Abuse of referees rife in New Zealand

Boy, 11, banned for attacking ref

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRFU) is facing a new challenge, how to curb the growing trend of referee abuse. It appears that attacks on match officials are becoming more widespread, following the news that an 11-year-old Northland player has been banned from rugby for a year for an attack on a referee.

According to Northland Rugby Referees Association (NRRA) chairman Vern Powell, the abuse of referees was becoming a major problem around New Zealand, with about six alleged attacks on referees so far this season across the country.

He told the New Zealand Press Association (NZPA) that an attack on a referee was a concern at any time, but even more so when it was alleged to have involved a young boy.

"The supporters and team officials got the young man off the paddock and to everybody's credit the game was finished," Powell said.

It was reported on Friday that the 11-year-old Northland player first stomped on another player, then attempted to repeatedly punch a referee.

This follows of a suspension handed down to a 17-year-old player in Auckland this week, after he threatened a match official.

The Northland Rugby Football Union's chief executive, Tim Hamilton, told NZPA that the 11-year-old player was identified as having stomped on the back of another player during the game last Saturday.

When the referee indicated he would issue a red card for the offence, the boy threw the ball away and ran towards the referee, attempting to punch him in the head and kick his knees.

The player was removed, while the uninjured referee completed the game.

The 11-year-old player faced a hearing before the union's judiciary on Friday.

Hamilton said the 12-month ban for the attack would have been "significantly greater" if the player had been older.

"There is no place in either society or sport for this type of behaviour," he said in a statement.

"Individuals who undertake such actions must understand that there will be serious consequences and they will be held accountable for their actions."

The boy is believed to have been played for the Whangaruru club against Old Boys last Saturday.

Hamilton said the boy had also been directed to attend an anger management counseling course approved by the union and ordered to attend "referee activities" over the time of his suspension.

Before the end of that period he must show the union proof of his attendance at those activities.

Because of his age the union would not publicly name the boy, he said.

In Auckland on Wednesday, Christian Fesili Sefatu, of Ardmore-Marist, was suspended from all rugby until October 31 next year and is to take an associate referee's course next season after threatening a referee in an under-17 club game.

Sefatu's team-mate, Hayden Tenao, who has been accused of striking the referee, failed to attend the hearing by the Auckland Rugby Football Union judicial committee.

The complaint against Tenao was adjourned until next Tuesday. He is suspended from all rugby until he appears.