Paternity leave for top athletes: professional sport can still be downgraded

Virginie Phulpin 7:34 am, October 26, 2021

Are top-level athletes employees like any other?

Grenoble rugby player Jim Nagusa has decided to take his paternity leave, and he is facing a lot of criticism in the rugby world.

His example shows how professional sport can still be retrograde on certain subjects. 

"He is taking his club hostage", "what a selfish attitude", "he is nevertheless well paid to live on his passion". Jim Nagusa is hearing as many bird names as he is chirping from his infant. What is he guilty of? To have taken his paternity leave for the arrival of his newborn baby. Indeed, it is serious ...

Since July 1 in France, a father has the right to 28 days of leave for the birth of a child. So legally, nothing wrong. But many former players, coaches or managers find it tantamount to betraying their club and teammates. Just that. By the way, since the time he was injured, Nagusa has not played a minute with Grenoble this season. But is it now that he is taking his paternity leave that his team would be sorely missed? Be serious. It is above all that professional sport conveys a misplaced image of virility which many are still very proud of, and basically, diapers and bottles are still the work of women. We may have to evolve a bit.

Moreover, it is rather the former athletes who are the most virulent in the criticism of Nagusa.

The new generation has understood the fact that a father could be present for the first days of his child without being accused of high treason. 

Jim Nagusa is not without reproach either, he pays for all of his work.

He's not exactly the most serious player in the world.

He's used to coming back from vacation two weeks late to resume training.

But that has nothing to do with it.

Coming back from vacation late is professional misconduct.

In professional clubs as in all companies.

Taking paternity leave is a right.

We will have to get used to it, gentlemen.

And to say that it penalizes the team is a bit short of reasoning.

We know the importance of the mind, of morale for athletes.

And if he deprives himself of an essential moment in life, he will not necessarily be successful in the field.

This summer, Julian Alaphilippe did not go to the Tokyo Olympics, because he wanted to be present for the birth of his child.

It wasn't paternity leave, just a break.

Yes, he could have brought France a medal.

So what ?

We can also say that because he took this time with his family, he was able to resume cycling with a free spirit, and win the world championship.

So Jim Nagusa may not be an exemplary player at all levels.

But there, there is nothing to reproach him with.

We can go beyond his personal case and thank him for putting the subject on the table.