Junior rugby incident sees call for etiquette from supporters
The incident occurred between supporters at a youth rugby day.
An incident involving spectators at a match between U/12 teams from Roodepoort and Western Cubs Rugby Clubs has led to a call from Poorte for supporters to adhere to their spectator code of conduct.
The incident occurred between the two clubs’ spectators at the match between their U/12 sides during the Roodepoort Rugby Youth League on Saturday, 25 August. According to initial reports, one of Roodepoort’s supporters had become intoxicated and began using profanity towards other supporters and officials and also allegedly started to get physical with other supporters.
Despite claims that management was contacted, Roodepoort Rugby Club Youth Rugby chairman, Travis Tarr, has said that they were not. “Not one of us was called and asked to handle the supporter and resolve the issue,” he said. “We were never even informed of the incident, and when we informed about it on Monday, we were told that it had been handled and sorted out at the time.”
Another Roodepoort supporter, who witnessed the matter but wishes to remain anonymous, said that it had been an enjoyable day until one person took it a bit too far. “We had all been getting along. We and the Western Cubs supporters even had a few drinks together, and everything was fine until one guy had a bit much and took it too far,” he said.
Travis also stated that there will be appropriate punishment put in place for the supporter, as well as any other supporter who behaves in the same manner. He concluded with a request that supporters adhere to the club’s code of conduct (below), especially at junior rugby matches as there are children involved.
Roodepoort Rugby Club’s code of conduct for spectators:
1. Remember that although (club players) young people play organised rugby they are not ‘miniature internationals’.
2. Be on your best behaviour and lead by example. Do not use profane language or harass referees, players or coaches.
3. Applaud good play by the visiting team as well as your own.
4. Show respect for your team’s opponents. Without them there would not be a match.
5. Condemn the use of violence in all forms at every opportunity.
6. Verbal abuse of players or referees cannot be accepted in any shape of form.
7. Players or referees are not fair targets for ignorant behaviour.
8. Encourage young players to play by the Laws of the Game.
9. Spectators can contribute to the enjoyment of the event and all involved.
10. Be proud of your club and the Game of Rugby.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
