The division 1 game between Bluff and Pioneer was postponed on Saturday in Bluff, following incidents the previous weekend in a game between Tokanui and Bluff.
A Bluff player, who declined to be named when contacted, said he was sick of attending games every week when racial abuse was directed at players from the sidelines and he believed the referee should have addressed it.
Rugby Southland chief executive Hua Tamariki said in a statement released yesterday the decision to defer Bluff’s game was not taken lightly.
"As we began assessing information from the interested parties, a decision was made to defer a division 1 match that was scheduled for Saturday, June 14," he said.
It was a joint decision between Rugby Southland and the Rugby Southland Referees Association to defer the game until all parties had been heard.
Until then, the association was not prepared to provide an official for the June 14 match, he said.
"[The decision to defer] was based off assessment of risk and how our members felt in terms of being able to officiate or safely provide an environment for that game to go ahead."
Some of the affected parties met on Monday night and Mr Tamariki hoped an outcome would be reached once the Tokanui club had been spoken with.
He declined to give details of what happened at the match in Tokanui.
However, it is believed there were accusations of racist language aimed at the Bluff players by spectators at the game.
Comments about the racial slurs and criticism of the referee’s handling of the abuse were aired on social media.
The referees’ association got involved after comments were made about the referee.
Then, last Friday, Rugby Southland decided to call the game off, wanting more information about what happened.
Mr Tamariki said the incidents cited in filed reports were not isolated.
"Across the club rugby season this year there has been some incidents in terms of unacceptable conduct, both in terms of club sidelines, players and, on some occasions, teams.
"We’re very mindful that our approach here is to acknowledge where we can do better as an organisation.
"This situation, alongside two unrelated incidents in other Southland Wide competitions this year, has unfortunately brought to light examples of unacceptable behaviour that have no place in our sport. This includes inappropriate sideline conduct by spectators, players and teams involving derogatory language directed at individuals and teams based on race, gender, sexual preference and age."
Rugby Southland Referees Association chairman Andrew Rowland said abusive behaviour had been building across multiple grades and was "not just one club".
"The behaviour, it just needs to stop."
Players as well as spectators shared the responsibility of changing the negative culture that was creeping into the sport at all levels.
Mr Rowland hoped the June 7 incident would become a catalyst for change.
"Respect is the cornerstone of all sport.
"Unfortunately, sometimes passion can spill over. It crosses a line and that can then turn into abuse ... [which] undermines the value of everything the game stands for." — Additional reporting Steve Hepburn
By Toni McDonald
