Why do we need foreign rugby referees? Is it necessary?

Nimal Lewke

One wonders as to why Sri Lanka have to depend on foreign rugby referees to conduct local tournaments. This is a new phenomenon which has started of late.

My memory goes back to the training program, which I followed in New South Wales, Sydney to obtain the level 2 rugby coaching certificate in 1999.

In the program there was a subject which surprised me, at that time, when I saw the schedule of lectures, where they had allocated 1 1/2 hours classroom lecture by a reputed lecturer on “How to handle the referee” and at the end of lecture only I fully realized that even though how good your team can be, on the field, there are many other matters Administrators, support groups have to attend to produce a champion outfit.

In rugby they say “winning is not everything”, but “winning is the only thing” to archive this target, outstanding play alone will not provide positive results, because a referee, who is in charge of the game is a key factor.

He is the most important person as far as the outcome of the game is concerned. His decision-making has to be precious and should not put undue pressure on the teams, game rhythm should not be affected and most of all, he should command respect and in return players of both teams should have confidence in him, so that the game will not be interrupted.

Why to Sri Lanka Rugby Administrators depend on foreign referees for local tournaments? Has the local rugby fraternity lost faith in local referees? If so why? Depending on foreigners will not overcome this situation.

How come that, most rugby clubs are clamouring to get foreign referees. The rugby administrators must look into this problem and must find a solution that will give confidence to the rugby clubs, schools and most importantly to the fans, supporters, because Sri Lanka Rugby is unable to progress in this manner.

Why can’t we find referees of the calibre of late Berty Dias, Air Vice Marshal Harry Gunatilake, Mohan Sahayam, Gamini Fernando, Anton Benedict, late General Densil Kobbekaduwa, C S Fernando, Frank Hurbert, Daya Jayasundara, Tony Amith, C H Senevirathne, Jagath Fernando, Darly Engalton, S Sivendran and late S W Chang etc.

The above referees, I do not think ever had a problem, when they refereed during their day. They were respected not only by the players, administrators and most importantly the spectators.

Is it because the majority of them have played rugby at the highest level in this country -being respected players, they earned a reputation and on the field as referees. They enhanced their reputation by winning the confidence of everyone including the spectators.

The writer being a policeman had a unique opportunity of refereeing the prestigious Clifford Cup finals in the late 80s where Police played against CR and FC and was nominated for this task by none other than the CR Council Rep at that time.

Depending on foreign referees is not the answer. There should be a strong Referee Assessment Committee, who take firm decision on referees’ progress and conduct and at the same time, referees should be looked after with strong bond and security of referees should be foremost to build their confidence.

I, once witnessed a referee being chased by spectators at Pedris Park after a match by certain section of the crowd. A colleague who was with me asked me what will you do if you have to face a situation like this? My memories took me back to a statement made by Retired SSP Sumith Silva who was one of the finest honourable respected senior officers under whom I has the privilege to work.

At a police instruction class he referred to a incident where a ASP was stabbed by a PC in Ampara and he said that, he will be the first ASP to stub a PC if they over stepped their mark. On the same line I replied my colleague.

I will be the first referee to take these type of hooligans in defiance if they do not behave properly. Referee Society should have a sound security system organized to give confidence to the referees, that will definitely help to boost the confidence of the referees.

Today we see so many protests against appointed referees they even go the extent of making request to change touch judges. All those incidents. I believe is due to the fact that the Rugby Referees Community has lost the respect and command that they should earn from the rugby fraternity.

Referees also should ask themselves as to why they want to be referees? If you are making a mistake not capable of meeting the demand and if you are not satisfied, what is the purpose of doing same over and over again. At the end of the day, more than anyone else referee should be happy and satisfied that you have done your part well, do not allow people to cast aspersions on you. Not worth. You have to live in the society.

Why tarnish your image, unless you have ulterior motives to gain or some favours.

Any constructive criticism should be accepted to correct your shortcomings, which I believe is not happening.

Who is responsible for this situation? Is it the referees? Administrators? Spectators? As some of the referees have lost their credibility being identified with powerful rugby administrators, clubs, schools. But if you have character, personal determination and honest mind to do a impartial role as a referee, none of the above matters will influence a person.

The above mentioned referees have proved that, beyond any doubt. Even today they can hold their heads high and walk into any club, school.

They have been accepted by everyone as personnel, who had performed admirably, due to the fact that they are upright sportsmen.

It’s time that Rugby Referees Society and others involved in rugby football, take a hard look at the material available and encourage them with a strong and professional plan to enlist former rugby players, administrators to be referees.

SLSRFU should look after them with all necessary assistance, training and foreign exposure at academy level and proper guidance to produce results.