The dilemma of assigning rugby referees
It is truly unfortunate that there have been rumors floating around on the appointment of Referees for Rugby matches. These are obviously not true and done by people who are promoting other interests and not the game. This has happened before and will continue to happen in the future as well.
Last year too there were interests and articles were published in the media while some well known rugby personalities tried to influence without success to change the appointments.
Similar issues came about in previous years too.
The responsibility of those who make appointments is quite clear, and their efforts are directed towards safeguarding the interests of game, players and support the union to improve the standard of the game. Last year statements were made by stakeholders of schools rugby which were damning the referees. In most rugby playing countries such statements would have attracted severe action under the IRB code of conduct.
While no action was taken the organizers of the schools tournament proceeded to appoint a person dismissed from Referees Society and approved by the council. The reason for his dismissal was for having in his possession belongings of an International Referee who was in Sri Lanka.
The most important thing that needs to be known is the Referees are not appointed by President, Secretary nor the committee of Society. Appointments are made by an Assignment Committee, comprising of past members who are knowledgeable and have been associated with the game for a long period of time. The assignment committee meets periodically and appoints referees for 3 to 4 weeks. The assignments are done and updated on the web using software on assignr.com and published immediately. The referees as well as other office bearers including the President and Secretary will know the assignments when they receive a mail through the system.
In preparation for this year’s tournaments, the Referees Society conduc- ted 3 fitness tests and 3 seminars. In addition the Assignment Committee met at least 6 times since April, reviewed the fitness levels and performance of Referees, and also met the Referee coaches discussed the reports submitted by them.
As far as the Bradby is concerned nothing special was done as this is part of the school fixtures, like any other game. It was not necessary to look for foreign referees. While following the usual practice for any team participating in schools ‘A’ division league, two referees had to be appointed from the available few. Options were limited, as some were involved in coaching schools. Taking these into consideration 2 competent Referees were appointed, one ARFU panel referee and other with long years of experience. It is difficult to understand the criticism of these appointments.
It is rather sad to note that games are changed frequently, requested are made for last minute appointments which makes the referees plans needing adjustments. e.g. St Anthony’s vs. St Peters game was to be played on Friday the 1st and was changed to Saturday 2nd June and informed on Thursday. The referee assigned for Friday was also assigned on Saturday for a Sevens tournament. Based on these changes Referee who handled a game on Friday obliged even without experienced AR as most were assigned for the sevens tournament There is lot that is done so that the game does not stop but what happened in Kandy is history and allegations are not substantiated.
Critics are not aware the problems faced by individuals who make a huge sacrifice by spending their time including being away from office and spending their leave for rugby. Despite odds and unfair criticism over the years, there have been referees for almost every game. The future looks bleak as most are not interested to be insulted and opt for other forms such as coaching which is more lucrative with less risk.