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On this site last week Andrew Logan presented a detailed and succinct analysis of the problems afflicting Australian rugby as he saw them. Passionate and dedicated, Andrew conscientiously identified his concerns and then proposed a course of corrective action.
More importantly, Andrew not only advanced a plan, he is actively overseeing its implementation. Almost without exception numerous Roar rugby aficionados uncritically accepted his view and pledged to join the campaign to raise the quality of Australian rugby.
Andrew and his supporters are to be admired for their enthusiasm and effort. But, as I read the posts on that particular thread, I wondered how many of my fellow Roar contributors had stopped to consider the all too human emotions of perception and reality.
All endeavors, organisations and groups have shortcomings. As Elbert Hubbard once said, “To escape criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.”
Are the problems of Australian rugby as Andrew perceives them to be? Perhaps they are. They might even be worse than he believes. The problem is we tend to see only what we are prepared or want to see.
Each respondent to Andrew’s article will have their own take on what he/she sees as the current weaknesses of Australian rugby. No two views will be entirely in accordance. The difficulty with trying to identify an objective reality is that it is viewed through the spectacles of our beliefs, attitudes and values.
The danger, I believe, for members of Rugby Australia is that the drawbacks of vulnerability and uncertainty, with which we are all afflicted, may all too quickly undermine the goodwill and ardour of willing volunteers.
Andrew has laid out an ambitious programme whose goals and strategies do not readily lend themselves to dispassionate measurement and evaluation, but rather a high degree of subjective and intuitive assessment.
Anecdotal evidence may make for relaxed and friendly conversation among intimates, but it is no substitute for compelling evidence of achievement for the driven and committed.
It will be important for those responding to Andrew’s challenge to avoid looking at the totality of the perceived problems. Don’t focus on the mountain, it will too easily overwhelm and dishearten those who do. One step at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Rugby Australians will do well to remember the words of Harriet Braiker who said, “Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralising.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.