THE Country Rugby League (CRL) is investigating an alleged case of crowd abuse involving a 14-year-old female touch judge during Sunday's Southcity-Temora under-19 clash at Harris Park.
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The touch judge was eventually replaced for the rest of the match after being brought to tears by the abuse, allegedly from an adult male Temora supporter, shortly before halftime.
"There's no need for it. The young girl, who is a very competent touch judge and referee, was doing a great job," Group Nine director of referees Tony Fletcher said.
"A written complaint and documentation has been submitted to the Group and the CRL Bidgee office, and it's currently under investigation.
"One of the big points I would make is we've had no problems with the Temora club (previously), I found this on the weekend to be totally out of character."
It is understood the alleged offender was taken to task about his behaviour by spectators, and left the premises shortly after.
CRL regional manager David Skinner said the matter would be reviewed to determine if there was a breach of the code of conduct.
"A Temora supporter abused the touch judge and we received the reports yesterday (Monday)," Skinner said.
"The comments weren't particularly offensive in comparison to some the referees hear in a game. But the fact she was 14 and it was an adult yelling them out to her, that was enough to give her a bit of anxiety.
"Unfortunately it seems to happen every week where we've got these incidents (to deal with)."
Fletcher said rugby league has programs reinforcing the message for fans to let match officials do their job without being the subject of abuse.
"There's no need for it," he said.
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