11 February 2011 To all club players, coaches, parents and supporters. It is with much regret that I have to write this open letter, but it must be done as we are getting a very bad reputation within the Bristol Combination Junior section as a club with a win at all costs attitude and an over enthusiastic way of supporting our young players. By that I mean the incessant screaming and shouting at these young players to do better. Anyone who attended the coaches meeting at the club last Tuesday, would have heard the RFU Youth Development Officer, Gary Townsend, state that a survey of junior players showed that one of the things that puts them off playing is the embarrassment they feel when hearing their parents shouting at them during the match. Therefore I would urge coaches and parents to please tone down their enthusiasm and just encourage these young players to play at their best. The survey also showed that the two things young players want most out of rugby is to enjoy themselves and to play with their friends. Too many young players leave the game before the age of 19 because of the pressures on them, or, they are fed up with the game, so it is vitally important for the future of the game, and our club, that they enjoy themselves playing before they reach the age where the game is more competitive. Please read the letter attached to this one from the Bristol Society of Referees concerning the abuse that many referees are suffering whilst officiating at junior matches, it does not make happy reading. This letter has gone out to all clubs in the Bristol Combination to warn them of the consequences of further referee abuse. Although I have to write to the Glos’ RFU as to steps we are taking regarding referee abuse at one of our recent junior cup matches, it is by no means just a problem within the junior section, as I often hear at senior matches supporters being quite a bit vociferous towards the referee. Please remember that referees are doing us a service free of charge, and, believe it or not they are human and have feelings. Therefore I would ask everyone at matches, please, please, please do not insult the referee. Should anyone wish to speak to me regarding this letter or any other topic regarding our club I am available most Tuesday evenings some Thursday evenings and most Saturdays at the club.
Regards Pete Phelps Chairman IMPORTANT PLEASE CLICK VIEW ON THE PDF ATTACHMENT BELOW TO READ THE LETTER FROM THE BRISTOL REFEREES SOCIETY |