Due to unforeseen circumstances I was unable to attend matches last weekend and the lack of feedback from clubs about results was very disappointing. However, I would like to focus on a few things I have noticed over this season so far and hopefully it may make some people think twice.
I have witnessed games from the Under 7’s all the way up to the Under 18’s and it is inspiring to see so many young men and women playing this great game of ours. But like most good things, there is the odd exception and two things that have stood out.
Firstly, some of the language I have heard needs to be addressed. The younger players really shouldn’t be subject to poor language under any circumstances.
Secondly, the comments directed at the referees is concerning. There is a right way and a wrong way to approach a referee if you are a captain, if not then leave it to the captain to discuss as foul language and the verbal abuse will only lead to one thing and that is sitting on the bench and possibly missing future matches.
Sure there are frustrating moments out there and calls you don’t agree with but it is the captains job to be the one to bring up this matters in a polite way and the captain should not only be chosen as a leader of your side but one who can converse that way with the officials. In coming weeks I will be conducting some interviews with the referees from the area to get some feedback from their point of view.
I would like to give some of the young men and women playing the game a little piece of advice in regards to hitting the gym, realistically you shouldn’t be attempting heavy lifts or operating exercise equipment designed for adults. As someone who studies in the industry and has clients I would suggest you don’t even pick up a weight until you are at least 15 and if you do then you have to consider so many other things that can affect your future.
Whilst it is all well and good to stand in front of the mirrors and do bicep curls and watch your arms grow, you should be concentrating more of your time on endurance, agility and doing some of the things that aren’t so glamorous. Too many times I have witnessed young athletes so intent on looking good that they forget about their flexibility and more often than not injure their shoulders etc as they don’t have the movement there to assist with making a tackle or being tackled.
Hopefully some of these matters do get your consideration as this great game of ours needs more positive coverage and the young athletes playing it now are the games future.
