PARENTS are being warned to behave or be banned from the touchlines at youth rugby matches at a Braintree club.

Braintree Rugby Club has been forced to adopt a “zero tolerance” stance to negative behaviour during junior games due to the conduct of some parents.

The club, based in Beckers Green Road, made the announcement to followers on its Facebook page this week.

The rules will come into place when the new season begins later this year and will be implemented in all youth rugby games.

The post states: “Following incidents pitch side at junior games during last season, mainly instigated by visiting teams, the club has decided to adopt a zero tolerance stance to all negative behaviour during junior games.

“From the start of the season, all incidents will be reported to the club safeguarding officer, who in turn will report them to their home club and the Essex Constituent Body.

“Any incidents involving our own spectators will be dealt with internally, and also reported to the Essex Constituent Body.

“This is rugby – it’s a great game – let’s keep it that way.”

Braintree Rugby Club has youth teams with players aged between 13 and 18.

Youngsters work their way up through the ranks and potentially go on into the first team.

Concerns have been raised about abuse and violence.

Secretary Corinne Winwood said: “It is more about an ongoing problem at many rugby clubs involving parents.

“We did however have an incident last season where an opposition parent tried to square up to one of our coaches, which is how this decision came about.

“We believe it has been a problem for some time at football games, and it is now spilling over in to rugby with parents switching codes.

“I had a message just last night from Brentwood Rugby Club to say they have adopted the same stance.

“I should add, these are not Braintree parents, who on the whole are pretty well behaved.”