Back
Supporters
Supporters
Supporters 2 of 2
2. Spectator Discipline
Parent / Spectator Discipline Protocol
There are unfortunately a growing number of touchline issues, including referee abuse, both at Adult level, and, more particularly, at Youth games. Both the RFU and Middlesex RFU are keen for Clubs to adopt procedures that will help reduce these incidents and make it clear that they and the Club will not hesitate in taking appropriate and serious action in the event of incidents. Sanctions are available, including the suspension of players, coaches, spectators, teams, sections, and Clubs, the ultimate sanction could be the deduction of first XV league points.
Enfield Ignatians RFC does not wish for our game to degenerate to the behavioural depths to which some other sports have sunk. No-one wants to see the end of healthy banter, but there must be a reasonable cut-off point for ill-judged or abusive comments or outright dissent.
It is important that the basic tenets of the game, those of friendship, good manners, acknowledgement of authority and a willingness to play within the laws of the game are promulgated by parents and by those who spectate.
It is also important to recognise that Referees are Volunteers, who give of their time willingly, and (at our level of the game) without any financial reward. They all make mistakes, and may have different interpretations of the laws, or indeed may vary in the art of refereeing the game. Some may not be of the calibre that the game requires. They should not be castigated for any perceived or actual deficiency.
Parents and Spectators should be positive role models to all; they should respect the authority of all referees, and respect their decisions, and encourage others to do so. Parents and Spectators should remember that persistent and negative messages will adversely affect a referee’s performance and attitude.
Parents and Spectators must not swear on the touchline or in the vicinity of players, or show verbal aggression to referees, or opponents, no matter whether they feel that it is justified. Parents and Spectators should support the club to eradicate coarse, profane, racist and abusive behaviour from the touchline.
All Parents and Spectators must remain behind any barrier or rope or (where no barrier or rope is provided) at least 2 metres behind the touchline.
No Parent or Spectator should enter the field of play for any reason, without the knowledge and permission of the referee. This will negate any allegations of “Child Abuse” or “Child Welfare”, or “Assault”. Problems start, not when two youngsters have a spar with each other, but when an adult tries to separate them.
There are unfortunately a growing number of touchline issues, including referee abuse, both at Adult level, and, more particularly, at Youth games. Both the RFU and Middlesex RFU are keen for Clubs to adopt procedures that will help reduce these incidents and make it clear that they and the Club will not hesitate in taking appropriate and serious action in the event of incidents. Sanctions are available, including the suspension of players, coaches, spectators, teams, sections, and Clubs, the ultimate sanction could be the deduction of first XV league points.
Enfield Ignatians RFC does not wish for our game to degenerate to the behavioural depths to which some other sports have sunk. No-one wants to see the end of healthy banter, but there must be a reasonable cut-off point for ill-judged or abusive comments or outright dissent.
It is important that the basic tenets of the game, those of friendship, good manners, acknowledgement of authority and a willingness to play within the laws of the game are promulgated by parents and by those who spectate.
It is also important to recognise that Referees are Volunteers, who give of their time willingly, and (at our level of the game) without any financial reward. They all make mistakes, and may have different interpretations of the laws, or indeed may vary in the art of refereeing the game. Some may not be of the calibre that the game requires. They should not be castigated for any perceived or actual deficiency.
Parents and Spectators should be positive role models to all; they should respect the authority of all referees, and respect their decisions, and encourage others to do so. Parents and Spectators should remember that persistent and negative messages will adversely affect a referee’s performance and attitude.
Parents and Spectators must not swear on the touchline or in the vicinity of players, or show verbal aggression to referees, or opponents, no matter whether they feel that it is justified. Parents and Spectators should support the club to eradicate coarse, profane, racist and abusive behaviour from the touchline.
All Parents and Spectators must remain behind any barrier or rope or (where no barrier or rope is provided) at least 2 metres behind the touchline.
No Parent or Spectator should enter the field of play for any reason, without the knowledge and permission of the referee. This will negate any allegations of “Child Abuse” or “Child Welfare”, or “Assault”. Problems start, not when two youngsters have a spar with each other, but when an adult tries to separate them.