RESPECT FOR REFEREES – A REMINDER TO EVERYONE

[backrowbandit]

Can I just remind everyone posting on these forums that one of the fundamental values of rugby union is RESPECT, and that includes respect for our referees.

Every weekend, referees give up their own time, often as volunteers, to ensure that we can all enjoy the game we love. They stand out there on their own, making split-second decisions, without the benefit of replays or the different camera angles available to those watching professional rugby.

Of course, referees will make mistakes. So do players, coaches and everyone else involved in the game. But that doesn't give anyone the right to subject them to personal criticism, ridicule or abuse.

Just because someone posts under a pseudonym doesn't make it acceptable to say things they wouldn't dream of saying to a referee's face.

Imagine giving up your Saturday afternoon to referee a game, doing your very best for both teams, and then going home to read unpleasant, unkind and sometimes downright nasty comments about your performance on a public forum. Why should anyone have to put up with that?

Rugby prides itself on its values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. Those values don't disappear at the final whistle, and they certainly shouldn't disappear when someone sits behind a keyboard.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with discussing a game, debating decisions or having a bit of good-natured banter. That's part of what makes these forums enjoyable. But there is a very clear line between discussing rugby and personally attacking the individual who has refereed the match.

Without referees, we simply don't have a game. We already face challenges recruiting and retaining officials, and this sort of behaviour does nothing to encourage people to pick up a whistle.

We should be thanking these people for what they do, not making them question why they bother.

So can I ask everyone, whatever club you support and whatever level of rugby you're involved in, to think carefully before posting comments about match officials.

Criticise a decision if you must, but don't attack the person making it.

Let's make sure the respect we rightly expect on the pitch extends to these forums as well.

The referee is part of the rugby family. Let's treat them that way

[Ribbflagman]

I totally support you BRB. Barbed comments directed personally at Refs is not only ignorant of what they bring to the table but places our game in a precarious position. I think most negative comments are from people who make mistakes in all aspects of life, But misguidedly think they are always right and perfect and everyone else in life are w******. Even if they are ex/current players, but, think of themselves as oficionados when they obviously are far from it. If you have nothing good to direct at the man in the middle.
PLEASE SHUT UP.

[Dalesman]

.....or Woman.

[Ribbflagman]

Quite correct. Aploogies, my error.
Good spot you Old Rochdalian.
I used to play for Littleborough!!!!!