The NRL has introduced a spectator code of conduct that will lead to a stronger response to crowd misconduct. A number of curious warnings will also be issued to fans at risk of suffering ‘burns and cuts’ and being exposed to ‘bright and flashing lights’ during matches.
The code of conduct will be a key tool in tackling audience misconduct, with customers warned that they face penalties ranging from being kicked out of the venue to a lifetime ban for breaking the rules.
Last year the NRL issued a long-term ban to a young fan who racially abused South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell during a match in Penrith as an outlier in an otherwise quiet season due to crowd misconduct.
Fans have been warned they could face fines up to life bans if they commit serious offenses while following their teams (pictured, Penrith stars thank their supporters)
However, football fanatics have also been warned they risk fractures, blackouts and fainting if they attend matches (pictured, Souths supporters)
In recent seasons, fans have been caught on camera fighting in the stands, with two infamous examples in a Dolphins game last year and during the Magic Round in 2022, one of which involved the son of ex-footy star Owen Cunningham .
Under the new guidelines, the NRL confirmed there was a ‘zero tolerance approach to any form of racial discrimination and racial vilification’, while fans were warned not to throw bottles or other projectiles onto the field or stands.
One of the minimum expectations for the new season is that spectators:
(a) not use filthy, indecent, obscene, threatening, abusive or insulting words or language, or make racist or threatening comments or gestures, or behave in a manner that is offensive, licentious, indecent or insulting;
(d) not disrupt, interrupt or behave in any manner that could disrupt or interrupt any officer, employee or contractor of the ARLC or NRL, or the club or state organizing the event;
Crowd brawls have cropped up in recent years, along with an infamous incident where a young fan racially abused Bunnies star Latrell Mitchell (pictured, fans at a Brisbane Broncos match)
(f) not interfere with, hinder or hinder any participant in the game (including, for the avoidance of doubt, those conducting the game);
(g) do not throw or kick stones, bottles or projectiles;
(h) not engage in conduct that could affect the outcome of a bet or a betting event.
People who break the rules could be kicked out without a refund of their ticket price, while depending on the indiscretion, they could also face a long-term ban from rugby league events.
But while behavioral warnings remain key to the code of conduct, fans have also been warned to look after themselves during matches, with ticket holders told to accept any potential risks they may face while attending a match.
Supporters have even been warned that they will be exposed to ‘bright and flashing lights, fireworks and loud noises’ during matches (pictured, New Zealand Warriors fans)
Rugby competition is not as dangerous as a sport like cricket, where the ball can fly into the stands and cause serious damage, but the NRL has still done its best to prepare fans for the worst.
The new guidelines include warnings about a possible ‘collision with a football, person or other fixed or moving objects, falling onto the stairs, escalators, chairs or floors of the venue because they are wet or have rubbish on them, being exposed to sun, rain, wind or storm without any protection from the elements, and being exposed to bright and flashing lights, fireworks and loud noises.’
The NRL also warned fans are at risk of broken bones, blackouts or fainting, burns, cuts and abrasions, as well as damage to clothing.
That was a real concern in the third round last year when fans faced terrible humidity and heat during the match between the Bulldogs and Wests Tigers, with extra water stations provided to help prevent dehydration.