The news this summer, dominated as it was by the MP's expenses scandal, reminded us all of the fact that in high profile positions one's standards are there for all to see and scrutinise. One group who quite naturally fall into such a position are professional sports people who adorn the pages of our newspapers on an almost daily basis for their choice of car, drink, lover or lifestyle. So often it is footballers (and their WAGS) who dominate these stories but over recent years rugby has had a growing number of celebrity couples and pin up boys. The raised profile of elite players has led to a rasing of the games overall profile - clearly a good thing - although it can also lead to far less glamorous or wanted stories.
Such an unglamorous story has, unfortunately, been dominating the back pages over the past few weeks. 'Bloodgate' has cast a shadow over Rugby Union in an unprecedented manner and the sport must now work hard to shine up its somewhat tainted image. It also forces me to consider some of the actions that I have in the past or may in the future carry out in the name of the team. For example, in rugby the game cannot go on if a front row player is injured. This has led to the common practice of a front row player going down 'injured' at a strategically appropriate time, normally when his or her team are extremely short of breath! The question I, as a front row player and captain am forced to ask is this: "Does this differ at all from faking a blood injury to bring a substituted player back on to the field?" The short answer is 'not sure'. In conversation with team mates we have discussed the fact that, ultimately, the 'injured' player receives treatment and the game will recommence - 15 on 15, no changes made. Yet whilst this is the case the momentum that the opposition may have had will have been lost and, therefore, an unfair advantage will have been gained.
So what to do? Everyone does it, it always has been done. But hasn't God called me to live differently to the world? To be in it but not to conform to its standards?
And so I have my answer. No more tactical breathers. But what about all the other areas where we push the laws of our great sport to the limit...
NJC,
I once met a very impressive businessman in Hong Kong who had written a paper on leadership. This man was the epitome of integrity and I have the utmost respect for him and I try hard to live my life by the values he respects.
You are now in a position of leadership on AND off the rugby pitch. My friend once said of leadership:
"Leaders focus on doing the right things. Managers focus on doing things right."
As a leader you constantly have to assess if you are doing the right thing.
Sport is a funny business, but I'm sure you will measure success on how you went about your business.
Good luck!
Posted by: Kenny Baillie | September 02, 2009 at 05:57 PM
Before we continue the service, I'd just like us to spend a few minutes in silent prayer... (glug glug glug)
(the connotations are wide-ranging!)
Definitely don't do any of that stuff Nick. Win fair and square or not at all. Those are always the only two options. Fakers, whiners, sneaks and cheats are only deluding themselves.
Posted by: Beat Attitude | September 02, 2009 at 11:58 PM
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/baseball_superstar_accused_of
Posted by: Beat Attitude | September 03, 2009 at 12:14 AM
I think I would ask you this in regard to your decisions about "how you play the game". My 9 year old daughter and 7 year old son have just begun playing for a youth team.
How would you teach *them* to play? What would you regard as appropriate team tactics to teach to the players of tomorrow?
Peace.
Posted by: Susan T | September 03, 2009 at 10:59 PM