NRL Coach Accreditation Report NRL Respect Campaign “LET THEM PLAY”

 1 in 9 Match Officials have been lost to the sport as a direct result of verbal and/or physical abuse  2015 saw a spike in the number of reported incidents of on and off-field violence at Rugby League venues, many of which were reported in local and national media Rationale

 Participation numbers were down across the Code - in some part due to poor sideline and on-field behaviour  Coach and parent behaviour is a key driver of recruitment and retention of players Rationale

 To improve the Rugby League environment at junior levels  To compel participants to take greater responsibility for their actions  To promote the core values of the Code and to educate parents, coaches, players and officials on the philosophies of the junior game  To promote a greater level of compliance around the Game’s Code of Conduct  To recognise and reward junior clubs which clearly demonstrate the highest standards of RESPECT and proper behaviour at matches Aims of the RESPECT Campaign

 Production of an “Ugly Parent” video which illustrates poor sideline behaviour and its potential consequences (NRL stadia, Club/Leagues/NRL websites, social media)  Junior Representative / Junior League / Senior Competitions / National 16’s & 18’s / National Schoolboy Championships - RESPECT Protocols introduced on match days  Inventory available for junior venues to promote RESPECT – posters, audio messages, A-frames  High resolution vests for Ground Managers, with RESPECT message on the back Snapshot of the RESPECT Campaign

 Coach and Captain take the RESPECT Pledges across the Code  Coaches and captains wear armbands on match day to signify the leadership group within the team  “Hero” video clips (NSW/QLD) produced for social media, Club/Leagues/NRL websites, stadia, coaching courses and online coach education  Junior Club Respect Rewards Program initiated to recognise leadership within junior clubs Snapshot of the RESPECT Campaign

 Players file out to centre field pre-kick off and shake hands with opposition and Referees  Coaches join players in centre field to shake hands pre-match  Referees take immediate and stern action against audible and directed dissent RESPECT Campaign Initiatives Junior Representative / Junior League / GIO Cup / State/National Schoolboy Championships / Senior Competitions & National 16’s & 18’s RESPECT Protocols introduced on match day

 Coaches join players in centre field to shake hands pre-match  Coaches and Captains take RESPECT Pledges  Coaches and Captains wear yellow armbands to signify the “leadership group”  Players shake hands at the completion of the match RESPECT Campaign Initiatives Junior Representative / Junior League / GIO Cup / State/National Schoolboy Championships / Senior Competitions / National 16’s & 18’s RESPECT Protocols introduced on match day

Coach and Captain RESPECT Pledges All Senior Competition, Junior Representative and Junior Team coaches and captains to take the RESPECT Pledge pre-season confirming their commitment to the RESPECT Campaign RESPECT Campaign Initiatives

Yellow armbands worn by Captain (on-field) and Coach (coaches area) to indicate to players and supporters of the “Leadership Group” RESPECT Campaign Initiatives Coaches and Captains wear armbands on match day to signify the leadership group within the team

“Hero” video clips (NSW/QLD) produced and used as individual clips or longer videos Shown across:  NRL stadia at Telstra Premiership matches (NSW – QLD respectively)  All Rugby League Clubs – websites, venues  State Leagues – websites, venues, social media outlets  NRL websites, social media RESPECT Campaign Initiatives

Telstra Premiership “RESPECT” weekend – Referees in special jerseys (Proposed: GIO Cup, NSW Cup, Intrust Cup – selected Rounds)  Promotion through mainstream media – TV partners. Radio partners & social media  Match Officials to be provided with jerseys with a key RESPECT message on the back  Media partners to be provided with support information around abuse statistics and call for respect  Selection of a Telstra Premiership Round to coincide with early rounds of the Junior season RESPECT Campaign Initiatives