What is the effect of media on rugby referees? – Gus I. (Yr 7)
Given the release of RugbyPass TV’s documentary ‘Whistleblowers’ last year, I have decided to explore ‘the toughest job in sport’-the role of rugby referees, assistant referees, and TMOs (Television Match Officials). I will look at how both the media and in particular social media impact their lives, especially at the top end of competitive sport. Without these officials, the game we know and love would struggle to survive and maintain its popularity. The referee is the downtrodden figure of sport; when it comes down to them making a deciding decision in a match, it is not a one-and-done situation but a controversy that can affect even the hardiest of referees.
It’s not often that you find support for referees, but I was struck by the exclusive access to the ‘toughest job in sport.’
‘Whistleblowers’ gave me an rare insight into the challenges and emotions of the world’s top match officials as they preside over matches on rugby’s biggest stage. From experienced campaigners to Rugby World Cup debutants, this series shines a light on the personalities behind the whistle.
The documentary followed the referees and their families as they prepare for the biggest event in the men’s test match arena, telling their seven-week Rugby World Cup journey while aiming for fair and consistent decision-making in a complex sport.
As World Rugby referee Jaco Peyper said: “We want to lift the lid for fans on what we are living every day, a hugely rewarding job with the best seats in the house for some of the biggest encounters in sport. Some call it the toughest job in sport, and there are huge highs and lows, but the experiences, the friendships, and the places are a privilege as well. Hopefully, viewers will understand that we are normal human beings with families, trying to be the best we can be, and give them a better understanding of the environment that we operate in and our dedication to the sport we love.” But what really are these challenges that are spoken about so often?
Many match officials suffer from online abuse. In fact, a Rugby Football Union (RFU) survey found that 49% of match officials have been subjected to abuse in recent seasons, with social media being a major cause. What might seem like an unending torrent of abuse poses a significant problem to our sport, leading to mental health problems as a result of this flow of mistreatment, targeting the individuals we need in this game. One of the greats, referee Wayne Barnes, retired after the Rugby World Cup final, citing online abuse and threats towards himself and his family as his main reason. Many referees are under increased pressure from a hateful crowd; for instance, former referee Tom Foley revealed that he has received death threats after matches, with individuals hoping his mother dies of AIDS and that he ends up paralyzed.
If this trend were to increase, the already diminishing select few talented referees would deplete even further, no thanks to either players in the heat of the action or raging crowds. Approximately 6% of rugby referees in the UK have been physically assaulted, with players responsible for 79% of these incidents. Despite rugby’s values of respect, mainstream media outlets often focus on controversial referee decisions, stirring up anger among fans. Headlines questioning referees’ integrity can lead to personal threats. The media’s portrayal of referees as malicious may contribute to this aggression. It just goes to show how easy it is for a small spark to ignite the fury of an already enraged crowd, pointing the finger of blame at a supposedly ‘villainous’ referee.
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