Players 40 years and older in all levels of competition will need to submit a Certificate of Fitness to play Rugby League in the 2025 season following a new policy introduced by the NSWRL for player safety.
The new ruling applies to anyone who turns 40, or older, this year and relates to taking part in any game, training session, or carnival under NSWRL’s jurisdiction.
Participants will have to provide the certificate – completed by a GP – before registering with their club.
The purpose of the new policy is preventative – to detect any pre-existing illness or physical abnormality that players might not necessarily be aware of themselves.
The medical information remains confidential between player and doctor and cannot be accessed by NSWRL.
NSWRL Chief Medical Officer Dr Nathan Gibbs said he hoped the policy would encourage, not discourage, older players to continue in the game because of the many benefits, but reinforced the need for medical clearance.
“Continuing to play team contact sport like Rugby League as an older player over 40 is definitely encouraged for all the mental and physical benefits gained from being involved in a team sport and the conditioning required to be able to play the game,” he said.
“However, increasing age also has an increased risk of contact injury and also an increased risk of medical problems related to the actual physical conditioning required to play the game.
“As such it is important to visit your GP and get a clearance medically and physically to say that you are fit to play despite your older age.”
Click here to access the NSWRL Certificate of Fitness form and accompanying information for your doctor.
