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Don't blame the referees, adhere to the rules - Vipula
By Bernie Wijesekera
"Educate the players governing the rules of rugby" said, Vipula Dharmadasa, the former senior rugby referee and Vice President of the Referees' Society in an interview with The Sunday Times. Dharmadasa who has played the game is an ardent rugby promoter and supporter. He serves in the CR & FC rugby committee.

"The coaches of the respective teams should at least be a Level I referee, too. Then most of the problems the players are confronted with could be overcome he said. Not only rugby skills they should be taught to adhere the rules, too. This could minimise infringements and for the smooth run of play. Otherwise the referee will be constantly blowing and slowing down the game. This has nothing to do with bad refereeing.

Look into international games that are now shown on the screen - the referee hardly blows and the game played at a fast pace. This attributes to the players being knowledgeable pertaining to the rules. When he was asked about getting a foreign referee to blow in some of the key second round games. He asked as to who is going to sponsor them. Where is the money to pay them.

Its like putting old wine in a new bottle. If the players do make mistakes, he will continue to blow for such blatant mistakes. The game is not going to make an impact. It's a 'Carry on Series'. In some quarters they say that the players are newcomers to rugby and not aware of the rules governing the game. Once a player takes the field newcomer or otherwise they will have to abide by the rules. There are no two sets of laws apparently for the haves and have-nots. All governed by the same stick."

When he was asked whether the rugby referees are professionals like the cricket umpires and are there any fringe benefits afforded to them. He said 'They are working in an honorary capacity. They have to wend their way at their own expense to the venue. Barring to a few, they don't possess their own transport facilities.'

'Professionalism is good for the game be it players or referees. But who is going to pay them he queried. The Rugby Union has never looked into this all important aspect. Our referees have won international acclaim for their high standards, whilst blowing in international game away. They have done exceptionally well in World Cup qualifying games and has done proud for the country's rugby, commended by the IRB.'

'Today a gate is being charged even for school games. Its big money for the schools section. Despite this some of the junior tournaments are badly organised. Apparently rural teams who join the scrum don't even enjoy a soft drink after a game. You should put that to the controlling body to look into or to the hierarchy of the Education Department's Sports section.'You may not be aware that through personal donations by individuals including referees funds had to be collected for Aruna Jayasekera to be sent to officiate at an international 7s tournament.'

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