We are writing to you today to address a matter of great importance to our club and the sport of rugby: the standard of behaviour we expect from everyone involved with Weybridge Vandals, both on and off the pitch.

Rugby is built on the core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. These values are the foundation of our game and what makes it special. At Weybridge Vandals, we are proud to be a club that embodies these principles. However, we are not immune to a concerning trend affecting the sport at the national level.

Across grassroots rugby, there has been a significant and alarming increase in pitch-side and off-pitch behavioural issues. This is not just a local observation but a well-documented national crisis. A recent survey by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) found that nearly half (49%) of all match officials had been subjected to abuse in recent seasons. This behaviour now accounts for almost one in five (18%) of all disciplinary cases handled by the RFU.

The problem has become so severe that it is driving dedicated officials away from the game. Even the most senior referees are not immune, with the World Cup final referee, Wayne Barnes, citing the abuse he and his family received as a key reason for his retirement. This is contributing to a critical shortage of referees at all levels, which threatens the very future of the grassroots game we all love. Without a referee, there is no game.

It is crucial to remember that our club is run by volunteers. Our dedicated coaches, match officials, and committee members give up their personal time and energy to provide a positive and enjoyable rugby experience for everyone. They are all human and, like the players, are learning and developing. When they are subjected to abuse, it not only undermines their efforts but also makes it harder to recruit and retain the volunteers we desperately need.

While we are proud of our community, we are currently managing four internal complaints regarding pitch-side behaviour.
In addition to these off-pitch concerns, we must address on-field discipline. Rugby is a physical and passionate sport, but there is a clear line between committed, hard play and unacceptable aggression. Fighting and other forms of aggravated violence have no place in our game and are not supported by Weybridge Vandals in any capacity. Players need to be aware of their responsibility to control their actions at all times, regardless of match pressure. Such behaviour not only results in severe sanctions for the individual but also damages the team's and the club's reputation. To ensure we address this issue proactively and protect the positive environment we all value, we are taking firm action in line with the RFU's national crackdown.

We are implementing a new, formal Code of Conduct for all members, parents, and spectators. This document, to be displayed prominently at the clubhouse, will clearly outline the standards of behaviour expected of Weybridge Vandals. This is not just a club policy; it is a commitment to upholding rugby's values and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.

This Code of Conduct will be strictly enforced. The RFU has introduced new "aggravated sanctions" for those who abuse officials, and we will be adopting a similar zero-tolerance approach. Any individual found to be in breach of the code may be asked to leave the premises by a club or match official. We ask that you respect their authority and comply with any such request without argument. Failure to do so may result in further disciplinary action.

We are all ambassadors for Weybridge Vandals Rugby Club. Let us work together to ensure that we are known not just for our passion and commitment on the field, but for our unwavering respect for the game, the players, the officials, and each other. Let's ensure that rugby at Weybridge Vandals remains an enjoyable and positive experience for everyone.

Thank you for your cooperation and your commitment to our club.
Yours in rugby,

Mark Baxter
Chairman
The Weybridge Vandals Rugby Committee