Horowhenua StarRugby’s ugly underbelly came to a head at the weekend when an official was hit by a thrown flag post and threatened with stabbing at a Horowhenua-Kāpiti club fixture.
HKRU chief executive Corey Kennett says it is continuing to investigate the incident, which has drawn worldwide attention.
Abuse of officials has become commonplace and is something HKRU and its affiliated clubs want desperately to stamp out.
Referees were volunteers that gave up their weekend- often doing more than one match – only to suffer the indignity of sideline abuse.
Corey says there needs to be a seismic culture shift in the way referees were treated. The equation is simple. No referee – no game.
But he couldn’t ignore that fact that the vast majority of people are respectful. It was a small minority that had become increasingly abusive, and there is no place on the sideline for them or the abuse.
“It needs a whole-of-community approach. The standard you walk past is the standard you accept,” he says. “We’ve reached a point where we need to make a stand. These people are not welcome.”
HKRFU had front-footed the issue with a statement on social media saying it is “deeply concerned” about the escalating abuse.
That included “recent incidents of verbal threats, threats of physical harm, including being stabbed, and actual physical abuse.”
The post triggered an overwhelming response in support of referees, including messages of support from other sporting codes and from overseas.
The statement says the situation has reached a tipping point and safety of referees was a priority.
“This behaviour is completely unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to the values of respect, safety, and integrity that underpin our great game.”
Corey says it’s a nationwide issue.
“Referees are essential volunteers to the sport we all love, and they deserve to officiate without fear of abuse or intimidation.
“We all have a part to play. Let’s protect our referees, our game, and each other. Stand up and show your support for our match officials.”
HKRU, with the support of all clubs, has taken the stance that any further incidents of serious referee abuse will see a weekend of senior club rugby cancelled.
“This is not a decision we take lightly, but it is a necessary step to send a clear and unequivocal message – abuse will not be tolerated.”
In the past the union had run a campaign challenging people to “put your whistle where your mouth is”.
The fact is it is hard enough to attract and retain referees due to natural attrition without losing them to sideline abuse.
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