I have taken some time to decide this, but the reality is that it is no longer an enjoyable or sustainable role for me. The workload has grown hugely in the last few years and is now largely one of trying to uphold Core Values and standards of behaviour of those not on the pitch. Police involvement and violent language and actions towards others are not issues I want to spend my time on. I have yet to attend a single game in 2023 where I have not witnessed behaviour that could be part of a 5.12 charge of at least disrespect.

I do not feel I should ignore this behaviour. If those watching see me turn a blind eye, then we stand no hope of other bystanders taking action or even thinking that Core Values and Match Official Abuse matter. The reality is that I no longer look forward to watching grassroots rugby, nor do I get to relax when visiting clubs. Aggression, anger and frustration seem to be commonplace and mean that touchlines are no longer a comfortable place to be, particularly when wearing a Discipline coat. I fear that our efforts to try and uphold rugby values is becoming outdated and unsustainable. I am simply left feeling like Canute trying to hold back an impossible tide.

This season in particular has seen a growth in clubs’ unhappiness with each other. Complaints about opposition coaches, players, and spectators fill my inbox, and I have taken many calls from individuals wanting me to “sort it out”. This happens across all sectors of the game but has now reached even mini-rugby level. This led to me delivering a presentation to coaches of mini sections, asking them to help make clear to parents what rugby expects of them in terms of behaviour. I also asked them to support each other as fellow coaches, rather than being critical of each other. The importance of good role models is so crucial. The arrival of five citings last week, all from one match, was also truly a low point and a sad reflection of pitch activity.

I am at a loss to know what more the Discipline arm of the RFU and County can do to protect the reputation of the Game. This is my final plea to all Essex clubs to reflect on this letter and really step up and take responsibility for what is happening at your games. If rugby is to survive as a sport where decency prevails then attitudes and actions must change.

I currently reckon to spend at least 3 days a week on this role, outside of actually watching rugby, and that would be ok if it added to the quality of my life, but sadly that is no longer the case. A voluntary role that has a negative impact on life, is one to be parted with. I need to spend time doing more positive things.

My current caseload will be passed on to Ivor Smith (he is not taking on the role of Discipline lead) and the RFU disciplinary team will be supporting the County to deal with discipline in the coming weeks. I will be doing a full handover, however, I am not taking on any new work on Discipline. Any discipline issues need to be sent to Ivor Smith (Ivor_Smith@outlook.com tel 07957434854) and Adam Cottingham (Adamcottingham@RFU.com 07545802748).

Our game is dependent on volunteers of all sorts working hard and giving of their best and that is to be applauded and celebrated. To ensure more volunteers are not lost, I entreat you all to get back to some basics and put your Club in order.

Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to Club disciplinary leads for the hard graft you put in to support your Clubs, the Game and the Core Values. No one gets involved in discipline to be popular, but the work you do is paramount to all aspects of the game. I have got to know many of you very well over the years and hope that you will continue in your roles.

Laura Wakefield

Ex-Discipline Lead for Essex