The referee is the one thing our game cannot go ahead without and they are getting rarer and rarer. We lost a second team game this season due to there being no ref available.

Respect for referees is decreasing with 4% of games negative for the referee and 1% feeling intimidated - players are questioning more and more, increasing shouts from supporters and parents. None of this is acceptable to someone who is giving up their time to give us our game.

When I think back to the world cup - the lasting discussion after each game was often around the ref!

Can we go back to the values of rugby? Support your team - but celebrate great rugby for both teams. Respect the referee - they will miss things, they will make the odd wrong decision but that's life and we get on with the game. This would make everyone's match day a much better experience.

If you hear inappropriate comments aimed at the referee. Please call them out or let one of the committee know and we will take action.

The issue has reached a point where Yorkshire RFU are taking action. Referees will be asked for their experience of all clubs they visit. If negative reports are received we will be contacted. If issues continue the county have the option to apply sanctions to the club. Many of our teams are flying high this season - please do not risk this for the sake of keeping your opinions to yourself.

We also want to recruit more referees. Refereeing is a great way to stay actively involved in the game. There is also the opportunity for parent referees to join their local referee’s society. There is no time commitment and you decide how often or how little you want to referee. All of our local referee societies provide a full range of training, mentoring and
support.
If you are interested, please contact your local referee’s society at Yorkshire Referees