The Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR), the principal of Trinity College, Kandy Rev. Fr. Araliya Jayasundara OSB and the committee met on Monday, the 11th of April 2022.
The meeting was regarding the post-match physical assault on match officials at the Canon De Saram Trophy Rugby match played between S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia and Trinity College Kandy, on 26th March 2022 at Havelock Park.
During the cordial discussion, the participants gave serious consideration to all areas of concern and on/off-field causes that lead to this unacceptable incident.
The members present identified all instances and individuals that brought the game of rugby to disrepute, which prompted the SLSRFR to temporarily suspend officiating at games anticipating the actions taken by Trinity College, Kandy.
The Principal of Trinity College explained in detail the efforts they have taken and the SLSRFR Committee was pleased with the steps taken by Trinity College.
Both parties emphasised the need to promote the game of Rugby and take all measures to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future of the game and ensure the safety of match officials at all costs.
Hopefully, this joint effort will send a clear message to the players, school officials, spectators and all other stakeholders of Rugby that any such behavior is not accepted in any sport or society.
Hence, the Committee has decided to resume officiating at school games with immediate effect.
However, SLSRFR committee have proposed a meeting with Sri Lanka Schools’ Rugby Football Association [SLSRFA] prior to any future tournament on the need to establish clear guidelines to prevent incidents of this nature.
A firm commitment from all stakeholders on the safety of officials was also emphasized as a pre-requisite, as the current suspension of activities by SLSRFR, was only a provisional decision anticipating restorative measures.
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