RFUW: "Guidelines as to how best to treat a Referee. "

Guidelines as to how best to treat a Referee.

One of the things that rugby is renowned for is the respect players, coaches, and all participants in fact, show to each other, and to the referee, both on and off the pitch.

Respect is one of the main tenets of the ethos of rugby.

The RFUW , has produced the following guidelines relating to the respect players should show to a referee, to help ensure that the ethos of rugby is maintained.

1.The fixtures secretary needs to supply the society with all their fixtures as soon as they get them, after that they should ensure any additions and changes are notified as soon as they are known.

2.Confirm to referee the time and venue the Wednesday before the match in person, not via email, txt or voicemail, do not assume messages get read/heard

3.Reserve a parking space , near to the clubhouse if possible, for the referee.

4.Appoint someone to meet the referee when he arrives…they should be on the look out for him, not for the referee to go looking for the welcoming committee! when confirming the fixture with the referee, give the referee a name of this person so he/she knows .

5.Show ref to the changing room

6.Introduce to coaches .

7.Ensure your team knows how to address the referee, usually Sir or ref.

8.Ensure due respect is shown to the referee both on and off the pitch.

9.Ensure the referee is thanked after the match.

10.Ensure the referee is bought a drink and offered food after the match. Also offered their expenses (if appropriate).

11.Ensure, if players wish to discuss the match with the referee, back in the clubhouse, the discussion is respectful.

12.Ensure report cards are completed fairly, with balanced criticism, if necessary.

13.Work with your club to ensure spectators show respect for the referee.

14.Work with your club to ensure respect for discipline during the match is

shown, remembering that too many red cards brings problems for your club.

Finally remember that without referees, rugby matches, cannot take place. The Referee is part of the rugby community and deserves to be welcomed and shown respect, just as any member of our community deserves it. Referees are volunteers, and if they do not enjoy their role or feel unappreciated, they will leave the game, just like any other volunteer.