Rugby spectator barred

Press, 6 May 1980, Page 37

Rugby spectator barred

A rugby spectator has been barred from attending rugby matches in North Canterbury until after May 17. This penalty has been imposed on Mr Colin Dickson because of continued barracking of a referee with comments “not in the best interests of the game.” The judicial committee for the combined North Canterbury-Hurunui rugby competitions has also asked that Mr Dickson send a letter of apology to the referee, and a copy to the North Canterbury Subunion.

As Mr Dickson was unable to be present at the meeting, he will have the right of appeal.

The incident is alleged to have occurred at an eighth grade (under nine 10-aside). match between Kaiapoi A and Woodend at Kaiapoi on April 26. Because of the remarks, the referee called off the match with about five minutes to go in the first half. The match was concluded after the two coaches had agreed to do the refereeing. A Kaiapoi second grade player, I. Rickan, was stood down for one playing Saturday for “dangerous play” in the second half of the match against Rangiora at Rangiora. A general warning had been issued by the referee in the first spell.