All junior rugby league games scheduled to be played today in the Waikato have been cancelled, after an "unacceptable increase in poor sideline behaviour".
In a social media post yesterday, Waikato Junior Rugby League chairperson Jamie-Lee Marriott said the decision was made due to "numerous ongoing incidents" at Hopuhopu Sports Park.
“This decision has not been made lightly,” she said.
“In recent weeks, we have seen an unacceptable increase in poor sideline behaviour, including adults engaging in physical altercations in car park areas, fights occurring in non-permitted areas, threats being made, verbal abuse directed at our junior referees, and our operations staff being subjected to inappropriate and unacceptable treatment.”
She acknowledged that some may be disappointed, but said the safety of children, official and volunteers was of highest priority.
“The current environment does not reflect the values of our game, nor does it provide a safe and supportive space for our community.”
She said Waikato Junior Rugby League was working closely with its clubs to address the ongoing issues and ensure standards were upheld in the future.
1News has sought further comment from Waikato Junior Rugby League.
Rugby in the region also dealing with incidents
Waikato Rugby chief executive Amy Marfell condemned poor sideline behaviour after spate of early season incidents (Source: Breakfast)
The Waikato region has had a spate of sideline incidents recently, including one of parents reportedly punching two children and put another in a headlock at an under 14 school rugby game.
Waikato Rugby chief executive Amy Marfell told Breakfast earlier this month hostile environments on the sidelines were often spilling over onto the field of play.
"Whether that's physical aggression that's coming through, or whether that's verbal abuse, racist remarks, harassment, intimidation – all of those sorts of behaviours," she said.
"If it continues like this throughout the season, we're in trouble."
She was worried kids would either give up the game, or start to believe the behaviour they were seeing was acceptable.
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