What to Know About the 2024 Boys HS National Championships
What to Know About the 2024 Boys HS National Championships
As talk goes on about the time and date of the Boys HS Nationals, here are a couple of things to remember.
1. It's in Indiana
The Moose Rugby Grounds in Elkhart, Ind. will host the tournament once more, with three full-size all-grass fields lined specifically for rugby, plus additional space for warming up. This playing venue is unmatched in the USA.
2. It's Memorial Day Weekend
Played over the course of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the HSNC tournament will be held once again leading into Memorial Day Weekend May 23, 24, and 25. That gives teams and players two free days to get back home.
3. One Game Per Day
Each team plays one 60-minute game per day. The games are 30-minute halves to allow an additional 10 minutes of overtime if needed.
4. How To Participate
Apply. Applications will be open probably in January and teams are encouraged to apply. What do you say when you apply? You're asked to show your historical success, plus your willingness to travel. Teams that play outside their region are usually better placed to compete. Teams that travel understand the financial side of making a trip like this.
5. What If I Am Not Sure My Team If Good Enough
Apply anyway. You can always withdraw your application if things don't go well. Teams have done that, or suggested they be seeded in Tier II, in the past. You can't get in after the application deadline is past—it wouldn't be fair to those who were on time and get on the waiting list. But you can apply, be accepted, and change your mind in, say, March. Better to apply.
6. What's With The Seeding
A total of 24 teams are accepted every year. That 24 is split relatively equally between school teams and HS club teams. As the season progresses, teams are tracked through their games. In early May teams are seeded according to how they've been doing during the season. The top eight seeds from each category go into either the Single-School or HS Club brackets. The remaining eight teams go into Tier II, which remains a hugely competitive bracket.
Sometimes, as we mentioned above, teams hit injuries or find out they're not quite as strong as they thought, and will suggest they be put in Tier II. This is enormously helpful to the HS Nationals Committee because the goal is to have the very best competition.
7. How Do We Come Back?
You come back by being competitive, playing hard, being on time, and being good rugby citizens. Teams that fight or don't play clean rugby do not get invited back. Teams that back out at the last minute don't get invited back. Teams that honor their commitments and represent this great sport with honor get invited back.
Check back here for more information on the Boys HS National Championships and details on the application process. Get your planning ducks in a row now, so you can apply in the winter.
