Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union

Summary

The transcript details the passion and challenges of deaf rugby players and the founder of Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union. It highlights the importance of inclusion, the need for better communication between deaf and hearing communities in sports, and the founder's personal journey to create opportunities for deaf rugby players. The founder's ambition to grow the sport and improve the skills of deaf players to match those of hearing players is emphasized, showcasing the potential for future expansion and community building.

Takeaways

• 🏉 The speaker has a deep passion for rugby, appreciating its fast pace and the various skills it requires.
• 🌟 Growing up with rugby, the speaker is a self-proclaimed 'rugby tragic', highlighting their lifelong dedication to the sport.
• 🤝 The Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union was established to provide opportunities for deaf rugby players, showcasing a commitment to inclusivity.
• 👥 The union was formed in late 2007/2008 by the speaker, who took the initiative to create a team for deaf players.
• 🤔 The speaker emphasizes the importance of deaf individuals participating in both hearing and deaf clubs to gain experience and challenge societal perceptions.
• 👂 Deaf athletes often face communication barriers and feel disenfranchised, but deaf rugby offers a supportive community.
• 👶 A visit to St Dominic's School, where deaf children were eager to meet the speaker, illustrates the inspiring impact of visibility and representation.
• 🧐 Deaf people need assistance in organizing and coaching rugby, indicating areas where support from the hearing community is crucial.
• 🌐 The speaker, being an ex-deaf rugby player and a coach, bridges the gap between the hearing and deaf worlds, advocating for better communication and understanding.
• 📝 Effective communication strategies such as body language, writing notes, and one-on-one interactions are essential for coaching deaf players.
• 🚀 The speaker's ambition is to grow deaf rugby, improve skills, and maintain strong ties with the deaf community, with a vision for a more inclusive future.

Q & A

What does the speaker love about rugby?

The speaker loves rugby because it is fast, involves a lot of different skills, and promotes organization skills both on and off the field.

Why did the speaker form the Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union?

The speaker formed the Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Union because there were not many opportunities for deaf people in the community to play rugby.

When was the Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Team formed?

The Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Team was formed in late 2007/2008.

What was the purpose of forming the Southern Cross Deaf Rugby Team?

The purpose of forming the team was to give deaf rugby players a chance to play the game.

Why is it important for deaf people to get involved in hearing clubs?

It is important for deaf people to get involved in hearing clubs to gain experience, open their eyes, and challenge the tendency of hearing people to sideline deaf people.

How does the lack of communication affect deaf athletes?

The lack of communication can make deaf athletes feel disenfranchised and unmotivated, as they may not feel included or understand what is happening on and off the field.

What was the speaker's experience when visiting St Dominic's School?

The speaker was overwhelmed with pride and a sense of achievement when visiting St Dominic's School, where deaf children were excited to see them and eager to learn about rugby.

What challenges do deaf rugby players face in hearing clubs?

Deaf rugby players in hearing clubs may face challenges such as not being given the proper opportunity to express themselves, feeling left out of the loop, and being placed in positions where their communication difficulties are highlighted.

How can hearing clubs better support deaf players?

Hearing clubs can better support deaf players by educating coaches on how to communicate with deaf players, using written notes, and being more graphic with body language to ensure understanding.

What is the speaker's ambition regarding deaf rugby?

The speaker's ambition is to grow deaf rugby, make it bigger than it is today, and maintain contact with the deaf community to have life experiences in different areas.

How does the speaker suggest involving deaf players in rugby?

The speaker suggests involving deaf players by using basic communication skills, body language, interpreters, and one-on-one communication, as well as spending time with them before, during, and after training.