Coach and Referee Communication. Mutual Respect Policy All members, be they referees, coaches, players, office-bearers and/or spectators have an obligation to be conversant with this protocol. Referees are instructed to no longer engage with the player, coach, manager or official and will walk away from any possible confrontation reporting the same to Hornets Tournament Control. The signing of the scorecard will only take place by the managers of the teams. In the absence of managers for open/senior teams, the captains will be responsible for this. Should either try to engage the referees in discussion about the game or decision in the game, the referees will immediately stop those discussions and direct the manager to Tournament Control. Any dispute of the score must be raised in writing at Tournament Control. All need to be advised that while Rule 18 Player note A will remain in force, referees have been instructed not to tolerate abusive behaviour from the substitution box during the game and deal with it appropriately should it take place, by removing a player from the field. A player, coach, manager or official may not agree with the way a referee officiates a game, nor may he/she agree with decisions made, however there are proper procedures and avenues to handle such matters. Approaching referees after the game is not the measure we allow. We do however welcome feedback, reports or consultation under the proper guidelines. These are: Should you have an issue with a performance of a referee you may consult, in a calm manner, with a Hornets referee panel member. If necessary, they will orchestrate a meeting with the referee, coach and panel member Disputes or feedback are to be placed in writing and forwarded to the Tournament Director. Breaches of the Mutual Respect Policy can incur a suspension and will be imposed under the control of the tournament. It may also lead to possible fines for both the individual and affiliate. Further to this, they may find themselves before a judiciary whereby the penalties may be imposed. The Executive committee under the auspices of the Technical Director and Director of Referees have a clear view to have coaches, players and referees all working in the same direction. Incidents of abuse and confrontational behaviour that may escalate cannot be allowed to continue. In doing so, it is still our wish to pursue these partnerships to provide a better outcome for the game. As a matter of course, the onus is on you and your affiliate to ensure all your pe...
