Dear member of Billericay RFC,

I have been contacted by Essex Constituent Body discipline committee in relation to a
growing number of incidents of coaches, parents and reserve players entering the field
of play. Whilst more notable in youth rugby, there have been instances that they have
dealt with at adult level.

I want players, supporters, coaches and parents to be aware that ANYONE entering the field of play without the Referee’s permission will be expected to attend a hearing at
Billericay RFC, and also will be summoned to appear in front of the Essex CB Discipline
panel, and if found guilty, a 20 match/week ban will be considered as an entry point for
sanction.

Another issue that seems to be on the increase across the country, although I am happy
to say on the way down in Essex is Match Official Abuse and disrespect of a match
official. As you know referees are often parents or coaches that have agreed to cover a
game. However, some officials are appointed by societies and referee games across the
country. That being said, all match officials are volunteers and more importantly, they
will make mistakes. No matter the situation it is not acceptable to be abusing someone
who has given up their time to referee a match.

As with previous seasons Essex CB Discipline have imposed an additional 4
week/match bans as well as what the RFU consider sanctions, should the offence be
proven. We as a club also will be adding a further 2 weeks for match official abuse, this
is because Billericay RFC takes all discipline issues seriously and for all discipline
issues will hold a face-to-face hearing at Willowbrook to discuss the incident.
I apologise for the tone of this letter, it does feel negative, and this is not something that
Billericay RFC are known for, but I feel everyone should hear the same message.
If you see or hear anything, be it our team or opposition please let the coach of the team
know in the first instance so we can deal with it on the day, if this is not possible and it is
a potential safeguarding offence, contact Rachel Byrne at safeguarding@billericayrugby.com or for anything else Danny Hitchcock at
chair@billericayrugby.com.

Thanks

Danny Hitchcock

Billericay RFC Chair