The NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) has continued to cement its reputation as an inclusive sport after being awarded Gold Tier Status at the annual Pride in Sport Awards in Melbourne last night (Wednesday 16 April).
It is the second time in as many years the NSWRL has received national recognition for being inclusive after it was awarded Bronze Tier Status in 2024. The NSWRL presented a PSI Advanced Submission as part of the process, which assesses the commitment and work being done by sporting organisations to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion both within sport and the wider community.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden welcomed the Gold Status and said it was a reflection of the strong partnership with Pride in Sport and the NSWRL’s commitment to make all participants feel welcome.
“The NSWRL refers to Rugby League as ‘The Game for All’ and this award demonstrates that we are doing everything possible to ensure a safe and welcoming environment exists for all participants, officials, volunteers and spectators, including those of diverse sexualities and genders,” Trodden said.
“A highlight of the NSWRL calendar this year was our inaugural Inclusion Champions Seminar at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence, which included a small group of coaches, officials and volunteers from metropolitan and regional clubs.
“The NSWRL has a zero-tolerance policy to any form of bullying, harassment or vilification towards people of diverse sexualities and genders. This includes forms of homophobia, biphobia or transphobia.”
Trodden also congratulated Queensland Rugby League (QRL) and the National Rugby League (NRL) on achieving Silver Status at the ninth annual staging of the Pride in Sport Awards, highlighting the game’s overall commitment to inclusion.
The NSWRL’s Inclusion Framework was endorsed by the NSWRL Board in 2023 and recognised in the 2024-26 New State Strategic Plan. After being awarded Bronze Status last year, the NSWRL set a target of a Silver ranking for 2024 but achieved Gold Status instead.
The highlights for 2024 included:
- NSWRL securing grant funding from the Pride in Sport Festival to facilitate an in-person workshop for statewide Inclusion Champions;
- 100 per cent of NSWRL staff surveyed identified as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community;
- Six NSWRL staff successfully completed the Empowering Allies workshop and agreed to be Active Allies;
- NSWRL representatives undertook a range of education activities and workshops including LGBTQ+ Awareness, Empowering Allies in Sport, Inclusive Coaching and LGBTQ+ Awareness for MPIO/Integrity Staff.
Click here for more information on Pride in Sport.
