Dear Players, Coaches, Managers and Spectators of Junior Rugby,

In recent weeks I have become increasingly conce rned with the amount of
referee abuse occurring at the Britannia playing fields. This has led to
RugbyWA being forced to cite a number of Coaches and spectators.
RugbyWA considers Referee abuse as a very serious matter and people
who choose to abuse Referees will be severely dealt with.

Like all people involved in Rugby, Referees are also volunteers who give
their time to ensure that your children are able to play the sport we love.
Recruiting and reta ining Referees in recent times has become increasingly
difficult, and adding to this difficulty is the extremely inappropriate
behaviour exhibited by some people on the sidelines. Furthermore, some of
the abuse has been directed at Referees who are as young as 14 years of
age.

The Western Australian Junior Rugby Union operates a Referee Bonus Point
System where the appointed Referee is able to award up to 2 bonus points
to reward player, coach and spectator behaviour. Comments made to a
Referee can jeopardise the awarding of these points which may in turn
affect the chance of your team making the Finals series.

Please take this note as an official warning. If you choose to swear at, abuse
or constantly question a Referee, you will not be welcome in our game.

Yours Sincerley

Matt Tink
Manager Community Rugby