In November 2023, various junior rugby league districts voted to make junior rugby league a non-competitive format from U6-U10’s in season 2024. The main reasons were to improve child safety and reduce spectator abuse directed at players and referees. As a parent of three boys who all play in the Balmain district, I am a supporter of improving player welfare and protecting referees and players from spectator abuse. For years, U9’s and up has played a competitive form of the game. My sons U9’s team won the grand final this year at the Carlingford Cougars. They are now being told that their U10’s team for next year will no longer be competitive. These kids have already transitioned to a competitive competition. Common sense needs to prevail. The 2024 competition should be non-competitive for U6-U9 and U10 and up should maintain the competitive format. The non competitive format needs to be transitioned in every year but needs to start with age groups that have not yet played competitive games. ie. U8’s this year that move to U9’s next year.

Please show your support by voting for this format.