally upon us! For some, this 2013-14 campaign will have seemed extremely long, while others will be wishing they could play more rugby. Luckily, with the playoffs just around the corner, some teams will play some extra games, while most teams will be ending their season on Saturday.
|
| 3/19/2014 3:51:45 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, March 15th. 2014 |
|
| The playoff picture cleared up significantly last week in D2, with Boca and Fort Lauderdale both clinching postseason spots with wins over Krewe and Miami Tridents, respectively. All that's left to play for now is the fourth playoff position, and overall seeding. |
| 3/12/2014 9:56:21 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, March 1st. 2014 |
|
| With about a month left in men's D2 and D3 regular season play, we're really coming down to crunch time in both divisions as teams either look to secure a playoff spot, try to get into a playoff spot or just play spoiler. Let's take a look at where each competition stands. |
| 2/28/2014 11:35:07 AM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, February 22nd., 2014 |
|
| A quiet week on the matrix front coming up, as Fort Lauderdale Ruggerfest is in full effect. If you're joining in the fun in Sunrise, enjoy and make sure to wear that sunscreen. |
| 2/20/2014 5:12:06 PM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, February 8th., 2014 |
|
| Oh, if only you'd taken my six rugby picks last week instead of the Broncos!
Yup, managed to pick up my first undefeated week of the season, going 6-0. A few of the games could have gone either way, and I count myself lucky to have come through unscathed.
|
| 2/7/2014 8:58:27 AM |
|
| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, February 1st., 2014 |
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| There's some football game on Sunday, but forget about those pansies in pads. Instead, let's focus on a massive weekend of Florida rugby featuring some superb local rivalries. Oh, and don't forget the Six Nations starting with Wales playing Italy and France hosting England on Saturday, and Ireland/Scotland on Sunday.
Had another solid week of predictions last time out, so going to try and keep my form going, although this is an especially tough week.
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| 1/30/2014 9:00:32 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, January 25th, 2014 |
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| If Justin Bieber was a rugby player, he'd clearly be a wing, right?
Anyway, there are a lot more important things than an idiot celebrity to worry about here, and that includes the six men's games on tap for this Saturday afternoon. |
| 1/23/2014 7:54:25 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for the Weekend of 1/18/2014 |
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| Happy New Year to all of my (many?) loyal readers out there. I hope 2014 has been good to you so far and that you players out there didn't put on too many pounds over the holiday break. |
| 1/15/2014 2:55:59 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Weekend of November 23rd, 2013 |
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| If the 305 keeps this up, Pitbull might have to drop by soon.
Miami RFC and the Tridents both won last week, each maintaining their unbeaten start to the 2013-14 season, bringing back memories for many South Florida ruggers from when Miami-Dade was consistently home to some of the best rugby in the state. |
| 11/21/2013 9:07:31 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Weekend of November 16th, 2013 |
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Like Naples and Miami, I got my season off to a good start last week, going 2-1, with only the Hammerheads ruining my perfect Saturday. Krewe did look a little rough at times during All-Florida Weekend, and I guess I should have taken that a little more into account.
Still, it's early, and both myself and the 2010 Division Two national champions have plenty of time to bounce back, starting with this weekend. |
| 11/14/2013 11:14:41 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| I am back! Weekend of November 9th. 2013 |
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| The schedule has been set, the preseason preparations completed and the friendly warmup games played.
Now, it's time for the men's 2013/14 Florida Rugby Union season to officially begin, and for the Sideline Whisperer to make his predictions once again. |
| 11/8/2013 10:13:33 AM |
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| Florida Rugby Union |
| FRU Procedures for Match Secretaries |
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| The Florida Rugby Union has released this information regarding the procedures to request a referee. |
| 10/31/2013 11:52:01 AM |
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| Florida Rugby Referee Association |
| FRRA Grand Raffle 2013 |
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| The 2013 FRRA Annual Raffle has more than $ 5000 in prizes. With a total of 24 prizes, the raffle will take place on December 14th, 2013. Get in touch with your local referee to purchase tickets or contact Roy Monk at info@flrugbyreferees.org or use the online purchase below. Tickets are $ 10 a piece.
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| 10/17/2013 6:11:19 PM |
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| News |
| 2013-2014 USA Rugby Membership Registration Cycle Now Open! |
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| Excited for the fall rugby season? Before lacing up your boots, renew or register for your official USA Rugby 2013-2014 season membership TODAY! The new membership cycle takes effect August 15, 2013, through August 31, 2014. |
| 8/15/2013 3:21:12 PM |
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| Florida Rugby Referee Association |
| Scrum Engagement Process – Effective August 15, 2013 |
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| The International Rugby Board Council has announced the implementation of a global trial of the “crouch, bind, set” scrum engagement sequence, which is aimed at enhancing player welfare by reducing impact on engagement by up to 25 per cent in elite competition. |
| 7/13/2013 11:35:16 PM |
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| Florida Rugby Union |
| Clash of the Codes: game report. |
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| The boys did well considering not having a decent training session together. Axmen a well balanced side and played well together both in the union and League. |
| 5/20/2013 12:16:58 AM |
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| Florida Rugby Union |
| 'Northerners' and 'Southerners' Rosters and Game |
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| These two teams will meet on Saturday the 11th of May in Orlando to see who is the best, North or South and after the game the Selection panel will select the Florida Men's State Select Side to compete the following weekend in Jacksonville against the Axemenin 'The Clash of Codes'. |
| 4/23/2013 6:42:39 PM |
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| News |
| Clash of the Codes |
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| Jacksonville Axe men RLFC competes in the a National Rugby League Competition which commences in June.
Axe Men have put the challenge to the Florida Men's Select Side for the "Clash of the Codes Cup". |
| 4/18/2013 12:29:36 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| PLAYOFFS!?!? |
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Say it in your best Jim Mora voice:
PLAYOFFS!?!?
Yup, it’s that time of year in the USA Rugby realm (almost there in U-19s), when the games really, really, really count. As in, you lose, you go home.
So, who from Florida is playing who and when, you might ask?
Well, the Sideline Whisperer is here to help.
No predictions here, obviously, as I have no clue about the out-of-state teams who are playing our Florida teams this weekend.
Photo credit: Facundo Manuel Fabbri |
| 4/12/2013 2:32:26 AM |
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| Florida Rugby Youth Union |
| Florida Rugby High Performance Program for the Youth. |
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| We are in the process of starting the first Florida Rugby High Performance Program for the Youth.
The Camp will be held on Sunday 21st of April 2013.
This Camp is open to all players ages 14 to 19. Coaches will be evaluating them for the Florida U16 and U19 Select Sides.
Picture by Facundo Manuel Fabbri. |
| 4/9/2013 9:27:07 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, March 9th, 2013 |
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Well, it's taken a few months, but I think I've finally figured out how they're choosing the two D2 teams to represent Florida in the postseason. I stress the word THINK.
With this weekend's final crossover games set, there is some movement that could happen, but is a little unlikely. It appears Naples will be the one seed, Boca the two, Orlando the three, and Krewe the four. Thus, Naples will play Boca, with the winner automatically reaching the postseason. The loser of that match would play the winner of Orlando/Krewe for the second spot in the postseason. Then, the top two seeds would play off for the right to stay at home in the South round of eight.
Phew. You got all that? Good. Now, on to this week's action:
Photo credit: Facundo Manuel Fabbri |
| 3/7/2013 9:24:07 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, March 2nd, 2013 |
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| I hope you all enjoyed your Ruggerfest weekend off. Sorry for the delay in this column, I simply forgot about it after getting two days of hot sun to the head in Fort Lauderdale.
Well done to the Fort Lauderdale guys for making the club final, where they lost to a bunch of pasty guys from Minnesota who surely hadn't seen 80 degrees in at least six months. Miami RFC also had a good showing in the club division, while Boca Raton showed that their decision to drop to D2 was probably a good one, as they went 0-3 in the Premiere Division, including a 53-0 loss to New Orleans.
Now, we get back to business with the last weekend of the crossover in D2 that features two quality contests, and a HUUUGGEE match in Division 3, as they wrap up their regular season.
Photo credit: Facundo Manuel Fabbri |
| 2/28/2013 7:10:32 PM |
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| Florida Rugby Union |
| Florida Rugby Union Executive Board |
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| List of the new members of the FRU Executive Board elected at the Annual General Meeting on February 17th, 2013.
Minutes of the AGM to be published shortly. |
| 2/21/2013 7:14:20 PM |
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| Florida Rugby Union |
| Florida Mens Select Side |
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| Florida rugby has given us the go ahead to assemble a select side to play games this season. |
| 2/20/2013 11:29:57 PM |
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| Florida Rugby Union |
| Agenda for FRU 2013 Annual General Meeting |
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| Proposed agenda for the Annual General Meeting of the Florida Rugby Union to take place on February 17th, 2013 at Palm Bay, Florida |
| 2/14/2013 4:05:28 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, February 16th, 2013 |
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| When I started writing this column, I thought it would be cool if I maybe got one team's score exactly right at some point in the season. Never did I think I would get a full score EXACTLY right!
Thanks to Boca and Daytona for obviously reading my column last week and making sure I had something to smile about the whole weekend.
On the other hand, no thanks to Fort Lauderdale and Pelicans for taking away two of my games (no, I'm not counting a forfeit win as a correct pick). At least things are a lot clearer now in regards to the teams in the race fot the D2 postseason.
So, on to this Saturday, where we have a few interesting matchups.
Photo credit: Facundo Manuel Fabbri |
| 2/12/2013 9:54:29 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, February 9th, 2013 |
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After three months of playing divisional matchups, it's time for the D2 divisions to spread their wings and play some crossover games starting this weekend. From what I hear through the grapevine, it appears that the Bay Area Pelicans have called it a season due to injuries, and will not be participating. What that means for everyone else, I'm not sure exactly, but the Pelis were in no danger of making the postseason, so let's not concern ourselves too much with them. Instead, let's focus on the task at hand - this Saturday. As to what happens after these crossover games, who the hell knows....
Photo Credit: Angie Pachcinski. |
| 2/7/2013 11:29:02 AM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, February 2nd, 2013 |
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Sorry for the delay this week, peeps. I only just got out of bed after hiding out for many days following my two incorrect picks last Saturday. Sometimes you just have to go out on a limb, and I will learn from my mistake.
This week, we have a very brief schedule, as this was originally an open makeup weekend. We do have a very key D2 contest in the northeast corner of the state, though.
Picture by Facundo Manuel Fabbri. |
| 2/1/2013 2:06:50 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, January 26th, 2013 |
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| As the old (and awful) joke goes, I'm like butter at the moment, as I'm on a roll. 5-1 last week, including picking the Daytona over Krewe upset, but failing to pick the Jacksonville win over Orlando. That makes me 14-2 in 2013 so far, and I'm picking at a solid near 72% on the season. Come on Vegas, are you listening?!?! We need Florida rugby odds, and I'd be quite happy to provide the lines (for a small fee, of course). This week we have some interesting games on the table, including a HUGE D3 contest, so let's get going. |
| 1/23/2013 9:54:33 PM |
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| News |
| Rugby History in the Making |
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--By David Conyers South Forward Coach
The American South Men’s rugby team recorded its first ever North American Caribbean Rugby Association (N.A.C.R.A) victory last Saturday at Life University in Marietta Georgia over the Mexican national team 50-23. It is also alleged that it was Mexico’s first international fifteen a side match on US soil at this level, thus creating history on two fronts.
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| 1/22/2013 12:31:47 AM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, January 19th, 2013 |
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I'm liking 2013! Last time out, I was only a couple of points away from a second straight perfect week to start this new calendar year. However, I have a feeling things could get a LOT tougher this week with several potential upsets on the cards as some of the better teams in Division 2 go on the road to face difficult matchups. Still, let's see if I can't keep this hot start up.
Photo Credit: Angie Pachcinski. |
| 1/17/2013 6:20:51 PM |
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| Florida Rugby Union |
| North Vs South Cross Overs |
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| Gentleman Please find attached the scaled roster for the North Vs South Cross Overs. |
| 1/16/2013 4:26:19 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, January 12th, 2013 |
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| Twenty thirteen, or two thousand and thirteen? Well, whatever you want to call it, the Sideline Whisperer got off to a good start to the year last week with a 3-0 start and a couple of very close score predictions. I know I won't be going undefeated all year by any means, but it's nice to get things off on the right foot in a year that ends in the unluckiest number |
| 1/10/2013 12:01:05 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, January 5th, 2013 |
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| Happy New Year to all, especially the few of you out there who seem to think the rugby season begins on Jan. 1 in Florida (you know who you are). |
| 1/4/2013 1:18:04 PM |
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| News |
| USA Rugby Women's and Men's U-20 programs |
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| SA Rugby released today the preliminary winter and spring schedule for their Women's and Men's U-20 programs, as well as plans to modify the selection procedures for the U-20 National Teams, which will now be called the Junior All-Americans. |
| 12/14/2012 9:32:29 AM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, December 15th, 2012 |
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| It's Thursday, and I think I've finally recovered from last Saturday's results. We had some strange ones, didn't we?
Tridents went across the state and handed Naples their first defeat of the season in what looked like terrible conditions from the video we have on the site, while Brevard demolished Gainesville 66-0 and Daytona picked up their first win of the season as they hammered Jacksonville 81-5.
Not sure what went on in all those games, but three results that prove anything can happen on any given day in Florida Rugby!
Let's try and rebound this week, where we only have four Division Two games on tap, as the lone Division Three game -- Palm Beach at Indian River -- has been postponed until the new year. All Division Two games feature rematches from last month. |
| 12/13/2012 11:21:09 AM |
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| Florida Rugby Union |
| USA Rugby South Men's Select Side Tryouts - January 5 at Life University |
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| USA Rugby South will hold tryouts for the Men’s Senior Select side on January 5th at Life University. The team selected will play Mexico’s national team at Life University on January 19th. If we win against Mexico we will play Jamaica, in Jamaica, on February 23. We would also play the Bahamas and the Caymen Island national teams as long as we continue to win. |
| 12/8/2012 11:06:43 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, December 8th, 2012 |
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| Feeling quite proud of myself after a 6-1 showing last week, I must say. Only Palm Beach ruined my perfect weekend, but putting up 60-plus points on the road is quite the achievement, so congrats to them. Let's see if I can keep the momentum going this week as we have another seven games on the schedule, including a couple of real gems in Boca and Brevard. --The Sideline Whisperer |
| 12/6/2012 12:10:39 PM |
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| News |
| USA Rugby South Event Bids |
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| Bidding for various South events are open to clubs.
Bid submissions should be sent to Peter L. Steyn (USARS Competition Chair) by February 1 2013 so that the South board can review and approve a winner. |
| 12/5/2012 8:36:45 AM |
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| Florida Rugby Referee Association |
| Level 1 Officiating Course—Plantation, FL |
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| Date: 12/16/2012
From: 09:00 AM
To: 05:00 PM
Location: ROCCO KRYNS OFFICE
4800 N. STATE ROAD 7 Suite 107
PLANTATION, FL 33319 |
| 12/4/2012 1:49:32 PM |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, December 1st, 2012 |
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| A busy weekend of Florida rugby this week as Division 3 gets going with three matches on the schedule, while we also have four D2 matches, including a battle of the two undefeated sides in each of the divisions. Let's try and rebound here from my 2-2 outing before the Thanksgiving break. |
| 11/30/2012 |
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| Featured Articles |
| Florida DII Men's Rugby: What I think I know -- by Dan Banks |
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| Florida DII Men's Rugby for the 2012-2013 season is a confusing animal. USA Rugby kicked off the confusion with the release of a draft proposal to the organizing structure of American club rugby. Unsure how and when these changes might take affect our FRU leadership attempted to get out ahead of the curve and prepare a plan that would allow for the continuity of FL rugby including creation of a schedule and plan that would lead to a meaningful state championship competition. |
| 11/29/2012 |
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| Florida Rugby Youth Union |
| HS LEAGUE FOR 2013 |
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| Hi to all our members, new and old. We have been working to establish which teams are declaring for this coming season in the Boy’s U19 HS league. We have come to realize that until ‘Football’ has run its season a lot of you don’t know what you’ll have. |
| 11/18/2012 |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, November 17th, 2012 |
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| Well, off to a pretty good start last week with two games right and one game wrong. The Krewe/Jacksonville game has been postponed or forfeited or canceled, depending on who you’re talking to.
My sources tell me Boca were impressive in the second half against the Tridents, expanding a small lead to a big one in the final 40 minutes, while Pelicans proved they can still win at home with a dominating performance against Daytona. In the other game, Fort Lauderdale improved to 2-0 with a win over Miami.
But enough of last week, let’s get into this Saturday’s contests: |
| 11/17/2012 |
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| The Sideline Whisperer |
| Predictions for Saturday, November 10th, 2012 |
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| Starting this week and throughout the South Matrix season, The Sideline Whisperer will be predicting the results of every men’s match* (no offense, women, but I don’t watch/hear about enough of your games to give a true opinion). Please don’t use these for gambling purposes, as obviously that’s illegal in the USA (sort of). These are all in good fun, and should thus be taken as such. |
| 11/8/2012 |
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| Florida Rugby Union |
| HURRICANE SANDY |
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| Here in Florida we have experience with HURRICANES but the people in the northeast have no experience.
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| 11/2/2012 |
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| Florida Rugby Referee Association |
| About Red Cards |
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By Kerri O’Malley
Discipline Chair FRRA
There have been several red cards already this season. Most of the time, the players are unaware of the severity of the penalties associated with these cards. I am asking club officers to please pass on the sanctions associated with red cards so your players are aware of what they can expect. |
| 10/28/2012 |
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| Featured Articles |
| Two questions |
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| What player did you know or think was the best passer?
What ever happened to a good pass? |
| 10/5/2012 |
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| Florida Rugby Youth Union |
| The Florida Youth Rugby Union U-19 Rugger Fest |
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Is the winter weather putting a cramp in your rugby training goals? Would you like to get a jumpstart on the 2013 rugby season? Attend the 2013 U-19 Rugger Fest in sunny Florida! The U-19 Rugger Fest is more than a tournament. It’s a weekend of rugby designed to give your club a head start in preparing for your competitive season. Rugger Fest provides you with great weather and facilities to train and the opportunity to play games with other high school/U-19 teams.
UPDATE: This event has been cancelled. 1.5.2013 |
| 10/1/2012 |
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| Florida Rugby Referee Association |
| FRRA 2012 Annual General Meeting. |
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| There will be an AGM prior to All Florida Day on Friday, October 19th 2012 at the Holiday Inn, Clermont, Florida, to commence at 6.30pm EST. |
| 9/25/2012 |
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| Florida Rugby Youth Union |
| HS & JV Age Grade Rugby |
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| At the past AGM there was agreement reached to launch a JV league, or at least a schedule to get younger players, U17 the opportunity to gain experience and prepare them for HS league play.
On the very first weekend of a pre season scrimmage between Orlando and Cape which was to be a JV match it is apparent based on information available that Orlando played at least 2 players who were over age. |
| 9/24/2012 |
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| News |
| Palm Beach Rugby Jamboree Sept 29th |
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| The mens teams from Miami, Boca, FAU, Palm Beach, Treasure Coast, Indian River, Brevard and Saint Augustine will be participating in the Palm Beach Rugby Jamboree, next September the 29th. Details of the event. |
| 9/21/2012 |
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| News |
| New payment system for Referees |
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| At the Board Meeting in July the Board Members voted to do away with the sliding scale for Referee & AR Payments and go to a one price system. |
| 9/4/2012 |
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| Featured Articles |
| Videotapping Rugby Games |
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| Shooting good quality videos of your games is actually not as hard as it seems. With a small budget and some dedication, you can actually get a great video library of your team. |
| 9/3/2012 |
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| Featured Articles |
| Rugby In Florida This Season |
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| The 2012-13 rugby season in the Sunshine State is nearly upon us, and it seems a lot of people out there are confused about exactly what changes USA Rugby is going to throw upon us, and when these changes are happening. |
| 9/1/2012 |
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Code updated:
12/18/2015 9:37
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