Everyone knows what happens when someone hurls abuse at another player or the referee in a Touch match.  It's a pretty rare occurrence but thanks to the rules of the game, backed up with a strong disciplinary code, we can be reassured that such behaviour is properly dealt with so that all participants are protected.

So what happens when there is no referee?  In today's social media age, we're all part of an on-line Touch community that talks about the game every day.  Is it ok to get away with similar verbal abuse away from the Touch pitch?

Scottish Touch don't think so. In another first for Touch in Europe, we've produced a new policy for regional associations and the national body that help both deal with anyone who brings our sport into disrepute, something that again is thankfully rare.

Scottish Touch's President, David Matthew, said:"We have a responsibility to the many volunteers and others in our Touch community to protect them and the integrity of our sport.  This policy gives administrators the tools to do that in a consistent and proportionate manner.