Fed-up league referees quit after too much abuse

Concerns around the behaviour of Kiwis at sporting events, including players, parents and spectators, has been growing. Photo / Thinkstock

A provincial rugby league competition has been pushed to the brink of extinction partly because of sideline and onfield abuse.

The only two referees in Gisborne - Tim Walker and George Tanirau - are quitting at the end of the season, leaving Gisborne Tairawhiti Rugby League with the prospect of having no referees for next year.

Tanirau said his second season of officiating would be his last, mainly to pursue coaching, but also because of abuse from people caught in "the heat of the moment".

Walker, who is also the GTRL chairman, complained on social media about abuse and threats while trying to run a match last weekend.

Concerns around the behaviour of Kiwis at sporting events, including players, parents and spectators, has been growing.

Last weekend, a 14-year-old Otahuhu College player was knocked out and admitted to hospital after a brawl broke out involving around 40 people.

It is alleged a supporter of rival team Tangaroa College ran on to the field and punched him from behind.

Auckland Rugby won't comment on the situation until a police investigation has concluded.

Tanirau said the situation in Gisborne had an entire code at the crossroads.

"We need to do more to support clubs and the future of the game. I work with challenged youth, people who have been in and out of prison, I'm used to getting flak and working with people to say, 'Hey, that's not acceptable'.

"It's an ingrained thing. Supporters are emotional, but it's not just rugby league. It's netball, hockey, rugby and other sports that get that kind of abuse as well. It's just frustration on the field. It happens at every game."

Tuta Ngarimu, the former GTRL chairman, said after heading a rebuild of Gisborne rugby league over two decades, his hard work could now count for nothing.

"I've put it back on its feet and it has been pretty hard to try to find referees. We've tried to put together training programmes but we've struggled since day one to retain them," he said. "It'll be a sad day if league was to die again in Gisborne."

Auckland Rugby chief executive Andy Dalton said five games had been called off in the region this year - "three were for fighting/alleged referee assault/brawl". There was also a problem with isolated, violent incidents.

"There is a need to address sideline behaviour," he said. "It's junior sport as well."

Sport New Zealand chief executive Peter Miskimmin urged people against weekend "attacks".

"Playing Saturday morning sport is a rite of passage for most Kiwi kids, and it should be a positive experience for them," he said.