Rugby is all about breaking down barriers; scores, championships, personal bests. We in sports are trailblazers. There are values to be learned through participation in sports.
My father taught me to value each human being, and treat each person, with dignity. This respect can be exemplified in the sports world.
Rugby plays a role in promoting sportsmanship, friendship, and respect for others, by discouraging violence, cheating and drugs.
Sports are the single most available means for self-development , self-respect, and self-esteem, as a cooperative activity.
Good coaching teaches players how to play individually and unselfishly as a team. As players we learn to respect one another's contributions; as well as, respect the fact that differences are what unite us; rather than, separated us. It takes help from many people to be successful along life's highway.
This is true of a well-functioning society as it is in rugby.
And while millions WATCH, millions MORE participate at their own levels of play. The engagement in sports, at all levels, surpasses that of any other activity, including work.
It has been suggested that sports provide an outlet for violence, but this is too simplistic.
Participants, spectators, even CRITICS recognize and ADMIRE the artistry, beauty, GRACE, elegance, HEROISM, discipline, COURAGE, and the DRAMA of sports. We applaud the discipline and COURAGE, not the violence, which on occasioning these virtues.
Sports provides individuals with activity of creative self-expression, and self-respect, and self-development.
Sports is a "slice of life" and reflects society; its virtues and vice, but unlike a mirror, it is ACTIVE.
Competitions can lead to friendships, a cooperative challenge toward a shared end. When the game is played fairly and when competitors are evenly matched, the participants take pleasure in a well-played game, in which they put out their best efforts in the desire to WIN. This requires the cooperation of all involved.
The shared end is a game well played. Without the efforts of the ruggers, referees, etc. such an end cannot be achieved. The cooperative effort constitutes a mutual challenge. I am challenged by my competitor, and HE, is challenged by me. I am not interested in destroying him. I view him not as an enemy, but as a challenger, someone who by his efforts, makes me work hard to develop my abilities and virtues.
That competition leads to friendship that is epitomized by the tradition of handshakes at the end of competition. What you are saying is, "Thanks Friend; I couldn't have done it without you."
We function at a MAXIMUM, to develop oneself to the fullest and to do this we must compete against those who challenge. We strive to win. Generally, we prefer to lose against a strong opponent THAN win against no competition at all.
Rugby is a character builder and critics worry about what kind of character that is produced?
What have those "SPORTS" done to the ETHICS and MORALITY? I am the product. Critics may say that my internal values conflict with those of the wider society? I say, "I will continue to seek excellence to overcome the challenge." You be the judge.