ACHIEVINGG SUCCESSSUCCESS ON AND OFFF TTHEHE FIELFIELDD CONTENTS FINDING THE BALANCE NRL and NSWRL Welfare and Education programs are designed to help our players, administrators and officials FOREWORDS 4 grow and develop their potential in every aspect of their lives. We want players and officials to be proud of the game they play and love, but also balanced in their approach to life. NRL & NSWRL PROGRAMS 6 There are myriad challenges we face in sport and, no matter how successful our on-field careers, there are setbacks off it JUNIORS too. This street directory-style guide, with tabbed navigation 13 specific to each type of person in our game, will help players as well as officials, administrators and parents deal with SENIORS 19 those challenges as well as embrace all of the opportunities our game presents. NRL and NSWRL Welfare and In short, what we want for the young men and women who PARENTS 27 Education programs span enter our program is what any good parent, guardian or “ teacher wants for the young people in their charge. We want through every stage of the elite COACHES/TRAINERS 33 all in the rugby league family to achieve success on the field pathway, delivering programs as well as off it. and services that assist players I sincerely hope this guide helps you and/or your family OFFICIALS 39 members – whether you’re a player, official, administrator and officials at the start of their or parent – fulfil your potential and overcome the many ADMINISTRATORS 45 careers through to retirement obstacles that life throws in the way… and achieve great and beyond. things in footy and in your interests outside the game. This publication is proudly Paul Heptonstall Paul Heptonstall CONTACTS 51 supported by the NRL ” NRL Welfare and Education Manager NSWRL | 2 NSWRL | 3 DAVID TRODDEN DR GEORGE PEPONIS, OAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NSWRL CHAIRMAN, NSWRL
THERE’s nothing I enjoy WELCOME to the elite more than seeing a player, competitions of rugby no matter how successful he league. If you are prepared or she was on the field, fulfil to work hard both on and off their potential off it. As a the field you’ll be amazed at sport, we are blessed with just how many doors rugby an outstanding product – and, while they don’t receive league can open for you. I speak from firsthand anywhere near as much publicity, our off-field knowledge. A proud Canterbury junior, I had the privilege endeavours are just as brilliant. of captaining my club and Australia as I juggled a rugby league career with my medical studies. No matter where an aspiring player is in their career, the combined resources of the NRL and the NSWRL are None of which would have been possible without the there to help. Through our Welfare and Education support of my teammates, coaches and the entire program, players taking part in NSWRL-run Canterbury club. competitions and those a part of NSWRL-affiliated sides have access to support, assistance and guidance. Having come through the juniors I was graded in 1972 and made first grade two years later. After representing There are many hurdles players need to overcome in New South Wales (1976-80) I debuted for Australia in their careers and in life and our programs are designed 1978, going on to captain my country five times. to help negotiate them all. Obstacles encountered by our players are just like those encountered by everyday It was fantastic to achieve my goals on the football field members of the community – relationship issues, career but equally important to me were my educational challenges, mental health concerns, financial worries, ambitions and luckily the club could not have been more gambling, alcohol and drug abuse to name a few. Our supportive as I studied to become a doctor. Awarded an programs are designed to educate players to assist them educational scholarship by Canterbury, I was fortunate to make the right decisions, ultimately using rugby league that I didn’t have to have a job as I studied and played as a vehicle for change. rugby league.
I hope you find our Welfare Blueprint a valuable tool in I could not have done it without Canterbury and in my making the right decisions in life – whether you’re a role as New South Wales Rugby League Chairman I’m player or one of our valued off-field team members as a delighted to say I know all our clubs aim to support your coach/trainer, official, administrator or parent. development as people as much as they do your development as rugby league players.
If you are willing to show the same dedication to your study and traineeships as you are already demonstrating towards your rugby league dreams then you can achieve anything.
FOREWORDS
NSWRL | 4 NSWRL | 5 PLAYWISE PROGRAM PREPARE PROFESSIONALLY
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE – AND THE PLAYWISE PROGRAM HELPS GIVE YOUNG PLAYERS AN IDEA OF JUST WHAT IS IN STORE OVER THE COMING YEARS.
ALIGNED with the annual intake of rookies each cover letter for a job may make the difference between November, the PlayWise program delivers critical getting an interview and being just another application in professional and life skills necessary to help elite youth the pile. athletes and also identifies barriers to learning while complementing the career development and support The PlayWise program also covers what young players’ currently provided by the Education and Welfare teams responsibilities are when it comes to interacting with at each of the NRL clubs. others on social media. Once again, this may seem like a straightforward topic but recent history shows us just what Players learn about topics such as basic finance, payroll, can happen when these things are used inappropriately. resume writing, job-seeking skills, contracts, codes of conduct, match statistics and media. While a lot of this The PlayWise program is a valuable tool that will help you stuff may seem simple enough, it can often get lost in the in your day-to-day life as a footballer but also off the hustle and bustle of training and other day-to-day field too. commitments. Knowing how to write an appropriate CAREERWISE PROGRAM PLOT YOUR CAREER PATH THE CAREERWISE PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE TO HELP PLAYERS MAKE SMART DECISIONS THAT WILL ULTIMATELY MAKE LIFE AFTER FOOTY A WHOLE LOT EASIER.
THE best athletes in the world have a balanced Based on best practice in career development, the approach to their lives, and the CareerWise program has program is there as support through every age and stage. been designed so players can follow in their footsteps. The It aids in helping players make well-informed choices program has been designed to assist athletes not only on about their future careers. the field but also in every other aspect of their lives too. The CareerWise program also helps pave the way for the Football careers don’t last forever so players should put future by helping players engage in work, study, work the appropriate building blocks in place to ensure they experience, volunteering and networking, all of which will have something to fall back on to when it is time to hang assist in making a smooth transition from being a up the boots. professional athlete to a post-football career. I played my
Every NRL club has a qualified career coach whose job it Players who have already experienced CareerWise are best“ footy when is to deliver the CareerWise program and help players unanimous in their praise for the help it has given them plan for life after sport. The program is delivered to and the tools it has provided for them moving forward. I was working or players of all ages from elite juniors (U16s and U18s) to Be CareerWise – put as much time and effort into your VB NSW Cup playersplayers,, underunder-20s-20s and NRL playersplayers.. career off the field as yoyouu do on it. studying off the field.
Former Australian Kangaroo & ” 75 NRL Welfare & Education Manager, Andrew Ryan
TheThe number ofof games played, on average, by a professionalprofession during his NRL career. Be smart and pplan for life post-footy, too! NRL & NSWRL PROGRAMS
NSWRL | 6 NSWRL | 7
JUNIORS
STATS AMAZING FACTS AND FIGURES FROM NSWRL-RUN COMPETITIONS 977 JUNIORS Players competing in NSWRL open-age competitions – VB NSW Cup, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield. 44
Percentage of players from the 2014 VB NSW Cup who have competed in the NRL. 21
Most common age of players in the VB NSW Cup – 100 NSW Cup players turned 21 in 2014. 10
AverageAverage apappearancespearances each season by VB NSW Cup players.players.
37
PercentagePercentage of players in the Ron MasseyMassey Cup who also plplayedayed in the Sydney Shield. 527
NumberNumberr ooff plaplayersyers who competedcompeted iinn thtthee Ron MasseyMassey Cup iinn 2202014.14. 51
PlayersPlayers who competed in ththee VB NSW Cup in 2014 who also made their NRL debutsdebuts..
NSWRL | 12 NSWRL | 13 JUNIORS NSWRL | 15 DIET TIPS FOR TEENS like every day, eat junk food Many teenagers however, body, Your and soft drinks. sweets chips, to a on poor fuel. run properly Compared can’t home-cooked (which includes fast meal, junk food is almost always: food) • Higher in fat, particularly saturated fat • Higher in salt • Higher in sugar in fibre • Lower in nutrients, such as calcium and iron • Lower • Served portions, in larger which means more kilojoules gain, high blood A poor diet can cause weight fatigue and concentration constipation, pressure, young. when you’re – even problems athlete a professional aiming to become If you’re you why would life, and live a long and successful body? in your put poor fuel EXPERT ADVICE EXPERT a big impactSmall changes can make to your and mood. Aim to: levels health, energy back on sugary• Cut drinks fast and for at home bowl stocked a fruit • Keep low-calorie snacks every• Eat breakfast day adding salt to meals • Avoid le your diet head-on to give give diet head-on to le your developing and meeting the developing ce of of people imagine that athletic supplements work like like of people imagine that athletic supplements work choices you make in your life now will have a now will have life in your make IFESTYLE choices you OTS L L huge influence on your career and personal life – and your – and your life and personal career your on huge influence What field. achieving success both on and off the of likelihood on your has huge ramifications do now to decide you relationships. and your career your performance, rugby league footballers, know that, as professional vital to It’s play the game. than simply do more to required are players good who make models, people be good role They need to decisions in the trickiest of situations. Start making the right the make will be easy to age and it decisions at a young life. ones in later correct the on making it to attitude has a big impact the field, On The best the same off the field. exactly It’s ranks. professional that improves – one life to approach a balanced have players and performance. their focus career – on your teens in your decisions the correct Make do and with, and what you socialise aims, education, who you – and success will follow life be a part of your do not allow to in all aspects. you in a video game – a power-up or like Popeye spinach did for or super-stamina. a boost of super-strength you that they give Not really. misused – you often and are expensive Most supplements are the mass gainers, a healthy diet. Forget from results get better – tack and creatine whey protein body the best chan your rugby league. rigours of high-level champion Sally Olympic like athletes, of professional Plenty The supplements altogether. sidestep completely Pearson, sums it Muratore Ron Dr Medical Officer Chief former NRL’s a that they do make proof up best. is no conclusive “There diet.” on your off working better far are You difference. THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE IN YOUR YOUR IN MAKE YOU THE DECISIONS FOR THE YOU YEARS AFFECT YOUNGER SURE LIFE – MAKE YOUR OF REST ONES! THE RIGHT MAKING YOU’RE NUTRITION AND DON’TS DIET, THE DOS OF PILLS AND POWDERS. AND EXPENSIVE IT ALL STARTS HERE STARTS IT ALL TAKE? DO I NEED TO WHAT DIET & SUPPLEMENTS NSWRL | 14 NSWRL | 14
JUNIORS RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS DATING ADVICE IT’S NORMAL TO THINK ABOUT DEVELOPING NEW RELATIONSHIPS IN YOUR TEENAGE YEARS.
TEENAGERS experience a hormonal rollercoaster as Give respect to the person you are dating – treat they enter puberty. It’s the time of life when everyone’s him/her as you would like to be treated bodies change, people’s views start to take shape and where sexual interests and desires develop. Never force or pressure the person you are dating into something they don’t want to do
If you are dating one person exclusively, be faithful and honest – trust is the foundation of all relationships
Never let someone talk you into violating your own principles
Practise safe sex – contracting a sexually transmitted disease could affect the rest of your life.
Males, especially, need to be very conscious about what to expect from their relationships as they get older, particularly with the opposite sex. Here are some tips to earn respect and have meaningful relationships as you enter adulthood:
PLAYER BEHAVIOUR
NSWRL | 17 SENIORS NSWRL | 19 NSWRLN SENIORS DRUG TESTS AND YOU DRUG TESTS AND has the right to • The NSWRL, ASADA, through tests on players. both random and targeted conduct only banned after testing positive not are • Players and also club substance. Players, to a prohibited trafficking, supplying, can also be banned for staff, or possessing performance-enhancing drugs, a test. evading or for use them, helping another player when asked. a sample provide must always • Players the same as if they If they don't, it will be viewed took a performance-enhancing drug and will be banned anyway. players against stance a strong • The NSWRL takes who choose to dope. Those who dope because unwilling to or who are got the talent they haven't the have do the training only cheat those who do such, it is natural talent and motivation to train. As the responsibility to ensure of all clean players of doping and should report rugby league is free of it. aware it when they become that a teammate or a player any concerns have If you can confidentially another team is doping you from at report this to ASADA or www.asada.gov.au/stampoutdoping/index.php 000 27232). (13 000 ASADA by calling 13 Most illicit drugs, or “party” drugs as they are ice, cocaine, sometimes known as, such as ecstasy, also seen as they are stimulants so and speed are performance-enhancing on match drugs when taken one of to tests positive day – meaning that if a player on the day of a a sample taken those drugs from and playing training match, they will be banned from that It will not matter years. any period up to four for or two nights they took the drug the night before on match day if the drug is in their system before, they will be banned. are two types of players – one dedicated to to two – one dedicated typesHERE are of players All junior representatives need to sit an NRL All junior representatives on page 26. test too. Find the answers Aware DRINKING AND TAKING DRUGS? YOU YOU DRUGS? AND TAKING DRINKING WON’T THE GRADE. MAKE SIMPLY ALCOHOL AND ILLICIT DRUGS ILLICIT AND ALCOHOL HANDS IS IN YOUR CAREER YOUR OF THE FATE T achieving his/her dreams and the other with flexible and the other with flexible achieving his/her dreams Which type you? morals. are and partying taking drugs ‘professional’ Is the dedicated the making it to that of someone like Chances hard? too damn slim. pretty NRL are they category know where it’ smart in the ‘too for Players it make making choices to already be and are want to career a successful the NRL and have make happen. To be smart needs to about game, a player the away from their decisions. the highest-quality rugby it to make an ambition to If it’s up in the getting caught in the world, league competition early at an consumption of illicit drugs and alcohol world achieve. to a lot harder that dream makes age ultimately it or not. make you decide whether You NSWRL | 18
JUNIORS SENIORS NSWRL | 21 You cannot bet or be involved bet or be involved cannot You rugby in betting on any in league games anywhere sign an when you the world NSWRL or NRL contract. Betting on rugby league in matches will result may also be sanctions. You with criminal charged do it. Just don’t offences. The most important fact to keep in mind when playing in mind when keep to The most important fact percentage a payout is that they all have machines poker of with a payout Any gambling game of less than 100%. all of losing you lead to will eventually than 100% lower play long enough. if you money your is the gaming operators The answer wins? Who really which and the government (pubs, clubs and casinos) as gambling taxes. billions every year collect It is estimated that there are more than 300,000 than 300,000 more are that there It is estimated gamblers in Australia problem of pokies is 90.89% percentage payout The average playing of winning the jackpot chance The average one line is one in 50,000,000 every year $380 loses player The average each year gambler loses $12,000 problem The average has more than 20 per cent of the world’s per cent of the world’s than 20 USTRALIA has more THE HOUSE OR BOOKMAKER ALWAYS WINS IN BETTING, A FACT YOU SHOULD SHOULD YOU FACT A IN BETTING, WINS ALWAYS OR BOOKMAKER THE HOUSE REMEMBER. ALWAYS total number of gaming machines, a sad reflection on a sad reflection number of gaming machines, total the punt-mad nations on earth.our status as one of play the cent of adult Australians per of 38.6 A total worth it’s can be enjoyable, flutter pokies. While a small with and dangers associated mentioning the pitfalls on the line! future put your them. Don’t A GAMBLING FUTURE DON’T YOUR PUNT DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU the no.6 to wear players The two most recent VB NSW the NSW VB Blues both won for jersey making their mark in the NRL – titles before Cup 2008) Magpies, James Maloney (Wentworthville (Canterbury-Bankstown and Josh Reynolds & 2012). Bulldogs, 2011 Apart from all of the physical side effects, players who take who take players side effects, all of the physical Apart from run the very real drugs and/or unauthorised supplements almost always risk of being caught – something that will Then a loss of income. in suspension and result ultimately and with being a ‘drug cheat’, the stigma associated there’s in life. it causes later problems the related recently (WADA) Agency Anti-Doping The World into which will come List, Prohibited published the 2015 - website WADA’s view it visit To on January 1, 2015. effect www.wada-ama.org will and other illicit substances of PEDs The consumption hurt wallet and most your hurt family, your hurt body, your just not worth it! It’s and reputation… hurt career likely your the golden rule: if in doubt, don’t! remember Always you never know just who might be watching you strut you who might be watching know just never you stuff. your playing, it is currently are you of which grade Regardless – a leader on and off the park become to you time for too. football after life for and set yourself up so put your the corner know what is right around never You to be committed on and off the field, forward best foot itself. will look after rest can be and the being the best you you are playing in the Sydney Shield, Shield, playing in the Sydney are HETHER you outweigh is worth need to something doing, the positives F the negatives. And when it comes to the consumption of the consumption to And when it comes the negatives. simple – pretty drugs or unauthorised supplements, it is outweigh the positives. far always the negatives can drugs (PEDs) of performance-enhancing The intake a multitude of health issues, both short-lead to and cases can be life- and in some severe long-term prone are those who use PEDs show Studies threatening. which can example, mood swings, for uncontrollable to the on the user and lead to of stress place high levels and loved ones. with friends of relationships breakdown I AFTER TOILING AWAY IN HAROLD MATTHEWS, SG BALL AND THE HOLDEN CUP THE HOLDEN AND SG BALL MATTHEWS, IN HAROLD AWAY TOILING AFTER SENIOR TO GRADUATE TO COME THE TIME HAS COMPETITIONS, JUNIOR LIFE. ADULT – AND FOOTBALL NOT WORTH THE RISK WORTH NOT SUPPLEMENTS & ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES SUPPLEMENTS & FULFILLING YOUR DREAMS YOUR FULFILLING IF SOMETHING IS WORTH DOING, IT’S WORTH DOING, IT’S WORTH IF SOMETHING IS WORTH THING, LIKE TAKE WRONG DO THE DOING RIGHT. BOOST DRUGS TO PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING GAME, AND THERE’LL CONSEQUENCES. YOUR BE Ron Massey Cup or VB NSW Cup competitions, you you competitions, Cup or VB NSW Massey Cup Ron in achieved already have what you of should be proud the cornerstone form competitions These career. your in the in NSW and place you of open-age football NRL dream. chase your to continue position to perfect the into the VB NSW Cup out of graduate players More of the and, with 12 any other competition NRL than from having an NRL affiliation, in 2015 compete sides set to W NSWRL | 20
SENIORS SENIORS NSWRL | 23 It is a criminal offence if you have been sent a been have if you It is a criminal offence keep person and you underage of an picture naked that share to continue phone or if you it on your end could you guilty of this offence image. If found and rapists list alongside offenders up on the sex paedophiles. would partner as you your The best advice: Treat be treated. to like 1439 abusive text messages. The abuse and ridicule The abuse and ridicule messages. text abusive 1439 a from falling later with her distress, caused her great her death. to balcony and via dating websites apps, hook-up on to talk Who you do what you remember but you, messages is up to text legal consequences. can have relationships have you people with whom Remember, be treated. to like would them as you deserve respect. Treat be honest, open and respectful. should Relationships It is a criminal offence to film or take photos of a photos or take film to It is a criminal offence consent. their do not have if you person during sex, a naked show or share to It is a criminal offence party a third without the of someone to picture if they even of the person in the photo, consent being taken. the photo to consented break down the law around mobile phones and down the law around ET’S break because the times are changing doesn’t mean changing doesn’t UST because the times are nudity. It is illegal to use a mobile phone or another It is illegal to nudity. somebody or film photos take device to recording either they could in a place where without their consent act. or while doing a private privacy expect reasonably J L 21st CENTURY RELATIONSHIPS CENTURY 21st DATING IN THE DIGITAL AGE DIGITAL IN THE DATING SEXTING AND THE LAW PHOTOS NAKED society’s standards are. standards society’s formed are each year relationships thousands of Today, sites, online dating – through digital world the through places on the and other meeting apps hook-up met how people a huge change to It’s web. world-wide ago. years as 10 as little and interacted mean what was once doesn’t That, however, of a the case instance, for ok.unacceptable is now Take, sending a woman was jailed for man who Gold Coast
Drunken assaults claim more victims assaults claim more in NSW than Drunken men any other state, with a shocking total of 88,100 period, that a year-long reporting, over and women those they and – both strangers their attackers or alcohol. by drugs affected knew – were DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU AY is detrimental to your sports performance as well as almost every other aspect of your life. As a diuretic, As a diuretic, life. almost every other aspect of your as as well sports your performance is detrimental to LCOHOL late, everyone has had a little too much to drink much to had a little too has everyone T’S late, drinking alcohol can lead to dehydration. Athletes need to be hydrated when they exercise to maintain the flow of blood of maintain the flow to when they exercise be hydrated need to Athletes dehydration. can lead to drinking alcohol body your control also helps muscles. Hydration and nutrients to oxygen circulating which is essential for the body, through drinking alcohol. been if you’ve overheat to likely more so you’re temperature their risk of reducing drinks on any day, than two standard drink no more men and women National guidelines recommend drinks on a standard than four drinking no more They also state lifetime. disease or injury a over alcohol-related harm from that occasion. The best advice: go easy on the grog. injuryarising from the risk of alcohol-related single occasion reduces A IT TAKES GRUNT TO THROW A PUNCH A PUNCH THROW TO GRUNT IT TAKES AWAY. WALK TO GUTS BUT IT TAKES GROG AFFECTS YOUR GAME GROG AFFECTS YOUR ALCOHOL AND VIOLENCE AND ALCOHOL IT’S NOT JUST YOUR WALLET, YOUR RELATIONSHIPS AND YOUR HEAD THAT THAT HEAD AND YOUR RELATIONSHIPS YOUR WALLET, YOUR IT’S JUST NOT IS HURTING. DRINKING HABIT YOUR THE REAL CHAMP WALKS AWAY WALKS CHAMP THE REAL and a random pest gets aggressive for absolutely no absolutely for pest gets aggressive and a random at all. reason time again, weekend It happens time and up getting caught us keep like and guys weekend, after in the middle of it. times, and, often minutes scene 20 that forward Fast men bleeding from are there arrived, the police have are lights ambulance red-and-blue their heads and the ruins nights – and, on many swirling. Violence too. occasions, lives in. This the pest comes where that scene to rewind Let’s can we a choice. This is where can make we is where bleeding heads, the police questioning, the avoid This is girls. the hospital visits and the upset ambulance, Control AWAY. THINK and WALK STOP, need to you where of the consequences and be very aware temper your – criminal a punch the action of throwing that follow broken costs, lawyers’ court proceedings, charges, death. bones and even dead set it’s A fight: champ and walk away. the real Be not worth it. I NSWRL | 22
SENIORS SENIORS NSWRL | 25 SUICIDE LEADS MALE DEATHS MALE DEATHS SUICIDE LEADS 15-44 IN AGES IN AUSTRALIA to kill themselves likely times more three Men are and suicide is the leading cause of than women and 44. On average 15 death in men aged between suicides per day in Australia. male five are there contributors Vilification bullying are and continual know is or someone you to this. If you or dark thoughts, seek negative experiencing help immediately. professional who can provide of organisations a host are There struggling and need to those who are assistance does example, Blue, for someone to talk to. Beyond and can any time on be contacted at work wonderful 636. 224 1300 you ever picked up your phone, flicked through through phone, flicked up your picked ever you Assess the situation: How desperate is the person? is the person? desperate How Assess the situation: they suicidal? Are out find without judgement: Ask questions to Listen about the situation. more is a very Depression supportGive and information: fault. no-one’s disease. It’s common help: seek professional the person to Encourage and Institute Blackdog Support’, ‘League Suggest MensLine. other support: members, Family Encourage Education. and NSWRL Welfare partners, friends, AVE average, 2.5 players in every run-on rugby league in every run-on 2.5 players N average, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. your Facebook feed then paused and wondered, ‘What and wondered, then paused feed Facebook your looking at this for?’ am I even spend seven Australians average not alone. On You’re hours! Imagine seven alone – on Facebook hours a week Twitter, Instagram, that with YouTube, combined if you emails and everyday Ebay/Gumtree, Snapchat, Tinder, a bit scary. It’s surfing. web general social media and the to ‘marriage’ of your conscious Be phone as check your Just think: do you a day. for internet What about the toilet? it to Take up? wake soon as you At the movies? At dinner? driving? During when you’re something more get the point. there’s Maybe You work? time! can do with your you constructive H O SOCIAL MEDIA TIME! YOUR ARE WASTING YOU MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL team will experience depression. Symptoms of Symptoms depression. will experience team lowered self-talk, negative include depression drastically levels, low energy self-esteem, sleeping changes to appetite, increased/decreased anxiety, increased emotions, uncontrollable patterns, these experiencing Anyone and more. anger increased should seek than a fortnight more for symptoms they they think If a person indicated help. professional help to use these steps depression, might be suffering it: through both guide you If the person in question is suicidal, them do not leave help is sought. alone until professional DEPRESSION - HOW COMMON IS IT? COMMON - HOW DEPRESSION Vilification doesn’t need to necessarily offend the person offend necessarily to need doesn’t Vilification are there on social media or If it’s for. who it is intended said in earshot of what is being other people who are by certain be offended definitely then they could another person’s which involve Comments comments. gender, descent, nationality, colour, religion, race, marital status, disability status can or HIV/Aids sexuality, of mind. Be state on someone’s impact a massive have say! of what you aware
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SENIORS NRL AWARE THE ANSWERS ARE HERE
YOU NEED TO PASS THE NRL AWARE TEST BEFORE YOU CAN PLAY FOOTY IN 2015. RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MORE THAN JUST GOOD SENIORS PARENTS AT PLAYING SPORT IN THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT AND THIS MEANS BEING A GOOD DECISION MAKER. THE ANSWERS TO THE TEST ARE HERE.
MODULEODULE 1 – ALCOHOLALCOHOLO MODULE 3 – SUPPLEMENTS AND ASADA BingeBinge drinkingdrinking is the consumptionconsumption ofof an excessiveexcessivve The best way to check whether your substances are amountamount of aalcohollcohol iinn a short peperiodriod of time. ThThehe aaiaimm of banned or not in Australian sport is to use the ‘check bingebinge drinkingdrinking is to drinkdrink with the intentionintention ofof ggettingettiingg your substances’ tool on the ASADA website. drunk.drunk. TheThe iirresponsiblerresponsible useuse of alcoholalcohol cancan afaffectfef ct yyououou iinn
manymany differentdifferent waysways inincludingcluding bebeinging babannednnnedd ffromror m ththehe Misusing prescription medication means that you are PARENTS sportsport andand nenegativelygatively affectiaffectingng yyourour rereputationpuutationn aandndn hhealth.eealtth. taking medication that is not prescribed for you, taking medication not in the prescribed way and taking OftenOften peoplepeople getget moremore drunkdrunk thanthan ttheyhheey inintendedtended bbecauseecauusee medication for other reasons than stated for by the doctor. theythey getget tthemselveshemselves into sshouts,houts, dridrinknkk sshotshoh ts aandndd ggetett carriedcarried awawayay iinn tthehe momoment.ment. All athletes have rights and responsibilities within the doping control process however you will always have to TheseThese daysdays it’s becomingbecoming mmoreore aanandd momoreore ccommonommoon ffoforor be seen by the chaperon when providing a sample. rugbyrugby leagueleague pplayerslayers nnotot ttoo drdrinkrinnk anandnd tththisiss iiss bbebecausecac uusse It is never ok to inject a supplement, unless it is approved theythey aarere ffocusedocused on ththeireiir hehealthalthh aandndn ffitness,ittnneessss, ththeyeyy ddon’ton’t by a doctor and the club supplements committee. You wantwant drinkingdrinking to affectaffecct ththeirheeiir plpplayingayying pepperformancerrffoormam ncce anaandnd should only be taking supplements which have been somesoome forfor religiousreligious reasons.reaasos ns. approved by the club supplements committee.
ThereTheere araree apapproximatelyproximmately 1.1.55 ststandardandadardd ddrinksriinks inin a sschoonerchhooner of full-strengthfull-strength bbeer.eer.r NoNNothingotht ing ototherthher ththanhanan ttimeimme wiwithouttht out M drinkingdrini king wwillill reducereedducee yyourour BlBBloodoood AlAAlcoholcohohol CoConcentration.oncncentrattion.n ODULE 4 – GAMBLING You should never accept a bribe. All bribes must be reported to the club, who will notify the governing body. It’s deemed people have a gambling problem when they MODULEODULU E 2 – ILLICITILLLLICCITIT DRUGSDRUGSS think about gambling all the time, they gamble in an attempt IllicitIllil cit drugsdrugs dod notnotot havehave qualityqquuala ity or pricingprir cing controlscono trrolols andana d to win money back and they borrow money to gamble with.
includeincludde substancessubstaanncceses suchsuch as cannabis,cannan bis, ecstasyecstaasys andandn heroin.heroin. You cannot bet on any rugby league match at any level, AllAll IllicitIllicit drugsdrugs havehhaveve a significantsignificant impactimpacct onon youryoour healthheh allthh anywhere in the world, including betting within a andand thisthis is whywhhy theytheyy areare illegal.illegal. syndicate. You cannot pass on or share information that is not available to the general public. DrugsDrugs can staystay iinn youryoy ur ssystemysystetem fofforr didifferentifffferreent ppeperiodseriods of timetime andand substancessubbstanncees susuchchch asas cannabiscacannnababiiss cancan taketake lolongerongerr thanthan fourfour weeksweekks to eexitxit ththehe bbobody.odyy. IfIf yyouoou ttakeake illiciillicitt drdrugsugs andand getget caught,caughth , it ccouldouuldd rruinuiu n youryoy urr ccareerara eeer as you ccanan bbee MODULE 5 – RESPECTFUL RELATIONS & SOCIAL MEDIA bannedbanned fromfrom ththee spsportoort fforor lilife.fe. It is a criminal offence to share sexually explicit images YouYou cancan be chargedchargede wwithiti h drdrugsugs distributionddiists ribution iiff youyou areaarre in and/or videos without the consent of the person who is possessionpossession ofof a greatergrg eaeatet r amamountountt tthanhan ththatat ooff pepersonalrssoonnal in the image. The golden rule in relationships is to treat use,use, if you are preparingpreparing drdrugsugs forffor salesale oror if youyouu aarerre others how you would like to be treated.
handinghanding drugsdrugs to others.others. Due to the fact that you have signed a contract with the NSWRL or the NRL, you cannot say whatever you like on YouYou cancan nevernever refuserefuuse toto taketakee a ddrugrur g tetestst ffromrom ththehe popolicelilice social media or publicly. Anything which contradicts or rugbyrugby leagueleague authorities.authoritties. TToo doo ssoo is ddeemedeemeed anandd or puts the integrity of rugby league at risk is breaking treatedtreated tthehe sasameme aass retureturningrnninng a popositiveosisitit vev ttest.est. the terms of the contract.
DoDo notnot ttakeake drdrinksinks ffromrom strangersstrangers whwhenhen ooutut drinkingdrir nkking anandd It’s never a good idea to take to social media and engage dodo notnot share pproteinrotein shakesshakes wiwwithth ootherther pplayers,layey rs, aas iinn in an argument – the public domain is not a place suited for bothboth circumstacircumstancesnces you maymay bbee cocontaminatedntamaminated wwithiitth private conversations. illegalillegal substasubstances.nces.
IfIf yyouou bbelieveelieve you hhaveave been sspikedpiked with a drug, sseeeee a ddoctoroctoor immediatelyimmediately and nonotifytify yyourour cocoachach as ssoonoon as ppossible.osssiblee.
NSWRL | 26 NSWRL | 27 GUIDING YOUR CHILD THE ROLE OF THE PARENT
AS THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A GIFTED RUGBY LEAGUE PLAYER, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF CHALLENGES YOU MAY FACE.
THERE are many pressures on young athletes that an elite athlete comes with great responsibility. Whilst it need to be managed to ensure they have the best chance is important for your child to maintain a healthy social of achieving success on and off the field. Just as it is life, there are added responsibilities that need to be throughout early childhood and adolescence, being a adhered to when they become an elite athlete. positive role model and investing time in your child’s interests can minimise the influences of external The modern media landscape is full of tales of athletes pressures such as expectation, stress as well as the who have brought themselves undone through the use of disappointments of burnout and failure. drugs, alcohol, gambling and social media – it is vital for you and your child to understand the possible PARENTS PARENTS Becoming an elite athlete requires a great deal of consequences of an individual’s actions. dedication and commitment, and the privilege of being
SUPPLEMENTSSUPPLEMENTS TAKE RESPONSIBILITY PILLS AND POWDERS The WADA Strict Liability Rule states that an athlete is responsible for any substance found inside his/her body WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED TO TAKE? regardless of how it got there. Make sure your son/daughter is aware of this.
S There have been more than 30 players who have tested UPPLEMENTS will eventually be introduced to most positive for banned substances over the past 15 years within elite athletes. Your child is no different. With so much NSWRL-administered competitions. Players who continue information and advice being offered through television, to ignore the warning signs run the risk of being caught. magazines and social media outlets, it’s hard to decipher For more information on performance-enhancing and illicit what the basic requirements for a supplements program drugs visit www.asada.gov.au and are and what benefits they actually offer. www.druginfo.adf.org.au
You may have heard that protein powders are a necessary component of building muscle or that a lack of protein on a regular basis will decrease your muscle mass – the truth, however, is far simpler. Muscles require them. A long-term healthy diet and regular physical protein, but no more than provided by a healthy balanced activity is irreplaceable and will provide an athlete with diet. If you’re getting enough in your diet, there is no everything needed to achieve their goals. need for protein supplements. Here’s what young athletes should be doing instead of No supplement is ever required to be taken by an athlete, relying on supplements; eating a balanced healthy diet, unless he/she has a particular illness, nutritional or getting plenty of uninterrupted sleep and maintaining a hereditary problem, or is required by a doctor. The good life and training balance. Long story short, they do human body evolved over thousands of years before pills not need supplements. and powders came along and can still thrive without
NSWRL | 28 NSWRL | 29 VILIFICATION AND CYBER BULLYING KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
PARENTS NEED TO BE AWARE OF THE DEFINITIONS AND EFFECTS OF VILIFICATION AND CYBER BULLYING – TWO ISSUES THAT CAN HAVE WIDE-REACHING NEGATIVE INFLUENCES ON YOUNG PEOPLE.
VILIFICATION is disparaging spoken or written words children are likely to mimic behaviour. This could land that involve another person’s race, religion, colour, them in trouble, whether it’s at school, in rugby league or descent, nationality, gender, sexuality, marital status, involving the law. age, weight, disability or HIV/Aids status. These comments can be delivered in many different ways and Cyber bullying, meanwhile, is using the internet to can affect people differently. deliberately and repeatedly bully someone. Is it ok to bag a referee on social media? What about an opposing team PARENTS PARENTS Vilification sometimes doesn’t necessarily offend the member or supporter? The short answer is no – it’s person for whom it is intended. If the comments appear actually illegal. What might have been called ‘character VIOLENCE AND on social media or there are other people who are within building’ 30 years ago is now actually a criminal offence. earshot of what is being said then they could definitely VERBAL ABUSE be offended by certain comments. Be aware of what you Use your knowledge and experience to help your kids say: it can be taken in many different ways. make wise choices on and off the field. WE ALL LIKE SUPPORTING OUR Parents should be setting the example for children to FAMILY AND FRIENDS – BUT follow. Be sensitive and aware of what you say because OVERZEALOUS AND OVERLY AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
SEXTING AND R UGBY league is making a stance against violence on the SOCIAL MEDIA paddock and off it – and that includes spectator behaviour. Supporters can be sanctioned for either inciting violence or Seventy per cent of sexually active year 10-12 becoming involved in an assault or vilification against another person. A common misconception of most supporters is that the students have sent explicit text messages to crowd has paid their money for entry and this entitles them to say someone – and 84 per cent of them have received what they wish. This is false. Fans cannot say what they like; you explicit text messages from someone else. cannot abuse players, referees or opposition supporters. The conditions of entry into a rugby league arena are that supporters Snapchat, Facebook, Tinder, WhatsApp, Viber abide by the rugby league code of conduct and this includes and smartphones in general are all making it supporter responsibilities. easier for teenagers to make the mistake of sharing sexually explicit images. What people Playing a contact sport does not provide consent to an assault. don’t understand is that once shared via the Another common misconception is that playing a contact sport means ‘you’re going to get hit once in a while’ – this is not true and internet, these images cannot be deleted, even this mentality needs to be dissolved. It is not ok to assault if they have been deleted off the device. Once someone. It is not acceptable to verbally abuse someone. In shared, these images can end up in the hands of serious instances, the police will be notified to investigate someone they were not intended for and can be incidents which could result in criminal charges, used for things for which they were not intended. such as assault and affray.
Parents need to alert their children of the pitfalls of using such devices and online services. Once they share it, it’s out there forever.
NSWRL | 30 NSWRL | 31 COACHES/ TRAINERS NSWRL | 33 TRAINERS COACHES & COACHES ontract. also league players Rugby GAMBLING ON GAMBLING LEAGUE RUGBY in betting cannot bet or be involved Players on any rugby league games anywhere in the or bound by a NSWRL when they are world NRL c which is not information cannot share to the public.available Betting on matches or sharing information to the publicwhich is not available will result in sanctions. may also charge The police for Asking with criminal offences. players be could inside rugby league information in jeopardy. career putting a player’s All players are responsible for all elective medical medical all elective for responsible are players All injuries to in regards costs and associated in a playing or training sustained while either competition NSWRL-administered compete to or training who is competing Every player competition in an open-age NSWRL administered health insurance private and maintain must purchase of their contract duration the entire for insurance a limited-cover The NSWRL purchases any person who sustains a cover policy to This includes injury. or fatal life-threatening and of the limbs injuries which cause paralysis or quadriplegia. paraplegia to specifically refers can be complicated at the best times so we so we at the best times NSURANCE can be complicated If the player is currently working full-time and the injury full-time working is currently If the player more for employment working him/her from will prevent an apply for may be eligible to the player than two weeks, on this, information more claim. For protection income the NSWRL.please contact are going to make it as clear as possible: make to going are HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD DEAL WITH THE DRAMAS ASSOCIATED WITH ASSOCIATED DRAMAS DEAL WITH THE CHILD YOUR HELP TO HOW FIELD. ON THE PLAYING INJURIES SUSTAINED I INSURANCE HURT GETS SOMEONE UNTIL AND GAMES… FUN NSWRL | 32
PARENTS HELP PLAYERS MAKE THE RIGHT CALLS
AS COACHES AND TRAINERS, YOU HAVE THE POWER TO INFLUENCE ATHLETES’ PLAYING CAREERS AS WELL AS OFF-FIELD ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOURS.
AS people in positions of power, and usually older Coaches and trainers are employed to help players make than the athletes themselves, coaches and trainers have the right calls, both on the field and off it. Only then, a great deal of influence over the players they support when the correct decisions are made, can players fulfil and mentor. their potential.
Whether at the elite level in Origin, in second-tier Use this section to find the answers to common issues competitions or in junior reps, coaches and trainers are raised by players – on a range of topics including trusted by players – trusted to give accurate feedback supplements, mental-health issues and betting – and and information, relied upon to assist and counsel, lent help your team perform its best in football and in life. on to support in injury and in sickness. With that respect and reliance, though, comes great responsibility.
PLAYERS’ SUPPLEMENT REQUIREMENTS
VITAMINS, SHAKES AND SO ON – THE LIST OF ADD-ON PILLS AND PROTEINS SOME ATHLETES CONSUME IS INCREDIBLY LONG… AND POTENTIALLY CONFUSING. COACHES/ COACHES/ TRAINERS TRAINERS
IT’S inevitable. Players are going to ask you from time ultimately, players can be banned from the sport for life to time about what kind of supplements they should be if the advice given to them is wrong. You are in a position taking or if what they are talking is best for them. where players assume you have up-to-date information and the advice you offer is correct. If your information is Let’s keep this really simple. Do not advise players to take out-dated or you are not a professional in this realm, any form of substance regardless of its status. The only then there is every chance you could be giving them the advice you should give players is: “Consume a healthy wrong information – a mistake that could result in hefty variety of vitamins and minerals naturally from healthy sanctions from ASADA. foods.” In layman’s terms, a healthy diet is all that should be advised when it comes to players seeking If a player is seeking advice about more than what you supplementary advice. have recommended, refer them to a professional such as a local nutritionist or club doctor. Coaches and trainers should always refrain from pushing supplements, pills powders or potions, because,
CHECK YOUR SUBSTANCES
If a player is concerned or unsure if the substance they are taking or wishing to take is banned, they should refer to the ‘check your substances’ tool on the ASADA website – DIET & www.checksubstances.asada.gov.au SUPPLEMENTS
NSWRL | 1434 NSWRL | 35 PLAYER BEHAVIOUR HEAD KNOCKS & CONCUSSION YOU SET THE STANDARD Experts define concussion as a head injury with temporary loss of brain function, which can cause cognitive, WHAT HAPPENS ON AND OFF THE FIELD IS A DIRECT REFLECTION OF WHAT physical and emotional symptoms. Concussion may also be defined as an injury to the brain generally caused by a jolt or blow to the head – in the majority of cases the individual does not lose consciousness. YOU VIEW AS BEING ACCEPTABLE. The brain floats in cerebral fluid which protects it from jolts and bumps. A violent jolt or a severe blow to the IN rugby league there is saying that some of you may When setting standards, coaches need to be firm and head can cause the brain to bump hard against the skull. This can result in the tearing of fibre nerves as well have heard: “The standard you walk past is the standard consistent and the rules need to apply to everyone from as blood vessel ruptures under the skull, leading to an accumulation of blood. There is research which you accept.” There are coaches and trainers who use this the CEO to the gear steward. Training staff should be suggests that concussion, especially repeated concussion, can lead to a whole host of problems: memory loss, saying to refer to training standards; however the saying open about the standard and let it be known that dizzy spells, clinical depression, Alzheimer’s disease, ringing in the ears, persistent headaches and more. can apply to standards that go much further than simply below-standard behaviour will not be accepted. training effort. It is imperative that, as coaches and trainers, we ensure the welfare of the player is always the number one Vilification relates to comments which involve a person’s priority. If this means the player must be substituted after a heavy knock, then that’s in the best interests of As coaches and trainers within the club you are the ones race, religion, colour, nationality, gender, sexuality, the player, the team and the sport. We look again for the leadership of the coaching staff at each of the clubs who players look to when gauging social acceptance, marital status, age, weight, disability or HIV/Aids status. particularly in relation to situations and comments. Comments can affect people differently. Vilification to help our sport evolve and to help enforce this as the new standard. No longer can we see players suffer Players mimic the behaviours of the coaching staff as sometimes doesn’t necessarily offend the pperson who it through the symptoms of concussion and they subconsciously know that’s the best way to fit into is intended for. allow them to play on. the environment. Be aware of what you say and do as a coachoach and/or trainetrainerr – and what you deem to be acceptable and unacceptablunacceptable.e. MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COACHES/ COACHES/ TRAINERS ‘I THINK I HAVE DEPRESSION’ TRAINERS MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES ARE INCREDIBLY COMMON – IT’S IMPORTANTNT CCOACHESOACHES AND TRAINERS KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM.
STATS suggest depression will affect, on average, one in every five players in a rugby league squad. If a player is depressed coaches and trainers won’t necessarily know straight away – sufferers are usually quite good at masking feelings and symptoms. This is why coaches and particularly trainers need to be very in tune with their players and need to be clear with the fact that they are open to conversations of all natures.
If, as a coach or trainer, a person does come to speak to you about something that seems private, the first thing you should do is let him know that that’s exactly what the conversation will be – private. There are some simple steps that can drastically help you both navigate through this situation. These steps include:
1. Assess the situation: How desperate is the person, are they suicidal?
2. Listen without judgement: Ask questions to find out more about the situation.
3. Give support and information: Depression is very common and is a disease, it’s no-one’s fault.
4. Encourage the person to seek professional help: Suggest ‘League Support’ as first Professional help followed by the Blackdog Institute and MensLine.
5. Encourage other supports: Family members, partners, friends, NSWRL Welfare and Education.
*If the person is suicidal, do not leave them alone until professional help is sought.
NSWRL | 1436 NSWRL | 37 GAMBLING SPORTS BETTING AND YOU YOU DON’T TOUCH THE BALL IN PLAY OR EVEN STEP FOOT ONTO THE FIELD, SO WHAT ARE THE RULES WHEN IT COMES TO PUNTING ON GAMES? OFFICIALS
SORRY to spoil the party but no, you cannot bet on the inclusions and injuries – for example, overhearing a NSW NRL. You can’t bet on rugby league at all, anywhere in the Cup playerlayer will make his NRL debut to fill the position of world, at any level. anotherer regular NRL player. This information alone can affectt the bettinbettingg market and therethereforefore ggivesives someone The common response to receiving this information is an unfairfair advantage.advantage. ‘but I haven’t signed anything that says I can’t bet on rugby league’. The truth is coaches and trainers don’t It is alsolso illegal to pass on inside informationinformation to someone have to actually sign anything to be bound by the rugby else soo they can bet. The same principal applies and if league code of conduct and criminal law. you arere ffoundound guilty ooff sharing ininformationformation that is not availableable to the generagenerall pubpublic,lic, it is deemed to be as The position you hold within rugby league gives you the illegall as bettinbettingg directly. potential to receive information before it is available to the general public. This information can therefore be Bettingng on rrugbyugby lleagueeague is tatakenken ververyy seriousseriouslyly by the used to gain an unfair advantage over the betting sport and by the ppolice.olice. The conseconsequencesquences are heavheavy,y, ssoo agencies and the general public. don’t riskrisk it!it!
The type of information coaches and trainers might get before the general public includes news about player COACHES/ TRAINERS OFFICIALS
NSWRL | 1438 NSWRL | 39 OFFICIALS 1 NSWRL | 41 NSWRL | 4 you all are no doubt aware, referees and touchies and touchies referees no doubt aware, all are you Don’t participate in social media participate Don’t post settings so people can’t the privacy Change acceptance without prior something only friends/family names to Change people by random be searched can’t so you know, S 1. 2. 3. All of these tips help officials avoid nasty keyboard nasty keyboard avoid help officials of these tips All much have you as officials warriors. Just remember, lose than most critics do. to more are scrutinised more heavily than any other individuals heavily than more scrutinised are will always there in rugby league. Unfortunately, involved and sometimes people will use the be a winner and a loser and their vicious, rude vent anonymity of social media to performances. officials’ about statements often-inaccurate dealing with social-media when follow to The best motto say say, anything nice to have don’t abuse is, ‘If you harsh criticism the overly Sidestepping nothing at all’. help include: to tips Some can be difficult. THE USE OF FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM PRESENT UNIQUE PRESENT UNIQUE INSTAGRAM TWITTER AND FACEBOOK, OF THE USE FOR OFFICIALS. CHALLENGES A SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL ALL AT NOTHING SAY SAY? NICE TO NOTHING it comes to vilification of another person on of vilification to HEN it comes the field, officials are the ones who set the line in the the ones who set are officials the field, and acceptable are comments sand. They decide which field footy the not acceptable. On are which comments the police, the judge and the jury are when officials are There and poor behaviour. dealing with indiscretions between sledging someone’s differences two distinctive and vilifying a person. performance gain an seek to players whereby SLEDGING: The practice player’s insulting an opposing by verbally advantage perform. or ability to performance another person’s which involve Comments VILIFICATION: gender, descent, nationality, colour, religion, race, disability marital status, age, weight, or sexuality, HIV/Aids status. it immediately ‘vilification’, involves If any ‘sledging’ address. to officials an issue for becomes VILIFICATION LINE THE DRAW YOU W blic. pu available to the to available cials are not allowed to to not allowed cials are ld be very clear. Officials Officials ld be very clear. orm of rugby league ugby League Central, the Central, ugby League match officials, be it as a touch judge, ground judge, ground a touch be it as officials, match S attending the NRL Integrity Unit and theatre and theatre Unit the NRL Integrity FTER attending manager, interchange official or refs assessor, you are are you assessor, or refs official interchange manager, of every time teams myriad decisions make to required the field. to take rugby league players but, being well official job being a match a tough It’s job is made a lot your cool, calm and collected, prepared, many challenges. It’s are – there life Sport reflects easier. them. overcome job to your – on or off the field – you what challenges face No matter and the support help tools the to provide to here are we succeed. you of in the world pitfalls plenty are of potential There to you help prepare This guide aims to officiating. them all.negotiate A USE YOUR SKILLS USE YOUR A PLAY AS AN OFFICIAL, YOU OF IN THE GAME CRITICAL ROLE LEAGUE. RUGBY MAKE YOUR DECISIONS DECISIONS YOUR MAKE RIGHT DECISIONS THE YOUR CAREER’S ON THE LINE CAREER’S ON YOUR A GAMBLING sports sessions delivered at Rugby League Central, the Central, League at Rugby sports sessions delivered Officials issue of sports be very clear. gambling should of rugby league bet on any form to not allowed are to not allowed are and officials anywhere in the world the public. to which is not available information share NSWRL | 40
OFFICIALS MENTAL HEALTH TOUGH TIMES AFFECT US ALL
THERE are times in everyone’s lives when things don’t about what they have been dealing with, be open and try go exactly as planned. We have heard stories about NRL and use the following steps to help navigate through it; players, mental health battles and how depression, anxiety, OCD and bipolar disorders have affected the lives of 1. Assess the situation: How desperate is the person, are they suicidal? even the best athletes.
2. Listen without judgement: Ask questions to find out The general public understand that this comes with the more about the situation pressures of the job. Injuries, non-selection, judiciary and media can all exacerbate the feelings and emotions 3. Give support and information: Depression is a very players go through. But what about referees and officials? common disease. It’s no-one’s fault
Don’t they have to endure all those things as well? 4. Encourage the person to seek professional help: Some would even suggest officials have it harder than Suggest ‘League Support’, Blackdog Institute and MensLine players, because at least the players have a fan base that will support them through the difficult periods. It is so 5. Encourage other supports: Family members, important during tough times, officials look after one partners, friends, NSWRL Welfare and Education another. Speaking about depression is the first step towards finding a solution to cure it. It’s a disease that *If the person is suicidal, do not leave them alone until affects one in five people. If someone does want to speak professional help is sought.
DEPRESSION HOW COMMON IS IT?
ON average, one in every five people in your squad will experience depression. Symptoms of depression SUICIDE include negative self-talk, lowered self-esteem, low energy levels, drastic changes in appetite, changed sleep A MAJOR ISSUE patterns, uncontrollable emotions, increased anxiety, increased anger and more. If you are experiencing any Men are three times more likely to kill of these symptoms for more than a fortnight, it’s strongly themselves than women and suicide is the
OFFICIALS suggested you seek professional help. leading cause of death in men aged between OFFICIALS 15 and 44. On average there are five male suicides per day in Australia. Vilification and continual bullying are contributors to this. If you or someone you know are experiencing negative or dark thoughts, seek professional help immediately.
NSWRL | 1442 NSWRL | 43 ADMINISTRATORS NSWRL | 45 ADMINISTRATORS 1000 manages the NSWRL The number of referees with the organisation’s Sydney, across and Coaching Referees’ dedicated with officials providing Unit Development opportunitiesdevelopment and a clear all district football grassroots from pathway the NRL.the way to tempers flare on the footy field – even – even field footy on the flare tempers OMETIMES despite officials’ best efforts. That’s why NSWRL officials why NSWRL officials That’s best efforts. officials’ despite support and before, training than ever more now receive sessions at situation-based training intensive including the start of each season. supported on are officials and sideline NSWRL referees the NSWRL Referees’ through and off the field that no It means program. Association social welfare support is off the field what happens on or matter officials. to available of play field occurs on the an incident instance, for Say, The presence officials. and of players a group involving assessors and members of the NSWRL of match-day in question those officials Association ensures Referees’ with the support they require and guidance provided are those protect the situation but to not only defuse to similar and ascertain prevent how to involved further that require Incidents in future. occurrences and Coaching the Referees’ to referred are follow-up Manager. Development a step take controversy, and of high stress In instances what you and make occurred on what’s back, reflect be the right decision. With careful to believe NSWRL’s undergone have who officials consideration, than not. often more get the decisions right training S CRISIS MANAGEMENT CRISIS DRAMAS WITH DEALING NSWRL | 44
OFFICIALS ADMINISTRATORS NSWRL | 47 and World and World under ‘documents’. under ‘documents’. www.wada-ama.org www.wada-ama.org website Anti-Doping Further anti-doping information is available on the is available Further anti-doping information www.asada.gov.au website ASADA Taking any form of illegal recreational drug is recreational of illegal any form Taking strictly prohibited including substances of any prohibited Distribution drugs is prohibited illegal recreational undertake to if asked comply must always A player doping test an ASADA of testing any bodily form to can be subject Players etc urine, blood, saliva including; when being a witness has the right to The player tested of violating the rules of the The consequences can be at maximum Policy Anti-Doping League Rugby ban within the sport a lifetime be documents can Anti-Doping League Rugby All at www.nswrl.com.au found helping hand to ensure nothing is missed or overlooked nothing is missed or overlooked ensure helping hand to is supplied and consumed how alcohol to when it comes at an event. host functions administrators a GoodHost, becoming By the by all guests, where be enjoyed designed to the around not focused entertainment and activities are of alcohol.consumption Wherever you go in rugby league, from go in rugby league, from you Wherever Reducing alcohol-related harm in rugby harm alcohol-related Reducing the past 12 months the NRL, NSWRL and the 12 VER the past If a player has taken any substance/s or used any or used any substance/s has taken If a player potentially could is prohibited, doping method that about – notify is unsure or that he/she be prohibited as possible and do not the NSWRL as soon resolved until the situation is participate is ultimately liability the player means that Strict within their found any substance for responsible when a player no excuses are sample. There testing substance is caught with a prohibited of any form do not take The NSWRL suggests players cannot be as the ingredients ‘supplement’ by any means other than a laboratory determined that supplements indicates and this therefore test substance. a prohibited contain potentially could it which is prohibited medication take need to If you Sports Drug the Australian to must be registered (ADSMAC) and be Medical AdvisoryCommittee a TUE (The club must apply for by a Doctor. approved on the NSWRL website) available form Reduce the potential for intoxication and intoxication for the potential Reduce harm alcohol-related the image of the club and the game Protect and enjoyed safe that are events deliver Consistently by all guests ANTI-DOPING AND ASADA ANTI-DOPING FORWARD STRAIGHT THE RULES, THE RULES ABOUT OF AWARE BE TO CLUB NEEDS EVERY AT PLAYER EACH – AND SO DO ADMINISTRATORS. ANTI-DOPING GOOD HOST EVENTS SAFE HOSTING CONSISTENT PROVIDE TO ADMINISTRATORS CLUB AND LEAGUE OF IT IS THE JOB FUNCTIONS. GAMES AND AT BEHAVIOURS ALCOHOL EXPECTED AROUND MESSAGES Our Vision: Our Mission: O league environments an under-six match to a corporate function, you will get you function, a corporate to match an under-six behaviours alcohol expected messages around consistent by developed is a hospitality-basedGoodHost program of organisers provide to Foundation Drug the Australian and with a set of minimum standards functions that help: procedures the theme and away from does not take This program a the organiser but gives entertainment of the event, Australian Drug Foundation have been working to develop develop to been working have Foundation Drug Australian how the sport around manages alcohol program a robust Management our Alcohol so that it fulfils consistently Vision and Mission. Strategy The pointers contained in this chapter are designed to designed to are in this chapter contained The pointers as run their club as effectively help administrators increasingly of possible, in particular dealing with a range anti-doping, including topics important and relevant and mental health. management, insurance alcohol issues with complex deal to The ability of administrators a proactive as develop well as such problems, and solve vital to ahead, are the years for culture and responsible success. the game’s administrators are responsible for running for responsible are PORTS administrators individual clubs and leagues, ensuring the future of the leagues, ensuring the future individual clubs and and present. its past game is as bright as for responsible are In rugby league, administrators as talent as well people and fostering developing and met by created are ensuring base-level standards it. and off and staff both on the field players league organisations at rugby The job of administrators and financial marketing – from and complex is varied – and events and running recruitment management to difficult. often MUCH RESPONSIBILITY AND POWER FALLS IN THE HANDS OF RUGBY LEAGUE’S RUGBY OF IN THE HANDS FALLS AND POWER RESPONSIBILITY MUCH THE GAME’S – PEOPLE WHO SHAPE FUTURE. ADMINISTRATORS S LAYING LEAGUE’S FOUNDATIONS LEAGUE’S LAYING ADMINISTRATORS OF RESPONSIBILITIES NSWRL | 46
ADMINISTRATORS ADMINISTRATORS NSWRL | 49 Team performance Team Communication crisis and trauma Work and anger Violence grief and loss Bereavement, addictions and Alcohol performance Work and financial Legal Conflict stages Managing life Harassment and Bullying transition Redundancy/career Gambling 80% to a maximum of $3,000 per injury maximum a maximum of $3,000 to 80% and physiotherapy all claims for for $100 Excess chiropractic for claims cover any other non-Medicare Nil excess has will only apply if treatment expenses the above necessary been certified by a legally qualified provider a registered to medical practitioner $10,000 Maximum Benefit an application NSWRL for Contact NSWRL application to the and return Complete Accessing League Support is easy, thanks to the 24/7 the 24/7 thanks to Support is easy, League Accessing sessions are face-to-face service. free telephone Six and Australia with locations all across also available, New Zealand. and appointments call 1300 information confidential For (New Zealand). 669 327 or 0800 (Australia) 364 360 Weekly Benefits Weekly per week $500 up to of Earnings Max 85% 1. Loss weeks 52 maximum excess, 14-day per week $500 up to Max 80% Assistance 2. Student weeks 52 maximum excess, 14-day per week $500 up to Max 80% Help 3. Home weeks 52 maximum excess, 14-day Benefits Additional MedicalNon-Medicare Expenses: Funeral Expenses Making a Claim BENEFITS Benefits Capital Maximum Benefit: Event and Quadriplegia - $300,000 1. Paraplegia - $100,000 2. Benefits and other Capital Death Accidental - $15,000 to limited years under 18 Death 3. Accidental Work/life balance Work/life Career Change child and eldercare Family, and depression stress Anxiety, customers Difficult Relationships Suicide Participating in training or practice sessions, or sessions, or practice in training Participating by the insured arranged functions official representative club and or from to directly Travelling or training or performances, games, competitions functions sessions, meetings or official practice per cent of the 20 (limited by the insured arranged Benefit) Capital with the insured Engaged in activities connected the for home during a tour whilst staying away from purpose of participating own club and/or trial games of the player’s in Playing in an is participating any game in which the player the an NRL club, including for be graded to attempt Cup. National Youth 20s Under is limited to injury person is: to whilst an insured is limited OVER support is a confidential counselling service counselling support is a confidential EAGUE for players, match officials, staff and their eligible family eligible family staff and their officials, match players, for experienced qualified, are counsellors members. All and experience training extensive who have professionals consulting. and workplace coaching in counselling, League strictly confidential. are consultations All with information consultation Support does not share or if in writing, do so by you authorised to unless anyone law. under Australian required of issues: Support a range can assist with Issues League C games, in club and representative Playing and performances competitions Injury means bodily injury which: Injury person during the which is sustained by an Insured as an covered and while they are period of Insurance an Accident from results under this Policy Person Insured and visible means and is caused by sudden, violent, external and independently of any other occurs solely and directly any illness, sickness, disease, pre-existing cause, including illness except or heatstroke, condition or congenital physical or medical or surgical from, resulting or sickness directly necessary Injury by such rendered occurs whilst treatment on behalf engaged in the activities (outlined above) they are caused as a Injury any event of the Insured. does not include by or indirectly and/or caused directly of heatstroke result any sickness or disease. or attributable to L COVERING YOUR PLAYERS YOUR COVERING INSURANCE LEAGUE SUPPORT LEAGUE MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL NSWRL | 48
ADMINISTRATORS CONTACTS NSWRL | 51 CONTACTS 3200 in deaths The number of alcohol-related also hospitalises Booze each year. Australia Manage it annually. 81,000 than more you and ensure functions at your properly part a become of the statistics. don’t raise the standard of alcohol management throughout throughout management of alcohol standard the raise League The Rugby clubs. NSWRL and its associated of all with the assistance Strategy, Management Alcohol this. achieve aims to NSWRL stakeholders, purpose for the development and the development HE purpose for T implementation of an Alcohol Management Strategy in Management Strategy Alcohol implementation of an players rugby league and protect educate NSWRL is to along with the rugby and other NSWRL stakeholders, dangers surrounding potential the from league brand, consumption. alcohol on banning alcohol,The emphasis is not but rather of the likelihood reduce in place to putting measures is present occurring when alcohol or incidents problems will focus The measures in the rugby league environment. planning, actions such as education, prior on preventative traditions. help and changes to access to NSWRL, in designed by the were goals core Five to attempt with the ADF and the NRL, in the consultation GO EASY ON THE GROG ON GO EASY MANAGEMENT ALCOHOL FOR STANDARDS SETTING LEAGUE RUGBY WITHIN NSWRL | 50
ADMINISTRATORS WELFARE AND EDUCATION CONTACTS AT THE NSWRL AND NRL
THE people dedicated to helping you achieve your off-field goals as well as realising your on-field potential:
Paul Heptonstall Cathryn Raper John Hutchinson Paul Walker Nigel Vagana Andrew Ryan [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
NRL Welfare and Education Senior Welfare and NRL Welfare & Education NRL Apprentice Mentoring Community Clubs & Schools NRL Welfare and Education Manager – Pasifika Education Manager Operations Co-ordinator Program Manager Welfare & Education Manager Manager – Regional NSW Nigel joined the NRL five Paul manages the entire Cathryn is a qualified John joined the NRL to Paul is a former physical Andrew played 12 years in years ago after playing 13 Welfare and Education career coach and works as manage the apprenticeship education teacher and has the NRL and the last five as years at the highest level in department on behalf of the the operations co-ordinator mentoring program after worked in rugby league for the captain of his club. the NRL, Super League and NRL/RPLA Welfare and for the NRL Welfare and spending many years over 20 years as a coach, Andrew is responsible for for his country. He is Education committee. He has Education Department working within NRL clubs. development manager and delivering Welfare and predominantly responsible a broad experience within administrator. Paul is Education to regional NSW for the Welfare and the game having worked predominately responsible for and helping players with the Education programs for within a number of NRL clubs looking after the Community transition from country to current NRL players. over the past 20 years. Clubs and Schools Welfare & city living. Education Programs.
Tony McFadyen Murray Hurst Greg Nichols Dean Widders Jane Lowder Dr Sam Jebeile [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Holden Cup Welfare & Welfare and Education Welfare and Education Welfare and Education NRL Career Transition Coach NRL Graduates of League Manager – QRL Manager – NSWRL Education Programs Manager – Indigenous Jane has run her own career and Playwise Program Manager, Operations Murray has worked as a Head Greg has worked previously Dean played 13 years in the coaching company for the Manager Tony worked at club level for NRL coach and in game within operations and NRL as well as two years in past nine years and now Dr Sam Jebeile has spent over five years and now is development in the past and logistics of NSWRL-run the English Super League. assists players in making a 15 years working as a senior predominantly responsible works now on delivering Welfare competitions and now works Dean is predominantly smooth transition from lecturer and presenter at and Education within Queensland. on delivering Welfare and responsible for delivering professional sport to other undergraduate and CONTACTS for overseeing the philosophy CONTACTS and guidelines for the NYC. Education within NSWRL. Welfare and Education to employment. post-graduate levels for the This is Tony’s fourth year current NRL players. University of Wollongong. He is within the Welfare and now responsible for the Education department. delivery of the Graduates of League and Playwise programs.
NSWRL | 52 NSWRL | 53 FAIR PLAY GLOSSARY Phone MensLine on 1300 789 978 or Lifeline (crisis RUGBY LEAGUE support) on 13 11 14 for immediate support or visit the Black Dog Institute website www.blackdoginstitute.org.au PLAYERS ASSOCIATION THE A-Z OF MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES IN YOUR CAREER IN RUGBY LEAGUE for more information. AND IN LIFE.
ALCOHOL & ALCOHOL ABUSE RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS
Alcohol is a leading cause of death amongst Australians, scholarships to help players achieve their off-field goals Dating and relationships in the 21st century are much particularly young males. Alcohol guidelines state men – like attend university or become a qualified tradesman. different to how they were even just a decade ago, but just and women who drink no more than two standard drinks because the times are changing doesn’t mean society’s on any day reduce their risk of harm from alcohol- Read pages 6-11 or email NSWRL Welfare and Education standards are. Today, many people meet up via apps and related disease. They also recommend drinking no more Manager Greg Nichols on [email protected] for websites – but respect remains a key in relationships. than four standard drinks on a single occasion to reduce more information. Treat others as you would want to be treated. The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) was the risk of alcohol-related injury. Alcohol affects athletes’ Phone Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277 or visit established in 1979 to promote and safeguard the on-field performance, too. interests of its members, being professional Rugby www.nsw.relationships.com.au for more information. GAMBLING League Players in Australia and the New Zealand Phone Alcoholics Anonymous on 1300 222 222 or visit Warriors. The RLPA is the collective voice of the Players www.alcohol.gov.au for more. It is estimated there are more than 300,000 problem that seeks to effectively influence decision makers within gamblers in Australia. In any form of punting, whether it’s the Game, and secure the best employment environment on sports betting, at casino tables or the pokies, the and career path in Australian sport for its members. So gaming operators are the only people who truly win. that this “collective voice” continues to be effective and Remember: you cannot bet or be involved in betting on influential, all members need to be actively engaged, any rugby league games anywhere in the world when you whether it be attending meetings, functions or simply sign an NSWRL or NRL contract. Betting on rugby league voicing their opinions. will result in sanctions and possible criminal charges.
Phone the Gambling Help hotline on 1800 858 858 or visit www.problemgambling.gov.au for more information. Chief Executive Officer David Garnsey Ph: 02 8732 1703 INSURANCE E: [email protected]
All players are responsible for all elective medical and General Manager: Player Engagement and Development associated costs in regards to injuries sustained playing SUPPLEMENTS Tilda Khoshaba in or training for NSWRL-administered competitions. The Ph: 02 8732 1704 DRUGS NSWRL purchases limited-cover insurance to protect any Lots of people think pills and powders work like a power-up E: [email protected] person who sustains a life-threatening or fatal injury. in a video game. They don’t. The best thing players can Drug use affects more than just the user. Cocaine, Injured players unable to work may be eligible for an do to give themselves and their bodies the best chance General Manager: Media and Communications marijuana, ecstasy and speed, to name a few, can destroy income protection claim. of success is to eat well. Remember, any substance found Gennie Sheer families, cripple relationships and even kill. Illicit drug in a player’s body is their own responsibility. Ph: 02 8732 1701 use ends football careers too. Think about the impact of E: [email protected] your choices. Visit www.checksubstances.asada.gov.au for more information. Manager Player Liaison Phone Alcohol and Drug Information Service on Michael Crocker (02) 9361 8000 (Sydney) or 1800 422 599 (regional Ph: 02 8732 1705 NSW) or visit www.drugs.health.gov.au for more. VIOLENCE E: [email protected] MEN OF LEAGUE Acts of violence will not be tolerated at rugby league Men of League was founded on the principal that people matches – on or off the field. Australia says no to who are or have been a part of the great rugby league violence in football and in society. Players who have family should be able to find support when they fall on committed violent acts risk suspension/expulsion from the league and jail time. hard times. Men of League can assist young footballers who have had their lives seriously impacted by injury, Phone 000 to report incidents of violence to the police. guiding them to a better and more secure future. Men of League is about all the people who make rugby league such a great game, not just players at the elite levels. VILIFICATION
Phone (02) 8765 2232 or visit menofleague.com for Comments which denigrate another person based on more information. their race, religion, colour, descent, nationality, gender, sexuality, marital status, disability or HIV/Aids status are referred to as vilification. This powerful form of abuse MENTAL HEALTH can have a massive impact on someone’s state of mind. CONTACTS EDUCATION Don’t accept it in your team! Statistics show that in each year approximately one in Just because you’re focussed on your footy career every five Australians will experience a mental illness – Phone the Australian Human Rights Commission doesn’t mean you can’t be focussed on other things too. and footballers are not immune. If you or someone you or visit www.humanrights.gov.au for The NRL and NSWRL offer a range of programs and know is struggling, help them on the road to recovery. more information.
NSWRL | 54 NSWRL | 55