Sydney rugby league club strikes deal to stream games
A junior Sydney rugby league club has found a novel way to overcome COVID-19 restrictions that will stop parents and grandparents from attending matches.
NSW
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A junior rugby league club in Sydney is going the extra yard to overcome COVID-19 restrictions that will stop parents and grandparents from attending matches — by broadcasting every game live into lounge rooms.
And the matches from the under-8s and up will even carry expert commentary.
One of the many winter sports to postpone their season due to the ongoing pandemic, the NSW junior rugby league 2020 season finally kicked-off yesterday.
In order to launch the shortened season, the NSWRL have had to enforce social-distancing measures at grounds and new rules which allows just one parent or grandparent on the sidelines.
Such is the fluid nature of the virus and its impact, the number of parents or grandparents allowed on the sideline could drop to none, depending on the rate and risk of infection in coming weeks.
The likelihood of some parents missing out on watching their son or daughter play footy has led to Sutherland Shire junior rugby league club, De La Salle, to signing a deal with BarTv Sports, one of Australia’s leading streaming companies, which will film every match played at their home ground.
The subscription-based service will also allow every player from the club the novel experience of being able to record and replay their own matches.
Respected NRL experts and commentators Joel Caine and Jimmy Smith, who both have children registered at the club, will also call some of the junior matches.
Club president Dave Nicholson said the decision to film matches live was made as a direct result of COVID-19 restrictions, while adding it would also undoubtedly improve the
behaviour of both players on the field and the parents who are permitted on the sidelines.
“This is something we’ve been talking to BarTv for a while, as we’re always interested in looking at different ways to promote the sport and broadening the access of our sport,’’ Mr Nicholson said.
“We felt now was the perfect time to try this, during what has been a fairly rough time for everyone, particularly the kids who have been waiting to play footy all year.
“We know that there will be times that some parents and relatives won’t be able to attend matches, or don’t feel comfortable attending matches, so why not take their son or daughter’s game to them?
“We think the kids also will get a huge kick out of watching themselves on replay and possibly with a bit of commentary from Joel and Jimmy as well.
“Ultimately we’ve done this because we want to give everyone the opportunity to continue to support their child, but given the fact every game is being filmed, I think you’ll see players on the field and parents off it, will be making sure their behaviour is also in-check.’’