New York Rugby Club - Whines FAQ

Whines FAQ

Saturday, 18 February 2006

Vintage Whines are a strange and mysterious sort...clouded in secrecy, we have yet been able to uncover some small facts about them....

FAQ

The Vintage Whines are organized and operated exclusively to advance and foster the sport of union-rules Rugby through competition in Old Boys / Masters Rugby games and tournaments throughout the world. Consistent with that purpose, the objectives of the Whines are to field Old Boys / Masters Rugby teams qualified and suitable for the levels of the competition in which the Whines choose to play; to play the game of Rugby with a zest for competition, abiding by the laws of Rugby, and with spirit, enthusiasm, good sportsmanship and a love of the sport; to carry on the fun, friendship and unity of Rugby on and off the pitch; and to become involved with causes and programs that advance and foster union-rules Rugby for all ages and levels of play.

There are essentially three formats for Masters / Old Boys Rugby: (i) full competition that adhere to all laws of the game; (ii) Golden Oldies and Vintage Rugby rules, and (iii) modified rules which blend full competition with Golden Oldies / Vintage Rugby. The Whines will field teams suited to the formats that apply to the games in which the Whines play. Most importantly, however, no matter what format of play on the pitch, to play for the Whines, the first rule is that a player must conduct himself or herself on and off the pitch demonstrating a love of and respect for the sport of Rugby and a spirit consistent with the Whines objectives. Poor sportsmanship and inappropriate behavior will not be countenanced, on or off the pitch, and will be grounds for dismissal from the Whines.

For certain events, depending on their rules, certain exceptions are made for players who will turn 35 in the year of the event.

The Vintage Whines play both on the pitch and off the pitch, notably on pub crawls for which the Whines are well known. As an international club, the Whines claim any pitch in the world as their own, but the unofficial "home" pitches for the Whines are in New York City and Wedderburn, Otago, New Zealand.

The Whines are loosely affiliated with the New York Rugby Club but are a "TRUE" international team with players of any standard, from any team in any country. The only real affiliation is with the bodies of its old, decrepit membership.

Geoff Andrews with the assistance of other Whines who have been with the team for many years.

The Whines have many volunteers and normally someone within the team steps up to organize travel which is always done in conjunction with a reputable travel agent.

Medical waivers, insanity, a bald or balding or gray or graying head, good humor and the ability to breathe are advantages.

Yes and no. Practicing on the pitch other than 15 minutes prior to a game would violate the code of ethics that the Whines have finely honed. But practicing for pub crawls is permitted.

There will be a nominal dues requirement for all "active" members and for all "supporters", and costs for specific tours will be allocated to the members participating on those tours.

The Whines do not currently have any corporate or individual sponsors, but would welcome sponsors in the future, on a long-term basis or for individual tours.

Officially, and not coincidentally, Whines meetings will be held in conjunction with tour events. Unofficially, Whines have complete and utter freedom to associate with other Whines wherever and whenever they want to do so.

The unofficial homes of the Vintage Whines are the Wedderburn Tavern, Wedderburn, Central Otago, New Zealand, owned and operated by Vintage Whines Lenny and Lyn Leng - Langan's Bar and Restaurant, 150 West 47th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, New York City, run by Vintage Whine Des O'Brien; and any pub or restaurant, yet to step up, that sponsors the Whines.