Club Discipline - VERBAL ABUSE OF MATCH OFFICIAL - SANCTIONS

Below is a letter that has been sent to the County from the Disciplinary Secretary fo the RFU. It outlines the range of sanctions that CB Disciplinary Panels can impose for verbal abuse of match officials. Looking at the range of sentences, can you please bring to the attention of your managers, coaches and players of all teams both senior and youth.

You will note that verbal abuse of the match official is not stated expressly as an offence in Appendix 3 but it is included as part of Law 10(4)(k) –  “Threatening words or actions at match officials”.  Concern was expressed at conference and since that there is no definitive guidelines unlike last year and CBs have sought advice on how to take these matters forward.

After discussion with the RFU Disciplinary Officer it has been decided to assist CB Disciplinary Panels in dealing with matters of verbal abuse of a match official by issuing our own guidelines on the subject.   These should be used with immediate effect.

I would ask that you add the following to “Recommended Sanctions for Offences within the Playing Enclosure” – Appendix 3 – page 199 when dealing with a case of verbal abuse of a match official.

Law 10(4)(k) - Verbal abuse of match official 

LE - 6 weeks

MR - 3 months

TR - 9 months

Maximum Sanction - 24 months

Regards

Bruce R2

Bruce Reece-Russel
RFU Disciplinary Manager
Tel: 020 8831 6667
Fax: 020 8892 9816
Email: brucereece-russel@rfu.com