Ref abandoned game before kick-off
A referee who abandoned a club match before a ball had been kicked has been praised by South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins for setting a positive example for the future of the game in the country.
Raymond Buys – a referee in the Border region – abandoned the match between Dowu Village and Old Collegians before kick-off.
He took the decision because the hosting club did not supply the required safety equipment and medical personnel for the match.
Old Collegians – who had driven more than two hours to fulfill the fixture – backed the referee’s decision.
“No one wants to see rugby matches being called off and players missing out on their pleasure and enjoyment in the game,” said Hoskins.
“But if minimum medical support standards cannot be met for managing a potential catastrophic injury, then so be it.
“The highest management risk of potential serious spinal injuries is in rural, under-developed areas and we have to make it quite clear that players should not be placed at risk. The pressures on referees in these circumstances are enormous but we commend Buys for his strong action and the example he has set.”
Clint Readhead, Medical Manager at SARU said: “For any school, club or community level matches to take place, the following basic minimum requirements are expected: [1] A first aider, equivalent or better qualified medical support staff in attendance; [2] a spinal board, neck collar, spider harness and head blocks; [3] telephonic access to standby medical emergency transport.”
SARU has also introduced a whole raft of safety measures to ensure that all the key participants in rugby matches in South Africa prioritise player welfare.
Key regulations approved by SARU’s provinces are:
* As of 1 January 2011, Provinces, clubs, rugby bodies and schools shall not be allowed to host any match without ensuring that all match officials and participating coaches are certified.
* Provinces, clubs, rugby bodies and schools must comply with these regulations and ensure that they inform all their members of the regulations and their obligation.
* Provinces, clubs, rugby bodies and schools must ensure that all affiliated match officials and coaches are certified and their details recorded.
* As of 1 April this year, players younger than 18 years old shall not be allowed to play senior rugby in any position, at any level of rugby under the auspices of SARU or any of its provincial unions, without special waiver.
* As of 1 April this year, players younger than 19 years old shall not be allowed to play senior rugby in the front row at any level of rugby under the auspices of SARU or any of its provincial unions, without special waiver.
* Only players who have been identified within the provincial or national structures with the potential to play at elite provincial level or above can apply for a waiver.
