No place in the game for abuse of officials

THERE was a recent commentary that referees are over-protected and should not be immune from criticism, particularly by pro players. It argued that this originates from the outmoded acceptance by generations of players, both amateur and pro, that the referee is always right – even when he is wrong.

This over-protection argument is wrong on every count. I cannot recall a time in the last 40 years when referees have been immune from criticism by the rugby media, administrators, coaches, players, or fellow referees.

If they make mistakes they are held accountable not only by the above named, but also by match assessors, which influences their selection and ranking. They then face judgement in the court of public opinion.

This applied in the amateur era, and has intensified since the game went pro. It is particularly true of players and coaches seeking to put pressure on referees and their assistants during matches through constant badgering to

influence decisions.

It was highlighted last weekend in Leicester’s visit to Harlequins when TV coverage showed Tigers bench tighthead Dan Cole giving an assistant referee the benefit of his opinions while warming-up in the in-goal area.

During the match Leicester captain Ellis Genge, who was also on the bench, paid a couple of pitch-side visits to the fourth official.

During a match coaches and replacement players should have no contact with referees or their assistants. This means keeping them off the sidelines and out of the in-goal area. It also means that any communication with fourth officials about substitutions is done by a designated team liaison, not a player or coach.

The insidious growth of match officials being pressurised during play has to be stopped in its tracks.