Jamaldeen also represented the Sri Lanka sevens and fifteen sides from 1986- 1994 at fly half position. He is currently the only Sri Lankan referee who has officiated in a total of 05 ASIAD’s and 03 Asian Tournaments. The highlight of his referring career was when he was selected by the IRB to serve as a match official in the Dubai Sevens in 2003.
What are your thoughts on being re-appointed as the President?
With the recent re- appointment as President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Committee Jamaldeen stated that he doesn’t want to stay in office forever. Stressing the fact that a young man should take office next year Jamaldeen was happy to be the president for another year with 60 votes backing him up. Main reason for him not wanting office this year was due to his son, Arshad Jamaldeen captaining the Royal Team this year. He emphatically explained that he excused himself from the ‘assignment committee’ which according to the constitution has to be headed by the President. He stated that three experienced gentleman were in place to make these assignments.
Last year’s progress?
With the help of the three gentlemen, Mitha Abeygunawardena, Vimal Perera and Vimal Senanayake he stated that they had done pretty well during the last season, both in School and Club matches.
Referee Structure in Sri Lanka
There are three categories of referees in Sri Lanka at present.
1. International Level
2. A1 Grade referees
3. A2 Grade referees
There is also a website for referees where they can log onto and check their assigned matches for the upcoming week. They also have the option of either accepting or declining the particular match assigned for them.
Status of Refereeing in Sri Lanka
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| right - referee Gamini Indrasena an old isipathanian |
Referring in Sri Lanka is severely looked down upon by the public and because of this notion none of the younger generation is motivated to take up referring as a hobby. This is a very depressing situation for us. We are facing a massive shortage in refs with the current match structure and it is very sad to see when none of the younger lads want to take up referring. Due to the manhandling and verbal abuse experienced by the current team of refs, the younger generation is not at all interested in joining the field. A referee is very vital to the game of Rugby and we should make it a point to encourage the younger players to look upon to help carry on the game forward.
How important is referring to the game of Rugby?
Referring is very vital for a game of Rugby. Lot of people think it is a very easy job but the truth is. ITS NOT!!! It deals with a lot of concentration, focusing and making wise and split-second decisions at crucial stages. Currently we lack a lot of technical assistance. Unlike in the international level Sri Lankan referees do not have the luxury of wired referring facility with the touch judges, TV refs etc. Since it’s a one man show down on the field, refs are bound to make more mistakes. “We are also human; the spectators have to understand that….”
All what a referee wants is to let the game flow and help the boys have a good game. In order to that the spectators and the coaches have to understand that they come only to view the game and enjoy, not chant rude slogans and mishandle the refs during a game. I always tell any Rugby enthusiastic, “Always love the game and enjoy the sport. One day before you go to watch a match, ask yourself twice as to why am I going for this match? If the answer is not to enjoy the match then please stay at home, by making that wise decision you will be doing a favour to many people..”
Thoughts on the Carlton Super Sevens
“The best thing that has happened to Sri Lankan rugby! There should be more events like this since it gives so much of exposure to young players. Really helps them to learn from the experienced foreign players and it also helps them study the game in a different angle”
Future of Sri Lankan Rugby
The dream of any rugby player or supporter of Sri Lanka would be to see the country playing a World cup, so we have to work towards that. From the referee’s point of view, my dream is to see at least one Sri Lanka referee to be chosen for the next Rugby World Cup. I also would like to make a point to the coaches in our country. Try to learn a lesson from the International arena coaches. Always make it a point to never get involved with the game while being played. Unlike in Sri Lanka, in the international arena none of the coaches get down to the ground and shout at the players and get involved with the referring etc. A coach’s eye is different to one that of a referees!!
In conclusion he stated “I would like to make one more official statement or rather a solemn request to all the young school lads to try and take up refereeing as a hobby at least so that there will be more competition in the referring arena in Sri Lanka. He said it is a perilous task and needs brave combatants to weather the storm.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012 - thepapare.com
