Referee Protocol 4 of 4

4. Clubs


• Clubs where possible should provide a barrier between the playing enclosure and spectators for the safety of both the players and the spectators. This will also restrict access to the playing enclosure.
• If this is not possible the Club must ensure that spectators and/or parents are aware that they must not come onto the playing enclosure.
• Clubs at level 5, 6 and 7 must ensure that a technical area is clearly marked on the side of the pitch.
• Clubs have all signed up to the good conduct code and have a responsibility to ensure that players, coaches and spectators are all fully aware of its contents and how to behave.
• Clubs should have a process by which they can deal with members who regularly have behaviour problems with match officials or who verbally abuse referees.
• Clubs should bear in mind that some referees are under 17 years of age and verbal abuse is treated very seriously by the RFU/Staffs CB and the Referees Society.
• Clubs should be aware the Referees Society will actively back and support club referees who are subject to abuse/ behaviour problems when refereeing games.