Cronulla Junior Rugby League swearing ban: Clubs, NRL back plan to penalise foul-mouthed kids

A junior rugby league association in Sydney has launched an unprecedented crackdown on swearing in which kids could be sin binned for abuse. Find out full details and read Buzz Rothfield’s take here.

Addin Fonua-Blake during his time with Manly. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has praised the hard line stance of a junior rugby league association to start sending players as young as six off the field for swearing.

The bad language crackdown began this weekend across every match of the Cronulla Junior Rugby League in southern Sydney.

The firm action has been taken by the CJRL just a fortnight after Queensland State of Origin and Broncos star Reece Walsh was controversially suspended for three weeks following an expletive-ladened spray levelled at referee Chris Butler.

Walsh is currently serving a suspension after being found guilty of contrary conduct for saying: “What the f*** do you mean, c***” following a penalty against the Broncos in their loss to the Titans last month.

Reece Walsh blows up at the referee. Picture: NRL Photos.

Earlier this NRL season, Bulldogs cult-hero Josh Reynolds was fined $1,000 by the NRL after yelling “bulls**t” at referee Grant Atkins in a match against St George-Illawarra.

Last year while playing for Melbourne, Brandon Smith was suspended for three matches by the NRL for calling referee Adam Gee “a cheating bastard.”

CJRL general manager Chris Bannerman announced the crackdown to every club within the association earlier this week, citing that swearing had reached intolerable levels.

The new rules include immediate sin bins and send-offs for players over the age of 12 who are heard to be swearing at a match official.

Josh Reynolds was fined for swearing at a referee this year. Picture: Twitter.

For players in the under-12’s or younger, referees will have new powers to order the immediate rotation of a player who is found to be swearing. The referee will have the discretion to ensure the offending player stays off the field.

Abdo gave the stance his full support.

“The initiative should be applauded,” Abdo told The Sunday Telegraph.

“Our aim should always be to create a respectful, inclusive and enjoyable experience for all of our participants. That includes players, referees, officials, volunteers and supporters.

“Offensive behaviour of any nature is not consistent with the values of the game and should not be tolerated.”

Bannerman metered out the clamp down on swearing via email to every club within the CJRL.

“In recent weeks it has been noted by referees, Ground Managers, CJRL board members and spectators at many venues, that the instances of loud swearing from players and interchange benches have reached a point where this can no longer be tolerated, if we are to create a welcoming environment for people of all ages who come along to support family members on match day,” Bannerman wrote.

De La Salle under-14 players Lachlan Turner, Nathan Suttor, Lachlan Barnes, Van Kome, Archer Sorensen and Ryan Klaassen. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“Following consultation with the referee’s association, the CJRL wishes to advise clubs that as from Round 12 (Sat 15 and Sun 16 July) match officials are being supported in taking a firm and consistent approach in dealing with swearing by match participants.

“Swearing and dissent directed towards match officials may result in the offending players being sin-binned and their team penalised (as a minimum penalty) whilst more serious instances may result in dismissal.

“Any instances of swearing from interchange benches will also be dealt with.

“For competitions up to under 12’s, any instances of swearing may result in players being rotated out of the game at the discretion of the referee, who will ensure the Ground Manager is fully aware that the player is not to return to the game.”

Overseeing the biggest club within the CJRL association, De La Salle Caringbah Club President Dave Nicholson backed the stance and suggested the move could have a far-reaching impact.

Brandon Smith after being sent to the sin bin. Picture: NRL Photos

“It’s a strong move and not only is it one that our club fully supports, it’s one we hope has a flow-on effect across our entire community,’’ Nicholson said.

“We have responded by calling on all our players, coaching staff members and officials and family members to abide by the firm position taken by the CJRL while reminding them of our responsibility to protect the image of the game at all times.”

“Swearing doesn’t have to be a part of our game and so we should be doing our best to get rid of it.’’

BUZZ ROTHFIELD: CRONULLA CRACKDOWN SHOULD BE ADOPTED AUSTRALIA-WIDE

Phil Rothfield

The NRL will never completely outlaw swearing in rugby league.

It is the most brutal of all sports in which aggression is as important as skill.

In the heat of the moment there will always be some blow-ups and choice language amongst the participants.

However the crackdown on swearing at match officials in the Cronulla junior league is a fantastic move.

Kids need to be taught from a young age that this behaviour is totally unacceptable.

That if you want to play rugby league you must respect referees and touch judges.

Incidents in the NRL this year have been disappointing.

No-one has a bigger fan club than Broncos superstar Reece Walsh, who was recently banned for three weeks for using foul language, that cannot be repeated in a family newspaper, to a referee.

Action from the junior rugby league game in Sydney.

The mistake the referee made that day was in his failure to send him off.

Youngsters want to copy everything Walsh does on a football field.

His speed, step, swerve, try celebrations and the lot.

This is why the Cronulla crackdown should become a mandatory ruling across the game.

In every state, every town, and every game — you swear towards a ref — you’re off.

Being taught from a young age is the way to go.

Junior referee numbers have been on the decline for many years.

It’s from the abuse of sideline parents, coaches and players.

Any measures taken to stamp it out have to be applauded.