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Square plugs in round holes is a disgrace to rugby
By Vimal Perera
The rugby season for 2005 is over for other than the schools presidents’ trophy and premier trophy matches that are to be completed. It will not be finished as there is still the circuit sevens, the mercantile sevens and the RWC World Cup qualifiers in between. All these will take the season to almost middle December. By January 2006 or early February 2006 the next rugby season will recommence.

Who says there is a season for rugby? It seems the game is played throughout the year. This is an opportunity for the spectator’s as well as the sponsors who may not have the same expectation from other sports. Cricket possibly yes. Still the domestic club tournament or the schools tournament does not draw as much spectator interest as rugby does. This must be taken notice of and marketed with the intention of drawing the most for rugby. It is and has been sold better than in previous years. However there is no reason to rest on laurels as we could still do better. The event of 2006 will be the Rugby Asiad to be played in Sri Lanka.

This brings to mind the story told of a competition in a school for the handicapped. A race was in progress and six runners were competing .Suddenly one drops down. The others turn back and carry the fallen with everybody crossing the winning line together. A good example of working as team while sacrificing personal glory. The question asked? Who really is a handicap? Today we call them ‘differently abled’.

The society if full of them and rugby is no exception. The differently abled are not physically weakened in this case. Nor are they mentally impaired. They all have capabilities that are unique to them which if put together can achieve synergy. The main problem is one of attitude which fortunately can be influenced for favorable performance. This will be a challenge for the rugby management. To tap the potential of all involved towards better serving the game in 2006 as the year is to be a heavy one.

The way things have transformed in the space of around nine months this too will not be an impossibility. I am certain if more positive results are shown the year 2006 will be one of greater success.

While there has been success in the year 2005 there were also moments of concern during the latter part of the season. Some yet continue with the schools season as it comes to an end. Most of the problems seem to be a result of perception of being wronged when the team fails to taste success. Find some reason to protest and blame somebody else. It would be more fruitful if one analyzes the faults of your team and take corrective action.

One reason for these problem stems from perception and one’s own characteristics one is likely to see in others. People who accept themselves are more likely to see favorable aspects in others. This requires more for the trainer / coach than being only knowledgeable in the game. Similarly it needs more than the ability to hold in hand and whistle.

The game needs more in characteristics of the individual in handling people and instilling confidence. The game at school level requires mentors than regimental coaches. Trainers who would lay at the feet of others their own inability to train a team of champions are not an example to the young. Instability leads to outburst which leaves a damaging influence in the young. In this context it is necessary to have in a place a structure, a system that would produce coaches.

That is a person who can take charge and guide the young. The curriculum should in addition to applying rugby skills include aspects of psychology and behaviour necessary to handle the young.

At present anybody could take to coaching a team at school level whatever mental instability they possess. It is necessary therefore for the management of rugby to have in place an accreditation process firstly to train in the rugby skills and then to ingrain the characteristics required to be a role model for the young. Principals of schools should be careful in not selecting the unsuitable whose sole aim is to justify that person’s continuance than to train a team that indulges in a game that emphasizes on conduct and spirit. Unfortunately the monetary angle and the presence of the unsuitable bring disgrace to a game that embraces and emphasizes on the standards of sportsmanship, ethical behaviour and fair play. It is time for action or else “Rugby” a game loved and followed by many will be embarrassed.

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