"Referees are allowed to disqualify kids from tournaments for this behavior, although most of the time we don't."

Nigel,
I have talked with several referees about this very subject. I understand that this is a very intense sport, however I feel that unsportsmanlike conduct should not be tolerated at any level. The rule book clearly address this, Rule 7 section 4 and section 5. Over the past few years I think most will agree the level of unsportsmanlike conduct by wrestlers, spectators, and coaches is becoming completely out of hand. With that in mind, I would ask you and all officials to step forward and use your authority to help bring these situations to a halt.

I would think that if the referees start to give those people who are exhibiting inappropriate behavior warnings that their behavior is inappropriate and that if it is not ceased immediately, they will face ejection, that they may start to watch their behavior more closely. If this does not help, then the officials need to use their authority and start to eject those who are causing problems. Perhaps when they realize that "we mean business" and will not tolerate inappropriate behavior, we will start to see a turn-around for the better.

Nigel I understand it is not the referees fault that our sport has come to this level. However, we are asking that the referees step up and use the authority given to them in an effort to help bring the sport back to where it needs to be. I think that you will be very surprised how many people will stand up and support a referee who uses his authority in these maters of unsportsmanlike conduct.