Referee Abuse- A worrying indictment of our rugby culture

It was Arthur Tedder, a former chancellor of Cambridge University who coined the aphorism "rugby is a game of hooligans played by gentlemen." By all the lowest standards, the current crop of some players, coaches, and spectators have zero regard for that maxim.

Before I advance further, let me point out that I do a little bit of rugby officiating. 

Strange things have happened the past few weeks in the rugby scene. However, the video of a Kenyan rugby referee, Saidi Kenya, being physically assaulted by Shamas rugby players has hit like a thunderbolt. A question that lingers in my wits, having watched that viral video, would anyone consider being a referee?

The population in a field is divided into four; players, coaches, fans, and those who can officiate. Simply put, those who can and cannot referee. The rare breed that's pulled into officiating is a conundrum. To be the referee means you control the frustrations and adrenaline of the 14 or 30 players.

Rugby used to be a civilized sport, but you can argue it's no longer. Perhaps say, some players of the game have too many muscles yet little respect. If you doubt me, turn up for any local match and you'll approve my theory.

The intimidation and bullying towards referees recently are stunning, with verbal and physical abuse. Most referees' decisions are constantly questioned, sometimes with an uproar voice from the fans. The assistant referees are subjected to awkward gesticulations. Sadly, disrespect towards referees has trickled to lower leagues and the writing on the wall is an equivocal yes.

Across all league levels, I fail to comprehend why match officials are held to a latitude of accountability and expected standards no one else in the game is?

In the same vein, a wild conversion by a kicker is simply laughed off. A knock-on is quickly forgotten. A poor replacement initiated by the coach may even go unnoticed. Although, it's anticipated that the referees should be perfect. Even Jesus, son of man wasn't a perfect being.

We have witnessed even the best referees making mistakes. They'll miss off sides, knock-ons, and a forward pass. Penalties have also been wrongly awarded. Suffice to say, referees do not make mistakes deliberately- no referee wishes to make a wrong decision.

Anyway, that aside. The union and clubs should form a committee to look into what has been described as 'Biased officiating'. To my recollection, the cry has been there for some time now. Until this is done, the officiating environment will continue to be unfriendly.

Tackling Referee Abuse

It is not late to begin reforming existing standards that have led match officials to an inglorious path of facing abuse. But how do we tackle referee abuse which is a silent pandemic killing officiating?

First, we need to enhance our organizational protocols and rules. It is only fair to say that sports unions should impose penalties for irresponsible behaviors from coaches, same as it exists for players. If players use vulgar language in the field, they can be cautioned, penalized, or yellow-carded. Enforced consequences will decrease one's appetite to engage in abusive behaviors. Thus, the unions' purpose must be to eliminate that petri dish in which referee abuse is incubated.

Second, more training and education should be conducted for all game stakeholders. Existing studies have established that most spectators and players lack a proper understanding of the game rules and culture globally.  However, through education, they become more conversant with the game's culture and have a positive attitude towards referees. Likewise, continuous training should reach most match officials.

Thirdly, there's a great need for collaboration among match officials and coaches. The goal of coach-player-referee interaction should be to reduce the friction experienced between referees and coaches. Match officials and coaches should build their relationship and start thinking of each other as elements in the same group, working towards the same goal.

It's a ripe moment to disregard the nomenclature of hating the referee when the odds of a match are against you. Every weekend, some referees exit the field feeling threatened by a coach, player, or fans convinced that the referee was prejudiced. Even a broken clock shows the correct time twice a day.