Queensland rugby league competition takes a stand against abusive behaviour towards referees

Referees have been called f****** r*****s and b****s and threatened with physical violence in a dark opening to the rugby league season at a community level. It’s forced one organisation to warn clubs bans are looming if the shocking behaviour continues.

Referees threatened with violence in shocking spike of abuse

Threats of physical violence and shocking verbal abuse aimed at referees has forced the Sunshine Coast and Gympie Rugby League to issue a region-wide warning over potential bans.

In a statement posted to the SCGRL junior and senior social media pages on May 17 it listed seven glaring reports of referee abuse from just three rounds of the 2025 season.

“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 statement said.

“In the last few weeks some incidents we have had are:

“Referee approached at canteen by suspended player during grading matches. (Referee from this event no longer wishes to referee the team involved).

“Referee required to be escorted to their car due to threatening behaviour.

“Referee called a “f****** r*****” by a player.

Rugby league referee. Picture: Sean Teuma

“Referee abused by spectators requiring escort to their car by the CMO.

“Referee told by a player they will be met in the carpark.

“Referee and touch judge abused by player in an u15 match where female referee called a “f****** bitch”.

“Referee in an U12 match approached by team staff, abused and allegedly told “let’s take this to the car park” by the team manager.”

In 2024 the Queensland Rugby League introduced a green socks initiative, implying '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.

The SCGRL junior committee called out poor behaviour in the statement.

“Please be aware that there is no excuse, nor is there any apology offered, that will justify this kind of behaviour,” it read.

“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.”

If any players, fans or clubs fail to comply with these expectations Code of Conduct or Judiciary actions be required.

Those 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.

Queensland Rugby League have been approached for comment.

Originally published as Queensland rugby league competition takes a stand against abusive behaviour towards referees