Rugby union postpones all club games after referee abuse
Horowhenua Kāpiti Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) is postponing all club games this weekend due to ongoing referees abuse, according to social media post.
It said on June 21 a referee officiating a college rugby match between its college team and a visiting school side "was subjected to serious verbal abuse and physical intimidation. Abuse was directed at the referee throughout the match by multiple visiting individuals, culminating in a situation so concerning that members of the public felt compelled to escort the referee to his vehicle following the game, for his safety".
"Horowhenua Kāpiti Rugby Football Union is appalled by this behaviour and stands with our match officials. This conduct has no place in our game, at any level and will not be tolerated."
The union issued a warning at the end of May that they would consider cancelling games after it said a referee was threatened with being stabbed.
That statement, it said, made clear that the safety and respect of referees was non-negotiable.
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In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the union said all rugby across the union on June 28 would be postponed, including junior, college-grade and senior matches.
"This will provide time to reflect and consider what kind of rugby environment we are creating and enabling. We must take collective responsibility to protect our referees, uphold the mana of our game, and ensure that rugby remains a safe and respectful environment for everyone involved.
"The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. Stand up and show your support for our Match Officials," chief executive Corey Kennett said.
In late May Kennett had said referees were being physically threatened, some faced physical abuse and a referee had been struck with a piece of field equipment, and one referee being threatened to be stabbed.
The union Board was united in its condemnation of this behaviour, chairperson John Cribb said in the Wednesday night post.
"It is unacceptable and not what we expect from anyone involved in rugby. Whether you're a player, coach, parent, or supporter, you have a responsibility to uphold the values of our game. Referee abuse undermines everything we stand for and will not be tolerated. We expect better, and our referees deserve better."
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