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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/12/2008 15:27:11
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I friend pointed me towards this article, which although about football mostly is a very interesting read.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A30261412
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Supreme Being
Group: Moderators
Last Login: 06/01/2009 10:43:29
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| It was a good article and added to the growing debate over development and winning. It is worth noting that the school he mentions are fiercely competitive and reknowned across the region for being so. I am not sure if his anecdotal evidence is very strong. Key point: competition is a great motivator and teacher. Winning all the time is the danger. In a true market system, winners one year will be bettered soon because of the forces of competition allow others to replicate, match and adapt. However in a oligopolistic system (few large teams), the players will be attracted to the big paying clubs. The biggest payer will dominate and there is less progress. This happens far too often in youth rugby. Clubs and schools poach. I know of one kid who went to a certain comprehensive because his parents were offered a dishwasher!
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Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/12/2008 15:27:11
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For me the title is a bit misleading (deliberately so I suspect as it grabs the attention). My reading of it was more about short termism rather than a criticism of competitiveness itself. The point seemed to be that short term strategies employed to get wins now may not be best for long term development and future success.
It seems to boil down to skills. The outfit who prioritise skills development, perhaps at the expense of short term success, do better in the long run with their more skilled players. The Campion example is less about their policy as regards kicking - this just grabs the attention and makes the point about the sacrifice of short term success for long term gain. I am sure you are right about the competitiveness of that school - they have just channelled their competitiveness into a longer term strategy than others.
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Supreme Being
Group: Administrators
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 09:42:37
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As long as there is a progression for the individual player - good school, good club, better club - short termism isn't the issue. The school / club team can only play "what's in front of them". This is why the authorities' role must be to ensure progress, for players and teams, through the stages.
Toby Curthoys
Publisher, Better Rugby Coaching www.betterrugbycoaching.com
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