This is for all those Women Rugby players, for the roller-derby lovers, for the women boxers, and every other girl who isn’t afraid to get a little dirty. We play hard because we love it, because we are good at it, because we crave the competition. We’ll tear our MCLs, but finish out the game, sprain fingers but go in for that last tackle. We may be pretty but we are not afraid to play a little rough.
On my flight back to Chicago from Atlanta, I encountered a friendly gentleman (whom we shall call Charlie) who was absolutely fascinated by the fact that I play Rugby. He was sure I was making it up, and believed I shouldn’t be playing a sport that could “scar my pretty little face!” Imagine his frustration when I showed him that it had already, that I had broken bones, torn cartilage and sprained ligaments but it only made me love the sport that much more. Charlie got me thinking, though. Why do I love Rugby? Why do I like contact sports?
Don’t get me wrong, Rugby is a tough game: 80 minutes, 15 positions, full contact. But that is why I love it. I get to be as aggressive and competitive as I want. I understood Charlie’s frustration; my father had the same concerns. These concerns, however, irritated me. I asked Charlie if he would be as concerned if his son wanted to play football. “No, but that’s because boys are meant to be aggressive.” Well, why aren’t women? Thinking about it, women’s sports are often coordinated to remove aggression: there is no checking in Women’s Hockey, Powder-Puff Football does not allow for contact, and neither does Women’s Lacrosse. Why are we, women, kept away from sports that advocate contact? Why do contact sports, like Rugby, have such a negative stigma when women play it?
I am just as aggressive as the next guy. Rugby gives me a chance to show that aggression and competitiveness; sports in general were designed for this very reason! Charlie’s thought that I shouldn’t scar my pretty little face insulted me. I understood his concern, but his comment was so dismissive of everything I am. Although it wasn’t his intention, his comment told me all I am good for is my pretty little face when I am so much more than that. I have substance, I am complicated, I am aggressive, and competitive. That does not take away from my feminine nature. If anything it makes me more dynamic.
Rugby has taught me teamwork, patience, and the true meaning of hard work. The girls I play with are some of the most dedicated and talented group of women I have ever encountered. The sport has taught me how to win, to leave everything on the field, and yes, how to lose. So no offense to Charlie, but I will continue playing.