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Early rounds of matches in 2025 the Sunshine Coast and Gympie Rugby League (SCGRL) season have been impacted by threats of physical violence and verbal abuse aimed at referees prompting administrators to issue a region-wide warning over potential bans.

In just three rounds of the 2025 competition, referees have been abused by players and spectators, threatened in carparks, escorted to safety by officials and subjected to vile slurs, including female referees being targeted.
In a statement posted to the SCGRL junior and senior social media pages on 17th May the SCGRL listed seven glaring reports of referee abuse from just three rounds of the 2025 season.

The notice advised “so far in 2025, we have had a deeply concerning amount of instances where our referees are being subjected to behaviour that is completely unacceptable.”

The SCGRL junior committee called out poor behaviour in the statement, noting “please be aware that there is no excuse, nor is there any apology offered, that will justify this kind of behaviour.

“Sunshine Coast Junior Rugby League firmly stands behind our referees in all instances regardless of excuses given by those who are of the belief that their actions are justified.

“We are an organisation which fosters a safe environment where referees, just like players, are allowed to make mistakes without fear of retribution.

“For any player, team staff or spectator who disagrees with our values, then we ask you to reconsider your involvement with rugby league on the Sunshine Coast as we may not be the organisation for you.

“We expect that all of our members (players, team staff and spectators) from this point forward, regardless of the situation, always treat all of our referees with the utmost respect and dignity that they deserve.”

It went on to advise that “players, fans or clubs fail(ing) to comply with these expectations Code of Conduct or Judiciary actions be required.

Sanctions include a reprimand, a fine, suspension from participating, deregistration of players, loss of premiership points, suspended penalties, or further orders or penalties as deemed appropriate by a Code of Conduct Tribunal at its absolute discretion.

At the start of the 2024 season, the Queensland Rugby League introduced an initiative aimed at protecting young officials, whereby they wore green socks to indicate that they are under 18. The ‘Green Socks’ was based on the premise that 'If their socks are green, they are under 18’.

The campaign aimed to create a positive environment for referees under the age of 18, advocating for treating these young referees with respect, refraining from abuse, and understanding that they are still learning, just like the players.

Main image included for illustrative purposes only.

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