NRL announce new code of conduct for 2024, taking aim at ‘spectator misconduct’

The NRL has announced a new code of conduct for 2024, cracking down on ‘spectator misconduct’ in a move to protect players and match officials after a number of high profile incidents in recent years.

Latrell Mitchell was racially abused while leaving the field at BlueBet Stadium at the end of their Round two clash against the Panthers in 2023. Picture: Getty Images

The NRL has announced a code of conduct aimed at “spectator misconduct” in a bid to protect players and match officials from “abusive language and racial remarks”.

The NRL already has general provisions in place to deal with badly behaved fans but the Spectator Code of Conduct is the first of its kind for the game.

“It clearly outlines the game’s expectations of fans when attending events along with the processes for dealing with fan misconduct and its associated consequences, such as spectator bans,” the NRL said in a statement.

Latrell Mitchell was racially abused while leaving the field at BlueBet Stadium at the end of their Round two clash against the Panthers in 2023. Picture: Getty Images

There were a number of high profile incidents in recent times that turned the spotlight on fan behaviour at games.

South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell was racially abused while leaving the field at Bluebet Stadium by a teenage fan in round 2 last season.

The year before, a brawl broke out in the stands at Suncorp Stadium during a match between Canterbury and Newcastle at Magic Round.

Former Rabbitohs legend Greg Inglis was also the subject of an alleged racial slur from a supporter during a match back in 2018.

It’s understood the new policy isn’t a direct result of any particular incident and has been in the works for a while.

The spectator code of conduct outlines explicitly the kinds of behaviour the NRL will not tolerate and also includes the sanctions facing fans who do the wrong thing.

It states, spectators should not:

- Use foul, indecent, obscene, threatening, insulting or abusive words or language, or make racial or threatening remarks or gestures, or behave in a manner which is abusive, riotous, indecent or insulting;

- Not engage in any violent act;

- Not throw or kick any stone, bottle, or projectile;

- Not conduct themselves in any way that injures the reputation of, or brings into disrepute, the ARLC, NRL, the Clubs or the States participating in the Event or the game of rugby league.

Sanctions against fans include, but not limited to “being banned, prohibited, or disqualified from purchasing Tickets for, or attending any Event or other function played, promoted, or conducted under the auspices of the NRL, the ARLC or any Club or State”.

The policy also states the NRL and ARLC has a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to any form of racial discrimination and racial vilification.

In May, the young fan who targeted Mitchell with racial abuse in Penrith was banned from attending NRL games until he apologised to the Rabbitohs star.

Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said “anti-social behaviour” should not be tolerated and welcomed the NRL’s new code.

“The Rabbitohs are fully supportive of the NRL’s Spectator Code of Conduct and welcome its introduction. Rugby league is a passionate sport, and we want members and spectators to express their support for our team and players,” Solly told this masthead.

“But anti-social behaviour that threatens the safety and wellbeing of players, club staff, match officials and fans is unnecessary and should not be tolerated.”