RugbyWA Judiciary Hands Out First Suspension for 2009

[Darren]

At the recent RugbyWA KWIK 7s Tournament held at the Perth Bayswater Club, a player was given a Red Card for swearing at a Referee. This season the ARU have directed all referees to send from the field any player who swears at a Referee or Assistant Referee.

Depending on how the language was used, will often reflect the outcome. In this instance the Judiciary deemed this case to be a minor offence at the lowest level.

The result of this was a 3 week suspension.

All players and coaches must be aware that anyone who swears at a Referee or Assistant Referee will be shown a Red Card and will face the Judiciary. Despite the fact that this player’s case was rated at the lowest end, he still received 3 weeks. It is therefore very apparent that all people involved in our game must show self restraint and control their emotions.

Swearing at a Referee or Assistant Referee is no longer acceptable at any level of our game and will be dealt with harshly.

[Happy]

if only AFL had the same rules

[goony]

So if you think you got penalised for a mistake you know you made and are running back your 10mtrs and let slip a few profanities directed at yourself and the ref hears he can rightfully send you off if he wants to?? If this is the case i can see a few busy tribunal nights as there is alot of swearing on the field, rugby isn't a gentlemans game! fair enough if you blast a ref but general swearing shouldnt be punished but i bet it will

[Neddie]

All those refs can go get f@#ked

[AndyS]

Is this a response to a specific problem? Also, if it is a RugbyWA initiative, will it apply to the Force? I've got sportsears, and this could play hell with our campaign!

[slomo]

thats a bit harsh...whats wrong with some colourful language as long as it stays on the field...

[Thequeerone]

From the stuff sent out to club land - someone swearing at his or her own performance is not a problem - someone using colourful expletives directly at a match official is.

The ref is always right especially when he is wrong - Thread your own path.
Never understood why you would swear at a ref - the more upset he is then the penalty count just mounts up further in the wrong direction - if your're not in control of your mouth your're not in control of your own performance.

[brokendown gunfighter]

was it 3 weeks or 3 competition games
3 weeks & he only misses out in trial games


the fine print holds the key

[AndyS]

Good thought - get the message out there loud and clear without costing anyone too much....nice.

[lara93]

naughty naughty..

[prop53]

So glad i am retired what a load of crap, but then if they knew their craft they would be no need to give them gentle reminders would they?.

[jono]

the ref's need some concrete... they dont do it to be loved by all!

[Ecky]

Well well well; who'd have thought this would become an issue?

A reminder here of Law 6 - Match Officials:

6.A.5 PLAYERS DISPUTING A REFEREE’S DECISION
All players must respect the authority of the referee. They must not dispute the referee’s decisions. They must stop playing at once when the referee blows the whistle except at a kick off.

We don't need to HTFU at all. The players need to realise there are consequences to their chosen actions.

TQ1's sage advice seems to be missed by some.

Anyway, if you want to try it, go ahead. Make my day....

[brokendown gunfighter]

in my later playing days I used a mouthgard(before they were compulsory) in an endeavour to muffle my out bursts.Unfortunately for me, many refs could apparently lipread

[shasta]

Let's hope the refs can discern the difference between the odd player saying something out of frustration, say "Oh FFS ref" and "you f@ck!&g cheating C@^+"
I'm all for the law above but the adrenalin flows very freely during a match.