An epitaph on the tombstone of Dinka Peries
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It's not a dance-off, referee Dinka Peries (R) in a close shave at a Bradby game - File pic
In a country that expresses opinions on almost everything, for visibility rather than sense, one has to learn and live with the words and actions. Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekera announced they are to retire from Cricket. Coincidentally, there were also reports of Rugby Referee Dinka Peries blowing his last whistle. Some reports connected his last match as his farewell. Though not even close to the status of the retiring of Malinga or Kulasekera, Referee Dinka Peries has drawn attention in many hubs.
A Vice President of the Society spilled words like diarrhea, while in discussion with this columnist, uttering words of disappointment. He said the Secretary cum Referee wanted a key match to say goodbye, and that he is getting the Knockout final. Projecting, albeit in a vulgar expose, that self is more important than the game. If, by asking for publicity, the Referee was seeking an ode to his retirement, what he is getting out of the inspired writings is scornful. An epitaph on a tombstone never reads bad.
A Rugby Referee enjoys respect in all Rugby fields. It was not so different in Sri Lanka. There has always been that sudden mobbing or jostling by angry players and spectators. But the Referees were and are, often addressed as ‘Sir’. Like anywhere else in the world. Respect is what they earned, though they may not have asked. But recent events in Sri Lanka suggests a veering towards the Football surroundings, arguing and assault on Referees. I have seen many a Referee on the field, wanting to project themselves, than serve the game. Stated more specifically, this is when a Referee tries to be seen as being above the game. Recently, there was a writeup on ‘Papare’, as well as other media, about Referee Dinka Peries. This is a typical example of promoting self before game. No wonder the rest of the Referees want to imitate. It was always said that the best Referee is the one who is not noticed. As Nigel Owens states, “It can no longer be argued that way, as that might have been the case in the past, but now that we are miked-up with the idea of explaining decisions and making the game more accessible, there are people who will hear and recognize you.” That Is true, as a Referee draws more attention than before, but it does not mean you should act to be noticed.
But talking about yourself refereeing 800 games, has attracted many nasty comments. To Referee 800 games is no mean achievement. Over a period of 15 years, that is 53 games a year. Probably that will include running as an Assistant Referee. It was during the last five years that School and Club season were separated. Then Rugby was around for 24-28 weeks. Schools and Clubs playing in the same week, the Referees were distributed. Now, Rugby at the higher level is played for approximately 30-36 weeks . A little exaggerated statement to boost ego and attract attention proves my assertion, that it is more about self than the game.
Every player has to think of the team, before himself. It is the same for a Referee. Individual aspirations come second. Or else, the game will be where it is. Honestly speaking and candidly considering the players who refuse to ‘attend’ National duty, but remain loyal to the Club, is about themselves and not the game. That being the culture in SL, why does not Dinka Garfield Sobers Peries think or act differently. On a positive note, “Don’t take any notice of what vultures say, because it may be sheer jealousy”. I am told that, the dedication is such that, the aim is on being President of the Society, and not far from today. Like the country, there is no harm in trying, and we know what we have. Take a lesson from what his eminence Malcolm Cardinal has to say about leadership.
The prime concern of Rugby SL stemmed from the desire to win. The aim of most in Rugby Committees is for promoting a win, not education to a younger generation of the value of sports and the cornerstones of Rugby. It is replete with incidents that are not in the spirit of the game. These include assault of a referee, a post-match fracas alleged to be by players, as well as fielding a player who was not eligible. This is in the Schools Premier Trophy, which is virtually an also ran in Division II. The authorities of the school responsible, or the old boys, as some say, have obtained a retraining order preventing the organizers from holding the final. Does not matter whether it affects your values, but what is important is to try and win.
Socrates said “Care for oneself and know oneself”. This was talked and explained by other ancient ethicists that, caring for ourselves is to exhibit an attitude, not only toward ourselves, but also toward others and the world. The problem we see in and around Rugby is a question of whether you know yourself, but only care for your self. Tony Amit, as stated in various fora, came back to clean the Referees Society, and Dinka was the Secretary and Referee for 6 years, post-Tony’s advent. The desire to oust the overages ‘Amit’ is probably because he knows best. Is Peries the next DUDE as with Boris Johnson – Deliver , Unite, Defeat and Energize. Or will be just DUD, as Clubs have already raised their voice to ask for foreign Referees or indicated a ‘No-Show’. Will the Rugby fraternity, sooner or later, say, “In the name of Rugby , go!”
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, Coach and an Accredited Referees’ Evaluator IRB