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The MRC promise to Officials

The MRC promise to Officials

Tim Holmes2 Mar 2018 - 11:57
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https://www.manchesterrugby.co

MRC in conjunction with Jeff The Ref launch their Officiating Promise

Respect is one of the core values of the game of Rugby. It sets the game aside from other sports and is renowned for the respect it gives its Officials. In recent years there has been an increase in the amount of abuse officials have been receiving both on and off the field.
On the field the referee has the power to sanction a player and a team. With our new Officiating Promise at Manchester Rugby Club we are now extending those powers and giving referees the power to sanction members of the crowd as well.
Jeff the Ref is our officiating icon and he will help the club communicate this message throughout the rugby community. Jeff is a dad who refs his children’s games on a Sunday. He should be praised for his commitment and should not be made to feel unwelcome and intimidated.
It is unacceptable for any volunteer official to be subjected to any form of questioning or abuse from the side line and Manchester Rugby Club, as one of the founding members of the RFU, want to make a public stand about this. We hope other clubs join us with this campaign and help Jeff the Ref spread the word.

Here's our promise

The Manchester Rugby Club Officiating Promise
At Manchester we want Rugby games to be fun for all and this includes the Referee and Officials.
At Manchester we will not accept any continual questioning, shouting or abuse aimed at officials, from players, coaches or supporters. Coaches, or the playing captain, should be allowed to seek clarity for a decision at a suitable break in play but must at all times respect the decision of the official and continue with the game.
Should an Official feel they are receiving any of the above, then they have the power to stop any game, ask the person to cease their behaviour, or remove themselves from the playing area and wait in the clubhouse until the game is over. The game will not restart until the offending person has made and adhered to their decision.
Manchester coaches are mandated and have the authority to help enforce this from their Rugby Committee. We want to encourage only positive comments come from the side lines for all officials, as without officials no game would go ahead.
All visiting coaches will be made aware of this prior to coming to play at Manchester and will be asked to communicate this to their players and supporters.
The Rugby Committee
The Mini & Junior Committee
February 2018

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