Referees Society agrees to blow from 12 July

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees (SLRFR) through a letter signed by its President, Dinka Peiris, has agreed to recommence officiating in Schools Under-19 rugby matches from 12 July onwards.

The letter addressed to Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SSRFA) of 5 July, states that, referees will resume officiating from 15 July but will not officiate any games at Ratmalana Sri Lanka Air Force ground, or Science College games for one year. They have also stipulated requirements for sufficient security for their match Officials and compensation for items lost during the Science home game against S. Thomas’ College. These conditions must be met by 12 July for officiating to resume from 15 July.

Many rugby loving public feel that the decision taken against Science players is too harsh and they feel that Science games should be hosted by their opposition teams with gate money to be shared and security provided by the opposition team. It’s interesting to see the action of SLRFA on Science games in case referees stay away from officiating. The only two options would be to use provincial referees or bring in referees from Asian countries for these games, with a maximum of four games to be played by Science College.

Meanwhile Referees Society will hold a press briefing in Colombo today to announce their stance in detail.