Conduct for Players and Fans

• Monday 12th September 2022

We are sure you are all looking forward to the new season.

In recent years the club disciplinary record has been excellent, and we hope this continues.

However, at the start of the season there are certain areas that we wish to highlight.

Please be Aware

Abuse of Match Officials

The levels of Match Official Abuse (MOA) across the game have reached unacceptable levels. It is essential we uphold the RFU Core Values, Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship always.

Abuse of referees both on the pitch and from the side lines will not be tolerated by the RFU nor Sheffield Tigers RFC. We would like to remind you at the level we play none of the referees are full-time professionals. This applies to referees at any match from our first team to the Minis. Without referees there would be no games.

Match Officials have been asked to take a firmer position with players, coaches and supporters who disrespect or abuse any match official.

Approaching Match Officials

No person (other than the match officials team or match officials coach) shall approach the match officials at any time during the half-time interval and up to 30 minutes after the match to discuss any issue arising from the match, nor shall anyone enter the referee’s changing room unless invited to do so by the referee.

High Tackles

At all levels, referees will be enforcing the high tackle law.

In adult rugby it is forbidden to make contact above the line of the shoulders even if the tackle starts below the line of the shoulders and in youth rugby, where tackling is permitted, the tackle must be made lower than an imaginary line between the armpits.

Entering the Field of Play

NO spectator, parent, coach, substitute (water carriers) or physio should enter the field of play unless given permission by the referee. This is particularly relevant to minis and juniors when individuals can become “emotionally involved.”

It is important coaches and team managers de-escalate potential situations quickly.

Player Management – All Levels from First Team to Minis

Should it become obvious a player has “lost their head” / “lost personal control” it is better to make a substitution rather than risk a red card.

All coaches, team managers and captains should be aware of this.

Red Card

If a player is sent off coaches, team captains or managers should ensure the player apologises to both the referee and the opposition (either their captain or the opposition player involved).

Players sent off should not get involved in a discussion with the referee no matter how aggrieved they feel. An apology normally reduces any tariff applied for the sending off offence.

In the event of a red card, the Team manager must immediately inform the Club Secretary.

Unacceptable Behaviour

The club is responsible for investigating and taking appropriate action in relation to the conduct of all involved in the game including the behaviour of spectators at the ground, including removing spectators from the ground or imposing bans and the RFU may also take action against the individuals concerned. We urge everyone to follow the RFU Codes.