Catholic college welcomes new rugby sideline initiative

Auckland Catholic school, De La Salle College, involved last year in a high profile rugby brawl with Auckland Grammar has welcomed a new initiative aimed at improving sideline behaviour among supporters.

The initiative involves having a parent or guardian of every boy playing for De La Salle attend an educational evening about appropriate sideline behaviour.

The initiative, a combined effort of the Auckland Rugby Referee’s Association and De La Salle College has been trialled and supported by the Catholic college before the season kicks off this weekend.

“This is a positive step in the right direction,” De La Salle principal Myles Hogarty said.

“We believe that this programme, by involving parents, coaches, students and match officials and providing them with an opportunity to meet and share their knowledge of the game will enhance the pleasure and satisfaction that everyone gets from the sport,” said Hogarty.

Auckland Rugby match officials manager Smudge McNeilage has been working with the college and the Auckland Rugby Referees Association (ARRA) to roll-out a programme of events.

He commended the De La Salle staff for their proactive stance and said practical measures have been put in place for the start of the season.

Warning any unacceptable on-field or sideline behaviour would have consequences, Smudge McNeilage said, “A school rugby community needs positive role models and encouragement on the sidelines.”

“Parents who step outside acceptable behaviours only hinder their child’s rugby opportunities as the child will be removed from playing for their school,” he said.

As part of the initiatives, Smudge McNeilage will also run a “You Make the Call” course at De La Salle for student leaders and others who would benefit. The students will be required to referee at three tournaments during the year and when they pass the course will receive 10 Level 3 credits. Continue reading

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