Question Number: 28184

Law 5 - The Referee 2/17/2014

RE: Adult

John Coates of George, Western Province South Africa asks...

This question is a follow up to question 28149

Why do referees allow players to intimidate and crowd them when a decision has been made? In Rugby only the Captain of the team may question the referee.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi John
Most associations have advised referees about taking strong action on what is referred to as 'mobbing'. UEFA has stated that it is determined to prevent this type of behaviour along with players harassing referees on and off the field of play. Referees have been instructed to identify the main protestor and the referee must caution that main instigator. It certainly has declined in the Premier League in recent times
Now changing any culture takes time. In rugby the referee has other tools available to him to deal with dissent which have an effect on player behaviour. These include the use of the sin bin, loss of territory by advancing the location of the restart, change of restart / turnover etc. Rugby players know that advancing the ball 10 yards for dissent can result in a score to their opponents. Players know that can affect the outcome of a game and it lets their side down.
I might add that rugby has its discipline problems too.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

John this type of behavior is not acceptable within the laws of the game. It is unsporting and must be dealt with. As Ref. McHugh says referees are instructed to deal with this. Some referees are more efficient than others, but these situations are very difficult. It is within the referees right to caution for dissent or unsporting behavior. This kind of behavior by the players could fall under either of those. Of course any contact between the player and the referee could also be deemed as violent conduct by the referee.