The emphasis area that interests me most is playing rugby and being a sports chiropractor. I started playing rugby several years ago when I was still a young child. When I reflect back, I realize that this is the best decision I ever made in my life. While there were a variety of other sports for me to choose from, I settled on this unique sport for which my friends ridiculed me whenever we went out to play. However, I have never regretted being a rugby player. In my life as an amateur rugby player, I have discovered that the game can have immense benefits that are essential in everyday life.
First, playing rugby encourages such important social values as respect, teamwork, unselfishness, perseverance, humility, and loyalty. These values come naturally due to the organization of the game. As Tony (87-93) explains, every single rugby player has a role to play but must seek constant support from fellow players. This reinforces the values of teamwork and shared commitment. Indeed, solidarity and team spirit are integral in rugby, both on and off the pitch. In my district rugby association, the above values are strongly emphasized that rugby is fondly referred to as the game of discipline. We are all expected to observe rules and respect everybody in the pitch including referees, coaches, teammates, and opponents. Interestingly, rugby players carry these values of the pitch, and it is no surprise to find that these players are the most disciplined in society. In fact, I can attest that most of my teammates are very humble and law-abiding citizens chiefly because of the discipline they have acquired from rugby.
Secondly, there are great social benefits in playing rugby. Rugby clubs are like a family where one is assured to get lifetime friends especially during times of need. Rugby players never discriminate against each other, and this is mainly due to the value of teamwork. There is no greatest scorer or best striker in rugby. All players work towards a collective mission, which fosters strong social bonds. Third, even though rugby is a contact sport, important techniques and skills are developed so that the game can go forward. In this respect, rugby appears to be a very complete sport because of the efforts players put in to make the hits as well as the initiatives they take during tactical maneuvers (Tony, 102-104).
Before taking this course, there are a few things that I did not know about rugby. One of these is that rugby is a game that can be played by women just like it is played by men. I have now known that women have as many opportunities to play rugby at elite levels. Indeed, some female rugby players are very successful both professionally and socio-economically. In my opinion, rugby is one of those games that give girls opportunities to develop self-confidence as they mature. The game enhances communication skills because players have to constantly communicate with each other and with the referees and coaches. Before I started playing rugby, I was always shy and had low self-esteem. Today, I am very confident because of the exposure I have gained from many years of practice.
Another thing I did not know about rugby is that this game can help players develop career paths for life. I know of several professional players who make a living by playing rugby. Some of these players are national heroes and sports icons of all times. Personally, I would like to have a postgraduate degree in sports management because I love rugby and would like to work in the sports industry for the rest of my life. I would preferably like to specialize in sports marketing for rugby. Having played rugby for over ten years, I do not see myself doing anything else apart from engaging in rugby.
I am also considering being a sports chiropractor. Chiropractic is a method of healing mostly chosen by those seeking alternative or complementary healthcare for chronic and acute conditions. In sports medicine, chiropractic is the treatment of choice for professional players seeking to manage a variety of injuries and enhance performance (Jones-Harris, 6-8). I believe that by studying sports chiropractic, I will have posses specialized knowledge of physical fitness and sports injuries. I will, therefore, be an expert in the functioning of the body and associated risks during movement from everyday activities to high-level sports activities. As a chiropractor will work with players to ensure optimal wellness and health for enhanced sports performance. In my favorite sports (rugby), I will help optimize sports performance by offering individualized care that goes beyond correction of musculoskeletal injuries.
Regardless of one’s professional ambitions, age or fitness level, rugby is a great sport that can be enjoyed by both men and women. It becomes even better if one starts practicing at a young age. Therefore, there is no harm if parents allow their preteen children to show interest in rugby.
Works Cited
Jones-Harris Amanda. Are chiropractors in the uk primary healthcare or primary contact practitioners?: a mixed methods study. Chiropr Osteopat 18 (28), 2010.
Tony Collins. "Schism 1893–1895". Rugby's great split: class, culture and the origins of rugby league football. London: Routlage, 2006 pp. 87–120.
