You could ignore the issues because they are not your issues, which tells everyone who is most important in your decision making. You could ignore the problem and hope it goes away which indicates the mind of a fool.

You could denigrate the people with the problem which would give us a window into your heartlessness. Of course you could have a heart, listen, empathise, fix the problem and respond sacrificially in a way that values others.

Most of us know in all the above options which is the hardest course of action. It was not easy for Jesus Christ to sacrifice life for the welfare of all people and in truth the majority don't even appreciate God's actions to put things right.

This time of the year is State of Origin time. NSW has long had a problem with losing and Queensland have long had a problem with winning. One side of the boarder begrudges another's success while the other side gloats.

Both winning and losing have their problems. I can't see Queensland or NSW losing out of empathy or sacrificing a win to let others enjoy a victory. That would be ridiculous. Some problems just can't be fixed. However, some problems require action.

Interestingly, there was a time when people had a problem with the "biff" and today the State of Origin punch up brawls are gone. While some in the coliseum of gladiator watchers may yell "Bring back the biff" the NRL has long admitted it's a problem to be stamped out of the game. Their problem with the biff followed the disturbing trend of growing violence at park football as children and youth began to emulate the ugly behaviour of their football stars.

Parents began to take their children to other sports and suddenly the "image" of the game became all important. What came first? The children or the image of the game? Was it the kids that mattered or the financial bottom line? Was this good corporate citizenship or just business protection? I will leave you to answer these questions.

What we do know is that modelling is a crucial ingredient for a person's development.

For the NRL there is clearly some things that cause such enormous problems that, to not care, or ignore, is a failure in their duty of care.

So with that in mind, to the "biff", alcohol and gambling are problems you cannot ignore. One tires of the rhetoric of the NRL's "sponsored" moral high ground on players' drunken behaviour, off field punches, sexual perversions and gambling losses. But come kick off, the Sports Bet odds will be the math's lessons of tomorrow. Toohey's and XXXX will litter the cross boarder rivalry.

The side of choice might win but like many a failed first grade footballer the outcome for some will inevitably bring the gambled losses and alcohol fuelled biff back into the home. Irresponsible modelling for the young observer will be a sad inevitability and hold prospect for a sadder future.

Personally, I believe the NRL has a responsibility that goes beyond the words, "drink or gamble responsibly." In my experience the only reason you let a monster play in the yard with your children is that you're too scared to remove it. It is always difficult to take the stand needed when compromised by those who pay the bills. The relationship of Rugby Australia and Qantas are one such example.

So should you take your children out of the game? Not necessarily! The game is not the problem. The problem is when we allow people to compromise its integrity for financial gain. So do we allow our children to watch the game?

Well, I would, but I am a parent/grandparent who takes seriously the supervision of my children/grandchildren and the integrity of the family. Good supervision, good communication and behavioural modelling make a big difference and offer great protections.

In an age of addiction, depression, domestic violence should the game's administration take responsibility for the welfare of their spectators?