Abuse of Referees

WRU plan zero tolerance over abuse
Jan 13 2005, Simon Thomas, Western Mail

THE WELSH RUGBY UNION are introducing a zero tolerance policy in a bid to tackle the growing problem of referee abuse within the game. WRU chiefs are so concerned about the situation that they are threatening the ultimate sanction of expelling clubs from the union.

They say the problem has reached crisis point, with match officials being regularly subjected to both verbal and physical abuse at all levels of the game by players, coaches, club officials and spectators. This is leading to a major problem in retaining and recruiting referees. Incidents include: An Under-12 player spitting in the face of a referee An assault on a referee in a Division Three match leading to a player being banned for 18 month A referee's clothes being covered with liniment following a second-team match Thirty cases of abuse at WRU league matches this season - 14 on the pitch, 16 off the field More than 120 incidents of abuse that have led to red cards at junior matches this term.

As part of the campaign to crack down on the problem, the WRU are asking clubs to display posters in their clubhouses outlining the importance of respecting match officials. But Union bosses last night made it clear that they are ready to get tough. WRU general manager Steve Lewis said, "We have now adopted a zero tolerance approach and regard any abuse as unacceptable. "We regard this as a very serious blight on the sport and one we are determined to remove. "The problem is affecting our ability to recruit and retain match officials at all levels within the game. It is incumbent on all clubs and organisations to ensure that matches are played in a safe environment and to that end all involved in the game - players, club officials and spectators - should adhere to the WRU Code of Conduct.

"Failure to do so will result in severe sanctions being imposed on any club or organisation. There are a range of penalties available - from fines, to suspension to exclusion from the WRU.

"We are moving towards a situation where that ultimate penalty will be invoked. That will be a sad day for the game, but nothing will stop this sport faster and more permanently than a lack of referees - and that is situation we are now facing unfortunately."

Lewis continued, "The further down the divisions you go the more difficult the situation gets. The referee is on his own, he hasn't got the support of touch judges and the playing area might not be fenced off. He is getting people baying at him about a yard away from the touchline."

Lewis, a former referee himself, confirmed that the WRU considered clubs responsible for the actions of their supporters. "If the clubs take entrance fees off them, there is no doubt where the responsibility lies," he said. Lewis feels ex-internationals now working as TV pundits also need to look at themselves. "A lot of it is down to ignorance," he said. "The pundits have not got a clue about the laws they are passing comment on. "They ought to take time to find out about the laws."

WRU director of match officials Robert Yeman added, "The WRU is determined to rid the game of unacceptable behaviour aimed towards match officials. "With no match able to be played without a qualified referee officiating, there are serious consequences to the game as a whole when referees decide to hang up the whistle. "It means that for every referee lost to the game, there is a void of at least 20 games that cannot always be filled. "The situation is fast approaching crisis point. Demand is outstripping supply." Yeman continued, "The number of complaints about abuse have increased dramatically over the last few years and some of the incidents just beggar belief.

"Parental abuse is a major problem and, most deplorable of all, we had one case of a ref being spat at by an 11-year-old player. "Because of the way society has gone, standards have slipped and we don't want them to slip any more. "We want to get the message across that we will not tolerate referee abuse. "Unless we act and act swiftly, the game will slowly drift away from us."

Former international match official Derek Bevan said, "I was fortunate to referee for four decades in Wales. "I am just afraid that modern refs not going to have the enjoyment or pleasure out of game that I did. "Let's not forget that most refs are amateurs. They can walk away any time they want to. "We need refs to be wanting to go out on Saturday and we need the support of clubs to do that." Nigel Owens, one of Wales' professional referees, warned, "It's a career I enjoy, but if it gets to the stage where I don't enjoy it I won't be doing it any more."