ABUSE OF MATCH OFFICIALS

To download this document click HERE

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

Dear Colleague

 

This document has been produced by the Rugby Football Referees’ Union (RFRU) in response to serious concern expressed by Referees’ Societies across the country about the growing incidence of Abuse of Match Officials.  It describes the part to be played by clubs in helping to deal with the problem.  The term “clubs” includes colleges and universities. 

 

Clubs have a responsibility for the behaviour of their members, players, coaches and regular supporters towards Match Officials, and are expected to take all reasonable steps to protect Officials from any form of Abuse.  Abuse of Match Officials is defined as

 

Individual perception of personal degradation be it mental or physical, before, during and after the game including (but not limited to) :-

- verbal or physical assault

- intimidatory conduct

- racial or sexual harassment

 

 

The IRB Code of Conduct Regulation states that a person

• shall not abuse, threaten or intimidate a referee, touch judge, or other Match Official, whether on or off the field of play (20.1.10) and
• shall not use crude or abusive language or gesture towards referees, touch judges or other Match Officials or spectators (20.1.11).   

 

All members and regular supporters of clubs should be made aware of the provisions of this Code, and might need to be reminded that abusive behaviour is also harmful to the reputation of the club.  Where a club fields junior teams, parents who attend their matches should support the club by observing this Code.

 

Clubs are expected to sign up to the Code as an indication of willingness to abide by its terms.  In so doing, clubs will commit themselves to take all reasonable steps to ensure that Match Officials are protected from Abuse. Societies have the option to consider not appointing referees to clubs who do not acknowledge the Code.  

   

The following guidance is provided to enable clubs to publicise and observe the Code:

 

• This notice should be displayed on club premises and should appear in match programmes.

• All spectators should be prevented from being in close proximity to the touch lines by means of permanent or temporary barriers, wherever possible.. 

• Replacements, coaches, medics and water carriers must comply with game regulations as to the areas they are restricted to during the match, namely either marked technical areas or those areas designated by the Match Official as being technical areas.    

• Match Officials should not be approached for uninvited discussion concerning the match until at least 30 minutes after the final whistle.

Thank you for your cooperation.

 

 

Ken Bracewell

Referee Manager