DORSET & WILTS
RUGBY REFEREES

Discipline

Discipline Guidance

Issuing a Yellow Card

When you issue a Yellow Card (YC), record: player number, time in game, offence.  Ensure that the player number is unique, or if necessary record name if no numbers (school, age grade, veterans in various old strips). You will need these details if you have to issue the player a second YC.

If you have a second watch, set it to count for the yellow card sanction time for the game you are refereeing (10 minutes for senior games).  When the ball is dead after the sanction playing time has elapsed (and the non-offending team is not taking a quick throw-in or quick tap FK/PK), you may allow the YC player back onto the field of play.  Have a short chat, reminding them that you will not hesitate to issue a second YC (= RC) if necessary.

Have a plan to separately record the time elapsed for subsequent concurrent YCs, to either team.

Issuing a Red Card

When you see it, you know if an incident requires a Red Card (RC)!  Player protection is essential.  If uncertain, i.e. an ‘Orange Card’ situation, a YC may well be sufficient and have less long-term consequences. Note: this does not apply to Match Official Abuse – see later.

Every RC issued must result in the submission of a RC Report Form, even in ‘Friendly’ matches, or those when appointed by the club, and even if you subsequently realise that it was issued in error (e.g. wrong person, wrong incident). The Discipline Panel can rescind such RCs in that week.

When you issue a RC, record:  player number, the offence, time in match and score, impact on other player(s) involved, the player’s reaction (abusive/apologetic (hopefully)).  Ensure that the player leaves the Playing Enclosure.

After the match, whilst still at the club:  ensure that you get the full name of the player from team manager/captain.  You can confirm details from the team sheets recorded on the RFU Competitions page.  If an opposition player was injured in the incident, check their status with their team management.  Make yourself available for the RC player to apologise, but there is no need to discuss the incident in detail. Was there a video recording (e.g. Veo) of the match; if so, by which club?  If so, include this fact in RC report. There is no need to view the video before writing your report, or to include a link with your report. Check a blank RC Report Form that you have all the details that you require.

Before you leave the club, send the Society Discipline Secretary a text, WhatsApp (07868 206026) or email stating the number (!) of RCs issued to which team.

By 1800 hrs on the day after the match, the completed Red Card Form (adult or age grade/schoolmust be submitted by email to the Society Discipline Secretary.  The earlier the better to enable the report to be checked, before the Society Discipline Secretary forwards on to the appropriate CB officer by 0900 hrs on the second day after the match.  Assistance in completing the Form is given in the RFU Discipline Report Writing Guidance and from the Society Discipline Secretary.

What Happens Next?

Club Secretaries are also required to report to the CB Discipline Secretary within the same timeline that a player has received a Red Card. This initiates the CB Disciplinary process, which includes an outline of the Hearing Procedure, mostly conducted virtually nowadays (and admitted offences are more often than not taken ‘on the papers’ i.e. by email without player/club/referee attendance).  Referees are welcome to observe any Hearings that are held in order to understand the procedure – apply to the Society Discipline Secretary.  I will endeavour to ensure that the card-issuing referee receives notification of the outcome, even from other CBs, whether you attend the Hearing or not.

Match Abandonment

Any issue that poses a significant risk to the safety or well-being of those taking part may cause the match to be abandoned, when other management approaches have failed.  Discipline may be a cause, as could be: weather and/or pitch conditions; serious injury; other safeguarding concerns.

If serious disciplinary issues arise and the referee or any club official deems it unsafe to complete the game, it may be forced to be abandoned. Every effort should be made to diffuse disciplinary issues before that point, however only if it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Any match abandonment should be reported (text, WhatsApp, email) at the earliest opportunity to the Society Discipline Secretary and/or Society Appointer.  The RFU Match Abandonment Report Form must then be completed and submitted to the Society Discipline Secretary by 1800 hrs on the day after the match.  It will be forwarded on to the CB Discipline Secretary within 48 hrs of the end of the match.

If serious disciplinary issues arise and the referee or any club official deems it unsafe to complete the game, it may be forced to be abandoned. Every effort should be made to diffuse disciplinary issues before that point, however only if it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Any match abandonment should be reported (text, WhatsApp, email) at the earliest opportunity to the Society Discipline Secretary and/or Society Appointer.  The RFU Match Abandonment Report Form must then be completed and submitted to the Society Discipline Secretary by 1800 hrs on the day after the match.  It will be forwarded on to the CB Discipline Secretary within 48 hrs of the end of the match.

Completing a Match Official Abuse (MOA) Report

RFU Guidance recognises five distinct categories of MOA.  Appendix A is worth reading, to distinguish between the most common cases of Disrespect (Dissent) and Verbal Abuse.

If a player (including replacement or when substituted/injured) abuses a Match Official (Referee, MO Developer, Assistant Referee or Touch Judge) during the match, they may be issued with a YC (if abuse is low level) or RC; if the latter a RC Report Form is completed (Laws 9.12 (physical or verbal abuse) or 9.28).

If another person (e.g. coach, team staff, spectator) or a player after the final whistle abuses a Match Official, a MOA Report must be completed and forwarded to the Society Discipline Secretary.

RFU Speak Up Policy:

The RFU is committed to developing a culture where it is safe and acceptable for everyone involved in rugby union to raise concerns about any unacceptable practice, behaviour, wrongdoing or misconduct.  Speaking up will enable concerns to be investigated and dealt with for the benefit of all involved and for that of the wider game.  Society members can raise concerns privately with any member of the Executive Committee, or can submit concerns via the Speak Up Reporting Form or by email to: SpeakUp@RFU.com.

Dorset & Wilts Discipline Outcomes 2024/25

DATECLUBSECTIONRECIPIENTCHARGEOUTCOMESANCTIONNOTES
04/04/2024Wheatsheaf Cabin CrewSeniorsMichael Salter9.12 - Verbal AbuseProven3 match banC/frd from 2023-24
04/04/2024Wheatsheaf Cabin CrewSeniorsSpectator5.12 - MOANot ProvenC/frd from 2023-24 - Club hearing
28/04/2024ChardAge GradeCitingProven5 match banC/frd from 2023-24 - Passed to the RFU
03/08/2024CorshamSeniorsKieran Day9.12 - Strike to the head with handProven1 match ban
31/08/2024Wheatsheaf Cabin CrewSeniorsAlipate Waqa9.13 - High tackleProven3 match ban
07/09/2024AmesburySeniorsEpeli Koroiveibau9.12 - Strike to the head with head3 match ban
07/09/2024MarlboroughSeniorsJohn Brown9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProvenSending off Sufficient
08/09/2024FromeAge GradeCitingProven2 match banPassed to the Somerset RFU
15/09/2024Royal Wootton BassettAge GradeRescindedSomerset Club Referee - No report sibmitted
21/09/2024SalisburySeniorsChris Vuki9.18Proven4 match ban
22/09/2024OakmeadiansAge Grade5.12 - Racial AbuseReceived from Safeguarding - Passed to the RFU
28/09/2024WimborneSeniorsBen Locke9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProvenSending off Sufficient
28/09/2024MarlboroughSeniorsSoine Tamaqle9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProvenSending off Sufficient
28/09/2028MarlboroughSeniorsApisai Deucu9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProven1 match ban
28/09/2024DorchesterSeniorsKieran Fry9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProvenSending off Sufficient
28/09/2024SherborneSeniorsElliot Cuff9.13 - High tackleProven4 match ban
29/09/2024Sherborne SchoolSchool9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProven1 match banAlso to hold a training section with the Under
14's on tackle height
28/09/2024Royal Wootton BassettSeniors5.12Not ProvenReceived from Marlborough RFC - Passed to the RFU
06/10/2024CleeveAge Grade9.27 - Two Yellow CardsPassed to the Gloucestershire RFU
06/10/2024BridportAge Grade9.16 - No arm high chargeProven4 match banWrite a letter of apology to the Chair at
Blandford
12/10/2024TrowbridgeSeniorsJack Davies9.12 - PunchNot Proven
12/10/2024Stow on the WoldSeniorsHarry Gaden9.12 - PunchProven3 match banPassed to the Gloucestershire RFU
12/10/2024BlandfordSeniorsReece Brown9.13 - High Tackle, head contactProven3 match ban
12/10/2024MarlboroughSeniorsSefanaia Volau9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProvenSending off Sufficient
12/10/2024Swanage & WarehamSeniorsJoseph Towers9.12 - PunchProven3 match ban
12/10/2024BournemouthSeniorsLouis Parker9.28 MOAProven5 match banReceived from the Hampshire RFU
13/10/2024ChardAge GradeCitingProven2 match banReceived from Bridport RFC - Passed to the Somerset RFU. Also to write a letter of apology
to the Bridport
17/10/2024Bryanston SchoolSchool9.11Not Proven
19/10/2024TrowbridgeSeniorsDean Pristman9.28 - Verbal AbuseProven6 match ban
19/10/2024Lytchett MinsterSeniorsSam Morton9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProvenSending off Sufficient
19/10/2024Lytchett MinsterSeniorsVincent Ward
Spectator
5.12 - MOAClub warning
20/10/2024DorchesterAge Grade9.18 - Tip TackleProven2 match banPlus Alternative Sanction
1. Coaching on tackle technique from first team coach. 2. Completion of headcase module.
21/10/2024MarlboroughSeniors1st XV - Club5.12 - Breach of Reg 19.2.25.CProvenSuspended Point Deduction
19/10/2024MelkshamSeniorsNasoni Adrole9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProven1 match ban
16/10/2024Bournemouth UniUniversityJoe Blake9.13 - Dangerous TsckleProven1 match banHampshire Referee
19/10/2024Referee SocietyComplaintProvenEducation ProgrammePassed on to the RFU
26/10/2024TrowbridgeSeniorsAjay Momi9.12 - PunchNot ProvenReceived from the Oxfordshire Referees
26/10/2024WimborneSeniorsSean Moores9.11Not Proven
26/10/2024WimborneSeniorsChristine Minchella5.12 - MOAProvenClub warning
27/10/2024DevizesAge Grade9.12 - StrikeProven3 match ban
27/10/2024CorshamAge Grade9.28 - MOAProven4 match ban
09/11/2024SwindonSeniorsBen Lloyd9.28 - DisrespectProven3 match ban
09/11/2024ColerneSeniorsRoss Buchanan9.12 - Punch
09/11/2024MarlboroughSeniorsHalani Aulika9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProvenSending off Sufficient
16/11/2024SwindonSeniorsMichael Thompson9.20 (a)Proven3 match ban
16/11/2024Royal Wootton BassettSeniorsPhil Bardwell9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProvenSending off Sufficient
16/11/2024YeovilSeniorsCallum CornsCitingReported by Salisbury RFC - Passed to the
Somerset RFU
30/11/2024WimborneSeniors9.12 - Punch
30/11/2024Swanage & WarehamSeniorsAisea Kaitu9.27 - Two Yellow CardsProven1 match ban
30/11/2024Ellingham and RingwoodSeniorsHarry Westcott9.12 - Kick & PunchPassed to the Hampshire RFU
01/12/2024Stow on the WoldAge GradeCitingReported by Supermarine - Passed to the
Gloucestershire RFU

Dorset & Wilts Discipline Outcomes 2023/24

DATECLUBSECTIONRECIPIENTCHARGEOUTCOMESANCTIONNOTES
02/09/2023Weymouth & PortlandSeniorsRyan Lewendon2 yellows cards - 9.13 & 9.14ProvenSending off sufficient
02/09/2023YeovilSeniorsSenivalati Waqa9.27 – Two YellowsUnknownUnknownPassed to The Somerset RFU
09/09/2023Combe DownSeniorsJack Regnard9.12 StrikeUnknownUnknownPassed to The Somerset RFU
09/09/2023ChippenhamSeniorsDavid Newman9.12 KickProven2 weeks
09/09/2023FromeSeniorsZach Bartlett9.11UnknownUnknownPassed to The Somerset RFU
09/09/2023FromeSeniorsUnknown9.28 - MOAUnknownUnknownPassed to The Somerset RFU
10/09/2023North DorsetAge Grade5.12 - MOAProvenAs per Club
16/09/2023ChippenhamSeniorsAlafoti Faosiliva9.27 - Two YellowsProvenSending off sufficient
16/09/2023SupermarineSeniorsTom Bickford-Russell9.13 - High TackleProven3 match ban
16/09/2023Lytchett MinsterSeniorsJames O'Shea9.28 - MOA (YMA)Proven4 match ban - TREDS and a letter of apologyReported via the D&W Safeguarding Manager
16/09/2023Lytchett MinsterSeniors9.28 - MOA (YMA)Not Proven
17/09/2023Wimborne Un 18'sAge GradeNot ProvenRed Card Rescinded
17/09/2023Wimborne Un 18'sAge Grade5.12 - MOANot Proven
23/09/2023GordanoSeniorsOliver Critchley9.27 - Two YellowsUnknownPassed to The Somerset RFU
23/09/2023PuddletownSeniorsSpectator5.12 Verbal AbuseUnable to identify Person involved
24/09/2023Chippenham v Corsham
Un 14's
Age GradeOffer training - RFU Regulation 19 Appendix 6
– 1.12.
Received via the D&W website abuse reporting
link
28/09/2023Malmsbury SchoolSchool9.13 - Dangerous TackleProven1 match ban
30/09/2023RWBSeniorsHarry Brookes9.12 - Head buttProven4 match ban
30/09/2023RWBSeniors9.12 - KickNot Proven
30/09/2023Pewsey ValeSeniorsOliver Spence9.12 - PunchProven3 match ban
30/09/2023WinscombeSeniorsOscar Browne9.27 - Two YellowsUnknownPassed to The Somerset RFU
07/10/2023Salisbury 2'sSeniorsEremasi RANATORA9.27 - Two YellowsProvenSending off sufficient
08/10/2023Bournemouth Un16'sAge GradeNot ProvenRed Card RescindedReferee failed to submit a Red Card report.
(Somerset RFU Referee)
11/10/2023Bishops Wordsworth
School
School9.11 - KickingProven2 match ban
14/10/2023Newton AbbottSeniorsJack Cox9.20aPassed to the Devon RFU
14/10/2023ChardSeniorsDavid Morton9.20aUnknownPassed to The Somerset RFU
14/10/2023Swindon College Old BoysSeniors9.12 - EyesNot Proven
14/10/2023OakmeadiansSeniorsTai Ah Kuoi9.27 - Two YellowsProven1 match ban
14/10/2023Pewsey ValeSeniorsLee Baker9.12 - PunchProven1 match ban
15/10/2023New MiltonAge GradeRacial AbuseUnknownPassed to the RFU
15/10/2023CleeveAge Grade9.12 - PunchUnknownPassed to the Gloucestershire RFU
21/10/2023MarlboroughSeniorsWill Grant9.12 - Shrinking with the HeadProven5 match ban
21/10/2023MarlboroughSeniorsSpectator5.12 - MOA
21/10/2023PooleSeniorsBrad Trelour9.18Proven4 match ban
21/10/2023RWBSeniors9.11Not Proven
21/10/2023ChristchurchSeniors9.12 - PunchNot Proven
21/10/2023RWBSeniorsCitingNot ProvenPassed to The Somerset RFU
21/10/2023Combe DownSeniorsCitingProvenUnknownPassed to The Somerset RFU
04/11/2023MarlboroughSeniorsVilliami Hakaolo5.12 - 9.28 MOAProven11 match ban
04/11/2023SCOBSeniorsCiting9.12 - Strike to the faceNot ProvenReceived from the Gloucestershire RFU
04/11/2023FairfordSeniorsCitingNot ProvenPassed to the Gloucestershire RFU
04/11/2023Dauntsey SchoolSpectator5.12Warning
05/11/2023GordanoAge Grade9.28UnknownPassed to The Somerset RFU
08/10/2023DorchesterAge Grade9.28Proven4 week ban
11/11/2023AvondaleSeniorsChris Hobbs9.28UnknownPassed to The Somerset RFU
11/11/2023PooleSeniors9.12 - PunchNot Proven
27/11/2023Wimborne Un 18'sAge Grade9.27 - Two YellowsProvenSending off sufficient
02/12/2023MelkshamSeniorsAlex Cox9.12 - PunchProven1 match ban
02/12/2023TrowbridgeSeniorsBryan Jefferies9.12 - PunchProven1 match ban
02/12/2023YattonSeniorsCharlie Harrison9.12 - PunchUnknownPassed to the Somerset RFU
02/12/2023WellsSeniorsMike Dimelow9.12 - HeadbuttUnknownPassed to the Somerset RFU
09/12/2023WarminsterSeniors9.12 - PunchNot Proven
09/12/2023DevizesSeniorsKeiran Hiscock9.12 - Verbal AbuseProven2 match ban
09/12/2023Lytchett MinsterSeniorsCallum Barker9.12 - PunchProven3 match ban
16/12/2023Swindon College Old BoysSeniorsJack Kimber9.27 - Two YellowsProvenSending off sufficient
15/12/2023BournemouthSeniorsJack Hennings9.13Proven3 match ban
15/12/2023PooleSeniorsWill Grogan9.12 - PunchProven5 match ban
16/12/2023Wheatsheaf Cabin CrewSeniorsJosh Hough9.13Proven3 match ban
06/01/2024MarlboroughSeniorsMaikolo Manu9.13Proven3 match ban
06/01/2024WimborneSeniorsHari Taversham9.13Proven3 match ban
06/01/2024RWBSeniorsClub5.12 - Abandoned MatchDismissedResult to stand
13/01/2024DorchesterSeniorsHenry Quinny9.12 - StrikeProven3 match ban
14/01/2024DorchesterAge GradeMakensie Parker9.18Proven3 match ban
13/01/2024BournemouthSeniorsRyan MorrellCitingProven3 match ban
21/01/2024Bristol HarlequinsAge GradeCoach5.12 - MOAUnknownPassed to the Somerset RFU
27/01/2024ThornburySeniorsJack Pickes9.28 - MOAUnknownPassed to the Gloucestershire RFU
28/01/2024MarlboroughAge Grade9.12 - PunchProven3 match ban
28/01/2024Frampton/Chipping
Sodbury/Thornbury
Barbarians U16s
Age GradeCiting9.12 - Skiking with the headUnknownPassed to the Gloucestershire RFU
03/02/2024CorshamSeniorsJosh Macey9.27 - Two YellowsProvenSending off sufficient
03/02/2024SCOBSeniorsLewis Newmen9.12 - HeadbuttProven3 match ban
03/02/2024SCOBSeniorsRory O’Brien9.27 - OthersProven2 match ban
04/02/2024SwansAge Grade9.12 - PunchProven2 match ban
03/02/2024Ventnor vs ChristchurchSeniors5.12 - Abandoned MatchClub warningsReported to the RFU
07/02/2024SwansUn 18's Colts -Senior
Womens
Club5.12ProvenSuspended 10-point deduction against the
Mens’ 1st team, effective until the conclusion
of the 2024/25 season.
A 3 month ban from rugby was imposed on 5
club officials also suspended until the end of
the 2024/25 season.
All players in the Colts and Ladies teams and
all Staff involved in training must undergo a
"Play it Safe" course by the end of the
2024/25 season
10/02/2024Pewsey ValeSeniorsSam Flippance9.11Proven4 match ban
12/02/2024CheltenhamAge Grade9.12 - PunchUnknownPassed to the Gloucestershire RFU
07/02/2024SwansAge GradeCoach5.12 - MOANot Proven
17/02/2024North PethertonSeniorsMichael Stevens9.12 - MOAUnkownPassed to the Somerset RFU
17/02/2024WimborneSeniorsKristian Porcher9.11 - shoulder to throatProven4 match ban
18/02/2024SalisburyAge Grade9.28 - MOANot Proven
17/02/2024YeovilSeniorsBen Parker9.11 - PunchUnkownPassed to the Somerset RFU
25/02/2024ChippenhamAge Grade9.12 (Knee) - 9.27 (Others) -9.28 (MOA)Proven4 match banReceived from the Gloucestershire RFU
17/02/2024SherborneSeniorsCitingNot-provenReceived for Swans
02/03/2024ChippenhamSeniors9.12 - StrikeNot-proven
02/03/2024Combe DownSeniorsPaul Kuipers9.12 - PunchPassed to the Somerset RFU
03/03/2024Bradford on AvonAge GradeSpectator/Coach/Club5.12 - MOAReceived from the Somerset RFU
08/03/2024TrowbridgeSeniorsLiam Ellis9.12 - PunchProven3 match ban
02/03/2024TruroSeniorsLuke RoweCitingPassed to Cornwall RFU
08/03/2024Bradford on AvonSeniorsCitingNot-provenReceived from Trowbridge - Passes to the RFU
17/03/2024MarlboroughSeniorsSolomone Aniseko9.12 - Strike - 9.13 TackleNot-provenReceived from the SW Region 1 LMOT
LMOT
25/02/2024ChippenhamAge GradeSpectator5.12 - SafeguardingRFU Regulation 19 Appendix 6 – 1.12.Received from the Gloucestershire RFU
20/03/2024Glenmoor and Winton
School
School9.13No Reply
23/03/2024Pewsey ValeSeniorsLai Vinakadina9.12 - StrikeProven3 match ban
23/03/2024SalisburySeniorsChristopher Vuki9.18 - A player must not lift aProven3 match ban
04/04/2024Wheatsheaf Cabin CrewSeniorsMichael Salter9.12 - Verbal AbuseNo Reply
04/04/2024Wheatsheaf Cabin CrewSeniorsSpectator5.12 - MOAWitness Statement - No Reply
04/04/2024Combe DownSeniorsJosh Ridewood-Williams9.12 - SkritePassed to Somerset RFU
04/04/2024Combe DownSeniorsJosh Ridewood-Williams9.28 - MOAPassed to Somerset RFU
13/04/2024MelkshamSeniorsDale Ivory9.18Proven3 match ban
13/04/2024Bradford on AvonSeniorsIwan Legg9.12Proven1 match ban
14/04/2024ChippenhamAge GradeSpectator5.12 - MOARFU Regulation 19 Appendix 6 – 1.12.
20/04/2024SherborneSeniorsJosh Ovey9.27 - Two YellowsProven1 match banReceived from the Somerset RFU
21/04/2024Gloucesrshire RFUSeniorsZac Dinning9.27 - Two YellowsProvenSending off sufficientReceived from the RFU
27/04/2024SwansSeniorsChris Peters9.20aProven3 match banTBC
28/04/2024ChardAge GradeCitingPassed to the Somerset RFU
02/05/2024ChippenhamSeniorsJack Ward9.13Proven5 match banTBC
28/04/2024Swindon RFCAge GradeRichard White & Club5.12
05/05/2024RWBAge Grade9.27 - Two YellowsNot-provenRed Card RescindedReported by the club- No Red Card Report