NSWRL set to clamp down on referee abuse with introduction of new judiciary body

In the wake of referees in the bush withdrawing their services due to abuse, the NSWRL has revealed a new body will be enforced to address dissent of match officials from every local league across the state.

The NSWRL has announced a special judiciary to deal with incidents of referee abuse. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

The New South Wales Rugby League has taken a major step to address abuse of match officials in local leagues across the state.

In the wake of concerning reports of referee safety being put into question, a dedicated body has been set up to deal with issues of misconduct.

Previously incidents would be dealt with by individual leagues, but the NSWRL hopes the new judiciary committee will create greater consistency in penalties in an effort to stamp out abuse of match officials.

“In a major initiative to support referees, NSWRL has announced the creation of a judiciary committee to deal specifically with issues of referee dissent and abuse across community competitions,” NSWRL said.

“Any such issue arising from any community competition in NSW will be referred directly to this judiciary committee, irrespective of where the incident occurs.”

Referees are set to receive more support from NSWRL. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography.

The judiciary will feature three people coming together to deal with incidents on a case-by-case basis.

“The judiciary committee will consist of a nominee of NSWRL, a nominee of the NSWRL Referees Association and an independent Chair.

“The creation of the committee will ensure consistency of judiciary outcomes across the state and support for referees.”

It comes in the wake of Group 10 and 11 referees withdrawing their services from Peter McDonald Premiership fixtures in western NSW.

The two referees associations issued a joint statement expressing their displeasure with sanctions handed down for referee abuse in a reserve grade fixture last month and called for more support.