Referee Dilo calls it quits

At a time when the rugby administration and the referees are in the spotlight for the wrong reasons, came the sad and sudden news that one of the best referees of recent times, Dilroy Fernando, has decide to retire from the referees’ circuit. As one speaks to him, it is clear that Dilo has a great passion for the game. The sadness in his voice is evident as I am sure that he had another three to five years of refereeing ahead of him.

As one pays tribute to this great servant of the game, it is evident that off-field events have played a major role in his decision. A few of the recent incidents which have forced his premature retirement include the manhandling of the referee at the sevens tournament and the altercation after the Petes vs. Science game. Dilo has been wonderful in his interpretation and application of the laws of the game, and has let the game flow. He will definitely be missed by the entire rugby fraternity in Sri Lanka, and we wish him well in his future endeavours. He will not be lost completely to rugby as he plans a career in rugby related matters. All I can say is ‘Dilo thank you, it’s been wonderful to watch you handle high pressure games with finesse and poise and your act will be something for the junior referees to emulate’. I am sure that under your tutelage the junior referees will have a mentor and guide ‘par excellence’.

The referees’ association has viewed the tapes pertaining to the ill-fated RC vs. Pathana game, and punitive action has been imposed on the referee as well as the two assistant referees. Whilst this will not alter the result of the game, it sends a clear message to the referees that they need to be on top of their game, if they are to handle the whistle in future. The action taken against the two assistant referees is encouraging as it now sets the standard of what is expected of them in that role. I have often criticised their apparent lacklustre performance and now they will have to be on their toes and concentrate on the game.

Decent crowd behaviour will also help, as opposed to parents and other ill-informed spectators taking a dig at decisions made on the field of play by the referee and his two assistants.

Without doubt, the Bradby Shield game takes pride of place in the schools rugby calendar, as big as the Royal vs. Thomian big match. Whilst the big match is 133 years old, the Bradby is quite young by comparison with the 69th battle scheduled for this weekend. I am sure that there will be a whole host of people screaming about other sports and other schools, but take a step back and you will realise that these two are the biggest. Incidentally, the Trinity vs. Peterite encounter is 73 years old. The Wesley vs. Kingswood game will also be worked off on Saturday for the L. E. Blaze trophy, the man widely acclaimed for having introduced the game of rugby to Sri Lanka.

TCK will be brimming with confidence given their near perfect season barring a single league loss whilst RC goes into the game in the backdrop of a controversy and some serious manhandling by the Pathana lads. The full match video indicates some serious foul play by Pathana which ideally should have attracted red cards and it will be interesting to see what form of action the authorities will resort to. However, nothing is expected until the Bradby is completed after which player suspensions are in the offing. RC’s decision to kick the ball out of play is also on the radar.

Jonathan Kaplan, the SA referee is scheduled to officiate at this game and may also officiate in another school game. Having refereed at the highest level it will be interesting to see how he will handle the definite downward shift in quality as it is a school game. There is also a fair degree of dissent in respect of the fees that are being paid to Kaplan for his Colombo sojourn.  Whilst there are many sides to this tale, it must be noted that the local referees are paid Rs. 2,500 per game.

This weekend will also see the kickoff of the first of the warm up games between British and Irish Lions against a Barbarian side. Sam Warburton has been ruled out of the tour opener against the Barbarians and Paul O’Connell will lead the side on Saturday. The Lions captain had picked up a knock before the squad left London and sat out training upon the team’s arrival in Hong Kong.

(The writer can be reached via [email protected].)