It was not surprising to read and hear various biased articles in most news papers on unruly behavior and the disruption of a schools rugby game which most writers’ highlighted one side of the story. Some writers had gone to the extent of quoting research study done in foreign counties and indirectly put in their point of view saying that being an under privileged school would perhaps be the reason for such behavior. It is not clear how he arrived at this conclusion and is best known to him and to his biased writing on the issue. Hence, the readers have the liberty of judging the writer’s view point from the hat that he is wearing from a so called privileged lot. It is somehow best known to him that even if, the so called privileged segment does any wrong or manipulate situations, the under privileged should humbly accept same.
This writer is not trying to justify stone throwing and disputing a game. It is wrong and the referee’s decision is final. But, let me explain a few points that they should look into and answer the general public and as a referee and an assignment member should look into.
1. How many Division A (School) Rugby games had this Referee Priyantha Gunarathna officiated this season, (2010)? It is believed (Please correct me if I am wrong) that this was his first (A) division game for the year. Yes, it has to be so, as he is the present St. Anthony’s College rugby coach.
The Assignment Committee (to our knowledge is run by a single person) and the so called “Privileged lot” seem to have thought it is correct and fit to appoint a Coach of another college to a very tense game in Colombo bringing him all the way from Kandy. (WHY)?. Also, this coach had many issues and had even protested against a player (who was participating in this game) which was investigated and proved wrong. This is well known by the Assignment Committee or at least to the head of the Assignment Committee.
The million dollar question is: “Why” was this particular referee given the task of officiating such a tense game in Colombo with animosity towards the Havelock Town College.
2. Who was the stand by referee? In case if Priyantha Gunaratne was not available or was injured while officiating the game, was the standby referee eligible to take over the assignment? It is evident from video clips that Priyantha Gunaratne was requesting another referee to take over, but it was also evident that no such referee was present at the time! The standby referee present was dressed in his office attire and was not in a position to take over. (Why?) Was it not the responsibility of the Union to make sure that their assignment team is fully prepared for the assignment? It would be only fair investigating the stand by referee’s attachment to the said college, his regular presence in all practice sessions. It would be best to investigate and keep records and use them for future reference and the Union must take action not to appoint such individuals aligned to any college in the future. This will be best for the sport.
3. It would be best to investigate the connection between the coach of the Bambalapitya College and the Touch Judge who created the situation and his interest on the said college as his son is supposed to be a student at this institution.
4. Now to the best happening. Why did D Nimal pull out from the assignment? Why was Pradeep Fernando not been informed to run as touch judge? Was it a “privileged lot’s” master strategy to prevent Pradeep not being assigned or is it a strategy by the Bambalapitiya College coach to keep him out which was supported by the referees union? If stone throwing in open ground was an ugly and rowdy act (which should not have happened) what would you call this manipulation on the blind side called?
5. The referees Union head was heard scramming out to some supporters of the effected college that the referee was right, from his point, it is well understood, as he has to cover up for the mistake. But, when questions were posted, the Union head’s simple response was: “There are no good referees”, and asked another to name a good referee. Now, who is to be blamed for the “NO GOOD REFEREE”? Which means that the union had not done anything to develop referees, or is it because someone is not giving the opportunity to develop one “GOOD REFEREES”. There is also a school of thought that, someone wants to develop referees whom he can control and who would say “Yes Sir. No Sir to him.” So it is felt and opinioned by others with good education, and past players avoiding such a situation.
6. One should also see the ratings of the referee assigned for the second semi’s. The Isipathana vs. St. Peter’s game by the inexperienced Priyantha and the second semi Royal Vs Wesley by IRB rated Dilroy Fernando, the President of the association himself. Out of the two semis Pathana vs Peters was the crunch game. But why is this difference? Was it a privilege strategy?
7. Getting back to the second game which was not played. If the Union head opined that a stoppage of a game should start from where it stopped, then why did the Union appoint a good and a respected referee (A new referee and two new touch judgers) for a re-start? On a different note why was referee Rankothage not appointed in the first place?
8. In the second game it was clearly evident that “A” grade touch judges were assigned. It is not too clear why this was not so at the first game?
9. Much more can be written, but we believe it would be best for the game if someone powerful enough takes over the referees union before it is ruined further. It is also for the betterment of the game of rugby that we suggest appointing an independent panel to carefully watch the video and look at the mistakes done by the referee from the kick off. (Please notice the knock forward at the kick off itself).
Please notice the knock forward again, before the major visible mistake) please also notice spectators screaming at their best “Knock - on Knock -On” which was totally ignored by the referee. All these issues came to a boiling point when the most visible mistake occurred. Once again let me say that throwing stones is unacceptable and should be condemned. It is a sport and shouldn’t have happened. But, on the same note what are we telling the future generation? Are we asking them to stop rising against injustice done by the so called “Privileged Lot”? It is time to investigate the inside happening and publish the truth. For the best interest of the public, we await your response.
M.D. Dissanayake,
Rockwood Apartment,
Colombo 7. |
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