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PENRITH DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE
REFEREES ASSOCIATION
PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR
REFEREES
2014Edition
Contents
MEMBERSHIP
3 MATCH FEES AND PAYMENT
4 WEBSITE
5 PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF REFEREES
6 ROLE FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
7 METHOD OF REPORTS
8 TRAINING
9 COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT OF REFEREES
9 REFEREEING GAMES
9 INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES & LAW CHANGES 2014
10 LAWS READY REFERENCE TABLE
12 TOUGH LOVE IN LEAGUE
14 SAFEPLAY CODE
18 PROCEDURE FOR DISMISSING A PLAYER IN MINI OR MOD FOOTBALL
22 PROCEDURE FOR DISMISSING A PLAYER IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL
22 GRADING OF DISMISSALS
23 JUDICIARY: THE CORRECT CHARGES
24 PROCEDURES FOR ASSAULT ON A REFEREE/TOUCH JUDGE
25 PROCEDURE FOR ALLEGATION OF BITING, EYE GOUGING OR RACIAL VILIFICATION 25 PROCEDURE FOR ANY OTHER INCIDENT OCCURRING AT A GROUND
26 JEWELLERY POLICY
27 GROUND LOCATIONS
27 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE – INCIDENT & DISMISSALS
28 CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
29 EXECUTIVE AND BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
31 OTHER OFFICE BEARERS
32 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE – WHO DO I CONTACT?
34 MENTOR PROGRAM
35 AMART SPORTS DISCOUNT POLICY & PROCEDURE
39 Page 2 of 39
MEMBERSHIP
All members must complete the online registration process at the start of each year. Detailed
instructions on how to register are available in the “members only” section of the Association’s
website. Is the members only section still valid?
All active members MUST provide a doctor’s certificate stating that they are healthy enough to
participate in refereeing activities. Members are not permitted to be appointed by the Penrith
District Rugby League Referee’s Association as they will not be covered by the Association’s
insurance scheme unless the doctor’s certificate is submitted within the correct time frame.
The Prohibited Employment Declaration form is compulsory for ALL members who are in
contact with clubs of a recreational or sporting nature having a significant child membership.
ALL new members must also email the Executive Officer a passport photo. This will enable you
to be provided with an ID pass that will allow you to gain entry onto the field or playing area. No
member will be allowed to enter the playing area without an ID pass.
MEETINGS
Junior Branch meetings are held at 7pm on the second Monday of every month in The
Chairman’s Lounge at Sportingbet Stadium. All members under the age of 18 and their parents
are encouraged to attend.
Association general meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 7.30 pm, after the
Junior Branch meetings in The Chairman’s Lounge at Sportingbet Stadium. All members,
including those under 18 and their parents are encouraged to attend.
MEMBERSHIP FEES
Active members over 18 years of age
Membership levy
10% of fees earned prior to other deductions
Life Members Presentation Dinner
2 x tickets (regardless if function is attended)
Other social functions
Cost price or as determined by the BOM
Gear
Cost price or as determined by the BOM
Insurance
No cost to members
Active members under 18 years of age
Membership levy
10% of fees earned prior to other deductions
Life Members Presentation Dinner
1 x tickets (regardless if function is attended)
Other social functions
Cost price or as determined by the BOM
Gear
Cost price or as determined by the BOM
Insurance
No cost to members
Non Active members
Membership Levy
$10 + GST ($11 total)
Life Members Presentation Dinner
Cost price per ticket if function is attended
Other social functions
Cost price or as determined by the BOM
Gear
Cost price for each item purchased
Insurance
No cost to members
Page 3 of 39
MATCH FEES AND PAYMENT
All fees for the 2014 season will be reflective of fees as set out by NSWRL for all ages and
Grades through the Penrith District. These fees are set out below:
Grade
A Grade
A Reserve
U/21
U/19
U/17
U/16
U/15
U/14
U/13
Mod rules
Mini rules
MATCH FEES
Referee
$88.00
$43.00
$43.00
$43.00
$32.00
$32.00
$31.00
$26.00
$26.00
$21.00
$17.00
Touch Judge
$53.00
$30.00
$30.00
$30.00
$21.00
$21.00
$20.00
$20.00
$18.00
$15.00
$13.00
FINAL SERIES
Referee
$111.00
$53.00
$53.00
$53.00
$36.00
$36.00
$34.00
$31.00
$31.00
$21.00
$17.00
Touch Judge
$63.00
$32.00
$32.00
$32.00
$24.00
$24.00
$24.00
$21.00
$19.00
$15.00
$13.00
If you provide the Director of Finance and Sponsorship your bank account details for EFT of
referees fees, the Association will endeavour to transfer your fees in two payments during the
season, one before June 30 and the final payment at the conclusion of the Sunday Division 1
final series.
You can email these details to [email protected]
NAME:
ADDRESS:
BANK ACCOUNT NO:
BSB NO:
BRANCH
By providing these details you are giving permission to the Director of Finance and Sponsorship
to electronically transfer funds accrued by you into a the nominated bank account known by
you. If these bank details change during the season it is YOUR responsibility to notify the
Director of Finance and Sponsorship immediately. If you do not provide your bank details you
will be paid by cheque after the Sunday Division 1 final series has ended.
Page 4 of 39
WEBSITE
The Association has established a website at www.penrithreferees.com.au to assist members.
Association news and activities are added to the page regularly to keep all members up to date.
Each week during the season the appointments are posted early in the week and any changes to
these appointments are posted by Thursday night. Each active member MUST check these
appointments to see if there games or grounds have been changed.
You can also keep up-to-date with Association activities via Facebook and Twitter. On Facebook
you can search for the Association account by typing “Penrith Referees”. Our Twitter handle is
@penrithreferees.
If anyone has anything they would like added to the website, Facebook or Twitter please contact
the media officer at [email protected]
A reminder that all members are bound by the Association’s Social Media Policy and must strictly
adhere to it.
Clause 14.4
A Referee shall not, at any time, make any comment in any publication whether written,
televised or broadcast including social media forums, detrimental to the interests, welfare or
image of the Association, fellow members and the Penrith and Districts Junior Rugby League.
By Law 28.8
Mass Information Media (including, but not limited to. Face Book, YouTube, Twitter etc) has the
ability for members to either deliberately or inadvertently criticise other members or
stakeholders (including, but not limited to Penrith DRL, NRL, NSWRLRA etc.). In the event that
such criticism is brought to the attention of the Board of Management, the members responsible
shall be stood down immediately from all Association duties and referred to the Discipline
Committee. At the Disciplinary Committee hearing the onus shall be on the member to prove the
criticism he/she directed at another member/stakeholder was not done so because of their
position within or their membership of the Association. Any breach of the above clause and/or by-law will result in the member being referred to the
Disciplinary Committee and may hold considerable ramifications for the member responsible.
Page 5 of 39
PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF
REFEREES
INTRODUCTION
The appointment and assessment of referees is always a very difficult and time-consuming task.
In some instances, it is considered to be a thankless task for the members of the Appointments
Board as they are placed in a no win situation at final series time.
A summary of procedures and guidelines for the appointment of referees to matches in 2014 has
been produced following consultation with the Board of Management, (the BOM) Appointments
Board (the Board) and the training staff to ensure maximum input from an excellent cross section
of experienced people.
It is essential for all active members to be conversant with these guidelines. The Appointments
Board will apply them stringently to all members throughout the season. Ignorance of the
guidelines is no excuse and it will be to your benefit to give 100% effort in all your endeavours both
on and off the field in 2014.
All members have various responsibilities to fulfil in their capacity as an active referee. All
active members must observe the following when officiating in matches:



Arrive at the ground and be dressed and ready at least 15 minutes prior to the
commencement of your game.
Never arrive or leave the ground in your gear unless you are travelling to another ground
to referee. In those cases wear a tracksuit or other clothing over your referee’s gear.
Show courtesy to and respect officials, players and your fellow members at all times.
Advise the Coordinators of your inability to officiate on any weekend as soon as possible. The
deadline for changes to appointments is Thursday at 6pm.
METHOD OF APPOINTMENTS
The Appointments Board will undertake the appointment of referees to matches, with assistance
and advice from the Advisory Panel and the Development Panel.
Senior Football
The Appointments Board will make the appointments for Sunday football each Sunday evening.
Appointments will not be made in advance with the exception of "pencilling in" touch judges. This
is possible due to those referees whose NRAS accreditation restricts their eligibility for appointment
to referee at this level.
The Board will regularly examine competition tables to assist in the appointment of the best
performing referees to the most important game/s in each grade.
Junior Football
The Association has elected a Junior Coordinator who is responsible for the appointment of
members, including changes for games played on Saturdays. The Board will review as necessary
any member's appointments based on reports received from the Development Panel.
School Football
If you are available for school football please contact the Junior Coordinator. When appointed to
school football, you must ensure that the grade you are asked to officiate is permitted by your
accreditation level and age.
Page 6 of 39
ROLE FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Referees’ Coordinator
The Referees’ Coordinators have overall responsibility for the appointment of referees to all
matches played within the Penrith district and under the jurisdiction of the Penrith and Districts
Junior Rugby League. The Coordinators will also be involved in the organising of training and
work under the guidance of the Coaching and Development Manager to facilitate the coaching
and development of referees.
Appointments Board
The Appointments Board will assist the Referees’ Coordinators with the weekly appointment of
referees to all matches played in the Penrith district. Members of the Board will be available
each weekend to undertake an assessment of referees’ performances.
The Board will meet each Sunday evening to review reports on the performances of members
and to appoint members based on these reports. Reports shall be received from the Advisory
Panel, Development Panel and other members co-opted to assist the Board from time to time.
Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel will assist the Board with the assessment of members' performances in
Sunday football (Under 16 to A Grade). The Advisory Panel members will submit reports to the
Board each Sunday and ensure written reports are given to members on the day and copies to
the Coordinator within seven days.
Advisory Panel members will attend meetings of the Board on the first Sunday of every month
and on other occasions when there is reason to do so, for example, a report of an unsatisfactory
nature that requires immediate discussion with the Board.
Development Panel
The Development Panel will assist the Board in the assessment of members' performances in
Saturday football. A Secretary will be appointed to the Panel (by the Board) to compile a
summary report of members' performances and be a direct link to the Board. A senior member
will undertake this role in 2014.
The primary role of the Development Panel is to offer constructive advice and assistance to the
less experienced members. This advice will be invaluable in the future development of our
referees, particularly when the areas that require improvement are fed back to the training staff.
The Appointments Board will be ex-officio members of the Development Panel.
Mentors
The roles of the Mentors are defined later in this document. The Mentoring Program is
designed to assist all referees in their development and transitional stages. Please contact your
Mentor if you need any clarification.
Page 7 of 39
METHOD OF REPORTS
The basic requirement for any report on a member’s performance is for the report to be
constructive and meaningful. The primary aim of reports is to highlight areas for improvement
and to assist the member develop as a referee. Reports that are not constructive will not be
accepted by the Board.
Written reports are to be submitted to the Board otherwise the report will be deemed invalid.
Members of the Board or Advisory Panel shall not be required to submit a report on a member
when the Panel member is acting in the capacity of touch judge on the same game.
As previously stated, reports are to be given to the member on the day. Members should not
leave the ground until the Appointments Board, Advisory Panel or Development Panel member
has given them their report. It should be noted the report by a Development Panel member will
on occasions be a summary of the member's performances in several games during the day.
The Board shall apply the following rating system to matches played under the International
rules:




Highly Competent (with constructive comments)
Competent (with comments for improvement as necessary)
Area of Focus (with comments guiding the referee on areas to focus on next game)
Area of Improvement (with constructive comments to rectify problems)
Members who are demoted will be initially be advised by telephone by the Senior Coordinator of
their demotion and offered the opportunity to meet with the Board to discuss the report.
The six key areas the Board and Advisory Panel shall assess a referee’s performance are:
10 metres
Rulings
Scrum Control
Positional Play
Play the ball
General Play
Grading of Referees
The Board will initially grade referees for Sunday football in accordance with their end of season
ranking, participation and performance in trials and organised training sessions, as well as any
other factors that the Coordinator deems necessary. The Board retains the right to grade other
members at their discretion in a particular grade. This applies to members transferring from
other districts, new members and so on.
Members shall not be appointed to any match if they do not possess the appropriate
accreditation as approved by the National Rugby League. It should also be noted the Board will
not appoint any member until such time as the Senior Coordinator has received an Availability
Form. Where members do not officiate in trial matches, without an approved exemption, the
Board reserves the right to grade them at their discretion.
Members will not initially be graded by a number but placed in a group representative of the
grade of football in which they are officiating at the time. Members will be graded on ability,
merit and performance.
Page 8 of 39
TRAINING
Training is held every Tuesday at Jamison Park No. 5 from 6.30pm to 8pm. You need to bring
your whistle, flags, boots and joggers to every session. Training will address both fitness and
skills including laws of the game
All active members are encouraged to attend training as this plays an important role in your
development as a referee. All members who are currently or aspiring to referee under 19, A
Reserve and A Grade are required to attend training.
The Board will consider the attendance and participation of members at training when assessing
members’ eligibility and ability to referee final series matches. Members unable to attend
training should advise the Referees' Coordinators in writing.
It should be noted that to attend training is to participate; do not attend training if you are not
prepared or able to train.
In the event of wet weather please check the Association’s website for notice of a change of
venue.
COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT OF REFEREES
The Coaching and Development Manager will oversee the coaching and development of all
referees. It is the responsibility of the Appointments Board, Advisory Panel and Coordinators to
identify areas for improvement in referees. The Coaching and Development Manager will at
times hold training sessions that will focus on laws of the game and theory sessions. It is
strongly encouraged that referees attend these sessions.
It is very important for referees to seek coaching and guidance from other referees also. This
may include your mentor, a more senior referee or your advisory/appointments board member.
The Coaching and Development Manager can be contacted on 0448 890 481 or
[email protected]. Coaching and tips will also be available on the Association’s
website.
REFEREEING GAMES
You should only officiate in matches that you have been appointed to, or have been officially
advised to by the Referees’ Coordinators. On the Monday following the weekend matches, the
updated appointments for the previous weekend will be posted in the Members Only area of the
Association website www.penrithreferees.com.au.
It is your responsibility to check the changes to the appointments and that the games that you
officiated are reflected on the appointments on the website. If these are wrong (games you did
are not reflected on the changes) send an email to the Assistant Director of Finance at
[email protected] and advise them of the changes. If your games are
correct then you do not have to do anything.
At 5pm on the Friday following the weekend’s games the appointment changes on the website
will be removed. From that point those are the appointments that will be tallied for each member
and match fees allocated accordingly. Adjustments will not be made after the Friday deadline.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Finance &
Sponsorship. They would rather help you and answer your questions at the start of the season
instead of advising you that you will not be paid for games because you did not check the
change.
Page 9 of 39
INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES & LAW CHANGES 2014
The following Interpretation Guidelines (of the Laws of the Games) and changes to the Laws of
the Games approved by the NRL will be implemented in games played in the Penrith District
Junior Rugby League in 2014.
1. Interpretation Guidelines
Shoulder Charge – will be penalised when a defending player does not make a genuine attempt
to tackle the man in possession. A player who turns his hips in, tucks an arm in a way that he
cannot catch/hold the man in possession; this will be deemed a shoulder charge.
High Tackle – a defender will be penalised when he makes any contact with the head or neck of
an opposing player.
10 metres – will be measured from the centre of the ruck. When the play the ball is taking place
on a line of demarcation, the referee will mark the 10 metres at the next line.
Role of Touch Judges – the touch judge is the sole judge of touch and touch in goal and kicks at
goal. In senior games the touch judge will assist the referee in policing the 10 metres as the
near side touch judge will be in line with the ruck/PTB, and the far side touch judge will be
marking the 10metres in line with the Referee.
Penalty / Free Kick – a penalty or free kick is to be taken in compliance with the Laws of the
Game (section 13) and a quick penalty restart is permitted on any infringement against the team
not in possession except:
 10 metre penalties;
 within 10 metres of the opposition goal line;
 where the referee is required to caution a player;
 where the referee requires it to be delayed; or
 where the mark has been advanced.
Captain’s Communication – the captain is entitled to speak to the referee to clarify a ruling at
any stoppage including tries, injuries or goal line dropout and at halftime prior to leaving the
field. A penalty or scrum is not considered to be a stoppage for the purpose of a captain’s
communication with the referee.
2. International Law Changes
Spearing at the Legs/Third Man In – when a player is held in an upright position by two
defenders, any additional defender must make initial contact to the player above their
knees/knee joint. In addition, referees will call held earlier on upright tackles to deter
unnecessary contact by the third man in tackles and have been advised to take strong action
against players who commit a breach of this law.
20 metre restart – the optional kick is to be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Games
(sections 2 and 8) and must be taken when all officials are in position and when the whistle is
blown. The first tackle after a 20-metre restart will be a zero tackle.
40/20 restart – after a successful 40/20 kick, play will recommence with a tap kick awarded to
the attacking team 20 metres from the touchline but no closer than 10 metres from the goal line.
Kick out on full – if the ball is kicked into touch on the full on any tackle, the non-offending team
will recommence play with a handover where the ball was kicked but no closer than 10 metres
from the touchline and 10 metres from the goal line.
Page 10 of 39
3. Modified Laws Changes:
Based on feedback provided by the State Leagues, two changes were approved for
implementation in season 2014. The law changes for 2014 applicable to the under 6 and under
7 year age groups are as follows:
 following a try, the non-scoring team will restart play from the halfway line with a tap kick;
and
 no scrums will apply to the modified games under any circumstance
(See Appendix A below for further detail on both these law changes)
Appendix A
The following supported and agreed changes to the Laws, effective in the Under 6 and Under 7
(Mini Footy) age groups only will apply in 2014:
Scrum
Scrums are not to be formed in the 6 and 7 year age groups. A change of possession will occur
in all circumstance where otherwise a scrum may have been formed in the 6 and 7 year age
groups. In the case of (c) below, the team with territorial advantage will be provided with
possession.
(14) Scrums, should they occur in Mini Footy (never in 6 and 7 year age groups), will consist of
three (3) players from each team who are to be correctly bound in the accepted fashion. A
scrum will only be packed when
(a) there is an infringement by BOTH sides, e.g. a double knock-on, except after three (3)
play-the-balls;
(b) from a penalty kick the ball is touched by a member of the non-kicking team before
entering touch;
(c) there is an infringement involving the referee, a touch judge or a spectator.
Starts / Re-Starts of Play
(17) Following a try, the non-scoring team will re-start play with a place kick (i.e. tap kick restart) from the centre of the halfway line. The ball need not travel any prescribed distance. The
place kick re-starts are to be taken, in rotation, by all members of the team…as in Law 16 re
attempts at conversion after a try has been scored.
(18) Although the field is reduced in size, scrums – for 8 years and above – are still to be set
10 metres from the touch line and goal line. Penalties normally taken 10 metres from the goal
line are still to be taken from that line.
Page 11 of 39
TOUGH
LOVE
in league
Curbing
violence in
our game
TOUGH
LOVE IS
Automatic send off’s for punching
Zero tolerance of fighting
Abandoning games for Melee’s
Minimum suspensions
for violence
Stamping out abuse
of match officials
Be FAIR
Beware
Bewarned
IT’S TIME
H
G
U
O
T
T
E
G
TO
In season 2011, NSW
Junior Leagues will crack
down on violence in the
Grassroots game.
Leagues have agreed to trial the
new “Tough Love in League”
regulations in the Under 13 –
Under 17 age groups.
The program has the
endorsement of the NSW Rugby
League, and is documented in
this brochure.
No longer will a minority ruin the
Rugby League experience for the
vast majority.
The “Tough Love in League”
(TLIL) program was designed
with four key objectives in mind:
1. To reduce the amount of
violence in the Grassroots
game.
2. To take pressure off young and
inexperienced referees and
match officials.
3. To make the Junior League
experience safe, fair and fun
for all.
4. To encourage increased
participation in the game.
Desired program outcomes,
include:
• Reduced on field violence.
• Elimination of unsavoury
behaviour towards referees.
• Stop “all in” melees.
• Remove repeat offenders from
the game (both teams and
individuals).
• Reduce the number of matches
being abandoned because of
poor behaviour.
• Stop spectators from entering
the field.
• Educate players at a young age
that violence in our game will
not be tolerated.
1. Charge Sheets
1.1 All Leagues are encouraged
to use standardised “send off
charge sheets”.
2. Legal Representation
2.1 A player may take legal
representation into a judiciary
hearing. However the Judiciary
may suspend such a hearing until
it retains legal representation on
its own behalf.
3. Video Evidence
3.1 Junior Leagues are
encouraged to provide video
coverage at all Sunday JL
games. This will assist with
judiciary procedures, and for
citing purposes.
4. On Field Violence
ARL Laws of the Game
Player’s Misconduct - A player is
guilty of misconduct if he: a) Trips,
kicks or strikes another player.
“When instances of misconduct
occur, unless there is an
advantage to the non-offending
side, a penalty is awarded
against the offender. Note: (a) is
considered to be foul play and
may warrant instant dismissal.
They are not Sin Bin offences”.
4.1 Zero tolerance of fighting on
the field.
Any player who throws a punch
or “strikes” another during a
match will be automatically sent
from the field. If that player is
subsequently found guilty at
Judiciary, the MINIMUM penalty
will be a one week suspension.
4.2 Any player found guilty of
breaching rule 4.1 for the third
time in a season will incur
an automatic MINIMUM 12
month suspension from
the game.
4.3 A “TIME OUT” system will be
introduced whenever a severe
“melee” occurs.
A melee is considered to be
misconduct involving more than
two players in the game at any
one time.
The referee will signal a “TIME
OUT” period and call for the
ground manager to bring both
coaches’ onto the field.
coaches’.
Be FAIR
Beware
Bewarned
Teams are to be taken to
opposite ends of the field and
spoken to by their respective
coaches.
The referee will then dismiss from
the field offending players under
the TLIL policy (4.1).
The ground manager and referees
will decide when play will resume.
A repeat “melee” will result in
the match automatically being
abandoned.
If a match is abandoned after a
time out period, the respective
coach’s from the offending teams
will face a Code of Conduct panel
hearing.
4.4 Penalties for abandoned
games will be at the discretion
of the local League as
there can be many different
circumstances to consider
when judging such cases.
The NSWRL would urge that
in the majority of cases that
games are not replayed, and
teams are liable for loss of
competition points.
4.5 Any team that has had
more than two abandoned
matches in a season will be
automatically disqualified
from that competition for
that season.
4.6 Any player who runs onto
the field of play from the
team “bench” area during a
match will be automatically
sent from the field and
incur a MINIMUM six week
suspension if found guilty at
Judiciary.
5. Match Official Abuse
5.1 Any player or official found
guilty of touching a referee
or official in an aggressive or
inappropriate manner will be
disqualified from the game
for a minimum period of 12
months.
5.2 Any player or official who
verbally abuses or intimidates
a referee or match official will
be dismissed from the field
and face Judiciary for further
judgment.
6. Spectators
6.1 Any spectator who enters the
playing area with intent, will
automatically be banned from
attending any Junior League
fixtures for a MINIMUM period
of twelve months and will be
liable to pay a fine under the
ARL Code of Conduct.
6.2 If a person breaches a
disqualification under rule 6.1,
the team and or club that the
person is associated with will
be liable for penalty under the
ARL Code of Conduct.
7. Trainers, Coaches and
Managers
7.1 If a trainer, coach or manager
touches an opposition player
during a “melee” an automatic
MINIMUM six week
suspension will apply if that
person is found guilty of such
an offence.
For the “Tough Love in League”
regulations to be successful,
they will require the complete
cooperation from all involved
in the game at grassroots level.
There will be pain before there
is gain.
If our game is to flourish, we
need to rid it of the element that
ruins the enjoyment that so many
people get from it week in and
week out. We need to make it fair,
safe and enjoyable for all involved.
NATIONAL
SAFEPLAY CODE
INTRODUCTION
The Safeplay Code was developed to emphasise safety and good conduct within the game of Rugby League by
creating the best possible on-field environment and actively controlling undesirable actions. It applies to all players
up to and including the Under 15 years age group.
1. TACKLE ZONE
The Code: TACKLES ABOVE THE ARMPITS ARE NOT PERMITTED.
Application:
(a) It is an infringement if, whilst attempting to effect a tackle on a ball-carrier running with an upright
posture, a defender makes contact above the armpits intentionally, recklessly or carelessly.
(b) It is an infringement for a defender/tackler to set upon the head or neck region of a
ball-carrier.
(c) A defender, in front of a ball-carrier who is diving or running with a “stooped” posture, is
permitted to come in contact with the ball-carrier’s shoulder provided the defender’s arm(s)
extends down the shoulder and trunk, i.e. underneath the ball-carrier.
Reference:
Law Book: - Section 15, Law 1 (b), Page 38.
2. DANGEROUS TACKLES
The Code:
(2.1) THE TACKLER’S LEGS CANNOT BE USED TO TRIP IN A THROW.
Application:
The use of the legs in a tackle is not permissible. Using the legs (even if the defender has a hand/
hands on the ball-carrier) to trip or throw the ball carrier constitutes an infringement.
Reference:
Law Book - Section 15, to Law 1 (a) and (d), Page 38
The Code:
(2.2) ADOPTING A CROTCH HOLD IS MISCONDUCT
Application:
Adopting a crotch hold i.e. by placing either a hand or arm in the crotch region is an infringement.
Reference:
Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (i), Page 38
The Code:
(2.3) NO VERTICAL LIFT IN A TACKLE IS PERMITTED.
Application:
Vertical lifting in a tackle is an infringement. No defender(s), during the course of a tackle, are
permitted to vertically lift the ball - carrier. If the possibility of a vertical lift occurs, i.e. one or both
feet of the ball-carrier have been lifted off the ground, the referee must immediately blow the
whistle to prevent the tackle from continuing. (This is not to be confused with a tackle that, in the
same motion, “knocks” a player off his feet).
Reference:
Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (d), and Notes to Law 1(d), Page 38
The Code:
(2.4) A BALL-CARRIER CANNOT BE LIFTED AND DRIVEN.
Application:
A tackle that results in the ball-carrier being lifted and remaining off the ground while the tackler
takes two (2) or more steps to drive the player (in any direction and while the ball-carrier’s feet are
off the ground) is an infringement.
Reference:
Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (d), Notes 1 (d), Page 38.
The Code:
(2.5) THE ADDITIONAL FOLLOWING ACTION(S) BY A TACKLER WILL ALSO INCUR AN IMMEDIATE
PENALTY.
Application:
It is an infringement if, during the course of a tackle, a defender or defenders intentionally lift the leg/
foot of the ball carrier. (This is not to be confused with a tackle that in the same motion, “knocks” a
player off his feet).
Reference:
Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (d) and Notes 1 (d), Page 38.
The Code:
(2.6) A DEFENDER CANNOT “PUSH” THE BALL-CARRIER TO EFFECT/COMPLETE A TACKLE.
Application:
A defender who pushes the ball-carrier to effect / complete a tackle is guilty of an infringement.
Reference:
Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (i), Page 38.
3. SHOULDER CHARGE
The Code:
A DEFENDER CANNOT “SHOULDER CHARGE” A BALL-CARRIER TO AFFECT A TACKLE.
Application:
Shoulder Charge – is where a defender, without attempting to tackle, grab or hold the ball-carrier
(or any opposing player) using the arms or hands, makes direct physical contact with the shoulder
or the upper arm (tucked into the side).
Reference:
Law Book – Section 15, 1(k) Page 38.
4. VICIOUS PALM
The Code:
THE BALL-CARRIER CANNOT “THRUST” OUT AN ARM TO CONTACT THE DEFENDER ABOVE THE
SHOULDER.
Application:
It is an infringement for the ball-carrier to violently punch, thrust out an arm or use an outstretched
stiff arm so as to make contact with the hand or fist to the defending player’s head, neck or face.
(This section does not state that a player cannot legitimately ‘palm’ the head, neck or face).
Reference:
Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (a), Page 38.
5. SLINGING
The Code:
THE USE OF THE BALL-CARRIER’S ARM, OR JERSEY TO SLING OR SWING A PLAYER IS PROHIBITED.
Application:
A defender who uses the arm or jersey of the ball-carrier to sling or swing the player in a tackle
commits an infringement.
Reference:
Law Book - Section 11, Notes 1 (a). Page 23.
6. SANDBAGGING (FLOPPING)
The Code:
A DEFENDER CANNOT DROP OR FALL ON A PRONE PLAYER.
Application:
It is an infringement for a defender to drop, dive or fall on a player in possession of the ball who is
prone or stationary on the ground and not attempting to play-on. (A simple hand-on completes
the tackle).
Reference:
Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (i), Page 38.
7. SURRENDER (IN THE TACKLE)
The Code:
THE BALL-CARRIER MAY SURRENDER IN THE TACKLE. WHEN SMALL AND/OR INEXPERIENCED
PLAYERS ARE INVOLVED IN A “SURRENDER”, DEFENDERS MUST NOT COMPLETE THE TACKLE.
Application:
This rule is designed to protect beginners and small players by minimising risk and eliminating
excessively robust play. The referee, NOT the player, calls ‘held’. Players who are at an obvious
disadvantage because of low levels of experience, are of small stature or show a lack of skill are to
be protected when in possession of the ball and being tackled. A halt to play is to be called (BY THE
REFEREE) when these players submit to the tackle or are held, subdued or their progress is halted
by bigger or more experienced players. Failure by a tackler to respond to the referee’s call is an
infringement.
Reference:
Law Book - Section l l, Law 2 (c), Page 23, Note 2 (c), Page 24.
8. VERBAL ABUSE / FOUL LANGUAGE
The Code:
IT IS AN INFRINGEMENT TO USE THREATENING OR OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE.
Application:
Verbal abuse, obscene language and sledging, including comments or words that threaten or
denigrate an opponent, referee or supporter is an infringement.
Reference:
Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (f ), Page 38.
9. SCRUMS
The Code:
PUSHING OR PULLING IN, OR ROTATING A SCRUM IS NOT PERMITTED.
Application:
All scrums are to be de-powered. Scrums will form as per the following instruction: FORM, ENGAGE
& HOLD. A team that deliberately pushes or pulls in, or rotates a scrum is guilty of an infringement.
Once the ball has been fed into the scrum, only the hookers may strike for the ball. Second row
players can lift a foot to rake the ball out of the scrum, but cannot step forward over the ball to
cause the ball to come out of the scrum.
Reference:
Law Book - Section 12, Law 4, Page 30
It should be noted that every penalty under the Safeplay Code should be accompanied by a caution and instruction
to the player responsible for the infringement.
IMPORTANT NOTE
IT IS MANDATORY THAT A PENALTY IS AWARDED FOLLOWING ANY BREACH/INFRINGEMENT OF THE SAFEPLAY
CODE. IN ADDITION TO A PENALTY FOR A BREACH, REFEREES AT THEIR DISCRETION MAY:
•
SIN BIN THE OFFENDING PLAYER (INTERNATIONAL GAME ONLY)
•
DISMISS THE OFFENDING PLAYER FROM FIELD OF PLAY (INTERNATIONAL GAME ONLY)
Refer International Laws, Section 13, 1 (a) and Section 15- Player’s Misconduct
•
REPLACEMENT IN MINI/MOD GAME
Refer Rugby League Laws of Mini Footy & Mod League Page 14, Law (25) & Page 37 Law (23)
ADVANTAGE PLAY & THE SAFEPLAY CODE
A penalty kick must follow any infringement.
1. IF NO ADVANTAGE OCCURS, the penalty is to be awarded immediately at the mark where the infringment
occured.
2. IF AN ADVANTAGE OCCURS, the penalty is to be awarded either at the breakdown in play immediately after the
misconduct occurred, (unless a try is imminent) or where the act of misconduct occurred, whichever is to the
greater advantage to the non-offending team.
3. WHEN A TRY HAS BEEN SCORED in the same play in which the act of misconduct occurred or in the immediate
play thereafter (the imminent factor), the penalty kick, additional to the conversion, will be awarded in front of
the goal posts. A kick at goal must be taken from the penalty kick (place or drop) and play re-started from the
centre on the half-way line irrespective of the outcome of the kick.
A NOTE ON MODIFIED GAMES (“Laws of Modified Games”, Corcoran, 2002.)
The ‘Sin Bin’ does not apply in Mini Footy or Mod League games. Should a player be guilty of such conduct that
“merits” suspension from the field for a time, then the referee is to advise the player’s team Captain of the problem
and direct that the player be replaced for the remainder of that period of play during which the misconduct occurred.
A player’s Captain may be directed to replace the player for the remainder of the game should that player’s
misconduct warrant such action. In this case, the offending player cannot take any further part in the match. A
player - replaced for a period (Mini) or half (Mod) who resumes playing in a later period / half AND is guilty of further
misconduct MUST be dismissed WITHOUT REPLACEMENT. (International Laws apply here).
IMPLEMENTING THE Safeplay CODE
Promoting the Code All parents, players, coaches and referees should familiarise themselves with the “Safeplay
Code” before the commencement of the season and subsequent matches. A copy of the Code should be available
and prominently displayed at match venues and training sessions.
Referees The Referee’s total implementation of the Safeplay Code is the key to its success. Referees must be fully
briefed on the detailed workings of the “Safeplay Code”. The most suitable personnel to do this are the appointed
Coaching and Development Staff or Referees’ Co-ordinators/Providers/Coaches.
Coaches Coaches are the other vital factor in ensuring that the Code is applied successfully. All coaches must ensure
that their players are aware of, and fully understand, the “Safeplay Code” and observe it “to the letter.”
All Matches To ensure that all parties fully understand the Safeplay Code, a pre-match meeting should be held, at
International Law games, between the match Referee, Coaches, Ground Officials and where possible, team Captains.
It may take a few matches for Referees and players to become accustomed to the Code. However, the right balance
will soon be achieved as long as all concerned work together and realise that the code will benefit all players and
the game.
[The original Safeplay Code was written by Graham Chaffey - NSWRL - and trialled by the NSWCRL in 1995.]
National Rugby League
ABN: 23 082 088 962
Rugby League Central
Driver Avenue, Moore Park NSW 2021
T: 02 9359 8500
www.nrl.com
Published March 2013
PROCEDURE FOR DISMISSING A PLAYER IN MINI OR MOD
FOOTBALL
If you have directed the captain to replace a player in Mini or Mod football, and in your
opinion, that player would have been dismissed if International rules had applied, then at the
completion of the match, take a note of the player’s name, jumper number, registration
number, club and age group. The Referee must not take the player’s registration card or
sign on sheet.
Complete a Judiciary Report Form with the relevant details. This must be forwarded to the
Executive Officer immediately by email.
The Executive Officer passes the form onto the Judiciary Chairman for his consideration.
Depending on the nature of the incident the Judiciary Chairman may hold a judiciary hearing
into the incident. If this occurs, you will be required to attend. You will be notified by the
Executive Officer in this instance.
PROCEDURE FOR DISMISSING A PLAYER IN INTERNATIONAL
FOOTBALL
If you have dismissed a player from the field of play in international football, the following
procedure is to be adhered to:
1.
Complete the Dismissal Form in triplicate. If the dismissal occurred as the result of a
report from one or both Touch Judges, ensure that they also sign the form. An official
from the dismissed players club should sign the form and will be given the Club
Official copy. Please note that for the charge of “Trips, Kicks or Strikes” you must
identify the specific action – “trip”, “kick” or “strike”. If a player is dismissed for
“Obscene and Offensive Language” and this language is directed at a match official,
then you must indicate this on the Dismissal Form.
2.
Do NOT take the player’s registration card or sign on sheet. You may ask to view
both to copy down the details you need.
3.
Inform the Executive Officer on 0448 890 482 by 7pm on the evening of the
dismissal. If you get the answering machine leave the following details:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
4.
Date
Referee’s Name
Touch Judge’s involved (if any)
Grade
Player’s Name
Player’s Club
Player’s Registration Number
Charges(s)
Grading of the Charge (see page 23 for information on how to grade a charge)
The Referee and Touch Judge(s) (If applicable) involved will complete the
Judiciary Report form which must be sent to the Executive Officer via email by
7pm the evening of the dismissal.
Page 22 of 39
5.
The Referee and Touch Judge(s) (if applicable) will attend Judiciary at 6.30pm on
the following Wednesday at the Junior League Office, Level One, Sportingbet
Stadium, Mulgoa Road, Penrith. At this time the referee will submit the following:
a. Copy of the Dismissal Report
b. Three copies of their Judiciary report form(s) and touch judges report(s) if
applicable
c. Sign on sheet
6.
If your player has taken the early guilty plea you will be informed by the Executive
Officer. If you do not hearing anything you must attend Judiciary as above.
7.
The Judiciary Committee will arrange for a copy of the Judiciary report form(s) to be
given to the player.
8.
All will then wait to be called by Judiciary Committee to give evidence on the
dismissal. If you wish to leave for a short period ensure that permission is sought
from either the referees' representative on the Judiciary Panel or the Judiciary
Chairman.
9.
After your hearing, leave the premises immediately. DO NOT wait for the player to
be called in to hear the decision.
10.
Whilst you are at Judiciary, ensure your behaviour is of the highest standard. You
and the Referee’s Association as a whole will be judged on the manner in which you
conduct yourself at judiciary. The Referee’s representative will usually be present,
and they will regularly forward reports to the Executive Officer on the conduct of
members at Judiciary hearings.
11.
Ensure that your dress and manner are appropriate for attending Judiciary hearings.
The minimum standard is the Association polo shirt with (good) jeans or trousers.
You may wear the Association Jumper and tie with business shirt. If you have been
officiating that afternoon or evening, you may wear the Association tracksuit. If you
do not have Association supplied "off-field" attire neat "neutral" clothing is advised.
Club Shirts/Football jumpers (especially from a Junior League club) ARE NOT TO BE
WORN.
GRADING OF DISMISSALS
Offences are divided into three grades with grade 1 representing the lower end of the scale
of seriousness and grade 3 representing the higher end of the scale of seriousness. When
reporting a dismissal to the Executive Officer you must grade the seriousness of the offence.
This grading is not passed on to the players and is for the information of the Junior League’s
Compliance and Legal Manager only, so it MUST NOT be included in your Judiciary Report.
If you are unsure how to grade an offence please speak to the Executive Officer when
reporting your dismissal.
Page 23 of 39
JUDICIARY: THE CORRECT CHARGES
The Dismissal Form lists the charges as they are written in Section 15 of the International
Laws. Simply tick the correct charge(s) on the day of the dismissal; you expand the
circumstances with the Judiciary Report form.
For example: if a player is dismissed for a high tackle, you would tick: “when effecting or
attempting to effect a tackle makes contact with the head or neck of an opponent
intentionally, recklessly or carelessly.”
Some important exceptions or variations to this are:
If one player punches another player and is dismissed, the charge laid on the day would be
“trips, kicks or strikes another player”. You would then circle the specific action, “strike”. It
follows that should the player trip an opponent, you would circle “trips” and if a player kicks
another player, circle “kicks”.
A player may be dismissed for use of obscene or offensive language, in which case that box
would be ticked. If the player has directed this language at a match official, you MUST also
tick the box stating “at a Referee or Touch Judge”. Failure to select this box when
necessary means that the player will not have to answer to the charge of directing offensive
language at the official, merely just using offensive language which may carry a lesser
penalty.
If any racial insults/vilification is used, irrelevant of who it was directed at, the correct charge
to use is “behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game”. Underneath the box for
that charge, the Referee will write “racial vilification”. This will also be written on the Judiciary
Report Form. When you ring the Executive Officer, ensure you tell her that racial vilification
is involved.
In the event that a player leaves the “sin bin” to join in a fight (or start one), two charges
would be laid. Firstly, “Trips, kicks or strikes another player”, (assuming he did punch
someone), and “Re-enters the field of play without the permission of the Referee or Touch
Judge having previously temporarily retired from the game”.
NOTE: Be careful with this second charge, it only applies to a player in the “sin bin”, a
reserve player who has already taken part in the game or a player who is outside the field of
play at the time of the incident. Also Note, the words “running a distance”, are not included
anywhere. If a player did “run a distance” to throw a punch, you would include this detail in
your Judiciary Report form.
If you are assaulted or threatened by a player, the correct charge to use is “behaves in any
way contrary to the true spirit of the game”. Again, you would put the details in the Judiciary
Report form.
Page 24 of 39
PROCEDURES FOR ASSAULT ON A REFEREE/TOUCH JUDGE
Unfortunately, sometimes a referee or touch judge will be pushed, shoved or otherwise
assaulted by a player. The following procedure must be adhered to:
1. Dismiss the player. The procedure for dismissing a player must be followed, including
the judiciary hearing. If you still feel threatened or if the matter is serious the police may
be called.
2. Contact the Executive Officer immediately to report the incident. If the Executive Officer
cannot be reached, contact another Executive member in the following order: President;
Coaching and Development Manager, Vice President; or Director of Finance &
Sponsorship.
3. Report the incident to the police. Attend the police station nearest to the ground where
the incident occurred. Take the names of witnesses (e.g. touch judges, Ground
Manager, officials) and any other items (video of the incident, doctor’s report etc.) that
may help the police with their inquiries. An Executive member may accompany you if
requested. Should the police pursue the matter, you may be called upon to give
evidence if the matter goes to court. Keep all records of the incident, as this may take
some time.
PROCEDURE FOR ALLEGATION OF BITING, EYE GOUGING OR
RACIAL VILIFICATION
When a player indicates to the Referee that he has been bitten, eye gouged or the subject to
racist comments, the referee will:
1. Call time out.
2. Witness the injury (Bite or gouge mark).
3. Ask the player to identify the alleged offender.
4. Call BOTH Touch Judges, BOTH captains and the alleged offender to witness the injury
(Bite or gouge mark) and hear the allegation.
5. The Referee should then inform both players and witnesses that s/he will complete a
formal complaint form after the match regarding the incident. The Touch Judge on the
official table side of the field will report the alleged offender(s) number and request that it
be clearly marked on the sign on sheet.
6. Play will then resume as normal.
7. Following the match the Referee and both Touch Judges, will complete a Referee’s
Incident/Match report Form indicating the nature of the complaint, player’s names and
numbers, and clubs of both the complainant and the accused. The Referee will NOT
take the players card.
8. The Referee will notify the Executive Officer of the complaint that evening, indicating:
a. Referee and touch judges involved
b. Nature of the incident (i.e. Biting or eye gouging, racial vilification)
Page 25 of 39
c. Complainants (bitten or gouged player) name and Club
d. Accused (player alleged to have bitten or gouged or made racist comment),
name and club
e. Accused player’s registration number
f. Age
9. The complainant player and his club must submit paperwork to the Junior League for
the complaint to proceed. If this occurs, the Referee and Touch Judges may have to
attend the hearing of the Conduct Review Committee as witnesses.
PROCEDURE FOR ANY OTHER INCIDENT OCCURRING AT A
GROUND
From time to time, incidents/events occur at a ground in which the Referee/Touch Judge
have little control over. For example, poor spectator behaviour, Trainers/Coaches
overstepping the mark, etc.
You are to fill out an Incident Report if any of the following occur:

Poor spectator behaviour or spectators invading the playing area.

If you tell any club trainer he/she is not to return to the field of play.

If an object(s) is/are thrown at the Referee/Touch Judge.

If a Coach/Club Official approaches you in the incorrect manner. (Saturday or
Sunday).

If you are threatened by any player/official or spectator after the match. You should
consider taking this matter to the police as well.

If play has been abandoned in any game, for any reason including under the Tough
Love in League policy. (Poor weather, lack of crowd control, unsafe playing field,
unable to control players, crowd become involved in on-field fight etc).

If you are at a ground and witness an incident that was missed by the Referee and/or
Touch Judge. Contact the Executive Officer first before filling in a report for this.

A major incident (where you feel that the safety of yourself, players or spectators is at
risk) or abandoned match should be reported to the Executive Officer by telephone
THAT EVENING (prior to 7pm), and the Incident Report emailed to the Executive
Officer.
Following a request from the Junior League, all Referees are to fill in an incident report for
Trainers who overstep the mark even if the offence is minor. This will allow the Junior
League to monitor the behaviour of all trainers.
NOTE: The filling in of an incident report does not automatically mean a hearing.
A dim view will be held of any member who either complains about an incident at a ground
and hasn’t filled in an incident report or has a major incident at a ground and the Association
finds out through a third party.
Page 26 of 39
JEWELLERY POLICY
Watches: Up to the individual Referee/Touch Judge. It is preferable that they are not worn,
but the decision, (and therefore the risk), is left in the hands of the individual.
Rings:
May be worn provided they are a plain style band (i.e. wedding band). Chunky
or engagement style rings are NOT to be worn.
Chains/Necklaces:
Hair Clips:
Are permitted provided they are hidden by the jersey.
Are to be plain and NOT ornamented in any way.
Ear Rings, Nose rings, Mouth rings, Eyebrow studs: Not to be worn whilst refereeing. If you
have recently had the body part pierced, you are to contact the Co-ordinators and advise
him how long the ring or stud must remain in, (usually about two weeks). You will be
permitted to wear the ring or stud for that period of time provided that it is covered with a
bandaid or Elastoplast.
GROUND LOCATIONS
CLUB
FIELD
ADDRESS
Blacktown City
Blacktown Workers
Brothers
Cambridge ParkCranebrook
Colyton
Doonside
Emu Plains
Jack Myers Fields
HE Laybutt
Hickeys Lane
Alsopp & Patterson Oval
Aliberti Drive, Blacktown
Reservoir Road, Blacktown
Coombes Drive, Penrith
Oxford Street, Cambridge Park
CEC Blinkhorn (Ridge Park)
Kareela Reserve
Leonay Oval
Glenmore Park
Hawkesbury City
Ched Towns Reserve
Turnbull Oval
Katoomba
Lower Mountains
Minchinbury
PCYC Mt Druitt
Penrith Waratahs
Quakers Hill
Riverstone
Rooty Hill
St Clair
Katoomba Showground
Warrimoo Oval
Mount Druitt Town Centre
Peter Van Hasselt Reserve
Doug Rennie Fields
Waite Reserve
Basil Andrews Fields
Whalan Reserve
Peppertree Sporting
Complex
The Kingsway
St Marys Leagues Stadium
Great Wester Highway, Colyton
Eastern Road, Doonside
Leonay Parade, Emu Plains (near
Leonay Sporting Club)
Luttrell Street, Glenmore Park
The Terrace, North Richmond (near
Hawkesbury Panthers Sporting Club)
Great Western Highway, Katoomba
Rickard Road, Warrimoo
Ralph Street, Mt Druitt
Off Koomooloo Crescent, Shalvey
First & Second Avenues, Kingswood
Tamarind Drive, Acacia Gardens
Creek Street, Riverstone
Debrincat Avenue, Tregear
Peppertree & Swallow Roads, Erskine
Park
The Kingsway, St Marys
Cnr Forrester & Baronia Road, St
Marys
Meurants Lane, Glenwood
Pringle Road, Hebersham
Rifle Range Road, Windsor
St Marys
St Patricks
Western City Tigers
Windsor
Meurants Lane Reserve
Heber Park
Windsor Sporting Complex
Page 27 of 39
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE – INCIDENT & DISMISSALS
PLAYER REPLACED IN MINI OR MOD FOOTBALL (U6 TO U12)
Call the Executive Officer, Sarah
Ford on 0448 890 842
Email report to:
[email protected]
Before 7pm THAT DAY
PLAYER DISMISSED IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL (U13 TO A GRADE)
Call the
Executive
Officer, Sarah
Ford on 0448
890 842
Before 7pm
THAT DAY
Email report to:
secretary@penr
ithreferees.com
.au
Before 7pm
THAT DAY
Take a copy to
judiciary with
you
INCIDENT OCCURS AT A GROUND
Call the
Executive
Officer,
Sarah Ford
on 0448
890 842
Call the Executive Officer,
Sarah Ford on 0448 890 842
Before
7pm THAT
DAY
Before 7pm THAT DAY
Email report to:
[email protected]
m.au
Page 28 of 39
CONDUCT OF MEMBERS
The Association’s members must act in a disciplined and professional manner at all times.
Below is the Code of Behaviour, as found in Section 14 of the Constitution, outlining your
responsibilities and expectation whenever you are representing the Association.
BREACH OF PROCEDURES OR CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
Where the Association receives information that a member has breached these Procedures,
or other reasonable instruction by a member of the management team, the Association may
either:
Issue a “breach notice” whereby the alleged breach of procedures will be identified and a
“fine” or other such action will be notified; or
Advise the member that they are to attend a Disciplinary Hearing to investigate and
adjudicate on the complaint.
In the event of a breach notice being issued, the member may elect to have the complaint
heard by the Disciplinary Committee so that they may explain or defend the complaint.
Where the Association receives a complaint that a member has breached the Code of
Behaviour, the member may be asked to appear before the Disciplinary Committee to
determine the complaint and relevant punishment, remedial actions or other course of action
as appropriate.
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
14.1
A Referee must not, during the course of, or after a match, abuse or address a
player, coach, Club official, in insulting terms or act on a provocative manner towards
a player, coach, Club official or League official.
14.2
A Referee must not, while officiating in a game, use offensive language or engage in
any conduct detrimental to the spirit or image of the game and the Association.
14.3
A Referee must at all times act, dress and behave in a manner befitting a member of
the Association.
14.4
A Referee shall not, at any time, make any comment in any publication whether
written, televised or broadcast, detrimental to the interests, welfare or image of the
Association, fellow members and the Junior League.
14.5
A Referee shall not enter into an individual sponsorship agreement which conflicts
with the spirit or substance of the Sponsorship of the Association.
14.6
A Referee shall not gamble on the result of a match under the jurisdiction of the
Penrith and Districts Junior Rugby League.
14.7
Where the Association receives a report of any alleged breach of this Code of
Behaviour, the Executive of the Association, may, if the member is found guilty of a
breach of this code after due inquiry, disqualify, suspend or otherwise deal with the
member concerned.
Page 29 of 39
BY LAW 28.9 MASS INFORMATION MEDIA
Mass Information Media (including but not limited to Face Book, YouTube, Twitter etc) has
the ability for members to either deliberately or inadvertently criticize members or
stakeholders (including, but not limited to Penrith DRL, NRL. NSWRLRA etc). In the event
that such criticism is brought to the attention of the entire Board of Management, the
members responsible shall be stood down immediately from all Association duties and
referred to the Discipline Committee (a process which can take two weeks or more). At the
Disciplinary Committee hearing the onus shall be on the member to prove the criticism
he/she directed at another member was not done so because of their position within or their
membership of the Association.
MISCONDUCT
Below is an extract of Section 15 of the Constitution relating to misconduct
15.1
A committee of (3) three Life members to be elected by the members as a
Discipline Committee to administer Clause 15 and sub clauses.
15.2
The Discipline Committee shall have the power to cite or cause to appear before
the Discipline Committee of the Association any of its members against whom a
complaint of conduct contrary to policy or prejudicial to the interests, welfare or
image of the Association shall have been made.
15.3
Upon any complaint being made of conduct contrary to the policy or prejudicial to
the interests, welfare or image of the Association the Discipline Committee shall
have the power to deal with such complaint and in the exercise of the power hereby
conferred may disqualify, suspend or otherwise deal with any member it finds, after
due inquiry, to have been guilty of such conduct, provided that before the meeting
with the Discipline Committee, at least seven (7) days notice in writing of such
meeting and of what is alleged shall be given to the member. The member shall at
such meeting and before the Discipline Committee reaches a decision have had an
opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation or defence deemed
appropriate.
15.4
Any member failing to appear before the Discipline Committee when called upon,
shall be suspended until the member appears.
15.5
The decision of the Discipline Committee in respect of such matters shall be final
subject only to the right of appeal to the Penrith District Rugby League Club
Appeals Commi8ttee providing such an appeal is in the hands of the Executive
Officer of the Association not later than fourteen (14) days after the date of
notification of the Discipline Committee’s decision.
Page 30 of 39
EXECUTIVE AND BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
All correspondence to Executive
Officer
PO Box 106
BLACKTOWN NSW 2148
[email protected]
0448 890 482
President
Brett Lynch
[email protected]
0449 890 481
Vice President
Michael Signoretti
[email protected]
0410 685 364
Executive Officer
Sarah Ford
[email protected]
0448 890 482
Coaching and Development
Manager
Gary Haines
[email protected]
0448 890 481
Director of Finance & Sponsorship
Phil Haines
[email protected]
0449 890 479
Board of Management
Stephen Bourke
[email protected]
0413 871 606
Board of Management
Luke Burton
[email protected]
0432 677 410
Board of Management
Rickey McFarlane
[email protected]
0421 127 663
Board of Management
Casey Wouters
[email protected]
0422 590 834
Board of Management
Trista Walker
[email protected]
0401 227 154
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OTHER OFFICE BEARERS
Senior Coordinator
John Woods
[email protected]
0448 890 480
Junior Coordinator
Luke Evans
[email protected]
0402 257 339
Assistant Director of Finance & Russell Turner
Sponsorship (for game changes)
[email protected]
Social Secretary
Rickey McFarlane
[email protected] 0421 127 663
Gear Steward
Luke Burton
[email protected]
0432 677 410
Welfare Officer
Casey Wouters
[email protected]
0422 590 834
Internal Auditors
Thomas Stindl
Joshua Burton
Coaching Officers
John Jordan
Mark Bohan
APPOINTMENTS BOARD
Barry Beveridge
John Jordan
Jim Kelly
Mark Bohan
Stephen Bourke
Joshua Burton
Luke Burton
Amber Fitzgerald
Sarah Ford
Katina Geale
Mitchell Hall
Jeff Mizzi
John Nematala
Adam O’Keefe
Michael Signoretti
Col Smith
Thomas Stindl
Cameron Turner
Joshua Vernon
ADVISORY PANEL
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DELEGATES
Delegate to NSWRLRA
Rohan Best
Delegate to NSWRLRA (Proxy)
Mark Boahn
Delegate to Penrith DJRL
Phil Haines
Delegate to Penrith DJRL
Luke Burton
Delegate to Penrith DJRL (Proxy)
Brett Lynch
COMMITTEES
Disciplinary Committee
John Robinson
Don Courts
Casey Wouters
Life Membership Committee
Thomas Aylett
Gary Haines
Casey Wouters
Merit Award Committee
Rohan Best
Luke Evans
Brett Lynch
Social Committee
Luke Burton
Stephen Bourke
Luke Evans
Sarah Ford
Amber Fitzgerald
Katina Geale
Tim Hannon
Jim Kelly
Mitchell Robinson
Blake Shepherd
Michael Signoretti
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QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE – WHO DO I CONTACT?
ISSUE
CONTACT PERSON
Change of contact
details
Sarah Ford, Executive
Officer
Dismissal of a player or
any on-field issues with
a coach, trainer or issue
with ground facilities on
game day
Sarah Ford, Executive
Officer
Coaching and on field
performance
Gary Haines, Coaching
& Development
Manager
Training
Gary Haines, Coaching
& Development
Manager
Appointments for 6’s to
15’s
Luke Evans, Junior
Coordinator
Appointments for 16s to
A Grade
John Woods, Senior
Coordinator
Questions relating to
match payments
Phil Haines, Director of
Finance & Sponsorship
Need new gear
Luke Burton, Gear
Steward
General enquiries not
listed above
Sarah Ford, Executive
Officer
CONTACT DETAILS
0448 890 482
[email protected]
0448 890 482
[email protected]
0448 890 481
[email protected]
0448 890 481
[email protected]
0402 257 339
[email protected]
0448 890 480
[email protected]
0449 890 479
[email protected]
0432 677 410
[email protected]
0448 890 482
[email protected]
Page 34 of 39
MENTOR PROGRAM
MISSION:
The Mission of the Mentoring Program is to utilise the Association’s resources to secure the
growth, retention and development of Active Referees, at all levels, within the Penrith
District.
OBJECTIVES:
To successfully implement the Mentor Program, the following objectives are key focus areas;
including:

Mentors must be familiar and implement the Association’s Mentoring Program to
complement the National Referees Accreditation Scheme and the Association’s
Reporting and Assessing Criteria,

Mentors must actively participate in their own growth and development to becoming
better Mentors. This is an ongoing Program of personal and professional
development and will be the responsibility of the Coach & Development Manager,

Mentors provide both on and off field honest and positive guidance, information,
shared knowledge, advice and counsel to new and developing referees.

Mentors are key to catalyst in the building of networking opportunities and
relationship building between referees at all levels within the Association,

Mentors assist Active Referees, especially new and developing referees, to
encourage further knowledge and experience to become more proficient in the art
of refereeing,

Mentors provide developing referees further resources in support of the
Association’s “Elected Positions”,

Mentors provide a guide to new Members into the broader operation of the
Association’s administrative and operational roles and successful functioning of the
Association,

Mentors contribute greatly towards and the build of “Esprit De Corps” amongst all
members.

Mentors provide advice to active referees on future expectations including; selfmanagement (personal and professional career path development), in all on and off
field matters.
OUTCOMES:
The success of the Mentoring Program will include;

Growth, retention and development of referees from one season to the next.

Increased efficiency (on and off field) of administrative Challenges, including
Incident and Dismissal Reporting.

Increase efficiency in the application of the ARL Rules as well as specific
“customised” District rules, the implementation and execution of all the Game’s
rules,

Encouragement and increase in active participation in attendance at training and at
Association’s meetings.
GENERAL OUTLINE:
The Mentoring Program will be a three – 3 Phase Program to provide the best possible
coverage of developing referees by the senior referees. Each Phase will cover a crucial
development Phase in the progress of referees throughout their career through to Sunday
matches.
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All Senior Referees (“established” Central Referees from Under 19’s to A Grade) will take
part in the Mentoring Program, as Mentors to all Saturday Referees and those making the
transition from Saturday football to refereeing Sunday football.
Mentor Program Phase I:
This phase will provide all new NRAS Level One referees with the initial contact and support
from a dedicated Mentor. The areas covered include on field Challenges such as rulings,
Safe-play Code and practical refereeing and administrative matters such as Key Personnel
to contact, management reporting and Association Rules and Procedures. Mentor Program
Phase I will involve all Senior Referees (or as many as required) who will be a dedicated
mentor development to new referees for a period of approximately six weeks.
Mentor Program Phase II:
Phase II of the Mentoring Program will provide referees progressing from Mini/Mod Footy to
Saturday International matches with further support and advice from the pool of Mentors.
Areas of importance will be the reinforcement of Safe-play Code, the difference in officiating
the International Grades (International Laws versus Mini/Mod Footy) and the additional
Procedures such as Dismissal Procedures and Judiciary. Mentor Program Phase II will
involve all (established) Under 19’s and A Reserve Referees.
Mentor Program Phase III:
This Phase will provide further education and support for referees making the transition from
Saturday matches to refereeing their first Sunday (Under 16’s) matches. Challenges include
practical refereeing Challenges such as touch judging and working with touch judges,
matters such as assessing and reporting, providing moral support and reinforcing
procedures such as Dismissal and Incident Reporting and Judiciary matters. Mentor
Program Phase III will involve all A Grade Referees who will provide a pool of mentors to the
transitional referees.
PROCEDURES:
Mentor Program Phase I:
The Mentor Program Coordinator (or Referees Coordinators) will advise all Mentors of the
individual referees under their guidance.
The Mentor will initially make contact with the new referees to introduce themselves and
advise of the mentoring Program.
Following each week’s matches, the mentor will contact (either by telephone or in person)
the referee to enquire if there are any Challenges or concerns that need to be addressed.
These Challenges may include; ruling queries, procedural matters (Incident Reports etc.)
and any other Association, Junior League or refereeing Challenges.
At least once every three – 3 weeks, for the six – 6 week mentor period, the mentor will
attend the matches of the new referee and provide written feedback to the referee and
Saturday Development Panel Coordinator. This feedback should not be limited to on field
refereeing should include such Challenges as match preparation, procedural matters, dress
and demeanour. With a focus on what’s “done well” and areas of improvements, ownership
of which will be shared between the Mentor and the Mentee.
After each three – 3 weeks, the mentor will provide a summary of all contacts with the
referee to the Mentor Program Coordinator. This report will reflect any concerns, on and off
field that have been raised by the referee or identified by the mentor and any advice or
referral given.
During the mentoring period, the mentor will also:

Encourage the referee to attend Association meetings and training.

Review the Safe-play Code.
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


Explain the Procedures Manual and Key Association Personnel and their roles.
Assist the referee with compilation of the correct reports should the need arise.
Outline the Code of Conduct and other Association Rules, Procedures and
expectations.

Provide any other support that may be reasonably required (e.g. Directions to
ground locations etc.)
The Mentor Program Coordinator will provide a summary of all Challenges raised by the
mentors to the Referees Coordinator and Secretary. Any matters of importance must be
reported immediately.
After the initial six week mentoring period, it may be necessary to provide further support
and mentoring to a small number of referees.
Mentor Program Phase II:
When a referee is making the progression from Mini/Mod to Saturday International, the
Referees Coordinator will advise a mentor, who will make contact with the referee.
The mentor will advise the referee of the difference in Mini/Mod and International Laws.
The mentor will also advise of the correct procedures should a dismissal or other incident
occur.
When possible, at least one – 1 mentor should attend the referee’s first match at this higher
level. A mentor must attend one of the referees first two weeks of International Laws.
The enforcement of the Safe-play Code must be reinforced.
The referee may contact a mentor to seek advice regarding matters relating to rulings or
Association procedures.
The mentor will report to the Referees Coordinator and Mentor Coordinator in regards to the
progress and performance of the referee.
Mentor Program Phase III:
When a referee is making the progression from Saturday International to refereeing Sunday
football (Under 16’s), the Referees Coordinator will advise a mentor, who will make contact
with the referee.
The mentor will advise the referee of the expectations and differences between Saturday
and Sunday competitions.
The mentor will also reinforce the correct procedures should a dismissal or other incident
occur.
When possible, at least one mentor should attend the referee’s first match at this higher
level. A mentor must attend one of the referees first two weeks of Sunday football.
The referee may contact a mentor to seek advice regarding matters relating to rulings or
Association procedures.
The mentor will report to the Referees Coordinator and Mentor Coordinator in regards to the
progress and performance of the referee.
OTHER MENTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
To assist with the ongoing education of all referees and the ongoing development of the
Mentors, mentors may be rostered or called upon to provide additional training, coaching or
advice to new or transitional referees. This additional coaching may include, but not limited
to:

Conducting specific match related skills and drills sessions

Presentations at training or active referees meetings.

Laws revision and coaching

Assistance and advice in completing procedures as required by the Association and
Junior League (Dismissals, Incident Reporting etc.)

Monitor and report general Challenges such as knowledge of the Laws,
interpretation and enforcement of Safe-play Code etc.
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
Mentors must act as “role models”, providing a positive example to newer members
with such Challenges as conduct, dress, training and attitude.
NOTE:
Remember, it’s NOT what you say that impacts the referee but HOW you say it. Swap
places with the referee before you deliver your advice in an honest, caring, positive
outcome manner.
Page 38 of 39
AMART SPORTS DISCOUNT POLICY & PROCEDURE
POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR PDRLRA TO ACQUIRE DISCOUNTED PRICING
FROM AMART SPORTS – PENRITH STORE.

All members (active and non active) are eligible to receive discounted shoes and
apparel from AMART Sports – Penrith Store during Season 2014.

This has been achieved by way of negotiation between AMART Sports – Penrith
representative Mr. Steve McLean and the Association’s Director of Finance and
Sponsorship.

All members when concluding payment of their purchases need to produce their
individual Association Photo ID card produced for them by PDRLRA.

Producing this Photo ID Card will entitle the member to discounts as agreed to by
Amart Sports and PDRLRA.

The term of the discounted price for members of PDRLRA is for a period as
determined by the Director of Finance and Sponsorship and AMART Sports, with the
commencement date from the day of the Association’s season launch to be held at
Amart Sports on 17th April 2014.
Any member found taking advantage of this policy will be asked to appear before either the
Association’s Executive or Discipline Committee to explain his or her actions, and maybe
charged under the Association’s Constitution under section 14 and 15, whichever may be
applicable.
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