Dear Member, Player, Parent, Supporter,

The below is a timely reminder of how seriously NOSRFC and the East Midlands are taking discipline. This was received yesterday, and whilst it doesn't relate to our club we felt it served as an opportunity to remind everyone of our own Codes and expectations.

"Recently the East Midlands Discipline Panel heard cases that involved both Verbal and Physical abuse of, and by, Coaches and Spectators. This was a particularly appalling case witnessed by both young rugby players and their parents who were all justly disgusted at such behaviour which has no place in our game.

Though such incidents are thankfully extremely rare this demonstrates how, to quote the RFU Panel Chair of the hearings: “the hard work and hours put in by dedicated individuals involved in and supporting rugby can be undone by such an incident in seconds and have a very negative impact on the game”.

The guilty parties received sanctions of 4 months ban from involvement in the game. This shows that the Discipline panel will take such incidents heard under ‘ Conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game contrary to RFU Regulation 5.12’ extremely seriously and not hesitate to give appropriate heavy sanctions to stamp out such incidents. Such sanctions can include senior XV league point deductions, suspensions and/or financial penalties."

Thankfully these types of incidents are rare and we don't experience breaches very often as a club. Please take this opportunity to remind yourselves of the Club Codes of Conduct.

Best regards
NOSRFC