Many players say the hardest part of rugby is not the game.
It's the drive home afterward.
Parents often ask:
The athlete is often emotionally exhausted.
After every game ask:
"Did you enjoy it?"
That's all.
Let them lead the conversation.
Immediately after competition:
Players are processing:
Analysis can wait.
Connection cannot.
For the next month:
After every game ask only:
"Did you enjoy it?"
Then listen.