Wellington Rugby does not tolerate abuse in rugby. Protecting match officials is essential for the safety, fairness and integrity of the game. All clubs have a responsibility to prevent, address and report any abusive behaviour, whether verbal, physical or online, from players, team staff or supporters.

Referee Abuse (NZR Reporting Requirements)

Referee Abuse: NZ Rugby only requires a report when the behaviour meets the threshold of Physical Abuse, Verbal Abuse, or Physical Intimidation toward a match official. These incidents must be reported immediately using the NZR Referee Abuse Notification Form.

These three categories are the only behaviours that trigger a formal Referee Abuse report:

• Physical Abuse - grabs, pushes, shoves, punches, kicks, spits, or any non‑accidental contact with a referee
• Verbal Abuse - swearing directly at a referee, derogatory name‑calling, threats (including toward family), questioning integrity, discriminatory slurs, mocking gestures, or repeated harassment after warnings
• Physical Intimidation - entering a referee’s personal space, marching them backwards, stand‑over tactics, or any behaviour that causes them to fear for their safety

Club Responsibilities

Clubs are expected to:

• Set clear expectations with players, coaches and supporters before the season and before each match
• Provide visible leadership on the sideline - coaches, managers and captains must actively calm situations, not inflame them
• Remove individuals whose behaviour is abusive or threatening, even if they are supporters
• Support referees immediately following any incident and ensure their safe departure if required
• Report incidents promptly through the correct disciplinary channels

Match‑Day Process (If Abuse Occurs)

Team management should:

1. Acknowledge and back the referee - no arguing, debating or challenging the referee’s decision to report an incident
2. Identify the individual(s) involved (player, management or spectator)
3. Act to de‑escalate - remove the person from the playing enclosure if necessary
4. Document what happened clearly and factually (time, comments/actions, who was present)
5. Notify WRFU and file the required report as soon as possible after the match

Disciplinary Consequences

Referee abuse carries severe sanctions under NZ Rugby’s Disciplinary Rules, including:

• Player suspensions
• Team staff suspensions
• Spectator bans from club grounds
• Fines or conditions placed on the club
• Requirement for clubs to implement education or management plans

Supporting Referees After an Incident

Clubs should ensure the referee:

• Feels safe and supported
• Has a quiet space to complete reports
• Is offered assistance if the situation escalated
• Has the contact details of the team manager and club delegate
• Knows that the club will proactively follow up with WRFU if required

Positive Sideline Expectations

Prevention is always better than sanctions. Clubs are encouraged to promote:

• A zero‑tolerance message at trainings, meetings and on social platforms
• Clear signage around the ground
• Coaches modelling calm, respectful behaviour
• Captains taking responsibility for team conduct
• Supporters encouraging, not criticising, match officials