NMSRFR
North Midlands Society of Rugby Football Referees: Est. 1920
CIRCULATED TO ALL CLUB CHAIRMEN AND HON SECRETARIES
Message from North Midlands Chairman, Charlie Hemmings
The Referees Society have reported this morning the 4th incident of serious abuse addressed to referees. This is obviously a very concerning trend in such a short period of time since the Return to Play protocols.
Whilst the behaviour is generally isolated to individuals can Clubs be reminded that they are responsible for the actions of all players, coaches and spectators.
More will follow, but all will agree that the application of ‘sanctions’, if considered appropriate, may affect all Clubs whether ‘guilty’ or not.
Kind regards
Sarah Wild
NORTH MIDLANDS RFU Administrator
Clubs need to take very seriously all instances of abuse, to officials AND to players (usually of the visiting side) be it verbal or non-verbal, Secretaries, chair-persons (awful term!) or other club officials MUST make it their duty to reason (first) or ultimately use their metaphorical red card.It should not be left to the referees or ARs to handle such incidents. They have enough to do during the play.