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- See Exercise 41: Child abuse or bad parenting, p. 71-72
- Exercise 42: Just in time: Rugby tacklers by Scott Jeffery (p. 74)
“Just in Time” by Scott Jeffery, p. 74
The recent tragedy suffered by Roger Sadler who is suffering “in his induced coma” and is “possibly a quadriplegic” shows the dangers of the three-man tackle. Understandably, this accident has provoked controversy among the sporting community. Mr Scoff Jeffery in his article published on the Just in Time website, “Rugby tacklers” urges rugby league officials to ban the tackle in the interests of player safety. Many fans, like Sam agree and arouse a great deal of sympathy for the players. However, the officials appear slow to act and fans like Bill believe that there is no cause for a hasty reaction. They prioritise the entertainment aspect and reassure fans that there are other dangerous professions.
Adopting an imperative stance, Mr Jeffery urges rugby officials to ban the three-man tackle on the grounds that it unreasonably endangers the wellbeing of players. Referring to a combination of both real-life examples and professional expertise, the author clearly mounts a compelling case for the ban. Accordingly, those who fail to ban the tackle such as rugby league officials and coaches are shamed and isolated because they refuse to prioritise player safety. The players are clearly the victim in these circumstances. The author cites numerous experts who appeal to safety; one doctor even suggests that the outcome of the three-man tackle relies on “luck” which clearly shows the amount of danger to which these players are exposed, thus inviting maximum sympathy as well as anger towards those who betray the players.
The author shames the rugby league officials and coaches who overlook the safety needs of players. The depiction of such authority figures, many of whom dismiss the accident as a “work place accident” predisposes members of the public to recognise that the players are betrayed by officials who do not implement swift laws to protect their safety. The fact that the coaches turn a “blind eye” suggests that they are negligent. Also, the author’s provocative reference to the officials’ “six days of silence” is likely to provoke a hostile reaction among fans. Finally, the fact that he depicts the officials as “wise cracks” implies that they arrogantly fail to follow similar leads taken by other sporting codes. That they are in a position of power but hypocritically sacrifice player safety clearly shows, according to Mr Jeffery, a lack of leadership.
The tackle-rule is controversial and incites differing opinions. Whilst some writers like Sam support Mr Jeffery’s strong stance, others like Bill believe that the tackle is an inherent part of rugby. Bill’s comparative references between rugby and other professions suggests that rugby is not unique and seeks to rationalise the dangers. For example, the real-life tragedy of Ms Montgomerie shows the extreme dangers associated with horse racing. Bill’s alliterative reference to the “bump, bang and bruise” which is a part of the game downplays the severity of the assault and euphemistically suggests that these assaults are just a harmless consequence of rugby league. Readers would infer that players are used to the dangers and that spectators should not be alarmed or shocked at the degree of danger to which they are often exposed. Unlike Mr Jeffery who suggests that spectators and leaders should not condone such violence, Bill urges leaders to refrain from changing the rules as it will change the nature and enjoyment of the sport.
Reflecting Mr Jeffery’s sharp criticism of the officials, Sam advocates an urgent ban of the tackle. Sam arouses sympathy for the victims by encouraging members of the sporting community to imagine a similar accident happening to their own family members. Appealing to family values, Sam asks us to “put yourself in his shoes” which challenges fans to recognise that the accident is very traumatic for the victim and his family. His exasperated tone, “and to call it a knee jerk reaction” shames those officials who believe that there is no cause for hasty reactions when Sam believes that this is a logical consequence of an unfair rule.
Whilst the tackle is clearly dangerous, fans, commentators and officials have different views about whether it should be banned. Many seek to monopolise our sympathy for the victims who safety is clearly compromised by this rule. Others, like Bill reflect the view of the officials that there is no cause for an over-reaction. Whilst the sporting community remains divided, the officials are currently resisting the need for change.
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