Elite College Coaches Banned for Referee Abuse
In a concerning incident, at least two rugby union coaches from the prestigious Wellington College in New Zealand have been issued lengthy bans from the sport after verbally abusing a referee during a recent junior match.
The incident occurred on May 25th when the College’s under-15 white side was leading Porirua-based Aotea College white 22-19. A witness at the game reported that the Wellington College coach repeatedly referred to the referee as a “c***” and asked if he was “f***ing blind” on around 10 occasions.
The witness also stated that a parent of a Wellington College student joined in the verbal attack, prompting the referee to abandon the match an hour in. Furthermore, the coach in question was said to have directed excessive sideline abuse towards his own junior players, aged 13 and 14, labeling them as “f***ing idiots” and almost making some of them cry.
Wellington College’s executive director of sport, Bryan Dickinson, has confirmed that at least two coaches from the under-15s side have been stood down for the next six matches following a judicial hearing. The college’s rugby program includes former All Blacks star Piri Weepu, who coaches the 1st XV, but he was not involved in this incident.
Dave Keat, the College’s director of sport, acknowledged that the school “did not condone bad behaviour on the field or sidelines” and stated that a reminder would be sent to all players, parents, and the community about the need to respect referees and create a safe environment for all.
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