Coaches, Spectators and Club Officials entering the field of play during Games

North Midlands RFU Discipline have recently addressed a number of occasions where Coaches, Spectators, Parents and Club officials have entered the Field of play (The Pitch) to speak or remonstrate with a Match Official regarding a decision made by the Referee during a game that they do not agree with.

RFU Regulations are very clear regarding this and are set out below

RFU Regulation 12.3 – In all matches any decision taken by the Appointed Match Official or their replacements, shall be final and binding, insofar as the Laws of the Game are concerned

RFU Regulation 12.5 – Approach to Match Officials - No Person (other than the Match Officials Team or the Match Officials Coach / Assessor shall approach the Match Official 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 enter the Referee’s Changing Room unless invited to do so by the Referee

RFU Regulation 12.4 – Comments made by Match Officials – Any comment or opinion expressed regarding the Regulations, or the interpretation or the effect thereof by any Match Official on any circumstances that might occur before, during or after a match is not final or binding on the RFU, the Committee or an Appeal Panel. No Club or Person can rely on any such Comment or Opinion.

These matters fall under the remit of Match Official Abuse

Regulation 9.28 – A player must not disrespect the authority of a Match Official – These Offences will be addressed appropriately and an additional Sanction of an extra sanction of at least 2 weeks playing, Coaching or attending Games ban may be given at the Discretion of the Head of Discipline for the NMRFU Discipline

Regulation 19.1.4 - Disciplinary Investigations and responsibility of Clubs

All individuals and entities under the jurisdiction of the RFU are required to cooperate with an RFU (or Constituent Body) disciplinary investigation or disciplinary proceedings. All Clubs are further required to appoint an internal disciplinary panel responsible for investigating and, subject to Regulations 19.5.2 to 19.5.4, taking appropriate action in relation to disciplinary matters and the conduct of its players, officials, members, spectators and employees, and for generally maintaining discipline within that Club. Nothing in RFU Regulation 19 prevents the RFU from bringing disciplinary proceedings against Clubs for the actions of its players, officials, members, employees and/or its spectators including in relation to alleged Misconduct or breaches of Rule 5.12.

These Regulations are paramount to the ethics of the Game – Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship

Without the Referees giving up their time for the Game, there will be NO Game

These Regulations apply to Adult, Ladies and Mini and Junior games and if breached will be addressed robustly by the North Midlands RFU Discipline Panel.