Discipline & Match Official Abuse

This section provides guidance on disciplinary procedures, Match Official Abuse (MOA) reporting, and the forms and resources available to support referees.

Accurate and timely reporting helps protect match officials, supports the values of the game and ensures incidents are dealt with fairly and consistently.

Need Help?

For advice on any disciplinary matter, including red cards, Match Official Abuse reports or report writing, please contact: discipline@northmidsrefs.co.uk

If you are unsure whether an incident should be reported, we would encourage you to seek advice and submit the report as soon as possible.

RFU Discipline Resources

The RFU Discipline section contains the latest regulations, forms, guidance documents and published disciplinary decisions.

Useful Resources

All disciplinary documentation should be submitted initially to: discipline@northmidsrefs.co.uk

Match Official Abuse

Respect for match officials is a fundamental principle of rugby.

Abuse of match officials, whether from players, coaches, club officials, parents or spectators, will not be tolerated and should always be reported.

The RFU Match Official Abuse Toolkit provides guidance on recognising, reporting and responding to incidents of abuse, together with the latest disciplinary guidance and support materials.

Age Grade Discipline

Referees involved in Age Grade rugby should familiarise themselves with the disciplinary processes applicable to youth rugby.

View the North Midlands RFU Age Grade Discipline Infographic

This infographic provides a simple overview of reporting procedures, responsibilities and disciplinary pathways within the age grade game.

Disciplinary Results

Published disciplinary outcomes can be viewed using the links below:

These resources provide useful insight into disciplinary outcomes and sanctioning trends across the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I submit a disciplinary report?

As soon as possible following the incident, and within 48 hours of the match finishing time. Prompt reporting helps ensure information is accurate and enables disciplinary processes to begin without delay.

What should I report?

Any red card, Match Official Abuse incident, abandoned match, citing incident or other serious misconduct should be reported in accordance with RFU Regulations.

What information should be included in my report?

Good reports are:

  • Factual
  • Clear
  • Objective
  • Detailed

Include:

  • What happened
  • Where it happened
  • Exact words used where possible
  • Actions taken
  • Impact on the game
  • Names of any witnesses

Avoid opinion, speculation or emotion.

What constitutes Match Official Abuse?

Match Official Abuse can include dissent, verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, physical contact or physical abuse directed towards a match official. The examples below are intended as guidance only. Each incident should be judged on its own facts and circumstances.

Disrespecting the Authority of the Match Official (Dissent)

Dissent occurs when a player challenges, questions or shows a lack of respect for a referee’s decisions or authority.

Examples:

“You’re having a laugh.”

Repeatedly questioning decisions.

Throwing the ball away after a whistle.

Sarcastic clapping or gestures.

Refusing to follow referee instructions.

Comments such as:

“Are you serious, ref?”

“That’s a terrible decision.”

Typical referee response: Penalty, formal warning or yellow card, depending on severity and repetition.

Verbal Abuse

Verbal abuse occurs when comments are directed at the referee personally rather than the decision itself. This includes insults, offensive language and comments questioning the referee’s integrity.

Examples:

Any discriminatory or derogatory language.

“You’re useless.”

“You’re a joke.”

“You’re cheating us.”

Personal insults directed at the referee.

Typical referee response: Red card and report.

Threatening Behaviour

Threatening behaviour involves words, actions or gestures that intimidate or threaten a match official.

Examples:

Threatening gestures directed towards the referee.

“I’ll see you after the game.”

“You’d better not come back here.”

Aggressive confrontation while making threats.

Typical referee response: Red card and report.

Physical Contact with a Match Official

This occurs when a player or other participant makes inappropriate physical contact with a referee, even if there is no intention to injure.

Examples:

Making unnecessary or reckless contact during a confrontation.

Pushing past a referee.

Moving a referee out of the way.

Typical referee response: Red card and report.

Physical Abuse of a Match Official

The most serious category of Match Official Abuse. This involves deliberate physical violence or assault.

Examples:

Any deliberate act of physical aggression.

Pushing a referee with force.

Grabbing a referee.

Striking, kicking or attempting to strike a referee.

Typical referee response: Red card, report and immediate disciplinary action.

What if I’m unsure whether an incident meets the reporting threshold?

Contact discipline@northmidsrefs.co.uk for guidance. It is better to seek advice and report the incident than risk a significant matter going undocumented.

Can abuse by coaches, parents or spectators be reported?

Yes. Match Official Abuse is not limited to players and should be reported regardless of who committed the offence.