'At the Vale of Lune, we operate in line with the core values:
Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. We are
committed to developing a culture that lives and breathes the core values,
is free of abuse, discrimination and harm, and where everyone feels safe.
The Code of Conduct and our policies and procedures, and the terms and conditions
of any volunteer or employment agreement with the club, provide a framework in
which clubs and participants can be empowered to create safe, respectful and
enjoyable environments.
Everyone who is involved in rugby, whether as a player, coach, parent, spectator, or
volunteer, is expected to uphold the Core Values.'

Not halfway into the current season and an old problem raises its head again. Yes, it’s the old chestnut of ‘Official disrespect and abuse’. Referees are hard enough to come by and are leaving the game in their droves, mainly because of the abuse and intolerance from spectators that they meet when officiating. Your club highlighted this last season and, for a time, all was well in the world of Powder House Lane. Unfortunately, old habits die hard and are creeping back in from individual spectators who think they are watching a game where it’s OK to abuse the referee.

PLEASE REMEMBER :-
All referees are volunteers and just want a pleasant Saturday afternoon following a pursuit
that they enjoy;
They can only ‘give’ what they can see;
They will make mistakes, just like every single one of the other thirty participants in the
game;
They are graded as being Level 6 – the same as the players and aspire to referee at that
level, just as players aspire to play at that level;
They do not have the benefit of a TMO;
They are not Premiership or Six Nations standard (yet!)
They deserve the respect of every player and spectator.
Finally as the old phrase goes – ‘NO REF. NO GAME.’

This club expects every spectator to respect the referee and not be abusive toward him or her. It also expects every spectator to challenge any other spectator who disregards this simple request, either by directly speaking to them or bringing it to the attention of others who will address such unacceptable behaviour. Spectators who persist in maligning officials will be asked to leave the spectator areas and continuance may result in further action.

Ave Atque Vale.