Sri Lanka Referees Society refuses to blow at Science games for one year

Schools rugby is the biggest crowd puller in SL 

By Shamseer Jaleel

The Sri Lanka Referees Society at a meeting took some tough decisions after their officials were assaulted at the post-match event which took place at Ratmalana in the Science College hosting game against S. Thomas’ at the Air Force Ground.

They decided on a few points after a brief meeting which took place two days ago. Referees will not officiate at Ratmalana, will not officiate any Science games – junior or senior – for one year, and will officiate any matches after 15 July that does not involve Science College while player jersey number 13 is to be suspended for one year. 

Referees requested maximum security for their officials from the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) – if any spectators enter the playing area, they will only officiate the game without spectators citing security reasons.

While both the SLSRFA and host Science College initiated inquiries to find out the cause of the assault and the reasons for security lapses, many feel that the Referees Society decision on Science College is too tough. 

Science College, better known as Sathisara Maha Vidyalaya, produced some outstanding rugby players in the last few decades. Taking tough action against the current school team for an assault done by an Old Boy of the hosting school was left to be decided by conducting an inquiry. Many rugby followers feel that referee standards are not on par with expected levels, causing them to progressively lose confidence. But there is another concern – since the match took place at the Sri Lanka Air Force Ground, a high security area, they do not allow private security to enter the premises.

Science College should provide an explanation of the reasons for security lapses since the responsibility falls on them – the host team – while match officials too should not start the game if their safety is at risk.

The possibility of the Schools Rugby sponsor Dialog bringing in overseas referees on a short term plan to complete the season is also a solution without any hiccups, while other parties point fingers at the governing body – the SLSRFA – for taking security for granted and for sweeping many earlier events under the carpet without proper measures to safeguard the referees. 

All eagle-eyed rugby lovers await the final decision to see if the sponsor Dialog will be able to secure the funds to bring in Asian referees to complete the tournament as this should not affect the remaining events of the Schools Rugby calendar as they have spent millions of rupees on the tournament while it will also be unfair for the youngsters.