Addressing issues and making change
Founder of the YSC website, Wendy Young has played, coached, refereed and been an administrator within rugby in the USA. Young goes into how these roles have influenced her to make positive change
It's fair to acknowledge that as womxn involved in rugby, we've collectively confronted misogyny and discrimination. Whether as players, grappling with a lack of recognition from male counterparts, as referees facing skepticism about officiating top men's games, or as administrators juggling various responsibilities – the hurdles are varied.
It is crucial to rally as a team, identify supportive male allies who can assist in opening doors, and then seizing the opportunities that arise.
I’ve experienced challenges as a player, referee and coach, but there’s also been some great moments.
One of the highlights of my officiating career was being chosen as an AR at the inaugural women's 7s series stop in Houston in 2012. It marked a significant year as the IRB Women's Sevens World Series was introduced.
The season comprised four tournaments in Dubai, Houston, Guangzhou, and Amsterdam, taking place from November 2012 to May 2013. The experience in Houston, alongside the excitement of being part of this groundbreaking series, remains a cherished memory.
My coaching journey has centered around my passion for working with scrumhalves and backlines, particularly high-performance U23 players. Witnessing a young college player embrace the rugby ball for the first time and then evolve into a team leader over the years has been incredibly rewarding.
It wasn't always about winning; the true fulfillment came from the growth and development of players, both on and off the field.
Using prior experience to make change
Having personally encountered the challenges within community rugby as a referee, coach, and player, I was driven to address those issues as an administrator. With a natural desire towards organization, administrative work has proven to be an ideal fit for me.
I was the first Geographic Union Administrator for the Texas Rugby Union. During this period USA Rugby underwent a significant transformation, shifting from a unified management structure overseeing youth, high school, college, and club games to segregating these groups into distinct silos.
The Texas Rugby Union took part in the pilot program for the Club (Adult) category, which aimed to provide support for a paid administrator. I was engaged with my local club and serving as an administrator for the Western Rugby Union, responsible for overseeing 5-6 Unions.
During this time, I transitioned into the Geographic Union Admin role. The initial focus involved updating bylaws, operating procedures, and adapting to the revamped operational structure of our Union.
Transparency within organizations has been a key focus throughout my time as an administrator. Reflecting on my experiences as a player, I recognized the frustration of decisions being made behind closed doors without aligning with the players' desires.
Stepping into an administrative role allowed me to bridge the gap, gaining trust, and gradually implementing policies and procedures that provided insight into the inner workings of the Union.
I learned that certain decisions were sometimes made due to political, budgetary, or other constraints. Sharing this information with the clubs and involving them in the process contributed to smoother operations overall.
Being a journaler and always writing, it felt natural for me to delve into rugby coverage. My initial goal for Your ScrumHalf Connection was to foster a stronger connection between fans and women's rugby, aiming to grow the sport in the US.
Over time, my focus expanded to encompass international events, transforming the site into a platform for news curation. While covering global leagues demands a significant time investment, I remain steadfast in the belief that fostering connections should be the overarching objective.
There's much to learn from diverse rugby experiences in places like Kenya, Japan, and even Alaska.
Despite facing unique challenges, these issues often share common roots. By collaboratively overcoming obstacles, we can collectively promote and expand our beloved sport.
The next task for USA rugby and women’s rugby
I am enthusiastic about the prospect of professional women's rugby in the USA. While the WPL is striving to transition into a semi-professional league, it is facing significant challenges. However, beyond this, my hope is for continuous growth in women's rugby. To achieve this, we require investments from our Union, sponsorships, improved facilities, and more support across the board.
Within rugby, I’d like there to be more advocating for increased discussions on head injuries in women athletes within the context of women's rugby is crucial for player safety and welfare. Addressing the unique challenges and considerations for female athletes in this regard can lead to improved preventive measures and better care protocols.
Focusing on more research around menstruation and its impact on women's rugby is essential. Understanding how menstrual cycles may affect performance, recovery, and overall well-being can contribute to tailored training programs, better health management, and improved performance outcomes for female players.
Highlighting mental health in women's rugby is vital for breaking stigmas and fostering a supportive environment. Addressing the mental health challenges female athletes may face can lead to the development of resources, strategies, and initiatives that promote overall well-being and resilience in the sport.
Advocating for these topics ensures a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to women's rugby, prioritizing the health and success of female players.