Rugby officials disturbed by spate of red cards

Taranaki rugby officials are disturbed about the number of red card offences being reported in Taranaki secondary school rugby matches.

No fewer than three red cards were hoisted in secondary school matches played last weekend.

TRFU operations manager Derek Pringle admitted match officials were having problems with secondary school games recently and firm action was required. "More so than the senior teams in respect to level of behaviour," Dingle said.

"It is disturbing and something we need to work on and get stringent on."

The latest incidents coincide with the violence that erupted during the Auckland Grammar versus Kelston Boys' High School semifinal secondary school rugby match in Auckland last weekend.

As a result of initial investigations into the incident, seven Kelston HS boys have so far been suspended and further investigations are under way.

"It's a sign of a general lack of discipline, it's not just Auckland where it's happening, it's all over the country," Dingle said.

Taranaki rugby referees association chairman Ray Hopkinson was aware of the recent spate of sending off offences and said it was unusual.

"We've had a pretty good year with regards to sending off offences, but unfortunately over the last week it's become a problem. I guess it's getting towards the end of the season and it's finals time and the boys are getting a bit carried away.

"Three [red cards] in one weekend is not good to be honest."

Hopkinson said the players concerned would go through the TRFU judiciary process.

"We're hoping that maybe that the judiciary committee will pass on their concerns to the players and the schools and we'll go from there."

Off the sending-off offences, Hopkinson said he had been out of town this week and was yet to sight the reports by the referees whowere officiating in the two matches where red cards were issued.

"They must have been reasonably bad for the referees to take the action they did."

Earlier this month, a primary school match between Oakura and Puketapu schools at Bell Block was called off early by the match referee after the game had been marred by unruly behaviour.

Meanwhile, the TRFU judiciary has yet to release details of a hearing held in New Plymouth on Monday night in regard to referee abuse.

Yesterday the TRFU released details of the finding of a judiciary investigation into alleged abuse of referee Neville Ritson by Coastal players after he controlled the Taranaki senior third grade final against Tukapa at Yarrow Stadium on August 8. The committee found in favour of the referee and, as opposed to an individual, the team was fined $500.

Dingle said while just one team member was named on the charge sheet it was evident that a number of the players had sounded off at the referee so that's why the finding became a team penalty.

Dingle would not name the player who was before the committee on Monday night.

LATE last night the Auckland Rugby Union disciplinary committee was still hearing submissions from Auckland Grammar and Kelston High on the weekend pitch brawl.

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