Sports - The very purpose of playing the game

The match between Wesley and Kingswood is played for the Blasé Trophy. This year they met because of the tournament. The visiting side came to Colombo with a contingent of security personnel to protect their fans. The spectators were separated physically and kept apart: theirs and ours. This happened last week at Reid Avenue as Wesley took on Kingswood College. Two traditional schools, sister schools separated from each other. A time-honoured match of this nature fell into the category of a Royal-Thomian , Ananda-Nalanda or a Joe Pete. These are games played in the correct spirit where camaraderie is at its best. Fellowship and reviewing memories among old boys is part of the fun. Why did this year’s encounter between two old schools take place without this setting? After what happened last year the Kingswood supporters were suspicious and took precautions. Why was it that the home side was unable to satisfy the visitors and regain the lost friendship? This situation needs to be addressed by those involved before further disrepute is brought unto them.

Prior to the commencement of the season there were reports of assault of under 15 school boys, fighting among fans and an alleged assault of a referee. As the season started we have a report of a referee being punched at Bogambara. School rugby is leading a path that cannot be accepted.

It is no secret that due to the atmosphere of hostility, there has been a reluctance of players to take the whistle. It is more lucrative to coach than to be the man in the centre who has been at the butt end of ridicule. It is heartening to see ex players in the caliber of Asoka Jayasena , Sudath Sampath and Upul Silva taking to the whistle. Hopefully more will follow. But one wonders whether they would as we hear more action by those who are better on the job of a referee while sitting in comfort in the pavilion. Fortunately the incidents do not involve school boy players on the field. Tragically it involves the spectators who may be parents and or old boy well wishers. It is saddening that those who have to lead the younger ones are taking them down the wrong path. In age some of them may be adults but their actions suggest they are juveniles who fail to grow up and are unable to take victory and defeat in the correct spirit.

Rugby is intensely physical and emotions run high. The spirit of the game requires that enjoyment of the game is important. Do all involved at school level have this same vision? Does the win mentality take the better of them? Do all the officials including the coaches and those in advisory capacity set the correct standards to the young in their charge? Sadly some don’t.

A study undertaken by Porfessor Craig Stewart of the department of Health and Human development of the University of Montana has presented findings on the parent’s expectations from a coach. Ten characteristics have been tested. Leading with a mean average of over six is: i) Faith and honesty in treatment, ii) commitment to enjoyment, iii) ability to teach, iv) development of sportsmanship, v) Knowledge of skills etc. Coming last (tenth) with a mean of 3.81 is commitment to winning. This research was among parents of high school kids. Do we see any similarity at home?

The opposite is very true where one compares to the behaviour of some of the officials. The expectation of parents may be different. The coaches who are motivated by the financial aspect will not stop at casting aspersions and also verbal abuse at match officials as well as players whenever their sides lose. They forget they have to be role models to the younger generation. Some of their action leads to others believing in them to behave in a manner that is not the best example for school boys. This is where the schools authorities have to be careful in the selection of mentors and advisors who must understand the spirit of sport.

The trend is infectious and needs to be addressed. The necessity is to “communicate”, “communicate” and “communicate” the need for tradition to be maintained and that the game be played in the correct spirit. This communication is the responsibility of the school authorities and has to be to parents, old boys and supporters.