It hasn't quite been portrayed as the end of the world but the way some have reacted to the manipulation of scores in junior rugby would have you believe it was pretty close to it.
Talkback stations have been running hot on the topic and headlines have screamed of people's outrage, as
well as the rugby authorities' defence of the practice of ensuring no team could lose by more than 35 points. This artificially closing the gap between the winners and losers when the gulf in quality between the two sides was likely to lead to a major score blowout saw former greats such as Josh Kronfeld, Stu Wilson and the legendary Sir Colin Meads all rail against a practice they saw as diminishing the competitive spirit within the junior ranks. Some blasted the concept as another example of overbearing political correctness.
Locally, it seems the issue is being treated sensibly, as it should.
Wanganui community development officer Jordan Farrington points out that making changes at halftime to avoid a lopsided game offers more in the development of the young players, not to mention the enjoyment they may get from sharing skills, learning and playing in a match-up that is truly competitive. Jason Caskey, the Wanganui senior representative coach puts it more succinctly - it's common sense.
I can recall being in teams that had some players who were a class above - we gained little from it other than desperately trying to get the ball to them so they could run rampant and score. Likewise, it was demoralising to consistently be in a team with the smaller number at the final whistle.
As New Zealand Rugby Union general manager of community rugby, Brent Anderson, a former All Black, explained, the idea has been around since about 2004. One wonders why the fuss now.
Is the issue in Auckland being driven by the kind of overzealous coaches or parents who march along the touchlines screaming instructions, and even abuse, at players and officials? This surely is exactly the type of behaviour we should be discouraging, and if policies like the NZRFU aid the development of the game in a healthy way, then they should be supported.
Clearly a win is still a win, games in which teams are mixed up are more competitive. If scores are closer, enjoyment is raised, along with skill levels, it has to be good for building a solid base in junior rugby..
It hasn't quite been portrayed as the end of the world but the way some have reacted to the manipulation of scores in junior rugby would have you believe it was pretty close to it.
Talkback stations have been running hot on the topic and headlines have screamed of people's outrage, as
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