DISCIPLINE

Discipline is one of the core values of rugby.

The Lancashire RFU Discipline team strives to ensure that rugby is a game of controlled physical endeavour and that it is honest and fair.

Lancashire RFU is responsible for ensuring that all those who wish to participate in rugby union in England are treated fairly. All participants should be given equal opportunity irrespective of age, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage & civil partnership or pregnancy & maternity.

The Lancashire RFU disciplinary process must include specific regulations set by World Rugby Regulation 17 and exists to penalise players whose foul play or misconduct is other than purely accidental, and one of its most important principles is to prevent the risk of injury to other players in a dynamic and physical sport.  

Players have an obligation to ensure that they do not cause injury to opponents, so there is a presumption that any conduct which is proscribed by World Rugby Law 9 World Rugby Law 9 (foul play) merits a sanction.

Lancashire RFU Discipline directly deals with foul play and misconduct cases in levels 5 and below of the Men's Game and Level 2 and below of the Women's game. It also deals with under 18, schools, colleges and universities.

DISCIPLINARY FORMS & INFORMATION

Match Official Abuse

From the start of Season 2025/2026 Lancahire RFU, in a joint initiative with Cheshire RFU, LADREF & MADREF, will be implementing a new protocol to combat Match Official Abuse, which can be found on the link.

Match Official Abuse Protocol

Referee Questioning

Next time you question a referee's decision review this document.

For Consideration

Red Card

A Red Card for serious infringements (such as high tackles or abusive behavior towards match officials) results in an immediate sending off, which in turn initiates a disciplinary process whereby a Lancashire RFU disciplinary panel determines the appropriate sanction, according to RFU regulations. 
With the intention of improving the efficency of this disciplinary process, from the start of Season 2025/2026, Lancashire RFU will be implementing an online, interactive Red Card Response Form which can be found on the link. 

Red Card Response Form

RFU Regulation 19

Regulation 19 & appendices covers all aspects of the disciplinary process for Rugby Union in England.

Regulation 19

Yellow Card Protocols

Appendix 1

Sanction Entry Levels

Appendix 2

RFU Hearing Fees

Appendix 3

RFU Citing Procedure

Appendix 4

RFU Practice Notes

Appendix 5

Age Grade Procedures

Appendix 6

Example(s) of Suspension Calculation

There are three factors taken into account as mitigation. 1. Admitted, 2. Clean Record, and 3. Apology on match day to the referee and/or the opposition player

9.12  Striking with a hand arm or fist. 

Punch was to the head, therefore mid-range sanction (see Appendix 2).

Entry Point

6 Weeks

Additional

0 weeks

Mitigation 1

-1 Week

Mitigation 2

-1 Week

Mitigation 3

-1 Week

Suspension

3 Weeks

9.28 Match Official Abuse (MOA). This is based on a mid-range sanction.

To combat MOA the RFU have mandated additional weeks to be added. The instruction is conatined in this document issued by Richard Whittam KC, Independant Head of RFU Judiciary. RFU Document

Entry Point

12 Weeks

Additional

3 Weeks

Mitigation 1

-2 Weeks

Mitigation 2

-2 Weeks

Mitigation 3

-2 Weeks

Suspnsion 

9 Weeks

DISCIPLINARY PANEL 

A Lancashire RFU Disciplinary panel is formed from three members selected from the people shown below.

Chair

John Greenwood

Secretary

Brian Stott

Deputy Chair

Alex Speed

Committee

Daniel Weed

Committee

Tommy Hughes

Committee

Steve Blackburn

Committee

John Rawson

Panelist

Phil Holden

Panelist

Nick Cassidy