Last week I talked about the selection of a captain and drew an analogy of leading the National Rugby Council being no different to what is wanted on field. In the context of building a winning national team there is an expectant and contributory role to be played by rugby at the junior level. What is learnt at school is what is important. I would think that national rugby depends on the game at the junior level .The success at the higher level of schools rugby, the under twenty level, depends on the input and planning that goes into junior rugby. That is the nursery for the development of skills.

If I were to say that Sri Lanka lacks the skills needed to make a winning combination at the Asian Rugby circuit I am sure most of those who have been coaching will rise against me . Yet it is appropriate to remember the saying “there is none as blind as those who refuse to see.” I say this as I believe we are concentrating on “rugby “than skills at the junior level. What I mean is that there is less time spent on skill. What I mean by skill is the time spent on detail. Probably it is because we spend more time on “rugby” itself. It happens for two reasons, either because coaches are part time or have less time to spend on skills. They then need to show results in the form of wins. That is also because for persons who receive financial benefit for coaching it is important to plan “rugby” to win. Thus there is more time spent on how to win. May be you don’t see it that way. Unfortunately having seen the development of the game at the junior level over the years and the senior level games the way I see it is as I have said.

What is more important to the game of rugby? Is it “skills” or “rugby” Coaching? As we reach the higher level of the game where professionalism is expected one will expect more rugby coaching and spending less time on skills development. On the other hand at the junior level of the game I would expect more time to be spent on the development of “skills” than coaching of “rugby” I feel at times there is more time spent at the higher level in improving skills than on rugby itself .This does happen because we are more occupied with a desire to play and win some part of a trophy if not the whole trophy.

This requires getting into place a coach who can be a guide mentor and be role model to the juniors. One who sees the importance of skills and has the ability to impart such skills. Once you have identified persons who are fit and proper for the role it is necessary for the juniors to get a feel for the game with the oval ball. In getting juniors to the game and getting them to spend more times requires focusing on the parents of children and the children themselves. Consider what motivates the parents and children. ‘Often mum has the keys that open the gates and wields influence in a kids decision to play rugby or not. It’s important to let her know that the rugby is a sport for all. Let her know at every opportunity that the rules of rugby have been simplified at the starting level to make it safe and easy to learn. That rugby develops team spirit and friendship. Growing the parent base and the coach parent relationship is a key to a successful junior rugby team.’

Then there is the important caveat of beware of the relationship unless and until you have the proper person on the job. It should be a person who can communicate and take the message. Sometimes you find the wrong man selected and all in the game is lost as more attempt is made to get familiar than to be friendly. The motive it turns to be other interest and not rugby. Probably you may not believe that it happens. It is not the enjoyment of the individual that is important but enjoyment of junior rugby players that need to be considered.

With good coaching, comes development of player’s skill levels, this is especially important at junior level, as skills develop more rapidly.’ Coaching has been recognized as a vital ingredient to success at all levels of rugby.’ Coaches must be planned and coaches need to be trained in the proper methods .The quality of coaches at this level is important and it is vital that the right person is selected to coach these teams. Developing life skills is a key ingredient to a successful season. ;This can be achieved by getting the juniors to honour the rules, respect the officials, teammates, opponents and themselves.’ This will create life long lessons for these kids on how to act in the world.

These need more and more capable and dedicated coaches. The question is where do you come find them? Like in school when all else fails you try the tuition master whose guidance today is a must. So will it be in rugby as the academy concept is building to fill the gap and will take root faster than you think.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB