I was watching a amateur game this morning whilst waiting for my nephews game to kick off and was appalled by the amount of abuse that one of the teams parents delivered. The game was only U12's or 13's I think but they were swearing at the referee as well as the players. One of the parents was also urging her team to use their elbow in the tackle and applauded one of the lads when he did.

I found it utterly disgusting that the RFL have started this RESPECT campain and abuse is still a massive problem. The coaches were even wearing RESPECT bibs but that didn't stop them from swearing at opposition players.

Surely there must be something that the RL community can do to stop this from happening as people like this are making a mockery out of our sport.

It won't change until BARLA changes. Until they start punishing teams for their "supporters" actions then nothing will change. As you say the coaches wear the bibs and then do sod all. I hear it all the time from both coaches and parents at the amateur games I see. It's pathetic and the kind of atmosphere it generates is a big reason as to why many kids are put off the game.

The RFL have put a lot of money into the TRY IT scheme but perhaps they should clean up touchlines first as like you said people are being put off the game due to the abusive parents and coaches. It's also putting people of refereeing which is a problem as there seems to be a shortage of referees too.

It needs sorting straight away as our game is getting a bad reputation from it

Didn't know Amos Roberts mum had come over?

Yep. The best thing the RFL could do is say to the ref's (as I think the ref's are RFL controlled aren't they? Not BARLA?) any abuse from parents, coaches or anyone and you give the team a warning. 2nd time the club are reported, 3rd time you stop the game.

Problem is BARLA still won't back it up with strong enough punishments.

It probably wasn't my game but I have just resigned from refereeing junior games in the winter leagues after another tirade from a guy in a RESPECT jacket. I have plenty of other things to do at my club and in my life generally than to tolerate it any longer. I will still be reffing but in leagues where respect means something, which is sadly becoming fewer and fewer.

The Midlands League is promoting an interesting new approach to junior rugby this summer - lets see how it goes.

The local leagues appoint referees in most junior games, and all discipline goes through them and ultimately to BARLA. Only very serious incidents make it to the RFL.

That's a prime example of how abusive touchlines are ruining our games.

In the other code a ref can stop a game and order people away from the pitch and if they refuse to go the game can be abandoned.

Now there is little from RU that i wish to come into league but i'd very much like to see this for junior grade. Ref should stop tell them to do one and if they refuse game finishes and awarded to oppostition.

I though refs could send specators and coaches off? I've seen it happen in a game I played in.

justarugbyfan: Complain to the RFL, and BARLA about this. They should do something. At least have the club go through a touchline managers course and appoint touchline managers and act against the offending club if things don't improve.

We're all (well most) well behaved here

So lets say 'Team A' are playing 'Team B'

I'm the parent of a child of team A. We are getting flogged by Team B.

Whats to stop me claiming to be a parent of (or connected to) team B, verbally abusing the officials and getting the game awarded to my own side?

Propper touchline management by the hosting team

A RL referee also has the power to do this.

Yes, I've done it before. However it tends to just crank up the atmosphere a few more notches...

I have sympathy for touchline managers. They have enough trouble keeping their own people in check without having to handle aggressive idiots from the opposition, and possibly random individuals potentially unconnected with anybody.

So officials dont' use this power because they are afraid to up the ante?

No, but you have to gauge carefully when and where to use it.

In my opinion it should be used in anything U16. Zero tolerance simples

A colleague of mine took his son (age around 12 or so) to both the local League team and the Union team. He was appalled at the level of abuse from the touchline at the league game and the parents encouraging foul play on the pitch. That’s just one kid lost to our game, but it could well be many more

It needs to be resolved quickly

Quite right.

Tim2 you shouldnt let people walk all over you.

I agree. However all refs have to do it and all leagues have to back it up.

I'm not afraid to do it but once you start you are then expected to do the same to anybody from either side who says anything. You have enough to worry about on the field (remember player safety is paramount, not the ref's feelings).

It's very disconcerting when refs take a stand and then are not backed up by disciplinary action.

Man up a bit Tim.

If some parents give you a hard time use whatever powers are available to deal with it effectively.


If everyone in your position did then we wouldnt have the problems you have mentioned.

Perhaps you should give it a go. There is a shortage of refs!

Too bloody right you should do it to anyone on either side! as for safety surely people on touch line actively encouraging and praising foul play could cause a situation leading to a serious injury?