Cameo wrote:True although I think that just reflects a general feeling from (older) people who are heavily involved in club rugby.
Edit: apologies as the below own a bit scattergun. Typing on phone trying to deal with my 2 year old.
It's an interesting one. A lot of the older people at clubs are resistant (or ignorant) to the changing landscape and just can't get their head around it or adapt. Dodson particularly abrasive and won't back down which won't please the club's.
There is still too much "back in my day chat" when the reality is that things are very different to even when I started playing 1s when I was 15/16. 17-18 year olds are going to uni/getting burds/getting pished etc and I have seen guys call off because of work, child care commitments, they can't give a whole day to leave at 6am to get to Caithness only to return at 2am.
The Caley region is especially bad for travel at times. Not too many seasons ago Fife teams were being sent to Orkney a week or 2 before Christmas.
Even at the low levels guys are putting enormous strain on their bodies. Gym sessions 3-5 days a week, rugby training etc. I'm takes its toll eventually.
All of the above are issues that can impact playing numbers and we need people to come together rather than fight but there are too many competing agendas.
I have served on a club committee and attended various meetings with the wider rugby community in Scotland and there are two distinct camps.
1. "I'm concerned about grass roots" mean exactly that. They are worried about the game across the board.
2. "I'm concerned about grass roots" really mean I'm worried about my club not being as prestigious/important as it once may have been.
It's not easy to spot the difference sometimes.