Mr. Dudley Phillips:

I thank the committee for the opportunity to attend today and offer some insight into the experience of the IRFU regarding abuse of match officials. I am the head of referees with the IRFU, a position I have held since I retired from the professional game in 2017. In total, I have been a referee since 2001 and have officiated at all levels of the game and, while not week in, week out, I am still an active referee within Leinster.

I am joined by my colleague, Ms Anne Marie Hughes, Spirit of Rugby programme manager. The Spirit of Rugby programme was launched in September 2017 to promote and protect the values of the game. It is primarily an education and information programme to guide the types of behaviours that the IRFU wish to be lived across our clubs. Aimed at players, coaches, volunteers and parents, the main purpose is to educate players on their rights and responsibilities, while implementing initiatives for volunteers and administrators so they can positively influence all to engage in the game in a fair and ethical manner. Through a series of workshops, educational material and ongoing communication, it encourages a culture within clubs where the values of the game are embedded in all activities, clearly demonstrating our values through actions.

Unfortunately, abuse of match officials is on the rise, and while rugby has a good reputation for respecting our officials, we are not immune and must continue to take the matter extremely seriously. Sport is one area impacted by what seems to be an increase in abuse in society in general. One only has to look at the many reports through social media that arise in sport week in, week out to see evidence of this. As elected officials, I am sure members are only too aware that there are too many minority voices with extreme views.

While we have become aware of incidents of abuse at games, abuse of match officials is not something we have faced week in, week out. Our goal, backed up by the work we do through Ms Hughes and the Spirit of Rugby programme, is to make the experience of rugby enjoyable for all involved. This can include some appropriate encouragement towards players and referees. In fact, most referees appreciate appropriate feedback after a game.

We continue to spend a lot of time and resources in education on culture and the values of the game. The Spirit of Rugby charter, included in appendix 1, shows that all players, coaches and match officials sign up to a code of conduct, which we expect to be upheld. When there is an example of the charter not being followed, there are processes in place in each province to address it and, if necessary, to sanction those who have been found to cross the line from what is acceptable. Sanctioning of spectators is not so easy and is a longer journey we must travel, but we will continue to focus on ensuring those on the terrace understand our culture and respect the match-day experience for all. We have provided education resources to clubs and schools throughout the country to remind those attending games that players, referees and coaches are volunteers and take part for fun. Examples of this material are included as appendix 2.

In cases where abuse has been experienced, we believe it is vital match officials who have been impacted are supported by their province and, ultimately, the IRFU. Refereeing is a rewarding and enjoyable role in sport, but it will come as no surprise to members that it can also be a lonely job at times. We urge rugby clubs to include their referees in activities such as training and social events to counter any feelings of isolation, which in turn can add to the difficulties experienced on a bad day.

On the professional side of the game-----