Intriguing values of rugby

Rugby is a game that has fascinated people of over 120 countries with Sri Lanka being one. Much of the values in rugby are the result of a rich tradition, a history and the involvement of the people. The game believes so much in tradition and values that the Playing Charter acknowledges the values traditions as well as the camaraderie that follows.

The game which started as a simple pasttime, in and around 1823 is now a global network with the many countries and people taking part. The development and spread of the game is such that children from a young age enjoy rugby and get involved. Rugby is spreading and gaining popularity among women too. This is a fact in Sri Lanka as well.

Rugby in its simple sense is a game where two teams carry, pass kick and ground the ball so that two teams score as many points as possible. The team that scores more number of points becomes the winner. It is this simple game that gets complicated as the game reaches different levels. Yet it should not be if we understand the objective if the game. That is a sport for all.

The game gets complicated as it develops to higher levels and the competition gets tougher. Yet it becomes important for those involved to keep in mind the spirit and the values the game expects to encourage. The game of rugby expects to develop leadership, team spirit, courage, sportsmanship and friendship. These are qualities which most corporate will look for in their search for tomorrow’s leaders of commerce. Rugby therefore is a good breeding ground.

The qualities and values the game of rugby expects to develop among the participants starts the first time young players shake the hands of their opposite. It is at this point that we have to build in the qualities of pride, teamwork, love and the traditions of the game into the minds of the young.

These aspects of the game which develop the emotional quality of the players may be the most important the young will carry forward for the future. Requirements very much supported by David Goleman’s thinking that emotions play a major role in thought, decision making and individual success.

The starting point of getting the values in place for rugby to be a sport that is fun, safe and of social value is with the kids. That is beginning at the school level.

As we finish one year of rugby and are getting ready for the next year it is necessary to sit back on reflect on the year that has passed in order to do better for the game in the coming year. Doing better for the game will mean that you do better for the young.

It may be therefore necessary to review whether there is a need for competition at the most junior level of the game or there should be tournaments that encourage the fun aspects and the love of the game. Not forgetting the development of the basic skills.

It is necessary to avoid the organizing of events that are for statistics than for development of the game and the young. A sad feature in some of the games is the involvement of the adult who takes among himself to embarrass the officials specially those who referee. Is it not time to consider the junior games are the starting point to inspire the values and traditions of the game? Should not such matches therefore be friendly encounters with a parent or an old boy officiating? Let this be a starting point to accept and respect.

The game does not need angry outbursts and or violence when the spirit of the game decrees something else. There have been a few instances of unacceptable behavior during the last season. The aim should be to have none. It should be disturbing when parents as well as grand parents write to the papers about the tactics that are sometimes adopted which are not in the spirit of the game. The concerns when expressed should be looked into as the game is important.

Aristotle said “Anyone can become angry – that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, in the right way – this is not easy.” There should be no place for angry outbursts, violence and aggressive behavior in front of the young.