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Sports

Regain rugby, Sri Lanka
By Vimal Perera
There has been a lot said about the state of affairs of "rugby". The challenge ahead is to regain and to reposition the game into the future. Australian Rugby with a view to taking advantage of the growth and the boost to its profile embarked on a project called "true vision ; a plan for Australian rugby following the world cup of 2003" . The document was a realization of the need to stay on top bearing in mind the financial legacy to benefit the game. In place is a five year plan (vision) which identifies the strategic priorities and sets down key performance indicators.

Representing the ARU and in the executive committee of the IRB is Lankan born Dilip Kumar who is now domiciled in Australia. Could we benefit in any way from the exposure of a gentleman of this caliber that played his first rugby in Sri Lanka?

The SLRFU constitution was changed in 1999. The gentleman involved at that stage did what was considered best to broadbase rugby. What is it that has been done to realize the "expectation" through identified strategies, objectives, laid down policies and guidelines to improve or add value "To achieve the "Objects of the Union" over the years through?

Guidelines for player contracts and player movements. Regulations on the Development of Young players. A code of conduct binding Unions, associations, clubs. Officials etc. Improvement of relationship with provinces and its constituent clubs.

After deliberation / consultation and involvement of the games stakeholders: players, clubs, schools, provincial societies, spectators, sponsors and referees a plan identifying strategic priorities must be in place.

The plan should identify a proper structure to manage rugby, which is being made professional. Set up policies and procedures for management of the game, provincial unions, clubs, players, referee's and their relationship to the controlling body as well as communication with the rugby's consumers, the public as well as the sponsors.

Aimed towards Asiad 2008. Identify key performance indicators for: A good financial base, the game, the growth of participation, SL by the Asiad 2008, expectation for sevens rugby, revenue streams that have to be in place, and elite player development.l

The kindergarten of the planning cycle was set fifteen years ago. It is necessary that the chart leads to a number of questions to be addressed and clarified in the form of What's in it for me?

Players should benefit from an increasingly enjoyable, safe and well organized playing environment. There should be a significant increased emphasis and investment in recruiting, supporting and improving coaches, referees and administrators.

A program for Player Development to deliver benefit for growing the next generation of 'elite' players who can progress to the professional side of the game. By 'elite', I mean those talented young players who have been identified within the junior club and school ranks. The elite players should be from the age groups of 15 to 24.

Clubs should have increased participation, infrastructure support, skilled administrators, volunteers, coaches and referees. Coaches should have the benefit of access to: literature, resources, improved training and support, a structure where the basics will flow form the requirements of the national coach and directly benefit the long term vision.

Volunteers (Those non paid rugby enthusiasts who are needed at grass root levels for the improvement of the game.) will need Training and support, access to resources, recognition and thanks.

Referees: the blind men of illegitimate parents (perceived) should have increased access to; resources, Training and support. They need comfort and security to attract more to its fold. At present there is recognition of SL referees at the regional level. But what of the future?

Top priorities should be
Guidelines on discipline and other administrative matters considering happenings of the recent past.
A Revenue Stream, which requires new commercial options, new competition options and products to increase value. (The Isipatana International Schools Rugby sevens and the Kandy Sevens can be proposed for inclusion in the IRB calendar. These while exciting fans and sponsors will generate revenue)

Improvement to historical revenue streams while positioning for the next five to fifteen years. An intelligent strategy for general and capital management to provide Rugby and its sponsors with insulation against fears of the environment. Significant, strategic investments to provide the thrust for maintaining the new audience.

Investments in Elite Player Development Programs, to keep our national, provincial and club representative sides winning. Then 'Brand Sri Lankan Rugby' will provide sponsors, the players and spectators with a distinctive association opportunity, teamwork & camaraderie and a tradition of sportsmanship fair play and respect for the values of the Game, teammates and officials, ahead of individual interests.

For the Circle of innovation we need to acquire "talent" or will continue to be detached and be a breeding ground to encourage conflict, but never, congruence and SL rugby will continue scraping the bottom of the barrel.

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