URGENT: Abuse of Referees and Touchline Behaviour

From the Youth Chair at Hampshire RFU:

1. There have been three matches in recent weeks where a total of 5 players have been red carded for abuse of a referee in Hampshire Youth County Competition League matches.
2. There have been reports of abuse from spectators.
3. In one incident when a player was red carded for serious foul play, it is alleged the supporters on the touchline applauded him.
4. I have had the misfortune recently to watch three matches where young players seem to think stamping on or punching an opposition player is not just acceptable but "all part of the fun". There have also been instances where the Laws of the Game are seriously and deliberately being broken (it is called cheating) and when the referee penalises them they seem to think this unreasonable.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that quite apart from the bad reputation your player will get, it also reflects badly on any club, coach or manager where such behaviour is not actively discouraged.

I am taking further advice on specific issues but I believe it could be construed that if you do not actively discourage and prevent such behaviour, you may be in breach of Child Protection guidelines and subject therefore to individual sanction.

I have discussed this matter with the HRFU discipline authority and if this behaviour does not cease forthwith it is possible there may be no option but to cite all those involved in such incidents, not just the player.