The NSWRL is tracking for another successful season in 2024 with more than 100,000 participants already signing up to play in just under 700 clubs across the state.
Clubs are also being encouraged to take the pledge to celebrate #RESPECT Round on the weekend of 4-5 May for a chance to win great prizes including a visit from Westpac NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire and True Blue ambassadors.
“The start of the NSWRL Community Rugby League season is something the NSWRL looks forward to every year,” NSW Community Rugby League Manager Peter Clarke said.
“It can represent the start of a player’s Rugby League journey, or a chance to take the field and connect with friends again while playing the Game for All.
“There is still plenty of time to sign up and there are so many formats available for participants to get involved including traditional (tackle), League Tag, Try Time, Physical Disability Rugby League and Wheelchair Rugby League.
“I also encourage all clubs to take the pledge for #RESPECT Round which is an initiative that was started by the NSWRL in 2016 to promote a positive environment for all participants and spectators and discourage negative behaviour with this year’s theme being ‘Words Have Power.’
“I thank everyone who will be part of the 2024 NSWRL Community Rugby League season, including players, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators, and wish you all a great season.”
The NSWRL enjoyed record participation levels in 2023, with 112,767 participants signing up to play the Game for All. This represented an increase of more than seven per cent on 2022 registrations.
In 2023, there was an almost five per cent increase (86,580) in male participation and more than 14 per cent increase in the female game (26,187). It was the third consecutive season that a new benchmark had been established for female participation.
The early figures are encouraging for the 2024 season, with registrations up more than six per cent on a year-to-date basis. Male participation is up more than three per cent and female participation is up more than 18 per cent on a year-to-date basis.
The NSWRL will present the ‘Danielle Kifooti #RESPECT Award’ to the club who has the highest number of pledges in 2024, in honour of the late NSWRL employee who started the campaign in 2016. The pledges are based on percentage of membership to encourage all clubs to get involved, regardless of size.
There are great prizes up for grabs including a money-can’t-buy experience of a visit from Maguire and True Blue ambassadors for the winning club; a $1000 Steeden voucher for the runner-up; and a signed Westpac NSW Blues jersey for the third-placed club.
This year’s theme of ‘Words Have Power’ will focus on the effect positive comments from players, members, volunteers and spectators can have on building healthy cultures at clubs, while at the same time dissuading negative comments.
The criteria for the winning club includes no code of conduct breaches in the past season, 100 per cent compliance for coaches, and 100 per cent compliance for Working with Children Checks, a positive report from the NSWRL regarding their contribution to the game, and outstanding social media interaction to help promote #RESPECT Round. The NSWRL is tracking for another successful season in 2024 with more than 100,000 participants already signing up to play in just under 700 clubs across the state.
