Protecting the Whistle: Time to End the Unfair Blame Game in Sri Lanka’s School Rughy

In Sri Lanka, school rugby has transcended sport—it is a social movement driven by fierce loyalty, historic rivalries, and deep-rooted pride.

- BY IFHAM NIZAM

Old boys, parents, extended families, and loyal supporters turn up in numbers, passionately backing their alma maters. This vibrant culture is one of Sri Lankan rugby’s greatest assets—but when misdirected, it becomes one of its greatest threats.

One disturbing trend that continues to grow unchecked is the targeting of referees, especially after closely contested matches. When a team loses by a narrow margin, the first finger of blame often points—not to missed tackles or tactical errors—but to the referee. Social media explodes with criticism, conspiracy theories are floated, and reputations are unfairly tarnished.

One common accusation is that some referees have not played rugby at school or national level. But the notion that you must be an ex-player to become a good referee is both outdated and inaccurate. Across the world, many of the most respected match officials have never played elite-level rugby. What makes a referee effective is their knowledge of the laws, fitness, decision-making under pressure, and passion for the game. These qualities—not their playing history—define their competency.