Respect Round was a huge winner in the South East region, with many clubs getting behind the initiative and even adding some of their own creative twists.
It was a great effort from the clubs to show respect for the match officials and everyone involved and there were some fantastic examples posted right across social media to promote the positive environment being fostered.
The actions of all players shaking hands with the match officials and with each other, and the coaches as well, happened organically – all tiny gestures recognising we’re all human and here for the same reasons and our clubs really embraced that, which was great.
It was awesome to hear Queensland Maroons legends putting their voice behind the campaign too, with five-eighth Cameron Munster helping us promote the message of positivity.
The “Raging Bull’ Gorden Tallis, speaking on Triple M radio over the weekend, sung the praises of the activities he witnessed at Narangba Rangers, from gestures before the game to that of parents, who were encouraged to barrack for the team rather than individuals.
Clubs like Coomera showed across multiple age groups how respect can be done differently and they had players all line up for photos – and match officials and coaches – which is something that doesn’t usually happen in junior rugby league.
The Rugby League Gold Coast Referees’ Association also did a fantastic job of sharing the positivity on social media, taking videos of a number of those actions and really getting behind it too.
We’re in the course of compiling all the great examples we saw in Respect Round and will soon be choosing four clubs to share in $2000 worth of equipment vouchers.
The whole weekend was a really great example of how respect can be celebrated and I hope it’s something clubs - many who do a wonderful job reminding people of QRL’s Positive Environment Program - look to adopt more often.
Shout out
A shout out to the Capalaba Warriors, led by president Tanya Bonney and a fantastic committee, for the way they have adopted the Positive Environment Program. I received just this week an email from a Rugby League Brisbane referee who said Capalaba was the “most proactive club I’ve officiated at in terms of ensuring the safety of officials”. He said it was fantastic hearing the club reinforce the PEP over their speakers prior to every game and take swift action to nip negativity in the bud. Well done Warriors.
Key dates
June 17, 3pm: XXXX League Championship semi-final, Brisbane Red v Toowoomba at Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba
Celebrating our team
Geoff Bartlett
Role: Area manager, Gold Coast
Hometown: Gold Coast (Yugambeh people)
Favourite Maroons player: Billy Slater
Favourite Maroons Origin moment: When Darren Lockyer scored the match-winning try in the 2006 decider to seal one of the most dramatic series on record 16-14. What made it more special was that I got to celebrate with hundreds of my closest friends at the Walkabout Pub in Shepherd’s Bush, London. Epic is an understatement.
Why you love your job: I understand the power of sport and what it can do to foster a sense of connection and belonging in the community. It has done that for me throughout all stages of my life and I hope that my role at QRL goes some way to building well-rounded humans and a better society.
What Geoff brings to the team: Geoff brings a methodical approach to any task and is an avid learner that will continue to assist our team greatly. Geoff has spent considerable time getting to know the Gold Coast area since his arrival by key stakeholder consultation. Geoff can sniff out an innovation to a concept as well as being able to operationally deliver a top quality service to his stakeholders and we are grateful he is a leader in our team.
