Co-Curricular

The Best of Sport, the Worst of Sport

Over the last few weeks, I have experienced the highs and lows of School sport. There were several highlights for me. Firstly, I had the privilege of refereeing the 10C Rugby game for their very first game of rugby at the College. Not only was it their first game of rugby at the College, for most of them it was the first time they had played rugby ever. Seeing these young boys running around clearly outclassed by the opposition but never giving up was truly inspiring. The highlight though was when one of our young men went down hard in a tackle and got hurt, and as the tears started to flow, he came across to his dad for some consolation. The father, instead of dismissing him and telling him to toughen up and get back on the field, parented in the most beautiful fashion. He acknowledged his son (I think his son was more in shock than anything because of the hit), listened to him, talked him through the situation and then gave him the confidence to get back on the field. It was a truly special moment that I was able to witness. 

I have been lucky enough to also witness numerous teams across all sports and see teamwork at its best. Our young men working together to ensure that they look out for each other and compete for each other. Sometimes the results have not gone our way, but for the most part they have, especially across our football teams. However, I love seeing the fullbacks in our Football teams being congratulated for the hard work that they do, as the strikers and forwards in these teams are only going to win games due to the hard work of their back lines and goal keepers. Working as a team is so important.

Unfortunately, I have seen some low points as well. Firstly, I have had to stop two games I have refereed in Rugby due to poor language. I refuse to normalise swearing as part of our culture. We can all control ourselves in workplaces and the sporting field should be no different. 

Most parents come to school sports grounds to cheer on their sons, and I thank them for doing this in the spirit of schoolboy sport. However, I also need to call out the poor behaviour of some parents. I was subjected to abuse by parents when I ran the touchline for the First and Second XV two weeks ago. Comments directed at me about being biased questions my integrity. I challenge all parents to do a referee course and get involved in school sport if they have an issue with the officiating. We teach our children respect at home; we must let them know that it carries on to the sporting field. Questioning referees’ decisions is never acceptable to me from a player or a parent. I have also become aware of parents making comments about students from other schools, as well as parents from other schools commenting on our students. I find this behaviour unacceptable. The other thing that I must call out is that parents should never approach a coach on a sideline during a game or training and pass judgement on their performance. Our coaches are working so hard to ensure your sons have an enjoyable time during their game. They have the best interests of your son at heart. You may not always agree and that is okay. If you have any issues then once again, please go through the right channels and contact the relevant Heads of Sport or me.

School sport is supposed to be enjoyable. Let’s celebrate our achievements and remember that manners are free.

Adrian Byrne

Deputy Principal | Acting Director of Co-Curricular