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The disappearance of Lions Youth Star Muzi Manyike has again raised the question of the support or lack thereof available to our schoolboy rugby stars if their dreams are cut short by Unions not renewing their contracts. We discuss some serious shortcomings of the current system but identified two major areas that need urgent attention.
- The quota system in place puts additional pressure on the black players who are "forced" into the role as hero's to hide the failures of the current system. These kids live under the unrealistic impression that he is the "superstar" and when his contract is not renewed, his life comes to an "end" with the only the player and his parents to deal with the "failure" on their own.
2. The roles of agents and scouts also need to be readdressed to enable him to assist a kid that has to cope with the loss of their contracts and/or serious injuries.
We discuss the lack of support of our young players especially our young black stars
The MyPlayers mental helpline has been managed by the IPW since 2017. It has a network of over 20 qualified psychologists across the country who provide assistance to 14 rugby unions as well as retired rugby players. The staff at the IPW recently compiled a series of videos to help members of the My Players rugby association with mental health tips during the lockdown period. Topics range from depression to anxiety to relationships. Have a look at the videos here:https://m.youtube.com/user/MyPlayerssouthafrica#menu #MyPlayers#MentalHealth#Rugby
A thesis submitted by HB Grobler in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology at the North-West University proposed a framework towards developing a mental health support programme for professional South African rugby players.
You can read the full document @ https://repository.nwu.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10394/33764/Grobler_H.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
"Rugby players may experience various difficulties that can have an impact on their mental health. The status of their mental health impacts their performance and can be either conducive or detrimental. The need for a mental health support programme for rugby players is evident, especially for professional South African rugby players. Although there are various programmes available to support athletes in numerous ways, no specific programme exists that addresses the issue of mental health amongst professional South African rugby players.
Findings from the qualitative data showed that all the players know what mental health entails and the importance thereof within the broader picture of wellness. They indicated that they experience various stressors on and off the field. However, the players showed that in general they have the capacity to enhance their own mental health, whether in personal circumstances or professionally on the field.
The players indicated a definite need for a mental health support programme even though at times their so-called ‘macho image’ may prevent some of them from seeking assistance.
Mental health and the pressure to perform. Rugby players are as a result often viewed as heroes and are expected to constantly perform well. It is within these and other expectations that rugby players may experience various difficulties that can have an impact on their mental health. The status of their mental health impacts their performance and can be either conducive or detrimental towards their performances. Rugby players perform under enormous pressure."