Deviant behaviour, rugby culture
View(s):The behaviour associated with rugby was recognized as a deviant sub culture by Kevin Young in his research and writing on deviant behaviour. He recognises a group of characteristics around which a subculture is formed. Rugby has had its own boundaries and exclusivity. The characteristics he talks of are behaviour related and include merriment and enjoyment in a way which otherwise would not be a norm in the surrounding culture. The merry making, rookie ragging, rugby songs and the beer that goes with it and after match parties and comradeship has always been part of this deviant subculture.
As we move to end the rugby club season can we be happy that the rugby subculture of enjoyment, association and fun has been seen. The culture is changing as professionals have a different hope in mind. From Club rugby we move into the school season. Schoolboy rugby players have always been slotted into a deviant group by the teachers as well as fellow students and particularly the prefect. If any problem of simple rowdy behaviour or minor vandalism occurs the first stone is cast on the rugby players. Naturally it would be so as they are risk takers and involved in a physical game. They sometimes love to live to that image and act to justify the branding.
What I want to talk today is the behaviour of those around the schoolboy who does not think of the negative aspect of influence that is exerted through behaviour that they think are the natural manifestation of passion. The expression of frustration comes through verbal abuse as well as attempted physical abuse. This not only leaves a slur on the school, the boys and the society. This is a new deviant behavior that should not have a place in rugby. This is a negative deviant sub culture that should not be tolerated.
The deviant behaviour that needs encouragement is that which leaves a positive impact on society when a game is played in the correct sprit. The corner stone’s of rugby embrace integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect. That is a contribution to the sociological development.
Emotion and passion is more present at school rugby than in the club arena. The passionate and emotional ones come as former students, parents and other supporters. A factor that drives some to madness is “we have spent so much this year.” Some are rich thinkers of this school is mine and they must win as it brings glory.
A few days ago I watched the Sri Lanka cricket team playing in the Asia Cup against Pakistan and it was a crucial stage at the 35th over. Wicket Keeper Sangakkara made a confident appeal for a caught behind off the inform batsman. The umpire ruled not out whereas replays showed otherwise. The game was taken to the wire and that decision was critical. When this appeal was turned down there neither was finger pointing in the air or nose of the official nor was there a crowding around the Umpire; questioning him. The impact of the way things are done is a good contribution to the structure and development of the society. In a rugby match around two years ago when a player remonstrated against the referee with words and action the referee Nigel Owens in admonishing quipped “this is not soccer” as his last words.
It shows that in the game of rugby too we accept the decision and play according the expectation of the principles of the game. One may ask whether we are comparing chalk and cheese when you bring the example of a recent cricket match. Rugby is a contact sport and the excitement and whipping of passion is much more than in cricket. Does this mean that rugby is a delinquent or deviant subculture where any anti social actions and physical demonstration is acceptable behaviour? It should not be and it must not as the game and the impression it creates on the young mind is most important.
As Kevin Young has stated in his research, rugby has developed a deviant subculture which appeals to some and embarrasses others. Young quotes one of his respondents as saying “Rugby is the only sport I know of where you can go drinking with your opponents before the game and try to kill them during the game and have a party afterwards. If you play a team anywhere the host team provides a party for the opposing team. This is a tradition”. The spirit of the party after the game is somewhat alien today as some prefer to take a packet and forget about the camaraderie and building friends for life.
The question I have is whether we are building a different deviant subculture. The deviant behaviour as recognised by Young have the characteristics of being Embarrassing, Rowdy, Annoying and Bothersome. The value has been more a nuisance to some and not acceptable to the onlooker. That is how far it went and was tolerated as the research shows.
On the other hand if this develops to a new subculture of violence and abuse the impact will be negative and scarring and need to be looked at. Beware of somebody saying rugby is a damaging influence and let us ban the game like we suggest for face book .
* Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB