Citiref
20 Apr 2005, 11:21 PM
Crackdown begins on referee abuse
A crackdown by the Welsh Rugby Union on players and fans who abuse referees appears to be taking effect.
Disciplinary action has been taken following four cases of verbal and physical abuse against match officials. One player had a two-year suspension.
The WRU announced its "zero-tolerance" policy on referee abuse in January.
Former World Cup referee Derek Bevan had warned growing levels of abuse could leave the game short of match officials if the situation continued.
The WRU is determined to stamp out the problem, and any club which breaks its code of conduct will face sanctions.
Clubs fined
Last month, the WRU's regulatory committee heard four cases involving physical and verbal attacks on referees.
One player received a two-year suspension from playing for throwing a kicking tee at the match official.
Two clubs - Ruthin and Neyland - were fined £500 over abuse directed at referees.
The WRU has distributed posters to clubs and organisations outlining the importance of respecting match officials.
Director of match officials Robert Yeman has highlighted "serious consequences" to the game when referees decide to stop officiating.
"For every referee lost to the game, there is a void of at least 20 games that cannot always be filled," he said.
A crackdown by the Welsh Rugby Union on players and fans who abuse referees appears to be taking effect.
Disciplinary action has been taken following four cases of verbal and physical abuse against match officials. One player had a two-year suspension.
The WRU announced its "zero-tolerance" policy on referee abuse in January.
Former World Cup referee Derek Bevan had warned growing levels of abuse could leave the game short of match officials if the situation continued.
The WRU is determined to stamp out the problem, and any club which breaks its code of conduct will face sanctions.
Clubs fined
Last month, the WRU's regulatory committee heard four cases involving physical and verbal attacks on referees.
One player received a two-year suspension from playing for throwing a kicking tee at the match official.
Two clubs - Ruthin and Neyland - were fined £500 over abuse directed at referees.
The WRU has distributed posters to clubs and organisations outlining the importance of respecting match officials.
Director of match officials Robert Yeman has highlighted "serious consequences" to the game when referees decide to stop officiating.
"For every referee lost to the game, there is a void of at least 20 games that cannot always be filled," he said.