Dear all,

Please see below and the enclosed document from the ESSEX Head of Discipline. Please take the time to read:

Dear Chair, Hon Secretaries and Discipline Secretary,

As we do each year, we are writing to all club Chairs, Hon Secretaries and Discipline Secretaries to ensure that clubs are aware of the disciplinary processes and sanctions that apply throughout the season.

Attached to this email is guidance covering:
Entering the field of play without the referee's permission
Disrespect towards a Match Official
Match Official Abuse
Bad Discipline Clubs, including how sanctions are determined
The management and reporting of disciplinary incidents during the season

We recognise that incidents will occur during the course of a rugby season. As in previous years, we aim to allow clubs to manage appropriate matters internally and ask that all such incidents are reported to Essex Discipline at the earliest opportunity.
Please ensure that this information is circulated to your players, coaches, committee members and wider club membership so that everyone is aware of the expectations and potential consequences before the competitive season begins.
The RFU's disciplinary process and sanction guidelines can be found here:

RFU Regulation 19 – Discipline

This provides a useful overview of the disciplinary process and includes sanction guidance for both Age Grade and Senior Rugby.
If you are uncertain how to deal with a particular incident or situation, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss the appropriate process and next steps.
Essex Discipline hopes that the reduction in disciplinary cases seen nationally last season continues this year, and that greater awareness of the regulations and sanctions will help further reduce the number of incidents requiring formal action.
Kind regards,

Danny Hitchcock
Essex Discipline Secretary