Sports

Sports

Premier rugby hit top gear
By Vimal Perera
The first round of the “Caltex” league rugby tournament concluded on a very encouraging note. The huge crowd that converged on the Longden Place ground was the largest seen in recent times and could be compared or was better than the crowds that were seen during the times rugby enjoyed the centre stage of spectator interest. The spectators were satisfied with a game that was played with plenty of ball movement. The total stoppages in the game were 92 consisting of 32 scrums, 31 line outs 20 penalties and 9 injury stoppages. This works to around 30 minutes of ball being in play.

This is good if considering the six Nations analysis for 2005 show 44 % of ball in play. The spectator in this way is entertained with more of playing rugby and less stoppages. The rugby audience who is the focus in the improvement of the game needs to be served with more rugby to watch and in a friendly environment. During the first round we had no incidents unworthy on the field or in its immediate environment. In the CR & FC vs Kandy Sports club match the game had to be stopped a few times due to spectators on the club house side coming into the paling enclosure. Their presence was a hindrance to the match officials (the touch judges) to carry on with their duties. The game had to be stopped for a few minutes as the referee requested the enclosure to be cleared. This is something the administrators conducting the tournament as well as the club officials must ensure not to happen, if not corrected early the game will suffer.

With the second round commencing this week we also find the schools tournament getting into gear and the spectator will have a lot of rugby to cope with. The game this year has seen a lot of discipline and an arousal of spectator interest. The school matches will also see much spectator turn out. This being the cradle of rugby it is necessary to ensure standards by example. Old boy spectators who always see nothing wrong with his side and see the referee as an element of hindrance, does s not help the game. Recently I had the opportunity of watching a traditional fixture between a Kandy school and a school from Colombo played at Longden Place.

There was a group of spectators who thought that the referee was always wrong and he was partial towards the Colombo school; there was one among them who did think he was entertaining but was actually setting a bad example to the younger generation with his ignorant comments. Spectators will be spectators and will have something to shout about. Yet they have a responsibility to the younger generation to help them achieve a better standard.

An example of expectations of behaviour is the guidelines issued by the Australian rugby authorities. The guideline will be helpful to those who are in control and to spread the word for the game to continue in the spirit as it should be played. After all the big brothers, the clubs have set a standard so far.

“The Australian Rugby Union has a guideline to assist clubs when dealing with expectations of behaviour from players, parents, teachers and coaches. The expectations of behaviour guidelines are a simple outline for parents, teachers, coaches and players to ensure everyone is given the opportunity to maximize their enjoyment of the game. Rugby has always been a game that prides itself on fairplay and enjoyment for all, so please adhere to these guidelines to ensure this continues.”

These guidelines have been developed to: Maintain the elements of enjoyment and satisfaction in Rugby and make adults aware that young people play to satisfy themselves and not necessarily to satisfy adults or members of their own peer group. Improve the physical fitness of youth by encouraging participation in rugby by making it attractive, safe and enjoyable for all young people. Constantly remind administrators, coaches, teachers, referees and parents that Rugby must be administered, taught and provided, for the good of those young people who wish to play the game. It is their game.
Play for enjoyment, not just to please your parents, teachers or coach.
Play by the laws of the game.

Never argue with the referee's decision. Let your captain or coach ask any necessary questions. Control your temper - no 'mouthing off'. Work equally hard for yourself and for your team. Your team's performance will benefit and so will your own. Be a good sport. Applaud all the good play, whether it is done by your team or your opponent.

Shake hands with all of the opposing team at the conclusion of the game, and clap them off in the spirit of good sportsmanship. Treat all players as you yourself would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player.

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