Quit the abuse

Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) officials are clamping down on verbal abuse by rugby fans on referees and match officials.

Not only is abusing the referee from the sideline a bad example to young children, it ruins the game for everyone else.

Last weekend there was an incident at a game where after constant verbal abuse by overzealous fans – a sideline match official threw in the flag.

CIRU says that if this type of irresponsible sideline behaviour continues then this could result in spectators being banned from watching matches or clubs being fined.

CIRU makes a special plea to all club supporters to please control their sideline language and especially verbal abuse of match officials both on and off-field.

”Let us treat others just like yourselves, with courtesy and respect – in the true spirit of sport,“ says CIRU chief executive officer Ben Koteka.

Donning your club colours and cheering on your team is all you need to do to have a great day at the rugby. If you feel you want to rip into the referee – stay home because no one wants you disrupting the game and spoiling the fun family and sporting atmosphere at our sports grounds.