Make Rugby Optional Petition: Signature List Feed http://gopetition.com/signatures/make-rugby-optional.html Online petition signatures en-us Mon, 6 Apr 2026 02:15 UTC GoPetition RSS Feed Generator Copyright 2026 GoPetition Victoria Salter [Signature #77] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/24035196?utm_medium=rss Sat, 13 Feb 2021 04:26:33 UTC 24035196 Manu S-M [Signature #76] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/23238719?utm_medium=rss Sun, 15 Sep 2019 01:30:34 UTC 23238719 tim Engberts [Signature #75] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/21938121?utm_medium=rss Angel Care

]]> Tue, 12 Dec 2017 03:34:15 UTC 21938121 Joshua Edwards [Signature #74] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/21936115?utm_medium=rss Mon, 11 Dec 2017 04:02:47 UTC 21936115 K Machet [Signature #73] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/21745350?utm_medium=rss I'm immensely surprised that there were only 72 signatories on this important issue affecting our children. I'm dreading the day when my child starts playing contact rugby next year when he's in Year 4. The scientific evidence of the risks involved are clearly presented, it should be left to the parents to decide if they want to take those risks for their children instead of it being forced upon them by the school.

]]> Mon, 30 Oct 2017 08:36:21 UTC 21745350 Keeley-Jasmine Cavendish [Signature #72] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/21291810?utm_medium=rss Fri, 28 Apr 2017 08:06:57 UTC 21291810 Anonymous [Signature #71] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/20858837?utm_medium=rss Sat, 5 Nov 2016 09:25:44 UTC 20858837 Jim Dougall [Signature #70] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19813869?utm_medium=rss Tue, 15 Mar 2016 01:13:18 UTC 19813869 Anonymous [Signature #69] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19803360?utm_medium=rss Thu, 10 Mar 2016 11:50:39 UTC 19803360 Eva Sanchez-ampudia [Signature #68] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19802162?utm_medium=rss Thu, 10 Mar 2016 05:57:07 UTC 19802162 Liz Ashton [Signature #67] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19800635?utm_medium=rss Thankfully my child's state school here in Scotland has never made any contact sport compulsory. But as time has gone on it is apparent that Rugby is an especially problematic game for under 16 y/o individuals. From long-term brain injuries to broken bones, torn ligaments to sprains, it is not a game any child should be forced to play.

I played Rugby myself for a few months on a woman's team when I was 14 to 15. I chose to play outside of school but I saw many of my team mates hurt. Several of them had to have time away from school and work. One took nearly 6 months for her complicated broken wrist to fully heal and even now it has continued to give her pain and reduced function in that hand.

Out of a squad of 18 of us, eight have been left with long-term injuries. I wasn't diagnosed with Epilepsy until I was 28 but I was having seizures (absences) from early childhood. I had one especially notable head injury while playing Rugby at school which is still visible on my fMRI scans.

All of the latest research about games like Rugby, which are high impact contact sports, the risks of short and long-term injuries are too high for children to be forced to play. This needs to stop.

]]> Wed, 9 Mar 2016 01:56:16 UTC 19800635 Michelle Jones [Signature #66] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19800009?utm_medium=rss Wed, 9 Mar 2016 08:49:38 UTC 19800009 Anonymous [Signature #65] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19799910?utm_medium=rss Rugby is a violent full contact sport that children shouldn't be subjected to. When my children go to school, they will NOT be playing rugby.

Children have had their backs broken and or left paralysed playing this sport. At the bare minimum it should be optional. I don't really see what benefit a child gets from learning to play rugby to such a degree that it is compulsory.

]]> Wed, 9 Mar 2016 08:16:54 UTC 19799910 John Carter [Signature #64] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19783717?utm_medium=rss This is a civil liberties issue. Rugby has known specific dangers and should not be made compulsory in schools. In addition, the playing of rugby has no specific educational value over and above less dangerous sports.

]]> Thu, 3 Mar 2016 03:29:17 UTC 19783717 Anonymous [Signature #63] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19520798?utm_medium=rss Thu, 26 Nov 2015 11:12:26 UTC 19520798 Abigail Dooley [Signature #62] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19519006?utm_medium=rss Wed, 25 Nov 2015 03:28:52 UTC 19519006 Jenny Nyiri [Signature #61] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19301292?utm_medium=rss Both my brothers were injured playing Rugby at school and their injuries (to knees) remained for the rest of their lives. Many other people have told me of their injuries. I believe Rugby should be optional in schools and that in primary schools it should be no contact only.

]]> Wed, 16 Sep 2015 09:48:39 UTC 19301292 Polly Nyiri [Signature #60] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/19278847?utm_medium=rss Fri, 11 Sep 2015 07:15:58 UTC 19278847 Anonymous [Signature #59] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/18696595?utm_medium=rss Tue, 24 Mar 2015 03:54:56 UTC 18696595 alison stringer [Signature #58] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/18558048?utm_medium=rss Wed, 18 Feb 2015 05:12:49 UTC 18558048 Stephen Smith [Signature #57] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/18058453?utm_medium=rss If Rugby was a new sport; I can't see how the HSE or any other body would sanction it as part of a child's education. As a former leisure centre manager, I have seen numerous nasty instances which are all too often dismissed with a comment such as; 'well these things happen in sport' or 'you could walk under a bus tomorrow!!!' I can't help thinking that Rugby's historical tie up with the private school system and the notion that 'Rugger' is good for discipline and toughening up little rich boys is basically the bottom line. This is why you are meeting resistance getting answers; because the people wielding the power are themselves a product of the private education system.

]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2014 11:11:46 UTC 18058453 Ulrica Delaney [Signature #56] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/17981550?utm_medium=rss My child's future is my priority, which is why we have chosen private education. Forcing him to risk damage to the very brain and body I have sworn to myself to always protect is preposterous. Private schools must start taking into account the available medical research on issues such as concussion and links to degenerative diseases and also take into account the wishes of the parents. Rugby should be an optional extra, not enforced. I am not paying tens of thousands of pounds for the privilege of lying awake at night fearing that my son will end up with a broken neck. His most important tool for the future is between his ears; I would like for the school to consider HIS life, not their own presence in any score boards. I implore private schools in the UK to make rugby optional, to ensure that the most apt and enthusiastic students may continue but giving those less inclined a possibility to develop skills in other sports. In our senior school there is an ambulance parked on the grounds at every game, and it always gets used, every single match. I do not wish to be one of the poor parents following i to the A&E.

]]> Sun, 5 Oct 2014 01:13:08 UTC 17981550 Henry Carter [Signature #55] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/17322622?utm_medium=rss Mon, 19 May 2014 07:35:58 UTC 17322622 Gordon Brocksopp [Signature #54] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/17133773?utm_medium=rss Bit late in finding this site but I believe Rugby should NOT be compulsory in all schools in the UK.

Team sports yes, but not rugby. It is far too dangerous for children and, gives ample chances to bullies as well. I cannot believe that there is no legislation that covers this.

]]> Wed, 2 Apr 2014 04:52:41 UTC 17133773 Anonymous [Signature #53] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16887986?utm_medium=rss I support Haley's decision completely . Children with talent such as this should be nurtured and supported, not victimised !!

]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2014 04:26:38 UTC 16887986 George Smith [Signature #52] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16406824?utm_medium=rss Sun, 15 Dec 2013 04:34:20 UTC 16406824 Carol Robinson [Signature #51] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16318240?utm_medium=rss Rugby is a great sport but should only be played by those who want to play and knowing what the risks are. For children it should never be compulsory and contact should only be included at the appropriate age.
Children are the high risk group in sports for concussion, we need to educate parents, players, Refs, coaches on the signs and symptoms of concussion. There should be no doubt that a player has to be removed from play when concussion occurs. If any doubt do not take the risk and sit them out. Concussion can be fatal.

]]> Wed, 27 Nov 2013 05:47:22 UTC 16318240 Anonymous [Signature #50] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16292956?utm_medium=rss Sun, 24 Nov 2013 12:52:52 UTC 16292956 Rachel Kumba [Signature #49] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16236165?utm_medium=rss Tue, 19 Nov 2013 05:29:06 UTC 16236165 Simon Langer [Signature #48] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16204731?utm_medium=rss Mon, 18 Nov 2013 11:47:29 UTC 16204731 Diana Langer [Signature #47] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16202328?utm_medium=rss Mon, 18 Nov 2013 09:28:54 UTC 16202328 michael waring [Signature #46] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16198254?utm_medium=rss Mon, 18 Nov 2013 06:14:35 UTC 16198254 Anonymous [Signature #45] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16185121?utm_medium=rss Sun, 17 Nov 2013 07:32:01 UTC 16185121 Philip Robertson [Signature #44] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16170681?utm_medium=rss Fri, 15 Nov 2013 09:02:10 UTC 16170681 allyson Pollock [Signature #43] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16169921?utm_medium=rss Collision sports such as rugby should not be compulsory; non contact sports with lower risks of injury should be promoted by schools.

]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2013 06:59:35 UTC 16169921 Gabi Boneto [Signature #42] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16164019?utm_medium=rss Fri, 15 Nov 2013 02:20:01 UTC 16164019 Natalia Hounsome [Signature #41] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16158591?utm_medium=rss Thu, 14 Nov 2013 05:25:02 UTC 16158591 Anonymous [Signature #40] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16158322?utm_medium=rss Thu, 14 Nov 2013 04:33:16 UTC 16158322 Anonymous [Signature #39] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16157994?utm_medium=rss Thu, 14 Nov 2013 03:17:57 UTC 16157994 Richard Lambert [Signature #38] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16154229?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 02:25:17 UTC 16154229 Ruby Philpott [Signature #37] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16152818?utm_medium=rss I heartily endorse this petition due to the serious injuries that can be incurred,

]]> Wed, 13 Nov 2013 11:49:35 UTC 16152818 Kambiz Boomla [Signature #36] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16152357?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 10:46:06 UTC 16152357 James Lancaster [Signature #35] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16151841?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 09:31:37 UTC 16151841 Laurence Antao [Signature #34] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16151839?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 09:31:20 UTC 16151839 Seif Shaheen [Signature #33] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16151814?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 09:27:09 UTC 16151814 Carol Rivas [Signature #32] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16151795?utm_medium=rss I chose my son's school based on whether they did rugby or not, it is that important an issue

]]> Wed, 13 Nov 2013 09:24:54 UTC 16151795 Jon Cliff [Signature #31] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16151488?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 08:37:56 UTC 16151488 Pat Turton [Signature #30] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16150737?utm_medium=rss I am aware of men with longstanding injuries as a consequence of rugby, and particularly feel that the failure to collect data is unacceptable.

]]> Wed, 13 Nov 2013 06:59:42 UTC 16150737 Colin Leys [Signature #29] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16149552?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 04:53:54 UTC 16149552 Dianna Smith [Signature #28] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16149240?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 04:27:56 UTC 16149240 Aldo Mussi [Signature #27] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16149152?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 04:20:36 UTC 16149152 Lynda Stobert [Signature #26] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16148871?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 03:37:16 UTC 16148871 Neil Vickers [Signature #25] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16148794?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 03:07:50 UTC 16148794 Curtis Bushell [Signature #24] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16148765?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 02:58:35 UTC 16148765 Curtis Elton [Signature #23] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16148757?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 02:56:47 UTC 16148757 Graham Kirkwood [Signature #22] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16148720?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 02:44:45 UTC 16148720 Malcolm Alexander [Signature #21] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16148602?utm_medium=rss Children should not be obliged to be subject to a culture that causes such considerable physical harm.

]]> Wed, 13 Nov 2013 01:56:13 UTC 16148602 Nigel Fleeman [Signature #20] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16148542?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 01:36:23 UTC 16148542 Hayley Elton [Signature #19] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16148426?utm_medium=rss Wed, 13 Nov 2013 12:41:27 UTC 16148426 Frank Heaven [Signature #18] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16147579?utm_medium=rss The game has porgressed over the last 10 years so that the game is very different to the game played years ago. Step up tackles and big hits are now the norm. For the inexperienced or not so great player the game is dangerous. Add poor supervision to the mix and it becomes a recipe for disaster

]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2013 06:45:57 UTC 16147579 Anonymous [Signature #17] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16147483?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 06:18:25 UTC 16147483 Alex Nunns [Signature #16] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16147430?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 06:06:09 UTC 16147430 Anonymous [Signature #15] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146908?utm_medium=rss There are plenty of other more interesting challenging sports.

]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2013 04:30:05 UTC 16146908 Alison Macfarlane [Signature #14] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146895?utm_medium=rss One of my cousins died as a result of rugby injuries

]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2013 04:28:30 UTC 16146895 Debra Fox [Signature #13] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146729?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 04:01:30 UTC 16146729 Janet murray [Signature #12] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146668?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 03:52:56 UTC 16146668 Andrew Pennington [Signature #11] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146667?utm_medium=rss My uncle spent many months in calipers after a rugby injury in school.

I had a friend who broke his neck playing rugby aged 16 and was paralysed from the neck down; there aren’t words to describe it.

]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2013 03:52:45 UTC 16146667 Charlene Harrington [Signature #10] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146619?utm_medium=rss The scientific evidence is overwhelming. Please do more to inform and protect the players and to make it an optional sport. One of my close friends is a quadriplegic from a rugby injury.

]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2013 03:48:28 UTC 16146619 jean fraser [Signature #9] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146472?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 03:27:40 UTC 16146472 Patricia McGettigan [Signature #8] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146451?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 03:22:55 UTC 16146451 Hedley Philpott [Signature #7] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146410?utm_medium=rss Children and parents should be informed about the likelihood of injury playing different sports and given a choice.
Emphasis should be placed on safety above the reputation of the school team.
Injuries should be recorded properly.

]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2013 03:12:48 UTC 16146410 Manish Shah [Signature #6] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146401?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 03:10:23 UTC 16146401 Anonymous [Signature #5] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146400?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 03:09:52 UTC 16146400 Thomas Phillips [Signature #4] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146378?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 03:05:01 UTC 16146378 Lucy Mcgregor [Signature #3] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146343?utm_medium=rss Make rugby optional

]]> Tue, 12 Nov 2013 02:58:13 UTC 16146343 Carole Smith [Signature #2] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16146023?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 01:44:39 UTC 16146023 kevin marshall [Signature #1] https://gopetition.com/signature/locate/16145725?utm_medium=rss Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:37:36 UTC 16145725