Ref praised for cancelling game

Johannesburg - A referee who abandoned a club rugby match before a ball had been kicked has been praised by SARU 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 Mr Buys for his strong action and the example he has set."

Dr Wayne Viljoen, manager of SARU's national rugby safety programme, BokSmart, came out in support of the referee and visiting club's actions: "It is important that all clubs, schools and teams involved in rugby ensure that they meet the minimum necessary requirements for a safe match environment.

"Visiting teams, management and referees should stand their ground if these minimum requirements are not met. With this in mind, I would like to commend both parties in this instance for having done just that, however unpopular the decision might have been. This will ensure that all hosting clubs and teams make sure that they meet these requirements in preparation of pending matches at their venues."

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; (4) as of 1 January 2011, all coaches and referees must be BokSmart certified."