The NSWRL's annual #RESPECT Round will kick off a month-long campaign across Community Rugby League starting this weekend (12-13 April), with the winning club to be invited to a money-can't-buy experience of watching the Westpac NSW Blues train before Game Three of the State of Origin series in Sydney.
This year’s theme of ‘Positive Words Have Power’ will focus on the importance of creating a supportive Rugby League environment with NSWRL encouraging more than 700 clubs across the state to take the pledge to build a positive and healthy culture.
The club with the highest numbers of pledges (based on percentages) will win the major prize for their nominated team to watch the Westpac NSW Blues train at their Captain's Run on the even of Game Three of the State of Origin series at Accor Stadium on Wednesday 9 July as well as a signed Westpac NSW Blues jersey. The second and third highest will win a $1000 Steeden voucher and a $500 adidas voucher respectively.
“The NSWRL #RESPECT campaign highlights the important role we all play in using positive language on and off the field or online whether that be players, referees, officials, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters to create an enjoyable experience in Rugby League,” NSWRL Community Rugby League Manager Peter Clarke said.
“Positive words have power. The emphasis is on using positive language, which can be as simple as saying ‘thank you’, or using words of encouragement that can have a profound impact on an individual's confidence and self-esteem which builds respectful relationships with teammates, opponents, club and the broader community.”
When taking the pledge, clubs will be asked to describe in 25 words or less what impact positive words have on their team culture. The club with the best answer will be awarded the ‘Danielle Kifooti #RESPECT Award’, honouring the late NSWRL employee Danielle Kifooti who started the #RESPECT Campaign in 2016.
The criteria for the winning club includes no code of conduct breaches in the past season, 100 per cent compliance for coaches, 100 per cent compliance for Working with Children Check and a positive report from the NSWRL regarding their contribution to the game.
Since its creation in 2016, the #RESPECT campaign has become an integral part of the NSWRL calendar every year, continuing to align with NSWRL’s vision to eliminate poor behaviour and promote a positive environment for all.
In 2024, we recorded our biggest year to date with more than 9,000 people participating and pledging to making our Rugby League Community a positive environment with West Wyalong taking the top prize.
