Somerset Discipline: Match Official Abuse escalation

Somerset Rugby Football Union Disciplinary Committee is extremely concerned regarding the number of cases of Match Official Abuse already reported to the Panel this season.

Abuse of Match Officials (including non-appointed/volunteer touch judges) on and off the field is totally unacceptable and shall not be tolerated.

As we are sure you are aware, there is a desperate shortage of match officials to cover all the matches played across Somerset. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the Referees’ Society to not only recruit new members but also to retain current members, and abuse of officials (from players and spectators) is given as one of the causes of this.

Referees and non appointed /volunteer touch judges freely give up their time throughout the rugby season because of their love and support for the game and to ensure that rugby can be played for the enjoyment of players and spectators. Naturally, we should all be encouraging and supporting our Match Officials at every opportunity, as without them there would be no rugby! This support must come from players, coaches and spectators alike – you have a responsibility for the behaviour of all your members.

With this in mind, for all Proven cases involving Match Official Abuse arising from matches on or after 1 September 2023, the Somerset Disciplinary Panel will consider a minimum automatic aggravation of 2 weeks (1 match for Age Grade under 18 & below) over and above the RFU Sanctions and will enforce appropriately severe sanctions against spectators and or clubs in respect of Match Official abuse by spectators or non playing members of clubs.

Clubs are reminded that they should ensure that abuse to match officials does not take place and must take all necessary steps to prevent this.

Alison Bennett
Somerset CB Discipline Secretary