Cronulla Sutherland District Junior Rugby League have introduced new zero tolerance laws to further protect their referees from instances of verbal and physical abuse.
The changes come after a junior referee was allegedly attacked during a game on June 18.
The junior league have brought in a number of new rules, the strictest of any rugby league district, that have taken immediate effect.
If any member of the junior league faces a judicial hearing on a report that says they abused a referee or an official inside a 24-month period and are found guilty they could face stiff penalties.
For coaches, trainers, managers or spectators, bans of six months for a first offence, 12 months for a second offence and life for a third offence.
For players sent off for dissent towards a referee, a first offence incurs a six match ban, a second offence a six month ban and a third offence a 12 month ban.
Clubs responsible for individuals found guilty will face a $2000 suspended fine for a first offence, suspended fine plus $2000 for a second offence and a $5000 fine for a third offence.
Cronulla JRL general manager Nathan Waugh said the safety of referees was the most important factor in implementing the new penalties.
Jucy Talau, 34, faced Sutherland Local Court last Wednesday charged with assault causing actual bodily harm after he allegedly punched a 16-year-old referee in the face.
The incident occurred while Talau was acting as a trainer for the Gymea Gorillas under-12s against Engadine Dragons at Anzac Oval when the young referee ruled Talau’s son be replaced during the match.
Talau was immediately stood down and banned from all rugby league grounds in the Cronulla-Sutherland district and will face a judiciary hearing after the matter is heard in court.
The young referee can no longer be identified for legal reasons with the matter now before the courts.
On the field, under-12s teams from Gymea as well as De La Salle and St Patrick’s were involved in a league tag round robin at Waratah Park on Saturday.
