New Zealand Rugby has applauded Ngati Porou East Coast's decision to cancel this weekend's round of their club competition due to abuse towards referees, saying the decision will hopefully force those involved to think about
Rugby: New Zealand Rugby backs cancellation in response to referee abuse
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East Coast rugby fans will take a break from supporting their local clubs this weekend. Photo / Photosport
"We support any provincial union taking action against perpetrators of abuse against match officials and hope those responsible will reflect on their behaviours and make the necessary changes ... Hopefully it puts the power in the hands of the people involved in the game to take ownership of addressing side-line behaviour.
New Zealand Rugby has long been working to stamp out unruly sideline behaviour, launching their 'Applaud' campaign in 2013 which encouraged people to 'keep it sweet on the sidelines' and has been adapted by provincial unions in their respective communities.
The extent to which referees are abused has been brought more into the light in recent years across a number of codes. Last year, a Manawatū footballer received a one-year ban for verbal and physical threatening behaviour towards a match official. In 2019, a Dunedin basketball referee raised concerns over how officials were treated by coaches and players and the flow on effect it had on the game and the number of people wanting to take up refereeing.
Lancaster said people needed to remember just how important referees are to the local game, and noted that, like players, officials will not be perfect every single time they take the field.
"Referees are an important part of community rugby and without them our participants at every level would not be able to enjoy the game every Saturday across the country."
"We encourage supporters to enjoy the rugby, support the referees, and realise our match officials are volunteers who do it for enjoyment and, like the players, will not be perfect."