Dear Members of Rugby Illinois, We hope this letter finds you and your teams well as you make your final preparations to begin the 2024 XV’s Season! We are excited to see all teams make it back to the pitch and take part in another exciting year for Youth & High School Rugby in Illinois.
This year, Tim Sheridan has been elected to serve as the President of the Chicago Area Rugby Union Referee Society (CARFU). Additionally, Sal Carfagno has been elected to serve as the Disciplinarian for Rugby Illinois (RIL). Please know that both of us and our teams are ready and willing to assist you and your teams in conducting safe, exciting play. We encourage you to contact either of us if you may need any assistance.
Being true to the rugby values of Integrity, Passion, Solidarity, Discipline, and Respect, both organizations feel compelled to address our stance on Referee/Match Official Abuse.
Referee/match official abuse can be seen in a number of different forms and sources. This can be verbal, by gesture, or even (in very rare cases) physical. It can be exhibited by players, coaches, parents, or spectators. It can also occur at any point before, during, or after the match.
In order to progress the game of Rugby in Illinois, to maintain the Game’s ethos and core values, and to protect the integrity of our players and referees alike, it is essential that we do our part to understand the seriousness of referee abuse and work as best we can to eradicate it from our game.