Referee Abuse on the Rise: New Zealand Sports Bodies Sound the Alarm

Referee abuse in New Zealand's sports landscape is escalating, sparking urgent concerns among sporting organizations and officials. Recent data obtained by the Herald reveals a troubling trend, with the number of reported incidents expected to reach record levels in 2025, surpassing last year’s total of 79 cases.

According to New Zealand Rugby (NZR), abuse is defined as any form of physical, verbal, or threatening behavior directed at match officials. The statistics paint a disturbing picture: as of July 10, 68 incidents had already been reported, with more expected as the season progresses. The trend shows a sharp increase since 2022, when the data were first centralized, with 69 incidents recorded. By 2023, the number had risen to 73, and the spike in 2024 has set the stage for yet another record year.

Notably, only six of the 26 provincial rugby unions have yet to report any incidents this year, while one union has already recorded eight. However, it is likely that the true number of incidents is even higher, as many cases go unreported. This lack of reporting is a major concern for organizations like the Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Union, which recently made headlines after suspending all matches in the region for a weekend following two alarming incidents.

In one such incident, a referee was threatened with being stabbed, prompting the union to take swift and serious action. Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby CEO Corey Kennett described the situation as a “nationwide epidemic,” warning that the sport is nearing a crisis at the grassroots level. While NZR supported his statement, no other union has taken similar steps to address the issue.

Not all stakeholders agree on the severity of the problem. Some union leaders argue that the rise in abuse is not a national crisis but may be linked to broader societal challenges, such as the cost-of-living crisis. Others, however, remain deeply concerned. In Taranaki, a player was handed a 36-game ban for shoulder-charging a referee, while similar issues have also emerged in Southland.

The problem is not limited to rugby. The Herald reached out to several major sporting codes in New Zealand, and while most could not provide specific figures, all expressed similar concerns about the growing abuse directed at referees and umpires. Many of these officials are volunteers, making the issue even more pressing. In 2024, New Zealand Football (NZF) reported 89 incidents across 2506 matches, including abusive language and gestures, as well as two cases of violent conduct towards referees.

While the numbers are higher than in rugby, football has a significantly larger player base at the community level. Other sports, such as basketball and cricket, also face challenges. Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have implemented various initiatives to support coaches, parents, and supporters in managing such behavior. However, both organizations have noted a lack of serious incidents, which they attribute to the fact that many community umpires are also players or coaches.

Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) has not observed a “material increase” in serious incidents this year, according to available data. However, officials acknowledge that there is still work to be done to improve behavior in the sport. HNZ has implemented initiatives such as Sport NZ’s Good Sports and Positive Vibes Only campaigns to promote respectful behavior among participants.

Despite the growing trend of abuse, it appears that the number of people willing to take up the role of referee has not significantly declined. Most sporting bodies report steady or even improving participation in officiating. However, NZR has noted that overall referee numbers are declining, though the number of female referees is on the rise. NZF reported a 1% increase in registered referees as of May 2025, and BBNZ noted a steady increase over the past three years.

While the issue remains a challenge for many sports, the commitment of volunteers and the efforts of organizations to address the problem are commendable. However, more needs to be done to ensure that referees and umpires are not only respected but also protected from the growing tide of abuse.