Sunday, June 11, 2017

Questioning referees

There has been much discussion around the change in rugby where we now have players questioning referee's decisions when traditionally it has always been the captain only. Commentators have discussed how Rugby has prided themselves on players' self-management & etiquette (In the country we have a cuppa and morning or afternoon tea where each team captain will thank the other team, the ref, supporters & those who supplied the kai) and whether standards have dropped, and if there is a flow on effect.

I would suggest there is. In a Country where rugby has such a high profile and where media coverage is heavily loaded toward it, it has a trickle down effect. We now have Primary School students who question referee calls. Take for example weekly Primary School sport - It's a one-off game each week with no points tables or overall winners, just a game against another School to develop game skills and enjoy Sport.

We have a problem on our sports' fields and courts. Why anyone would place themselves in the position of being abused as a referee just shows their dedication to and love of the game.
It is not okay.
I am not for a second suggesting we go back to the days of not recording scores or scorning the celebration of a goal scored or a good result. But appreciating the other team, your own team mates, the ref, and respecting the game itself is paramount.

We must teach our children what is and what isn't acceptable and this comes first - before the game skills even. Let's not tolerate any challenging of the referees, tolerate no arguments, tolerate no foul or abusive language and insist on good sporting behaviour.

We have to show our children what that looks like - how to thank another team, how to deal with incorrect decisions, how to deal with a loss or a win. Let's encourage our children to speak up for what is right and what isn't. Leadership can be taught and we can't expect it to just occur without guidance.

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