Concerned EP rugby bosses have rolled out tough new measures to stamp out the scourge of referee abuse and wanton acts of violence and hooliganism at Grand Challenge club matches.
EP Rugby general manager Mzi Mpofu said a zero-tolerance stance had been adopted, and infringements would result in harsh punishments and the immediate precautionary suspension of both clubs.
In a letter to clubs, Mpofu said EP management had to meet urgently with the Referees Society to avert a crisis where no rugby could be played in the Grand Challenge tournament.
The ultimatum to clubs comes in the wake of the ill-fated Kariega derby between Gardens and Progress at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium, which is popularly known as “Die Hok”.
A match between the clubs was called off late in the second half over serious crowd control concerns after spectators invaded the field.
In his letter, Mpofu said: “Management had to meet [urgently] with the Referees Society to avert a crisis whereby no rugby could proceed.
“We have given them [referees] the assurances that we will communicate with all clubs and instruct yourselves to do everything possible to protect referees.
“Any abuse that occurs from now onwards will result in the immediate preliminary [precautionary] suspension of both clubs.
“Whereafter, the enquiries committee will expeditiously, legally and on a fair basis deal with this abuse [in terms of the EPRU constitution].
“Those found guilty will be harshly dealt with by our disciplinary committee.
“Let us all play these matches in the right spirit and stop abusing referees.
“Spectator and player behaviour (verbal and physical abuse) towards match officials, or any EPRU official in terms of World Rugby Sanction will be sanctioned according to law.
“EPRU are grateful that the first round of the club rugby competition has been played.
“This has not gone without our fair share of challenges.
“We are attaching these very important documents that regulate the “safe to play” and “code of conduct' guidelines.
“EP encourage clubs and other stakeholders to revisit these Boksmart documents, apply the guidelines and not to compromise on the safety aspects of our beloved game.
“We as EPRU, with our motherbody, Saru, have previously warned our affiliates that we are all to desist from these unacceptable practices, of only blaming the referees when we are on the wrong side of match results.
“EP cannot allow a situation whereby certain clubs, their players, team management and or spectators threaten referees, fight with them or verbally abuse the people who are also a vital component and structure in our beloved game.
“Our EPRU constitution and bylaws (competition rules) regulate the playing, administration and conduct of our players, clubs, officials, and spectators.
“We all, but more the home teams, have a moral and constitutional responsibility not to incite hatred or provoke violence, insult, degrade or defame any of our fellow rugby brothers.”
Mpofu urged clubs to play matches in the right spirit and said the abuse of refs had to end.
“Spectator and player behaviour (verbal and physical abuse) towards match officials, or any EPRU official in terms of World Rugby Sanction (Regulation 17) will be sanctioned according to law,” he said.
“In terms of our EPRU constitution and club competition rules and regulations, it is always the teams’ (home or away) responsibility to secure the safety of all players, officials, and spectators.
“Any person or rugby body failing or not complying or contravening the EPRU constitution or rules and regulations will be subjected to an enquiry, with steps fitting the transgression being taken.
“We would like to encourage our members to continue growing plus promoting [playing] the game in and among our communities, but we are begging for compliance and that the minimum standards are met.
“The safety of our club players, referees and spectators is at the top of our list.
“Let us all show respect to one another, and importantly administer and promote discipline around our clubs, fields and playing areas.”
The Herald
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