SLSRFA goes tough on misbehaving junior skipper
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Sri Lanka playing against South Korea in the Junior Asiad Tournament
The Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) met and discussed the behavioral issue that arose during the Asian Under-19 Tournaments and the involvement of the captain. The President of SLSRFA, Ranjith Chandrasekera emphasized that the future of a young player should not be compromised in taking a decision though there is a strong need to send a message to the junior rugby community that unacceptable behaviour will not be taken lightly.
He emphasized that harassment is not taken lightly in any sport coming under the umbrella of Olympic Movement. Having carefully considered that the player has left schools and the education authorities have little control and the governing body for rugby in Sri Lanka (SLR) will be kept informed and advised to take suitable action. The schools also decided to keep on hold the award of Schools National Colors.
The player has also been asked refund the cost incurred associated for this tournament on his behalf. Since the player was a nominee by the school he played for, will be kept informed of the action taken and the embarrassment created by the player.
Is the publicized story of a Junior Tusker in Chinese Taipei isolated one or one that became public while many a victim does not come to the open because of the shame that is attached. Sportsman involves themselves in taking risks both on and off the field. Being violent within laws characterize some sports which rewards players inside the playing field. This mental state should be developed so that it is not taken outside the sport. A victim of a harassment is more prone to mental trauma and we try and defend the perpetrator on the basis asking the question “is this the first time” or “these are boys”. This sense of shame often causes victims to blame themselves for the sexual misconduct of their perpetrator. In this reported case it has come to the open and what is most important is a process of rehabilitation and not condemnation. If any has to be condemned it is those who fix square pegs in round holes.
There have been reports of performance-enhancing supplements to referee/official abuse to fighting, crime and sex even casual in nature damaging the image of sports as a positive influence. Sports researchers suggest a second look because of that sports provide players with a certain status. It is that influence that needs to be protected.
Rugby in Sri Lanka seems dotted emphatically as failed when one reads of the performance in Junior Asian Rugby. More than the embarrassment of losing, the cause for publicity is the awkward behaviour of the leader who is accused of bringing disgrace to the country and him. On the other hand the responsibility also lies in those who entrusted him with leadership. A talented player who had contributed to the game may not have been the best leader other than being a good player who had seniority possibly may be lost to the game while destroying his future. According to the President SLSRFA, they were not in agreement to this player being included in the squad as he had not been a regular at practice as well as trials. Who selected him and appointed him captain despite a trace of indiscipline, needs to be reviewed.
Purely because puritans only saw him as a weapon, ignoring his mental strength, needed to be an example to the team he led. Oh yes, he captained the Under-17 too if you want to defend a poor choice of a leader. Did they choose the leader with wisdom and forethought. This was a junior representative side which is deemed to have a three pronged responsibility; the governing body, the education authorities and the selectors who normally come under the Ministry of Sports.
Attila, the fourth century BC Hun said everybody has value; even if to serve as a bad example. Possibly this is a good example of what is in store when values are second. It is not about Hang down your head, Tom Dooley, Hang down your head and cry, Hang down your head, Tom Dooley, Poor boy, you’re bound to die.
‘Rugby Talk’ wishes Sports Minister Harin Fernando that he be blessed with a fruitful hand to guide sport at a juncture when the country as a whole is at a cross road. A personality whose sports background is rugby needs no reminder, of the times ahead, that it is not going to be a smooth terrain. While wishing the young Sports Minister in the journey ahead I am tempted to quote the famous words of a former President, consultation, consensus and compromise: whilst the son of the Late President is in the lead of taking this country forward. The three ‘C’s are cornerstones in our flight path but a fourth ‘C’ has been characterizing the path of the of the attempted march. That is Chaos.
Rugby which has survived for well over 100 years has become one of the world’s greatest sports; by the spirit it creates as by the skill with which it is played. Many people in this vulgarized world will sneer at the phrase “spirit of the game” and words like “ethics”, but Rugby have demonstrated that these qualities are not lost.
We play rugby with the ball. When we have it, we will look to attack and score using the whole team. When we do not have it, we will fight to get it back as soon as possible. Controlling possession and pressuring the opposition will allow us to compete with anyone. This will form both the basis of our attacking strategy and defensive systems. And in rugby there will always be hard knocks that will be given and taken. Politics can and could take a lesson from rugby.
The principles of rugby involve contest for possession, going forward, support, continuity and pressure. What is however important is to see the invisible gorilla in the form of those who proffer advise with nothing but a personal ego of grabbing for themselves the food on the table than making it available for all in sports. Rugby is the most represented sport in the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
While we appreciate and welcome the rugby enthusiast Sports Minister as we close curtains on the rugby season 2018 there is also a need to wish a speedy return to enjoy life to Chandrishan Perera, who is no longer the iron man of Rugby and the presenter of the game as in the past. I had the chance to be associated with ‘Shan’ at a time when a difference was made to live broadcasting of the game.
Sports are not limited to Rugby though it is a sport that is widespread as well as has a popular following. The time for the new Sports Minister should not be limited to the period up to the next elections but plans should be a solid long term which has never been a focus as it has always been myopic for short term visibility. That is not limited to Rugby but all spheres of local life. The difference if any and the lesson lies in the recent judgement of the apex court that looked ahead in constitutional interpretation.
May be a leaf of that historical thinking is what Rugby needs. Why not develop a vision for Rugby which is enjoyed by those in the opposition too.
Singer Lylie Godridge associated the festive season with the alphabet letter ‘C’; which stood for ‘Church, Crib, Choir, Carols, Cake, Cards, Crackers and Cabaret’. The adaptation of 1994 in the ‘Sun’ read – Chaos’, Confusion and Convulsions’; suitable in today’s context.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, Coach and an Accredited Referees’ Evaluator IRB