Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s D’Arcy Waldegrave, Kennett said “as a result of the deplorable behaviour” they decided to “pull the trigger” after a meeting between the union, stakeholders and clubs.
“We said what we were going to do in support of our hard-working volunteer match officials, our referees, and sadly, last weekend, we had an event that met the threshold.
“When you’re confronted with something that’s horrendous and negative, you always get you get green shoots of positivity and you see people’s integrity come through. We have had unanimous positive support that we need to do this.
“This is a nationwide epidemic and we just need everybody to stand up for our referees so that they can feel supported and feel safe in doing the amazing job they do.”
As the incident is under investigation, Kennett was unable to disclose details about which schools or people involved but is hopeful the judicial process will be completed within the coming week.
Kennett expects serious sanctions could be on the way, citing previous incidents that have resulted in people being suspended for multiple years.
The postponed round will be rescheduled although a timeline has yet to be confirmed. Games will likely have to be played midweek, with a limited timeframe remaining in the local rugby calendar.
It is expected to financially impact clubs who were set to host fixtures.
“This is little kids’ Rippa rugby, so that won’t be played this weekend,” said Kennett. ”We’ve got Premier, the best rugby players in our province, they won’t be playing this weekend.
“We’ve got clubs that have old-timers day scheduled for this coming weekend, they support it. They’ve postponed their old-timers days.
“Every time clubs host a game, there’ll be a little bit of revenue, so there will there will be some financial loss in that regard.
“For us, those are circumstances that are mitigated by the overall greater good.”
The initial statement confirming the postponement was posted on Facebook and met with positive comments, endorsing the course of action.
Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Union chairman John Cribb also strongly supported the decision to scrap this weekend’s matches in a bid to deter the abuse.
“The board is united in its condemnation of this behaviour,” said Cribb. “It is unacceptable and not what we expect from anyone involved in rugby.
“Whether you’re a player, coach, parent or supporter, you have a responsibility to uphold the values of our game.
“Referee abuse undermines everything we stand for and will not be tolerated. We expect better, and our referees deserve better.”
And New Zealand Rugby general manager of community rugby Steve Lancaster told the Herald the organisation is “deeply disappointed” by a few individuals’ actions.
“Physical and verbal abuse has no place in our communities – whether at work, in study, or other activities – and rugby is no exception,” he said.
“There is no room for the physical or verbal abuse of volunteers in our sport. Rugby is built on respect, and we must all play our part in protecting and promoting that principle.
“We continue to work closely with our provincial unions to monitor and address instances of abuse, and we are committed to providing support to those affected.”
In the meantime, Kennett has a simple message for the wider rugby community.
“Just stand up and support our referees up and down the country. We’ll make this a better place.”
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
