Quote: russianboris "Unfortunately you are not alone in your experiences and I have encountered similar attitudes at numerous clubs to the point that as a primary teacher I recommend local Union clubs instead of league clubs for children who show interest in the game!
In many clubs once the game moves out the primary level (when leagues start) if you aren't big enough you will just not get played regardless of skills, knowledge, reading and understanding of the game. Unfortunately this means that up to a third of the players in a team (the smallest) will be lost to the game (to the point where they become so disillusioned that not only do they give up playing but also attending matches); this is at the point before they have hit puberty and they have developed physically. At the same time those going through puberty are being excessively played at a point in which they are prone to injuries (and being pressured to play whilst injured) to the point where they may not be able to continue playing. The sad thing is that in all probability it is players who develop later on who will become stars - Bob Pickles (talent scout) discussing the U16 Top Gun camps said Chev Walker was the only one who ever really made it.
The junior leagues attitude is they essentially don't care (which goes against their own safeguarding policy). Those in the RFL who are responsible for the junior game are also heavily involved in the junior leagues (see previous sentence).
The must win attitude (whether this is due to the league structure, unqualified / uneducated coaches living their ambitions through their kids, or trying to make up for other inadequacies) which encourages coaches play their biggest / favourite players is the reason why Union have not introduced leagues for age grade rugby - they acknowledge the negative aspects that this brings to the game and only have occasional tournaments or cup matches in which clubs really test themselves against each other.'"
Yep. Spot on.
It's incredibly frustrating to see people actively turned away from our sport. I simply hate the attitude that runs through the amateur game, especially at adult level. I know this discussion is mostly focused on junior rugby but the game at adults level puts so many people off from being involved. Something which, again, has nailed with its adult game. It has 1st teams which are taken relatively seriously, but then the 2nd, 3rd and Cavaliers teams are pretty much purely for fun and enjoyment. I can remember playing for York RU's 3rd team when I was 16, there was a 63 year old playing, and no-one on the opposite side smashed him. Which is what would have happened in a League game. Whenever he got the ball he was still tackled but carefully and everyone made sure he wasn't hurt. Did it affect the game? Not one bit. And everyone had a great time.
That 63 year old is now in his mid 70's and obviously doesn't play but he's still involved with the club and, along with a group of 5/6 old fellas, chucks a bit of money in every now and again when a junior team needs a new kit or there's a bit of work to be done somewhere.
We, as a sport, have to get the amateur out of the mindset that they're just like the pro clubs and that it's just as important and that every game is played with a pro's aggression. There is no need for it.
Also we have to get the amateur game to realise it has 2 roles.
1 - To provide quality players to the semi-pro and pro clubs
2 - To involve people in the sport.
I'd say the amateur game is on the borderline of failure with role #1 and complete and total failure with role #2.
