What is this?
#SilentSundays is an initiative to challenge pitch-side behaviour at rugby clubs by asking all coaches, parents, volunteers, and spectators to be silent during games on these consecutive Sundays. We want these Sundays to help those who love the game to reflect on how their actions affect the experience of others in the game.

Is there a problem?
Yes, there is a small minority who are definitely not living rugby’s core values whilst coaching or watching rugby on Sunday mornings. However, rugby’s core values are under attack not because of those coaches, parents, volunteers, and spectators who fail to show discipline and respect, but because of those who look on and do nothing.

What are rugby’s core values?
Teamwork – Respect – Enjoyment – Discipline – Sportsmanship.

What are the issues?
Some referees are being verbally abused and are constantly having their decisions questioned.
We are losing referees, and finding it harder to recruit new referees, because of this. Some coaches, parents, and spectators are constantly shouting at their players. Screaming “pass” or “tackle” at players simply turns you in to a PlayStation coach. We want the players to be the decision makers. Junior players who leave the game have highlighted this pitch-side pressure as a reason for giving up.

What support will clubs be given?
Every club with a junior section will be provided with a batch of flyers to hand out on the two consecutive Sundays. These flyers will briefly outline the initiative and have some questions to reflect upon and discuss. We will also provide you with two hi-vis jackets for those handing out the leaflets to wear. Digital copies of flyers will also emailed out for clubs to use too.

How are YRFU going to enforce this?
There will be no enforcement by County Officers or RFU staff, however, members of both will be dropping in on clubs to see how the days are going. This imitative is for the benefit of rugby and
therefore your club.

What do we need to do?
We want clubs to work out how they are going to promote these events to their members. We also want you to let us know of any success stories or issues by interacting with our twitter page
@YRFU_Official using the hashtag #SilentSundays – please remember the core values while doing so.

Why is ‘Geech’ on the flyers?
Sir Ian McGeechan OBE, the British and Irish Lions legend, fully backs #SilentSundays. This is a joint imitative between the Yorkshire Federation of Referee Societies, Yorkshire Carnegie, the RFU, and Yorkshire RFU.