Minto Cobras awarded #RESPECT Club of the Year

Minto Cobras JRLFC have been crowned the 2022 #RESPECT Club of the Year after successfully promoting the NSWRL initiative which encourages positive game day behaviour toward referees.

The Cobras will receive a prize to the value of $2000 thanks to the support of McDonald’s, with 250 clubs across the state taking the pledge this season.

“The club has a new committee this year and they are working really hard to ensure they run a good club,” NSW Community Rugby League Manager Peter Clarke said.

“I am pleased to see that their efforts throughout this weekend have lead to them receiving this award.

“A positive game day environment is important in attracting new players and referees to our game and it has been a great initiative with Clubs across the state all getting involved and spreading the message.”

#RESPECT Round, which was held in May, focuses on game day behaviour toward referees and serves as a reminder for more than 100,000 players, spectators and officials involved in Community Rugby League to promote a positive environment.

Community Rugby League team captains and referees enter the field of play together and give a thumbs up as they line up for a photo before the game, as well as sharing messages using the #RESPECT hashtag on social media.

#RESPECT Round also featured during the Country v City representative weekend with all 16 team captains and referees giving a thumbs up before kick-off across the three venues.

The #RESPECT campaign started in 2016 with 16,000 pledges being made online by participants across the game in line with the NSWRL’s vision to eliminate poor behaviour and promote a positive environment for all players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and families.