Watch Training Rules
- NR
- 2009
- 1 hr 2 min
-
7.2 (84)
Training Rules is a 2009 documentary film that explores the experiences of female athletes who played basketball at Immaculata College in the 1970s. The film provides insight into the strict and controversial training rules that the players had to follow during their time at Immaculata and the subsequent impact it had on their lives.
The film begins with interviews of the former Immaculata basketball players, who recount their memories of the training rules they had to follow during their time at the college. The training rules were established by their coach, Cathy Rush, who led the Immaculata basketball team to three national championships. Rush's training rules were strict and included a variety of regulations which included everything from curfews to dress codes to grooming regulations.
Through interviews with the former players, the film explores how the training rules affected them both on and off the court. For many of the players, the rules were seen as necessary to achieve the success that they did. However, for others, the rules were thought of as controlling and oppressive, and had a negative impact on their mental and emotional well-being.
The film also delves into the context of the times in which the players lived and the social and cultural issues that were prevalent during the 1970s. During this time, women's sports did not receive the same level of respect and attention as men's sports, and many of the players faced discrimination and sexism both on and off the court.
The film does not shy away from examining Rush's role in the training rules, and the impact that her leadership style had on the players. Rush is presented as a complex figure, who was both fiercely dedicated to her players and their success, but also demanding and uncompromising in her coaching style.
As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the training rules had lasting effects on the players, not only in their basketball careers but also in their personal lives. Some players describe struggling with anxiety and depression as a result of the intense pressure they faced during their time at Immaculata.
The film concludes by addressing the legacy of the Immaculata basketball program, and the impact it had on women's sports as a whole. Despite the challenges the players faced, the team's success was seen as a pivotal moment in women's basketball history, and paved the way for more opportunities and recognition for female athletes.
Overall, Training Rules is a thought-provoking and engaging documentary that sheds light on an important moment in women's sports history. It provides insight into the challenges and successes of female athletes during a time when their voices and experiences were often overlooked, and invites viewers to think critically about the role of coaching and training in sports culture.
Training Rules is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.