All spectators must stay behind the barriers so as not to be in close proximity to the touch lines. This applies to all games no matter what level or on which day they are played.
No-one, apart from players and match officials are allowed onto the field of play unless specifically authorised by the referee.
Replacements, coaches, medics and water carriers must comply with game regulations as to the areas to which they are restricted during the match, namely either marked technical areas or those areas designated by the Match Official as being technical areas; if there are no areas marked then everyone must stay outside the playing area. In league and cup games, clubs will be expected to provide a 4th official to take responsibility for ensuring everyone stays in the technical areas.
Players, coaches, club officials and spectators must support and respect the REFEREE and comply with his or her instructions.
Match Officials should not be approached for discussion immediately following the final whistle, which includes entering their changing room. All sensible post-match conversations should take place in the club house after a reasonable time has elapsed.
The club should provide a referee liaison officer, separate from the team coaches, to greet the referee and support him or her if abuse or bad behaviour arises.
Club officials, players, members and spectators must understand that bad behaviour and abuse at all matches including ‘Age Grade’ can have a serious negative effect on the fortunes of the whole club.
Team Managers and Coaches are official representatives of the Club who set a clear example to players and spectators by their own conduct and adherence to this code.

Ripon RUFC's request regarding referres
The referee is the most valuable person on the pitch.

Referees make every game possible. WITHOUT A REFEREE THERE IS NO GAME
Referees often suffer abuse from spectators and the players. They can make mistakes but they don’t make them deliberately or maliciously.
The referee’s authority on and off the pitch is absolute and without question.

Spectators and players must give referees utmost respect.
Respect goes two ways. If we respect the referee, the referee will have more respect for us, our players and our club.
Referees turn out every weekend and go to grounds where they may not know anyone.

All members of Ripon Rugby Club must do what they can to make the referees and match day officials welcome.
Remember that referees do their best to make everyone’s day an enjoyable experience.

There is a shortage of qualified referees. If you are interested in training to become a referee please contact ANDY PROUD Referee Coordinator on 07850968530 on andy.proud@riponrugby.org. You can become a referee through the Entry Level Referees Accreditation Scheme or through formal refereeing courses.
THE REFEREE’S AUTHORITY ON AND OFF THE PITCH IS ABSOLUTE.

**Updated 2021**