It’s good if you could catch ‘em young

Sports

I was a little surprised to see as tag rugby tournament being played during school hours among class teams. Though the participants were strictly not in the mini age group I thought it was good to introduce the game of rugby at the junior level.
The enthusiasm was not only among students but also the class teachers were encouraging. There was hidden talent as some of the participants had not played the game the before. I learnt the winners of the class group consisted of a team of those who had not played before. The losing finalist had a majority of players who had taken part in the school section junior games in the previous years.

It was indeed satisfying to those who were keen in promoting the game in the school. The skeptics would think that school hours should not be wasted. But in a country such as Australia the participation in a game and during schools hours is a must.

The involvement of former school players who had left not long ago was also an encouraging factor .There interest in helping the game is encouraging. Further it was an achievement for the organizers as rugby was played in this school for over 50 years but with little priority. The involvement of old boys and players of last year to referee was also good. Encouraging and very positive sign for the development of the game in and hopefully the results will be seen in the future years if the enthusiasm continues. It will be then that the saint from the north of Colombo can match the performance of the other saint from the south of Colombo that has been doing well in rugby.

But again when I see what is happening and the interest of the game increasing I wonder whether these young lads will end up in disappointment. I hope and hope that there will not be disappointments in what is happening and has happened in the management of the game at the national level. At a time when all hands must be to steer the ship in one direction there seems to be no end to the personal agenda and to the vendetta that goes on. It was this inability to see ahead and the differences of opinion that were thrashed out outside the playing enclosure that lead to an interim body taking office.

Now that what was wanted by some was in place there seem to be some who still does not seem to be satisfied. It does seem that the mood to fight to contradict is now with the IC. As I have said the IC will hold elections but when and in which year is the question? If that is the reality then you have to work around and with it. On the other hand the IC which came in to manage the game better than what was done has to perform.

Priority should be in getting the constitution in place so that it is in alignment with the current requirements. There was a working document, incorporating changes, which was handled by The President of Ruhunu rugby.

It also took into account amendments proposed by the Western Province. This was done in 2005 and took into consideration the requirements that needed change in the 1992 constitution. This included among many progressive changed a clause to ensure continuation by having trustees to carry on in the event there is a legal impediment for the office bearers and the committee to carry on its functions.

The question is what happened to it after 2005. As usual what the others did is put aside and not considered. This happened probably because the man in charge of making the draft constitution sat on the other side in the run up for nominations to elect office bearers. The democratic process and the voting by right do not mean always that you have a right. With that type of thinking there can always be a breakdown and then we land where we are. However much one may disagree and criticize one has must face reality and work with the system in place. That is for the stakeholders to meet and see eye to eye. The stakeholders in rugby are the provinces and their constituent clubs. The almighty at this moment with whom they need to see eye to eye is the interim. Till such time there is agreement and the stakeholders get back control the game must go on. If here is continuous mistrust and vilification the game will not only suffer but will turn the clock back. There is also the world body that gives funds and who believe in dealing with a democratically elected governing body of a sport After all the money you receive is based on the work that has been shown and has been achieved by the stakeholders whose achievement still may not yet rise to a national level.

The issue is not just today but tomorrow. We are among two types of people: Those who work and these who get credit for the work. It is better be with those who work as there is no contest among them. The contest is between those who do not work but get the credit for it.

= Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB

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