Man in the Middle with the Whistle
Kid from Kavanagau, Nadroga, Fiji, a proud descendant of Girmityas and qualified Level 1 Rugby Union referee.
Nadi Barrister and Solicitor Elvin Dass is probably the first Indo-Fijian in the region to be a Level 1 Rugby Union referee.
Players and Coaches, in rugby world better be very very careful should they make the silly decision to question his on-field rulings. Not only is he the chief justice on the field as the “Man in the Middle with the Whistle’, but goes without saying Elvin studies the Law! That’s his fulltime Kaam!
Elvin is a resident Associate of the well-known Nadi Law firm Chetty Law & Associates.
He is proud to add that “Both my parents, Davendra Dass & Prem Kumari are proud descendants of the Girmityas.
Majority of the Fiji rugby players are native Fijians and Alvin has never been intimidated by some burly rugby players towering over him during a game he officiates in. In fact, these players afford him the respect he deserves as a referee and native of Fiji’s rugby mecca, Nadroga!.
Alvin reminisced that “I grew up watching rugby and always admired the game. I was interested in being a referee in the rugby arena. I learnt most of the rules just by watching and later on reading the law book that governs international refereeing. I went further to complete the level 1 officiating programme and obtained my license to officiate.”
Alvin joined the Nadroga Rugby Referees Union and trained by very experienced referees like
1. Joe Bosoka (former Nadroga Referees President)
2. Kele Naruma (current president of Nadroga Referees)
3. Aisake Drekeni( Elite Panel Referee)
4. Sam Tuidraki and Illisoni Ratumaikoro
5. Johnson LEE (Fiji Rugby Referees Director) and Fiji Rugby Referees Association.
Alvin said that “My dream is to one day officiate at the National Level and the International level. I remember the words of Mr Joe Bosoka When I officiated for the very first time at a sevens tournament in Nadroga and Mr Bosoka announced, “this is Nadroga this is Rugby”.
No doubt, Alvin Dass is grateful to his nephew Ahaan Dass and parents for their motivation to make a distinguished career choice and sport life arbitrating in the rugby fields.
We in Australia may soon see Alvin officiating in one of our many seven tournaments or 15 a side game.
Alvin Dass, a true son of Nadroga, can be contacted in these contact details.
Elvin Dass (Mr)
Associate
Chetty Law & Associates
Level 2, Unit 6, Paper Power Complex, Navo, Nadi, Fiji
Ph: 9991205/7991205/8019236
