Referee Abuse

 

From banter to abuse and not the kind delivered by the 'Old Bill' to the Message Board. Referee abuse is a growing phenomena that is becoming widespread across all sports and Rugby is not immune.

Whilst not of immediate concern within Hong Kong, abuse from spectators, players and coaches is a major threat to the recruitment and retention of Rugby referees. Abuse comes in many forms which are mostly verbal attacks from spectators, coaches or players and might extend to questioning a referee’s parentage or abilities, with a few choice four letter words thrown in for good measure. The following are some relevant reference articles on rugby referee abuse:-

However, abuse does become more intimidating which is even more serious. Sadly, in recent years there seems to have been a significant increase in the level and severity of referee abuse, refer to the RFU report of  March 2000 - Dealing With The Growing Problem of Referee Abuse. As a consequence the iRB have developed strategies for dealing with referee abuse and suggest practical examples of sanctions to be imposed, Click [here.....] Note, file size is 189Kbytes. So what’s the cause?

If the rugby is played will the referee enjoy it as much as referees did in the past? There is far more talking by players these days, often giving the referee advice on how to referee. The referee has the jurisdiction to deal with this on the field, but it is not pleasant having this extra problem to deal with.

There seems to be more and more spectators who think that they know the laws better than the referee does and they want to demonstrate their knowledge by shouting from the touchline. Even worse, they sometimes verbally abuse the referee if they do not agree with his decisions. Sadly many coaches are so keen on winning, that the referee is blamed for a defeat and the behaviour of many of these coaches on the touchline is deplorable.

After the game the referee sometimes has to walk through a crowd of abusive spectators before reaching the safety of the clubhouse. Even one abusive spectator can make it unpleasant for the referee. The referee is generally not paid, except at top level.

Then there is the threat of litigation. A player in Wales has successfully sued the referee and the WRU after a serious accident in a scrummage.

Whatever the reason in some quarters it seems to have become more acceptable to abuse referees. This disturbing trend is not only driving experienced referees away from the game, it is also discouraging others from taking up refereeing in the first place.

The RFU is taking referee abuse seriously. Every referee must report any incident of referee abuse to their Society, Click [here.....].  When Society Secretaries are notified of a case of abuse, they should refer it to the appropriate Disciplinary Secretary.

If we want to encourage more people, of all ages and backgrounds, to take up refereeing we have to get rid of this negative element in the game. After all, most of us are volunteers, out there to have fun and to be involved in the game, so we should not have to take any form of abuse from anyone!

Misconduct toward a referee may include, but it not limited to, all registered referees, assistant referees, forth officials or other duly appointed to assist including any person serving in a emergency capacity as a referee. Any act committed before, during, or after a match, even at later times, if it is match related, such as at work or at home may constitute misconduct toward game officials. There should be due consideration for potential sanctions of Referee Abuse or Referee Assault and following review across a number of sports and sanctions used by other rugby unions the following definitions could be applied here in Hong Hong.

REFEREE ABUSE

Referee abuse is a verbal statement or physical act not resulting in bodily contact which implies or threatens physical harm to a referee or the referee’s property or equipment. Abuse includes, but is not limited to, the following acts committed upon a referee;  using foul or abusive language toward a referee (must imply a threat of physical harm) , spewing any beverage on a referee’s personal property; spitting at  (but not on) the referee; verbally threatening a referee with remarks that carry imply or direct threats of physical harm. Minimum sanctions could be.

a.    Six (6) games suspension except;

b.    Spitting at a referee or game official, six (6) games.

c.    An adult upon a youth referee, six (6) month suspension.

REFEREE ASSAULT

Referee assault is an intentional act of physical violence at or upon a referee. For the purpose of this rule, “intentional act” shall mean an act intended to bring about a result which will invade the interests of another in a way that is socially unacceptable. Assault includes the following act committed upon a referee:  hitting,  kicking, punching, choking, spitting on, grabbing or bodily running into a referee; the act of kicking or throwing any object at a referee that could inflict injury;  damaging the referee’s uniform or personal property i.e., car, equipment, etc. The player, manager, or official committing the referee assault is automatically suspended as follows:

a.    For a minor or slight touching of the referee or the referee’s uniform or personal property, at least three (3) months from the time of the assault;

b.    Except as provided in above, for any other assault, at least six (6) months from the time of the assault;

c.    For an assault committed by an adult and the referee is eighteen (18) years of age or younger, at least three (3) years; or

d.    For an assault when serious injuries are inflicted, at least five (5) years.