English-style schools are the only rugby environment in the world where the participation in outdoor team games is compulsory. Since Tom Brown's Schooldays various forms of football have been an obligatory part of education. Compulsory Hockey and Netball are not far behind. Many children have developed a long, life-enriching love affair with games as a result - and bequeathed this enthusiasm to their children. Others have had an excruciating experience and established an equally passionate loathing of what they perceive as a pointless, painful and protracted activity. Both constituencies are sufficiently large in number that they must have some...

It was inevitable. In a culture so risk averse, it is perhaps only surprising that it took so long for Rugby to come under attack from the safety politburo. Recent publicity has highlighted the danger of the game to children, frequency of injury (claimed to be 18%), risk of concussion and catastrophe. The impact of this will surely be felt in schools, and compulsory rugby will come further under attack.

What is the answer? Fewer schools will maintain their appetite to challenge parental demand, and more "exceptions" will be made to the previously inviolate requirement for all...

Ask most Directors of Sport what they like least about their job, and dealing with parents is never far from the surface. Unreasonable demands, intrusion on selection, unrealistic ambition, outrageous touchline behaviour are worldwide phenomenon. Everyone wears their horror stories as badges of honour: it's a race to the bottom, "If you think your parents are bad, listen to this..."

Educating children is relatively easy. They are aware of the need to learn, respectful (generally) of the omnipotence of teachers and readily influenced. Their parents can be in sharp contrast. In an environment where the need for...