Discipline Update and Reminders for Clubs
All players, coaches, parents, spectators and club officials should read this update.
It covers conduct around the field of play, club disciplinary responsibilities, match-official abuse and mandatory reporting.
Key points
- Entering the field of play without the referee’s permission is a disciplinary offence. If proven, the entry point for sanction is a 20-week suspension.
- Clubs must deal with disciplinary matters promptly and apply the RFU sanction table where appropriate. Failure or unreasonable delay may expose the club itself to sanctions.
- Disrespect or abuse of match officials can attract additional sanctions, including the aggravating factors in RFU Regulation 19.11.13(b).
- Red cards and abandoned games must be reported within 48 hours, including youth matches and matches officiated by club referees.
- Social-media speculation about incidents should be avoided while investigations or disciplinary proceedings are under way.
Reporting red cards and abandoned games
Notify Essex RFU within 48 hours by emailing discipline@essexrugby.com. Failure to report within the deadline will result in a £25 fee, regardless of the eventual outcome.
Bad disciplinary record thresholds
Essex RFU may act where:
- A single team has three offences of the same type.
- A single team has five incidents involving varying offences.
- The club reaches eight incidents in one season.
An incident includes a proven offence by a player, coach, parent, member or spectator, whether dealt with internally, by Essex RFU or through the RFU process.
Original letter
The complete source letter from Keith Hill, Discipline Chair of Essex RFU, is available below.