NRL warning to clubs over trainer misconduct: Ban, termination threats

The Australian

2 days ago

A fed-up NRL has sent out an official warning to all clubs that trainers who flout the rules face being banned from games.
This masthead has obtained a copy of the correspondence in which the NRL is looking to crack down on trainers' on-field behaviour, including trying to influence referees.
The NRL football department emailed its weekly report to all club general managers of football on Thursday afternoon, revealing there would be a 'zero tolerance of comments or gestures of any type towards match officials by trainers.'
Trainers who ignore NRL rules face fines, suspension or even having their accreditation terminated.
The reprimand comes after this masthead revealed on Tuesday that the NRL would use a post-season review to rein in trainers who were running rampant on the football field.
According to Thursday's edict, all trainers will be 'monitored to ensure they do not interfere with general play.'
The behaviour of trainers has become a contentious issue in rugby league with fans demanding their excessive time on the field be dramatically cut back.
This week's NRL advisory, offered a range of football-related information but carried a clear and stern message to all trainers.
'There will be zero tolerance for comments or gestures of any type towards match officials by trainers,' it read.
'Trainers entering the field of play will be monitored to ensure they do not interfere with general play.
'There will be a greater focus on the orange (shirt) medical trainer remaining on the field without treating players.
'There will be a greater focus on blue (shirt) trainers leaving the field immediately after the fourth tackle.
'All NRL ground managers will conduct pre-game briefings with trainers from both clubs 60 minutes before kick-off.
'Breaches may not only result in financial penalty but can also result in suspension or cancellation of accreditation. It is strongly suggested that all trainers are reissued with a copy of the rules that clearly set out the limitations of each role.'
The NRL is particularly tiring of trainers standing behind the attacking line waving their arms around trying to prompt action from a referee.
NRL management insist trainers cannot and harass match officials.
'It's pretty obvious all trainers will be closely observed for the rest of this season. The advisory is a strong reminder of a trainers' responsibilities,' one club official said.
NRL rules state a blue-shirt trainer is only permitted onto the field during a stoppage, or to run messages three times each half, when their side is in possession, but must exit the field at the completion of the fourth tackle.
All clubs have three trainers wearing different coloured shirts – blue, yellow and orange.
The blue shirt's role is to be a messenger while assisting with interchange and hydration, the orange shirt trainer is the medically-qualified head trainer while the yellow trainer is the medical assistant.
All trainers have different levels of access to the field.
The orange trainer must not carry messages but is permitted unlimited access to attend to injured players while also providing water to players when their side is in possession.
The yellow trainer can only enter the field of play to help the head trainer assist an injured player from the field or to treat an injured player if the head trainer is already occupied. They cannot supply water unless a try has been scored.
A blue shirt's duties are limited to interchange, provision of water and carrying messages. They are restricted to carrying messages on only three occasions each half when their team is in possession.
Dean "Bulldog'" Ritchie has covered rugby league at The Daily Telegraph, and now CODE Sports as well, for 33 years. From the Super League war to NRL grand finals, State of Origin clashes and World Cups, Bulldog has written about the biggest issues in the game and broken many of the most important stories. NRL
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