RFU TACKLES ABUSE OF PLAYERS AND MATCH OFFICIALS
The Rugby Football Union has announced that it is taking further steps to tackle the abuse of players and match officials.
The RFU Management Board has introduced and approved an instruction for referees to enforce strictly the rules concerning abuse of players and match officials and the use of obscene and offensive language at all levels of the game from level 12 through to the Guinness Premiership.
The use of obscene and offensive language is contrary to the spirit and ethos of the game as set out in the International Rugby Board’s Playing Charter and the RFU codes of conduct for players and spectators.
The regulatory regime to deal with abuse already exists. RFU Rule 5.12 prohibits any “conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the Union or the Game”. IRB Law 6.A.5 demands that “all players must respect the authority of the referee”. IRB Law 10.4(k) prohibits “acts contrary to good sportsmanship in the playing enclosure”. That includes any form of verbal abuse and can lead to on field sanction and, in extreme cases, further disciplinary sanctions.
Verbal abuse of opponents carries a recommended disciplinary sanction ranging from a low end of two weeks’ suspension to a maximum of twenty four weeks.
Verbal abuse of match officials carries a recommended disciplinary sanction ranging from a low end of six weeks’ suspension to a maximum of twenty four months.
Referees must always report any unacceptable abuse or offensive language by coaches, spectators or others from the touchline.
Chief Executive of the RFU, Francis Baron OBE, said “The Management Board has taken this decision and introduced these steps for all levels of the game from level 12 through to the Guinness Premiership because it is important that the ethos and culture of the game is maintained. Although the cases of player to player and player to official abuse are not widespread, they are increasing and that is why these initiatives are being introduced as a preventative measure”.
RFU Disciplinary Officer, His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett said, “Clearly in a robust game there will be banter but there is a line that cannot be crossed where it becomes gratuitous and offensive abuse. That is unnecessary and reflects badly on the image of the game, and players must be aware of what is and is not acceptable. Serious abuse of players and officials is unacceptable and I welcome the RFU Management Board’s strong action to combat this issue”.
(A) THE GOOD MATCH OFFICIAL’S CODE:
Match Officials should:
(a) Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players.
(b) Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games.
(c) Emphasise the spirit of the game.
(d) Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
(e) Understand the physical and behavioural development of players.
(f) Be a positive role model. Set an example, and as such, comments should be positive and supportive.
(g) Look to self-improvement e.g. participation in training courses.
(h) Recognise that the safety of players is paramount.
(i) Explain decisions – all players are still learning and parents will understand the game better.
(j) Always penalise foul play.
(k) Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow.
(l) Show empathy for the age and ability of players.
(m) Be consistent and objective.
(n) Be familiar with the Good Spectator’s Code and ensure that verbal abuse from players, coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately.
(o) Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidance policies and procedures.
(p) Officiate to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated on rule changes.
(q) Check that the home Club or School has provided a qualified first aider, ambulance access has not been obstructed and that appropriate equipment is available along with someone trained in its use before starting play.
(r) Before training sessions and matches check that studs and other clothing are in accordance with the iRB Laws of the Game.
(B) THE GOOD COACHES’ CODE:
Coaches of players should:
(a) Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players.
(b) Understand that most learning is achieved through doing.
(c) Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport.
(d) Be a positive role model – think what this implies.
(e) Keep winning and losing in perspective – encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
(f) Respect all referees and the decisions they make, even if they appear to make a mistake, (remember it could be you refereeing next week) and ensure that the players recognise that they must do the same.
(g) Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner to all players, both during coaching sessions and matches.
(h) Provide rugby experiences which are matched to the players’ ages and abilities, as well as their physical and behavioural development.
(i) Ensure all players are coached in a safe environment, with adequate first aid readily to hand.
(j) Avoid the overplaying of the best players by using a squad system which gives everybody a satisfactory amount of playing time.
(k) Never allow a player to train or play when injured.
(l) Ensure good supervision of players, both on and off the field.
(m) Recognise that players should never be exposed to extremes of heat, cold or unacceptable risk of injury.
(n) Develop an awareness of nutrition as part of an overall education in lifestyle management.
(o) Recognise that it is illegal for players under 18 to drink alcohol or for those under 16 to smoke. Coaches should actively discourage both.
(p) Ensure that their knowledge and coaching strategies are up to date and in line with RFU philosophy.
(q) Be aware of, and abide by, the RFU recommended procedures for taking young people on residential tours at home and abroad.
(r) Be aware of and abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the Policy and Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union.
(s) Coach to the rules laid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated on rule changes.
(C) THE GOOD PLAYER’S CODE:
Players should be encouraged to:
(a) Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administration in providing the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment.
(b) Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and team mates.
(c) Recognise that every player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse.
(d) Understand that if an individual or group of players feel they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they should tell an adult either at the Club or School or outside of the game.
(e) Play because they want to do so, not to please coaches or parent.
(f) Remember that skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game.
(g) Be attentive at all training and coaching sessions.
(h) Work equally hard for themselves and their team – both will then benefit.
(i) Recognise good play by all players on their team and by their opponents.
(j) Be a sportsman – win with dignity, lose with grace.
(k) Play to the iRB Laws of the Game and accept, without question, all referees’ decision even if they appear to make a mistake.
(l) Control their emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team mates, opponents, coaches, match officials or spectators is not acceptable.
(m) Treat all players, as they would like to be treated themselves. Do not interfere with, bully or take advantage of any player.
(D) THE GOOD PARENT’S CODE:
Club and Schools should encourage parents and guardians to:
(a) Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that they can ensure their child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability.
(b) Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the coaching and training sessions in which their child participates.
(c) Be aware that the Club or School has a duty of care to ensure the safety of players and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport players to away games.
(d) Be involved with Club and School activities and share their expertise.
(e) Share concerns, if they have them, with Club or School officials.
(f) Be familiar with the Good Coaches’ Code contained in the RFU Continuum. In particular, be aware that:
• coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching players; and
• coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective – encourage players to behave with dignity in all circumstances.
(g) Support coaches in installing these values.
(h) Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents.
(i) Encourage young people to play – do not force them.
(j) Focus on the players’ efforts, rather than winning or losing.
(k) Be realistic about the players’ abilities; do not push them towards a level they are not capable of achieving.
(l) Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game.
(m) Remember that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the players’ and referee’s performance and attitude.
(n) Always support the Club and School in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game.
(o) Remember young people learn much by example.
(p) Always show appreciation of good play by all players both from their own Club or School and the opposition.
(q) Respect decisions made by the match officials, even if they appear to be a mistake, and encourage players to do likewise.
(E) THE GOOD SPECTATOR’S CODE:
Club and Schools should encourage spectators to:
(a) Act as positive role models to all players.
(b) Be familiar with, and abide by, the RFU Child Protection Guidelines in relation to verbal and emotional abuse.
(c) Respect guidance from the Club or School with regard to spectator behaviour.
(d) Remember children play sport primarily for their own enjoyment, not for that of spectators.
(e) Acknowledge good individual and team performance from all players irrespective of the team in which they play.
(f) Respect match officials’ decisions, even if they appear to be a mistake – remember, they are volunteers proving an opportunity for players to play rugby.
(g) Never verbally abuse players, coaches, match officials or fellow spectators: such behaviour can create a negative environment for players and their behaviour will often reflect this.
(h) Acknowledge effort and good performance rather than ‘to win at all costs’.
(i) Verbally encourage all players in a positive manner, shouting ‘for’ not ‘at’ the players.
(j) Encourage all players irrespective of their ability – never ridicule any individual player, regardless of the team in which they play.
