The Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) is sending a clear message to all rugby fans: Unruly sideline behaviour will not be tolerated. This message is not only for the Raro 7s tournament which starts this afternoon, but for all future rugby events.

Yesterday, CIRU’s Francis Toa, rugby development manager Ben Koteka, and Deputy Commissioner for Police Akatauira Matapo launched “The Sideline Project” sandwich boards, which will be on display at the Raro International 7s tournament at the National Stadium in Nikao this weekend.

Toa said: “The whole project has been a part of our campaign to try and eliminate any abuse that comes from the sideline.”

“It’s a message of peace. For CIRU it is quite challenging because most of those people are our own family members, so ideally in a right setting we would be penalising those people through our sports court, banned or removed, but that is the last option we want to do because we are a small community, we don’t want to resort to that.”

Toa said that the best way to address this issue is to create more awareness.

The sandwich boards will display messages such as “Violence is not our game” and “Sideline abuse is not tolerated”.

CIRU is also working with the Cook Islands Police Service to promote the anti-violence message.

CIRU says violence, referee abuse or taunts, derogatory language and a lack of basic human decency is becoming too common. They create “toxic” environments at the games that contribute to an unhealthy development of athletes.

“And both rugby league and rugby union has witnessed a massive decline in the number of officials over the years due to sideline abuse.

“If we can create a safe environment for our officials and volunteers to be in, then we can expect to have more people come on board to help keep our games alive.”

CIRU has acknowledged Bank South Pacific and Cook Islands Police Service for their support in sponsoring the board and printing.

“For us, partnership with Police helps promote the anti-violence behaviour. This is something we had wanted to do for a long time (for union and league),” Toa added.

Deputy Police Commissioner Akatauira Matapo said: “The games will always be enjoyed by everybody. We all know shouting from the side of the fields and the abuse is not good, especially for the children.”

Police media officer Trevor Pitt said: “Any opportunity to reach out to young people and remind them about preventative measures to stay safe is a big plus and also use the sporting platform as a positive tool to raise our profile.”

Meanwhile a last-minute change to the draws of the Raro 7s tournament will see women’s matches played tomorrow instead of this afternoon.

Today’s matches:  4pm Mens Panthers-Titikaveka Bulldogs, 4.18pm Mens Avatiu Eels-Manatoa, 4.36pm U16 Natives 1-TKV Reds, 4.54pm U16        Avatiu Eels -Natives 2, 5.30pm Mens Manatoa-Panthers, 5.48pm Mens Titikaveka Bulldogs-Titikaveka Bulls, 6.06pm U16 Natives 1-Avatiu Eels, 6.54pm Mens Panthers-Avatiu Eels, 7.12pm Mens Titikaveka Bulls-Manatoa, 8pm U16 TKV Reds-Natives 2, 8.18pm Mens Avatiu Eels -Titikaveka Bulls.