'For our game to grow, abuse must go”. That's the new slogan the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is beating their drum to as they begin a concerted effort in reducing harmful sideline abuse at rugby matches across the region this season.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union operations manager Neil Alton demonstrates the new high visibility vest, aimed to reduce sideline abuse at club and secondary school level. Photo: Ross Brown.

Each season the rugby union deals with a number of sideline abuse cases of either players or spectators ‘losing their rag' – affecting the games ability to attract and retain volunteers, referees, spectators or players.

'Aggressive and loud spectators on the sideline embarrass the players. No one likes to hear abuse towards the coach or referee,” says Bay of Plenty Rugby Union operations manager Neil Alton.

Taking a proactive approach to the verbal issue, 24 Bay of Plenty secondary schools and 39 rugby clubs, from Katikati to Te Kaha, are to receive three high visibility vests each; one for each water carrier to wear at the games.

The vests have the anti-sideline abuse message branded on one side. All Western Bay of Plenty junior referees will also receive a vest.

Neil says the concept is supported in a code of responsibility signed by the clubs and schools, which is a positive step forward in controlling the issue.

'I wouldn't say it's [sideline abuse] growing but I would say there is a growing awareness of it; and it's our responsibility to make the sideline as safe as possible, and in doing so there will be a positive spin off for people to come to the game or get involved.

'I think whether you're a club person or a referee, or someone involved in junior rugby, you see the incidents happen each week and you cringe and think it's not good and it turns people off the game.”

Neil says it is coaches and secondary schools managers at the 'coal face” of the sport who hold the key to helping make the game more enjoyable – 'for not only the players, but everyone involved on game day”.

The high visibility vests will be seen on the sidelines at all matches this season.