On behalf of all of us on the Committee, I am writing ahead of the new season to reiterate the message coming from the Dorset & Wiltshire RFU (our 'Constituent Body') about unacceptable touchline behaviour.
Most of those who stand on the touchlines and support grassroots rugby right across England uphold rugby’s core values, but reports of verbal abuse towards match officials, players, and opposition supporters are rising, particularly at age-grade fixtures. All those taking part in rugby, especially young players and newly-qualified match officials, deserve a safe and respectful environment in which to perfect their skills. We cannot lose anyone to unacceptable touchline conduct.
At Marlborough Rugby, we fully support the D&W RFU "One club, one responsibility" stance.
Every section, from Under 6s to the 1st XV, represents our Club. The conduct of all of our parents, our players, and our coaches reflects the Club's culture. Incidents of poor discipline - on and off the pitch - risk portraying our Club in a bad light.
The D&W RFU is taking a robust line and will deal with Clubs that fail to control touchline behaviour severely. In doing so, the D&W RFU may use its full disciplinary remit, and potential sanctions could include: disciplinary action (fines, suspensions, points deductions...); loss of access to D&W RFU financial support; exclusion from D&W RFU Age Grade and senior competitions; restrictions on age-grade team tours...
None of us wants the Club to suffer. We would rather celebrate success than see penalties and sanctions imposed. All of us want to watch and enjoy the rugby on The Common in the best atmosphere possible. We can and should all take responsibility for this - together, we can keep the touchline safe, respectful, and welcoming.
As a Club, we expect the highest of standards across all age-grades, in our senior men's XVs, amongst our touch and walking rugby players, and from everyone who comes to support the game. Your Committee asks you to be especially mindful of the need to behave properly when you are playing, coaching, or watching rugby with us. We also ask that, should you witness or experience poor behaviour, you bring it to our attention right away.
Mr Clive Robins is the Club's 'senior responsible officer' for disciplinary matters. He chairs the Club's discipline panel and sits on the D&W RFU Discipline Panel. He can be contacted via info@mrfc.co.uk
He has directed that this message is passed to all coaches and parent representatives so that the clear and unequivocal direction is briefed to everyone as quickly as possible.
To the RFU's values of TEAMWORK | RESPECT | ENJOYMENT | DISCIPLINE | SPORTSMANSHIP we add our own of WELCOME | INSPIRE | EXCEL and we hope that you continue to enjoy everything you see and do on The Common this coming season.
With my thanks and very best wishes,
Howard
