Refs blow whistle on abuse

NSW Rugby has introduced stronger measures to combat stubbornly high rates of referee abuse.

The changes allow an independent judiciary to deduct competition points from teams, in addition to penalising the individual.

Competition manager of NSW suburban rugby union, Tim Richards, said: “We’ve always dealt with the individual over the years and that hasn’t really worked. We’re now hoping to utilise a bit of peer pressure to bring those rates down.”

The unusual mid-season change comes after suburban rugby clubs failed to reduce rates of referee abuse in the first half of the season.

“It’s been sitting at around 20 percent for the last five years,” Mr Richards said. “We met with clubs at the beginning of the season and gave them one last chance to bring it down.”

Thirteen cases of referee abuse have been recorded already this season, accounting for almost a quarter of total offences.

Competition rules state clubs gain four points for a win, zero for a loss and zero for a draw.

Mr Richards said the two points that can be deducted for referee abuse could have a significant impact on rankings.

“If one guy swears at a referee it could affect every single person in the club,” Mr Richards said.

Referee abuse includes acts contrary to good sportsmanship, dissent and breaches of the NSW Rugby Union Code of Conduct.

Referee manager of NSW Rugby, Ron Mancell, said it starts with players questioning referees’ decisions and can quickly snowball to include spectators and coaches.

“We’re now focusing on coaching staff and the bench to take off-field dissent out of the game,” he said.

It’s hoped the change will encourage more volunteer referees and create a family friendly atmosphere.

“There’s no doubt [abuse] is the single biggest reason for referees leaving or not coming into the game in the first place,” Mr Mancell said.

The move has also been welcomed by players.

Woollahra Colleagues rugby club player, Oliver Handscombe, said: “It’s a good move because without the referees we wouldn’t be able to play at all. Rugby is supposed to be a game of respect and be played by gentlemen.”

By Victoria Craw