After completing his 5th game where he rucked for all 100mins, Andries Jurgens walked towards the boundary a dishevelled man. He put together another outstanding performance and was the dominant big man for West Preston for the fifth week in a row.
But is this enormous workload in breach of “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights”.
The general essence of “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights”, is the “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”.
Due to the ambiguous nature of this statement, it can be interpreted in a range of ways. This is exactly what I have done to fulfill my pre conceived motives for this article.
So the question is a simple one: due to the mosquito nature of our current snr list, are the West Preston snr coaching panel at risk of breaching Andries' basic human rights.
The charter has 30 articles that articulated the basic rights all people of the world are entitled to. On a forensic investigation of these rights (I spent at least the time it takes to drink a lukewarm cup of coffee) I discovered 3 articles that I think are of concerns to Andries' basic welfare.
Article 4.
No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Has he become a slave to his own height? With little options, one can understand why the coaching panel has decided to leave him on the ball, but is this decision in breach of his basic human rights under article 4. Surely the coaches can think more creatively about how they approach the vertically challenged virus that has besieged the club 2013.
Here is an alternative.
Getting Billy Micevski to carry Jnr round on his shoulder, bound together with electrician's tape to provide an option. (not sure combined if they actually make 6ft? – mental note, need to check this)
Article 5.
No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Four hundred & fifty minutes over 5 games. I’ll let you be the judge.
I must disclose that Andries is not being deprived of basic human sustenance. On regular occasions I have witnessed Dan and Jake Pattison offering him a drink of water, and after home games, Polly Sleeman has distributed the “left overs” from the canteen, which Andries is entitled to if he is quick enough.
It’s a dog eat dog mentality at 4.55pm in our home rooms on home games so he is no guarantee to get his cup full, so to speak.
As for away games, really, he is left to fend for himself without any support from those who seek to benefit from his persecution.
Here is an alternative.
Send him to away games with a packed lunch. It’s the least you could do.
Article 24.
Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.
I say again, four hundred & fifty minutes over 5 games. I’ll let you be the judge.
Here is an alternative.
Tell Damien Smith his days of pinch hitting in the forward line are over. Need some heavy lifting from you Smitty: back in the ones and back one the ball I say.
Disclaimer: The writer may have taken some liberties in the interpretation of the “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights”.
Last Modified on 12/09/2015 17:59