Rugby ref threatened

Dale Cobb. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

A 12-year-old boy threatened to stab a referee with a knife after he was ordered off in a junior rugby match in Wanganui.

The boy was playing for U13 grade semifinal between Rutherford Intermediate and Marist when he was sent off for abusing the official during a match two weeks ago.

He refused to leave the field and threatened to stab the referee before several parents from both sides stepped in to restrain him and called the police.

The incident is the latest in a string of violent episodes at school sports matches.

After a mass brawl and threats against the referee at a rugby match between Dannevirke High and Upper Hutt College last week, the referee, a former Dannevirke pupil, had to be escorted to the changing rooms.

Nine players were disciplined after a brawl between Auckland Grammar and Kelston Boys' High first XVs in August last year.

A game between Mt Maunganui College and John Paul College in August last year was called off. Coaches and reserves were also caught up in the fracas. And spectators at a game between Christ's College and Christchurch Boys' High in June were breath-tested to avoid crowd brawls that had marred the event in previous years.

Wanganui Rugby Union chief executive Dale Cobb said this weekend he didn't believe the 12-year-old had a weapon.

"Fortunately some parents took action on the sideline and called the authorities. But it took a number of people to restrain him."

The union was waiting to hear back from the school and a youth aid officer before deciding punishment.

Cobb said instances of violence and threatening behaviour in junior rugby matches were increasing, especially during semifinals and finals.

"We have finals for U10s, U11s, and U13s and, to be honest, it's a nervous period for the union because no amount of warnings to clubs can stop the bad behaviour. People call it passion, but sideline behaviour is becoming worse."

Cobb said bad behaviour on the field was often caused by parents, supporters and coaches spurring on the players.

And the competition brought out the nasty side of people, he said. "Parents and coaches need to realise it's a game for the kids."

- WANGANUI CHRONICLE