Referee Abuse
ESSEX COUNTY RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION
DISCIPLINARY SUB-COMMITTEE
OPEN LETTER TO CLUBS
I am writing to all Club Secretaries to express my concern and that of Mick Norris, the County President, in respect of the alarming increase in reported cases of referee abuse, involving youth coaches and parents.
All Clubs should be aware of the consequences of any such abuse. Recently at National level, cases of verbal referee abuse have been treated most severely and this is something I feel I must endorse. The entry point for such abuse is 8 weeks and I will be using this as a bench mark.
I would ask you to circulate this message which is also posted on the County website Discipline Section:-
This Committee has become aware that the incidence of abuse from the touchline is increasing to the detriment of the game in general.
It is recognised that the line between that which is acceptable and that which is not is a fine one and often a matter of judgement. Nevertheless, any comment, however mild it may seem to the person saying it, which gives offence to anyone within earshot has to be treated as offensive.
Accordingly, this Committee reminds the officials of all clubs that they are responsible for the behaviour of every person on the touchline whether they are a member of the club or not. As such, they have to take an active part in ensuring that spectators behave in a responsible manner and take positive action against those who offend either at the time or later at an internal hearing.
It is the view of this Committee that nearly all of these incidents are avoidable if prompt action is taken by Club Officials at the time. Therefore, it is hoped that all members, playing and non-playing, will be informed of the dire consequences for their Club should this Committee be required to take formal action.
Sanctions available to this Committee range from a suspension of the individual involved to the deduction of league points and a total ban on the club playing for a period of time.
Rugby has always had the reputation of being a “friendly” sport with goodwill and humour both on and off the field of play. Everyone involved in the sport has the responsibility to ensure that this reputation is maintained. Those who seek to abuse or tarnish the game of rugby can neither expect nor will they receive any sympathy should they become offensive with comments directed either at match officials, players or other spectators.
All clubs should also be in receipt of the RFU Code of Conduct, which I would like circulated within your club.
Hoping this letter goes some way in eradicating referee abuse in Essex.
Yours faithfully,
Gerry Mansfield
Chairman of Discipline Essex
All Clubs should be aware of the consequences of any such abuse. Recently at National level, cases of verbal referee abuse have been treated most severely and this is something I feel I must endorse. The entry point for such abuse is 8 weeks and I will be using this as a bench mark.
I would ask you to circulate this message which is also posted on the County website Discipline Section:-
This Committee has become aware that the incidence of abuse from the touchline is increasing to the detriment of the game in general.
It is recognised that the line between that which is acceptable and that which is not is a fine one and often a matter of judgement. Nevertheless, any comment, however mild it may seem to the person saying it, which gives offence to anyone within earshot has to be treated as offensive.
Accordingly, this Committee reminds the officials of all clubs that they are responsible for the behaviour of every person on the touchline whether they are a member of the club or not. As such, they have to take an active part in ensuring that spectators behave in a responsible manner and take positive action against those who offend either at the time or later at an internal hearing.
It is the view of this Committee that nearly all of these incidents are avoidable if prompt action is taken by Club Officials at the time. Therefore, it is hoped that all members, playing and non-playing, will be informed of the dire consequences for their Club should this Committee be required to take formal action.
Sanctions available to this Committee range from a suspension of the individual involved to the deduction of league points and a total ban on the club playing for a period of time.
Rugby has always had the reputation of being a “friendly” sport with goodwill and humour both on and off the field of play. Everyone involved in the sport has the responsibility to ensure that this reputation is maintained. Those who seek to abuse or tarnish the game of rugby can neither expect nor will they receive any sympathy should they become offensive with comments directed either at match officials, players or other spectators.
All clubs should also be in receipt of the RFU Code of Conduct, which I would like circulated within your club.
Hoping this letter goes some way in eradicating referee abuse in Essex.
Yours faithfully,
Gerry Mansfield
Chairman of Discipline Essex
posted by woodsnews @ 1:01 pm
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