NRL's hardline stance on violence in line with message of schools to their young athletes
Schools are clamping down on sportsfield fighting
in light of recent State of Origin violence but have called on
professional players and rugby league legends to do more to ban the
biff.
The NRL's tough one-punch-you're-out stance and the sin-binning of
four players during Origin II has been criticised as heavy handed
by high-profile commentators, but it is in line with what many
schools and junior clubs are preaching to youngsters.
After Origin I, when Paul Gallen escaped the sin-bin for
repeatedly punching Nate Myles, Brisbane rugby union school St
Joseph's Nudgee College said in its newsletter the issue would be
raised with students after holidays.
"On our first assembly back our behavioural expectations for
winter sport will be outlined but it is worthy to note early that
school sport is primarily about participation, friendship,
discipline and enjoyment - there is no place for violence,
intolerance and stupidity," the newsletter said.
"The disgraceful behaviour of our professional football players in
State of Origin was evidence that the message about violence and
assault is still not getting through.''
Dean of students Paul Begg said the professionals could learn from
schoolboy competitions.
"Across the sporting codes, if there is one punch boys are
suspended for a mandatory minimum and a judiciary decides if they
should be playing the game at all," Mr Begg said.
"Our respected sporting legends like Wally Lewis and Mal Meninga
can help the next generation of sporting stars by speaking up
against biff on the field.''
Moreton Bay Boys' College head Tony Wood agreed sporting legends
had a role to play in sending a positive message.
"I realise the top men in sport are in a bind in that they are
trying to promote their code to the general public and keep
spectators happy but they are also trying to promote the sport at
schoolboy level," he said.
"As far as our school is concerned - across all codes - a punch is
never acceptable. The message in schoolboy competitions is very
clear that violence will not be tolerated."
Greater Brisbane Junior Rugby League operations manager Shane
McNally called for improved education to help coaches deal with
aggression among players.
"They should be able to recognise that at training and implement
processes in training to ensure those players don't carry that
aggression onto the field," he said.
"Children playing any sport try to copy their heroes. If they see
a player do something on the field, they'll try and duplicate
that."
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