Rugby. 10 English referees condemn physical selection: Federation apologizes and will fix it

The announcement had a bombshell impact Rugby English. An external inquiry by the RFU (English Rugby Union) has raised concerns with ten referees Potential barriers to progress And they are given comments based on their physical appearance, height, weight or body shape.

A review was launched following an initial complaint by former referee George Richardson and the RFU (Rugby Football Union) has now admitted the comments were ‘unacceptable’ and announced its commitment to upholding it. Physical appearance will no longer be a part of the selection criteria in future.

“The RFU recognizes that this is unacceptable and is committed to rectifying these practices.”

The RFU says it is “reviewing its criteria for assessing and selecting referees, after reports of potential barriers to progression and comments being made to match officials based on height, weight or body shape. This has led the RFU, the FFR’s counterpart in England, to commission an external investigation.”

“The original complaint was raised by a former arbitrator, George Richardson, and during the trial, 9 other arbitrators were interviewed and raised similar concerns. “Although there is no official policy on referees’ weight, height or shape, the investigation revealed that it forms part of the evaluation criteria, whether fitness assessments (the Bronco Test, a running test often used in rugby) are passed or not.”

“The report identified these criteria as recognized at the highest levels of authority and this appears to have had a trickle down effect.” The RFU recognizes that this is unacceptable and is committed to correcting these practices. To ensure that physical appearance will not be a part of selection criteria in future and “ Sorry for the negative impact It was up to the arbitrators concerned”.

“RFU to implement new conduct and training rules”

“At the heart of the RFU’s inclusion and diversity program is the aim of creating an inclusive environment that encourages people from all backgrounds to become referees at all levels. The independent report said the RFU is “assessing its written guidelines to clarify the criteria by which they are judged”, and “making its procedures and policies for the promotion and development of match officials sufficiently clear”. and make sure they’re transparent” or suggested “contact reporting mechanisms”. Anyone who wants to be concerned about comments about weight, height or body shape.”

The RFU is committed to following up and implementing its recommendations New Code of Conduct and Training To all Competition Officials. This work has already started and will be completed by the end of the year and will be reviewed on an annual basis. Former umpire Richardson said: “My main motivation for raising the complaint is to ensure there is a culture change around this issue and that future assessments are based on ability to do the job, not physical attributes.” He said first.

“I wanted to ensure that learning takes place throughout the RFU refereeing journey, so that the best referees in the country can rise to the top and rugby can truly be a ‘more inclusive game’. I am delighted that the RFU has taken this issue seriously and I look forward to the recommendations being made so that the next generation of referees can benefit and progress.”

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