Observations of a Retired Coach

In 19 years at New Mexico Tech, I must have coached a few hundred rugby players, both young women and men. One would have to be a blithering idiot not to have learned a few things over such a span, and although I may blither from time to time I don’t think I’m an idiot. With the understanding that everyone involved in a rugby club has an obligation to contribute, I’d like to share an insight or two that may help.

First, it’s important for players to realize a coach cannot and will not see the totality of anyone’s game. Although your teammates will note much of what you do (and don’t do) you will best know your successes and shortcomings. In my experience those who became the most valuable players in the team were those who noted their and their team’s weaknesses and consciously set out to make improvements. Besides individual fitness, weekly training sessions are your opportunity to make the improvements you want to see.

This may all seem pretty simplistic and maybe even superfluous, but consider this: to this day I’ve never run nor attended a practice session in which I couldn’t immediately tell who understands this truth and who did/does not. Practice activities rarely if ever produce actual game conditions, but the best players habitually use their memories and imagination to get the most benefit for themselves and their teammates out of each activity.

This is the kind of thing I look for when I come out and watch you guys rehearse. Some sessions are better than others for a variety of reasons, yet some players consistently stand out for their effort. So if you haven’t already, take honest stock of your last game, awaken your imagination, and let’s get it on!

Injury – Avoidance, Denial vs. Truth, and Recovery

The Second point I’d like to share – wishing I had done so earlier – is how to recover as fully as possible from injury. It’s pretty mind-boggling to consider the number of participants in – let’s be honest, a pretty hazardous game - who don’t know the basic fundamentals of how to deal with an injury.

Here I need to make the disclaimer that the below comes from what I’ve read and experienced. I have no formal medical training but have had countless encounters and discussions with injured athletes. Learn what you can – reading is still best – but if your injury is serious or the nature unclear, see a doctor, preferably one who appreciates sport.

Do yourself and your teammates a favor and educate yourself on sport injuries. As you’d imagine, there are many books out there. Make sure to read about the author, their experience and philosophy, before you dive in. If the book was written in the 1900s you should probably give it a miss.

The First Step - overcoming Denial. I would have to say that of all the players I’ve consulted with about an injury (which is to say every player I have known) only a minority have accepted that they couldn’t “play through” the actual situation. This is understandable for a variety of reasons, including the obvious disappointment your injury brings to teammates. And so I was surprised yet impressed with the maturity of one of our newly-acquired young studs when he told me yesterday his injury will keep him out of games for a matter of weeks, not days.

Step Two is determining what the hell is wrong, and not pushing it until you know. Minor injuries like bruises and sprains (which are actually minor muscle tears) will heal on their own, but this usually requires you to STAY OFF IT. Finding out what’s wrong can be a real pain in the arse, involving time and expense. That’s why it’s best to read up on injuries so you’ll know when you need to seek out a professional’s diagnosis. In my opinion every rugby player should learn the facts about common injuries and how to put them in the rear view mirror ASAP.

If you learn your injury will require substantial recovery time and therapy (the more therapy, the less time) that old demon Denial will roar back with a vengeance. Teammates will voice understanding when you say you can’t play for X weeks, but deep inside that little voice will tell you that overnight they’ve decided you are a pansy. Just remember they won’t have to live with your f---ed up leg, arm, hand, or noggin – but you will. Remember, The Game will be there when you are ready to resume.

GENERAL SOFT TISSUE TREATMENT (muscles & ligaments)

RICE = Rest, ICE, Compression, and Elevation. Of these, I’ve long considered the first two, and sometimes the last, the most important over the first 48 hours. Incredible it is how many rugby players will go home and put a heating pad on a soft tissue injury within the first 48 hours. Don’t do it!!! Also avoid ointments that have a warming effect. You can usually start heat treatments the third day.

MUSCLE PULLS

A very unfortunate term that’s caused a world of heartache. Even a minor muscle pull is actually a tearing of muscle fiber, not some insignificant “pull”. Treat these injuries with the respect they deserve.

Every one of us has suffered muscle “pulls”, especially in the legs, and every one of us has made it worse by rushing them when we should have treated them and allowed healing time.

Both muscle and ligament tears are diagnosed as Grade 1, 2, or 3, which is a complete tear requiring surgery.

The best way to deal with muscle injuries is TO NOT GET ONE. Cold and windy conditions prevalent in our springs is a particularly dangerous time! WEAR YOUR SANTO SWEAT PANTS and when it’s really chilly, WIND PANTS with a layer beneath. Don’t wait for a team warmup; start yours early.

JOINTS - Ligaments and Cartilage

Learn the difference. Ligaments will heal because they contain blood vessels; not so with cartilage.

If you injure a ligament(s), DO NOT STRETCH IT. Get ice on it and immobilize the joint until you can HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. Many of us have funky fingers due to rushing ligament injuries but you certainly don’t want to do that with a knee, ankle, or other weight-bearing joint.

HEAD INJURIES

Refer to USA Rugby guidelines for Return to Play. Concussion | USA Rugby

MUSCLE BRUISES

RICE, as above. Really bad bruises can “organize” into a big wad of dead blood and crap and require extra attention.

BACK PAIN

Often back pain is a function of muscle strains or tears (sprains). The encouraging thing to realize is you can usually end back pain through improved posture, better movement mechanics, or morebalanced muscle groups (strengthening certain muscles). Everyone’s body is different and you shouldn’t fear experimenting with different techniques, such as chiropractic, massage, rolfing, or mumbo-jumbo. You might even find a new love interest (strike that last thought).

OTHER

If you play long enough, you may learn about stuff like fascia, tendons, nerves, and the like. Just know they are in you, and deserving of consideration. When in doubt, get a pro diagnosis.

The Path to Success

April 9th, 2023