The pair had differing views on how the game should be played and the team coached. When Uerata began coaching from the sideline, the complainant told him to stop.
They argued and Uerata swore at the complainant, telling him: "You are a useless coach, the boys don't like you and you should stick to touch."
The complainant swore back at Uerata and told him to leave the boys alone. Uerata reacted by swearing and saying: "Come over here and I will knock you out."
The victim walked over to Uerata who punched him in the side of the head with a closed fist, knocking him unconscious. The victim was treated by ambulance officers.
Uerata's lawyer, Tim Barclay, told the court yesterday Uerata had been banned from rugby in the Bay of Plenty for five years and had been trespassed by the rugby club. The ban would cause hardship to Uerata as his entire social life revolved around rugby.
Judge Weir said yesterday coaches and referees should be able to carry out their roles without the threat of being assaulted by people who don't agree with their methods.
Uerata has been ordered to pay reparation of $600 to the victim.
Meanwhile, police searched his home on June 30 and discovered between $2500 and $5000 worth of cannabis.
They found a 30cm cannabis plant at the front door and a purpose-built area for growing cannabis in the wardrobe of his bedroom, where a false wall had been erected.
Drying in the area were 10 stems of cannabis head and police found two plastic bags containing cannabis leaf.
Judge Weir said the cannabis growing operation was sophisticated.
