Discipline Report Guidance

Last Updated 25/11/2011

                       

RFU Advice on Completing Discipline Reports

There have been concerns raised by Disciplinary Officers at all levels that the standard of report writing in some cases could be vastly improved. The following guidelines are intended to assist Referees and Touch Judges prepare adequate reports.

The prime objective of the report must be to supply a Disciplinary Panel with a clear picture of the relevant facts leading up to, during and post incident. It is easy to record that which is clear in your mind, try to present that clarity to the Panel. It is therefore essential that the Panel have a clear understanding of the nature of the match. Was the incident a complete one off or was ‘the’ incident an accumulation of previous minor incidents?

1. THE INCIDENT

"I saw Smith the number 7 throw a punch violently at their number 9. I had no hesitation in sending him off ". This genuine example told a Disciplinary Panel little of value.

2. POINTS TO INCLUDE

To elaborate on the above and use as a model for similar foul play incidents the following points are relevant and should be considered.

• Your distance from the incident and if partially obstructed or not.
• The weather and pitch conditions.
• Statements you heard at the time and players reactions. It is for the Panel to deem if they are subsequently admissible.
• Did the punch connect, if so, where?
• Did the force of the punch knock the person to the ground?
• Did the ‘victim’ require medical treatment?
• Did the ‘victim’ resume playing?
• Did the intended ‘victim’ take avoiding action?
• Was there provocation?
• Did the player instigate foul play or subsequently join in?
• If the player apologised at the time, or subsequently, then mention it. However it is not your role at the conclusion of a report to write words such as, "in my opinion the sending off is sufficient punishment"

2. THE REPORT

Legibility. If your handwriting is difficult for others to read then please print the report or have it typed. From the end of October members of the Panel of National Referees will be able to e-mail all reports to Twickenham. On the front of the form circle the relevant box. An asterisk will suffice on typed reports. Although the time frame has been extended to 72 hours, reports should be submitted without undue delay. Delaying submission beyond that time is unacceptable. If there are genuine reasons for late submission a courtesy telephone call to the relevant Disciplinary Secretary should be made. If a Touch Judge has instigated the report then the following procedure should be followed.

The Referee is responsible for compiling the front of the form and the sections on weather/ground, pattern of play, cautions/general warning contained on the back of the form. The Touch Judge then completes his/her report of the incident and signs the form, which must also be countersigned by the Referee. It is suggested that following the detailed report of the incident the Referee adds. "I confirm that the basis of the above facts were related to me as a result of which I decided to send off/sin bin/caution" (insert players name) then add "I therefore showed him/her" (insert appropriate colour of card). Do not presume that the number of the players shirt corresponds to his name on the team sheet or in the programme. It is the Officials duty to confirm his/her identity after the match.

4. VIDEO EVIDENCE

It is now common practice that Clubs at many levels videotape their matches. Following any red or yellow card incident you must decline any invitation to view any material from a player or Club.

5. THE HEARING

Whenever possible please make every effort to attend. Your attendance greatly affects the outcome in many cases.

6. SUMMARY AND TRAINING ISSUES

Clarity and brevity are essential for a good report. A report for a caution or sin bin should be as full and factual as that for a sending off. Appeals, requiring full hearings, are now more frequent for sin bin/yellow card offences. A possible explanation is the recent change that the totting up period has now has been extended to last for 12 months, not just the season.