This week I have deliberately not posted up any rugby photos or updates due to certain circumstances that have happened throughout. I have heard a lot being said, I have seen a lot of posts written and circulated. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion - to each their own. But I feel this issue needs to be addressed being that Im on the Board of ASRU and also the one responsible for taking care of the last few weeks of our 15aside season while the tournament director has been off island and also the one responsible for the draw Id like to clear the air about this weeks draw so you know you saw it from me. ASRU 15s schedule suffered a hiccup when we were unable to use the field on three separate occasions: The June Jones Camp, ASNOC Olympic Day and then due to heavy rain. Which put us back 4 weeks and instead of finishing off August 2nd, we found ourselves looking at 4 more weeks of games that hadnt been played. The Stadium wanted to close off the field to allow preparation of the ground for ASHAA High School Football at the end of this month. But we went back to the Stadium management to ask if we can continue past our original deadline date. And our request was granted. With the provision that we finish by August 16th. Which meant scheduling games during the week and on Saturday to try and squeeze four weeks worth of games into two weeks. During the weekly meeting it was put to the team representatives how it would look and ALL teams were on track to complete their games within the time allotted. The original period to begin makeup games during the week did not happen as planned and the first shield game scheduled for Wednesday August 5th was postponed because one team had a funeral that day, and rescheduled for Saturday. But that game was again scrapped because the other team called me to tell me that they also had a funeral and I was told could not play at all that day, even though we pushed the start time of the games that day to 12pm. So the two teams affected due to their village commitments faced a three game schedule during the final week of games - this week while all other teams had only two. I did the schedule based on deadline I was given by the Stadium management and even asked twice about a possible extension to Monday but I was told no on both times. But this past Monday, it was the Chairman who requested the Stadium management for the two games for these two respective teams for safety reasons to be played August 18th and it was finally granted! But the team who has been the most vocal about this, did not have a representative turn up to the meeting on Monday otherwise they wouldve known about the change on that day. No one hates anyones team, or has a personal vendetta for anyones team. Had anyone bothered to ask me directly I wouldve told you directly what the story was. But instead Ive heard and read dissemination of information that wasnt correct and has inflamed more anti ASRU Board sentiment. As a trainer I know that a three game schedule for 15s in one week is impossible and unsafe but I dont have control over the schedule for the stadium, neither does the Board. And I was denied twice when I asked. But the Chairman, who asked on your behalf for safety reasons was granted the request. Which is another reason why I STRESS to all teams to have your representatives present at the meetings each week so everyone can address any issues and bring up any concerns and we can try to work together to move forward with the development of Rugby here in American Samoa. So please next time ask me to clarify things. It will save a whole lot of negative energy :) With that being said, I am praying for patience and for the safety of all players, teams and supporters as we wind down to the final two days of the 15aside season tomorrow and Monday next week.
Posted on: Sat, 16 Aug 2014 02:08:27 +0000
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