The Law book states:
“Rugby owes much of its appeal to the fact that it is played both to the letter and within the Spirit of the Laws. The responsibility for ensuring that this happens lies not with one individual – it involves coaches, captains, players and referees.
It is through discipline, control and mutual respect that the Spirit of the Game flourishes and, in the context of a Game as physically challenging as Rugby, these are the qualities which forge the fellowship and sense of fair play so essential to the Game’s ongoing success and survival.”
We are all passionate about the game and at times we are emotional, but we have a responsibility to the game and each other to be respectful and control our behavior.
Regarding verbally abusive behavior from coaches, team staff or team substitutes towards the match officials and/or to their players or opposition players, USA Rugby Referees will, with immediate effect, be applying the following:
- The referee will ask the identified person to refrain from this behavior ONCE,
- On the second occasion the referee will EJECT the person from the grounds;
- Zero tolerance approach will be applied.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact the USA Rugby Referee Department or the FRRA, Florida Rugby Referees Association.