Whistle blowers get their due recognition
With the ambitions of building up the image of the referees and drawing in young blood, the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR) conducted its inaugural Rugby Referees' Awards 2016 at Hotel Galadari last week.
A total of 30 awards were given away on the night dedicated to those who contributed to Rugby in officiating the game. Among the list two awards took prominence -- the Best Member and the Up and Coming Referee, which were claimed by Jeffrey Sahid and H.P. Weeranga.
In addition the present SLSRFR headed by Nizam Jamaldeen, made it a point to recognise former Presidents, which numbered to 11 and eight Coach of Match Officials. Nine Panel 'A' referees were presented with awards for their yeomen service in refereeing.
"It's the very first time in history that such a presentation award took place. Rugby referees have always been at the receiving end, which has foiled the SLSRFR from getting new memberships. Why we planned such an event like a 'Rugby Referees Awards' was to change the entire dark image bestowed upon the referees. It's a thankless job and people always fail to appreciate the good role they are playing to keep a game running smoothly," stated Nizam Jamaldeen.
Though SLSRFR came out with a simple format to initiate the awards ceremony Jamaldeen revealed that the formula of awards will be different from 2017. He clarified as to how the top two awards -- the Best Member and Up and Coming Referee were picked.
"The Assignment Committee of SLSRFR considered many aspects in selecting those two award winners. For instance, the Best Member award was totally based on the member's discipline on and off the field, his commitment at training sessions and the enthusiasm to learn the trade. The Up and Coming Referee was based on the same guidelines but in addition the Assignment Committee looked at performance records. The winner, Weeranga, had performed well at local tournaments and based on that he was sent to Singapore to officiate an Under-18 competition, where he ended up refereeing the final of the tournament. We feel both these awards went to the deserving candidates," Jamadeel added.
Coming season the SLSRFR will follow a different criteria with the assistance of Sri Lanka Rugby Union, the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association and the local media fraternity. The organisers will do away with the recognition of former presidents and coach match officials but will keep the Up and Coming Referee and the Best Member awards. The main award from this year will be the Best Referee.
"We are in the process of formulating a new selection method for the coming years. This awards ceremony was a much needed gathering for the members, who badly required some motivation. In addition we aimed at opening doors to the younger crowd and school leavers and it's really overwhelming to see some youngsters have already applied for membership. The event was highly received by all the members of SLSRFR as well as sup- porters of Rugby. The feedback is brilliant from all ends and all are looking forward for the next event, probably aiming at the top award," he emphasised.
The selections were conducted by the SLSRFR Assignment Committee, which comprised Tony Amit, Mahinda Jayawardene, Roshan Deen, Shamrath Fernando and Tuan Dole. Among the past Presidents of SLSRFR who were recognised were Summa Nawarathnam, Metha Abeygunawardena, Mohan Balasuriya, Brg. Jupana Jayawardena, Rt. Senior DIG Nimal Lewke, Vimal Perera, Dilroy Fernando, Nizam Jamaldeen, Gamini Fernando, Ana Saranapala, S. Sivendran and Orville Fernando.
Dilroy Fernando, Vimal Perera, Anil Jayasinghe, Shamrath Fernando, Tony Amit, Mahinda Jayawardena, Nizam Jamaldeen and Aruna Rankothge were recognised for their contributions as Coach of Match Officials. Aruna Rankothge, Priyantha Gunaratne, Irshad Cader, Dinka Peiris, Rohan Fernando, Sarath Madugalle, Priya Suranga, Ajith Kumara and Aruna Shantha were the nine Panel 'A' referees who were awarded at the event.
Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, Harin Fernando, Minister of Sports, Dayasiri Jayasekara and officials of SLRU, Dialog Axiata and the Schools Section were present at the event.