In September the provincial chairs of discipline met for an annual workshop. Other members of the provincial disciplinary process were also present. An important agenda item was Match Official abuse and it was clear following discussions that this remains a blight on the game itself, as well as the ability for Match Officials to be recruited and retained. All provinces report an increase in the number of match official abuse cases, including underage level and the IRFU are committed to a zero tolerance approach for this behavior.

 

To align the process and sanctioning procedure around Match Official abuse between provinces, and to ensure clubs are aware of the potential sanctions and to gain an understanding of the process and wording, a guideline document for Non-Players was put together and will be applied to all IRFU and provincial domestic competition. These guidelines have been approved by the IRFU Rugby Committee and come into immediate effect.

 

This sees clear and transparent entry points, a list of sanctions available, examples of mitigating and aggravating features, and descriptions of different forms of suspensions all which may be applied to those persons/clubs who are found to have a charge of misconduct or match official abuse proved against them.

 

Cases of misconduct or Match Official abuse resulting in a red card will continue to be dealt with by applying World Rugby’s Regulation 17, however these guidelines may also be referred to for other disciplinary issues not covered under player on field red card sanctions.

 

Kevin Beggs

IRFU Disciplinary Officer

 

Tanya Abbas

 

Rugby Development Coordinator