Credibility, trust erode when truth is suppressed
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Mercantile Rugby has banned several persons, including a player for assaulting a referee - File pic
Marketing & Service expert Theodore Levitt says, “One of the surest signs of a bad or declining relationship is the absence of complaints from clients. The client is either not being candid or, not being contacted. The absence of candor reflects the decline of trust and deterioration of the relationship.”
Words of wisdom for those handling the oval ball, who think all is well if there is silence from those who complain. On inquiries made, it was revealed that Mercantile Rugby has imposed a punishment on those who assaulted a match official at the conclusion of the Mercantile 7s on July 23. It is understood that a 2-year ban on involvement in Mercantile Rugby has been imposed. That is by Mercantile Rugby, and the report has been sent to Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR).
Will the report cause the recognition of the punishment, where the sanction becomes national as well as international? Are we past the era where things are swept under the carpet and, or, selective treatment given depending on who is involved?
There is a shake in the overall system in Sri Lanka, with key figures being questioned and, or, resigning. I wonder how this will affect others, including those in sports. This includes the SLR which assumes an aura of being head up.
Compared with what is being investigated and questioned is a different scale the sordid of Rugby is small fry. I don’t know the syndrome of past actions of ineligible representation of Sri Lanka by those who do not belong to us, but to Fiji, is a case in point. If the high and mighty is brought to earth, who is preventing questions being asked and responsibility fixed. The latest in the book of jokes is that the selectors gave us the team, so we don’t know.
Keeping that aside, what awaits is when many powerful are asked to explain and brought to answer why Rugby goes to the past of being ostrich-like. This columnist in the recent past submitted a set of questions to the Ministry of Sports, which in turn informed me verbally, this has been referred to those who govern the game.
A reply of any sort or, a refusal to provide information has been delayed since the first week of June. Mind you, this is when a man who should have corporate governance at the tips of his fingers, sits in the main committee and is an office bearer. I thought there will be a Ray of Hope in transparency, but then, I stand disappointed not for myself, but for a country.
At least, people taking positions in Sport and specially like that of Rugby, where the cornerstones are about Integrity, Passion, Solidarity, Discipline and Respect and garnished with Spirit, it is important to uphold those in whatever is done. This includes letting the public know through media and, or, disclosure. Since asking questions or, making fair comment may not be in the agenda of some questions were directed to the Ministry of Sport.
Laws protect information that may jeopardise a nation, such as in issues of National Security or, some communication among professionals. Does Rugby come under that purview? Even an employee who blows the whistle is protected, though not adequately as experts opine.
In such a situation it is clumsy for Rugby to think that a person related to the game, but not an employee, has to show cause based on wrong interpretation and use of World Rugby clause, similar to misuse of clauses on eligibility. Forget the issues of eligibility, but what accounting disclosure and treatment has been made in the last set of accounts that were produced. I am referring to the fine imposed by World Rugby, which is a definite liability. What has been the accounting treatment for the fine, if it was deducted from the grant? This should not be rocket science for those who are thrust with responsibility of governance. If I am wrong, I stand to be corrected, if the actual accounts are provided and the issues disclosed.
To set the record straight and pave the way is important, as Rugby is a popular sport in schools. The young are taking to the game with enthusiasm. It is then important they are guided by responsible people. If Apes and Baboons are involved in foul action, they should be penalised and not asked to guide the young. If those who coach the young are grubby and guilty of misconduct are continued and defended, what future do we have?
Asked about the Mercantile fiasco, I was told that punishment has been imposed. But, when asked whether the corporate sector have been informed, the answer was: “not yet”. But that it will be done. Unlike the game played by Clubs and schools, the corporate sector has more responsibility to lead, when there is so much talk about Corporate Social Responsibility. Think about the damage to brand image, as the media reported the happening after the final, and was specific about the identity of the players and their employers.
If there is hope that there is a new beginning when bigger fish are taken to task, the question is what prevents action being taken when events are virtually criminal. I hope the Minister in charge of Sport as well as the companies involved will think of what has to be done in the space of ‘Governance’.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB