Lament, if necessary, but do not dwell too long on your bad moments

Sports

Attila, also known as Attila the Hun, was ruler of the Huns from 434 until his death in 453. He was one of the most fearsome of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires' enemies and is remembered as the epitome of cruelty and rapacity. In contrast, some histories and chronicles describe him as a great and noble king. Today many years later the leadership traits of Attila the Hun is being revisited and studied for inspiration that can be drawn.

Based on the book by Wes Roberts, on leadership Traits of Attila the Hun I picked a few which may look appropriate to write on the subject of rugby in Sri Lanka. What made me think in these terms was a question I was asked by an eminent surgeon who I met while leaving the hospital premises.

He asked me what is happening to rugby and mentioned that it was cricket scores in Hong Kong and that we lost to Zimbabwe too. An analysis of our performance in Hong Kong may point to that we did not play bad but just not win. Possibly because other countries run have faster and ahead while we are running twice as fast to be in the same place. The reason probably being that we are more involved in counting the nuts and bolts while forgetting the bigger picture Talking to the doctor or should I say professor I tried to take the conversation away by saying that despite issues there were a big crowd at the last schools sevens . Only to be reminded that if there is such a following for schoolboy rugby the example set by the leaders is not a good one for the youngsters.

The reference was to the continuous bashing of a personal level and various accusations that go with it. Not a good example to the young. The responsibility for correction lies with those that provide the fodder for some to sing for a living. Not those who sing because they have to sing.

Saliya Kumara of Sri Lanka (R-front) passes
the ball against New Zealand during the
first day of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

Attila in the formative years of building the Hunnish empire and taking ruling away from the Romans said “The Romans have done great things, but their time is past. What they have done, we can do. We should rule the world’.

Are we basking and talking of past glories and wanting to stick to tradition than take the game to a level that will at lest rule in Asia . In Sri Lankan Rugby the question is whether the constitution has outlived being useful and still survive as some think it has done great things. We are of often told the great achievement of spreading the game. True it has done so in Sri Lanka while exposing the naked to the rest in Asia.

Is the time ripe for changes that are necessary to take the game forward while you keep the game spreading and bring the talent to a virtual pool that will help the game at the top level? The strength for this change lies in the Western Province. It is time that the Province which has the most number of clubs at the top level and player’s t o takes the lead in the change. It is not enough for them to organize a tournament and then wait and see. Theirs is not the task to be involved of buying time satisfied that the game is spread as claimed by most.

It was encouraging to see a tournament with a difference organized by them last week. It was a 10-a-side where almost all the top teams participated. There was a difference as there was no kicking and as a result more ball movement and rugby which attracts the spectator. I understand the sponsors were happy and have indicted willingness to be there next year too. The opportunity is yours to play a provincial league which will be the way for a radical change. But will they take the step to rule the game?
Another trait in leadership of Attila was to “always pays proper courtesy to your subordinate leaders. Should you fail to accord them respect, so will the subordinates”.

What is happening today is a continuous vilification that makes players too talk about the leaders. These are those that are closer to the grass root level. The message we take as we continue to vilify and assassinate them morally if not physically is not a pleasant one. It will result in a dearth of leaders and lack of willingness of others who may have wanted to lead. What the doctor asked as to what message we are taking rings as truer than before

Another of Attila’s traits was to say “lament, if necessary, but do not dwell too long on your bad moments lest they rise to rule your emotions forever”. If not for ever at least for now it is how bad things were and emotional charges that continue. On the more probable the front of being the change agent lament has been the cry “all clubs are not pulling together or Kandy is taking our players etc”. Don’t forget that this one club has dominated the game much more than all those clubs that are outside and in one province . They do it because they have built a team of strength, so should you than continuing to lament. “They have done great things, in the past. Those who dominate from being part of the game or those who have come with the blessings of the powers be in sport .The issue at hand is who should rule rugby in this Island. The Choice is one way if only you take the lead. Start now without counting days to when the AGM will be held.

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