On-Field Discipline and Physical Intervention Guidance

Discipline on the Field
Discipline during matches is the responsibility of the players and the referee.

Coaches, team managers, parents, spectators, and other individuals are not permitted to enter the field of play without the referee’s explicit permission.
All adults present must promote good discipline in line with the RFU’s Core Values:
Teamwork, Discipline, Respect, Enjoyment and Sportsmanship (TREDS).

Anyone entering the pitch without consent may face disciplinary action, including being barred from future rugby matches.

This applies to:

• Parents and carers
• Guardians and family members
• Spectators, club members or associates
• Any other individual present on match day

The RFU has reported an increase in safeguarding and disciplinary issues involving unauthorised entry to the pitch, resulting in physical altercations and risk to children.
This behaviour contravenes RFU values and is not condoned under any circumstances.

This guidance is meant to educate on acceptable behaviour and intervention boundaries.

Physical Intervention
Physical intervention is only acceptable when it is absolutely necessary to prevent harm.
If a situation arises:

• Stay in control of your actions.
• Protect yourself as needed.
• Use your voice first; give a verbal warning before acting physically.
• Focus on your own player—remove them from danger instead of confronting others.
• Use the minimum necessary force, for the shortest time, solely to reduce risk.
• Avoid contact with intimate areas: buttocks, genitals, breasts, head, and neck.
• Never strike or throw blows under any circumstance.

Any physical intervention must be in the best interests of the child and must never be used as punishment.

Following intervention:

• Notify the Club Safeguarding Officer and Constituent Body Safeguarding Manager immediately.
• Complete and submit the RFU Reporting Concerns form (available on the RFU website) within 24 hours.
• Understand that complaints may be filed with RFU or law enforcement.

Summary
This chapter reflects formal RFU guidance and policy.

Important: Serious breaches may lead to disciplinary or criminal proceedings, and the club may be unable to offer support if behaviour violates RFU standards.

Let’s maintain rugby’s integrity together.