Auckland Rugby League
Referees Association

NZRL Code of Ethics is extensive, and includes four different areas of Refereeing relationships and responsibilities. You should be aware of the ethics involved in refereeing and the implications they have for you as a Referee.

EXPECTATIONS OF RUGBY LEAGUE REFEREES:

1 Relationships with administrators, team management, players and officials, herein "the Club": 1.1 Rugby League Referees shall treat everyone equitably and sensitively, within the context of their activity and ability, regardless of their gender, ethnic origin, cultural background, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation. 1.2 Rugby League Referees shall assess their ability before undertaking any appointment. Rugby League Referees shall not undertake refereeing appointments which are beyond their ability, without first disclosing their concerns to the relative Referees Appointee. 1.3 Rugby League Referees shall seek advice or assistance in instances where their ability does not meet the players' needs. 1.4 Rugby League Referees shall clarify in advance with their Association the time commitment involved and expected outcome of the coaching/training commitments. 1.5 Rugby League Referees shall not disclose, or permit disclosure, of any confidential information relating to their Association, or the business of the Association, without the Association's prior written consent. 1.6 Rugby League Referees shall not make false or misleading claims about their ability to obtain favourable attention/appointments.

2 Relationships with Coaches:

2.1 Rugby League Referees shall not enter in to verbal conflict with Coaches however be responsive to courteous questions/requests. 2.2 Rugby League Referees shall not take advantage of any information covering the business dealings of Coaches which may come to their attention. 2.3 Rugby League Referees shall refrain from public criticism of Coaches, (i.e. criticism expressed in any branch of the media, or in a lecture or seminar).

3 Professional Responsibilities:

3.1 Rugby League Referees shall not conduct themselves in a manner which is detrimental to the spirit or image towards the game of Rugby League. 3.2 Rugby League Referees shall involve themselves with the NZRL comprehensive Referees qualification programmes.

4 Personal Responsibilities:

4.1 Rugby League Referees shall at all times abide by the NZRL Code of Behaviour and Fair Play Agreement which outlines the philosophy to which all Referees should aspire. 4.2 NZRL wishes to acknowledge the assistance of SPARC in the development of this Code.

BEHAVIOUR:

This Code of Behaviour for Referees registered with the NZRL is to be read in conjunction with the following rules;

1. No Referee may during the course of or after a match under the jurisdiction of the NZRL abuse or address a Coach/Manager in insulting terms or act in a provocative manner toward a spectator. 2. A Referee must not while engaged in a game or while attending a game use crude or abusive language or engage in any conduct detrimental to the spirit of the game. 3. A Referee must at all times abide by the terms and conditions of the New Zealand International Rugby League Rule Book and make decisions based upon that Book. 4. A Referee must at all times act, dress and behave in public in a professional manner. 5. A Referee must, in the interests of maintaining the image of the game, accept all reasonable directions from the NZRL Management and must not engage in any public acts of misconduct or unruly public behaviour while representing the NZRL. 6. A Referee may, having only firstly obtained the written approval of the NZRL, write a column for publication in any newspaper or make comment in any other form media. 7 No Referee may, at any time, make any comment in any publication, whether written, televised, or broadcast, detrimental to the interests, welfare or image of the League or the NZRL. 8. Where NZRL receives a report of an alleged breach of this Code of Behaviour the Judicial Committee may: (a) If the Referee is found guilty of a breach of this Code, after due investigation disqualify and / or suspend and / or fine the Referee/ or suspend the Referee from adjudicating in any NZRL Competition. 9. Referees and Referee Officials are prohibited from placing bets, and benefiting financially from bets placed by themselves or others, on games in which they are participating. 10. No substitute official can represent or act as a Referee while engaged in a NZRL approved appointment unless prior approval has been given by the NZRL.

CONDUCT:

1. Aim to achieve a balance between personal development and players' performance, considering at all times the safety of players. 2. Recognise individual and cultural differences, and referee fairly with regard to all the players involved. 3. Aim for excellence and the fulfilment of potential by always refereeing to the best of your ability. 4. Lead by example: practice co﷓operation, self﷓control, respect for others, and maintain high standards of performance, behaviour, language and dress. 5. Referee are to make Rugby League acceptable and fun, while at all times taking all reasonable steps to ensure the physical and emotional safety of all players 6. Be trustworthy, honest, fair and consistent. 7. Be prepared to interact with the coaches, managers, trainers and parents, in the correct manner and recognise that they have important roles in sport too. 8. Continue to learn and develop your refereeing abilities and effectiveness – be flexible, innovative and respect constructive feedback. 9. Encourage a fit lifestyle that excludes the use of performance enhancing or behaviour modifying drugs. 10. Follow the Principles of Fair Play and base your decisions upon non biases.. 11. NZRL has compiled standardised Health & Safety Guidelines for all referees with the assistance of Dain Guttenbeil (NZRL Community Programmes Manager) and these are included in all levels of referee accreditation. These are to be followed at all times to ensure that safety of all players is given maximum consideration for the duration of every game.

The Te Atatu (Forces) Team will play its home games at Whenuapai Air Base and entry must be accompanied by an ID photo.

Congratulations to Number 1 New Zealand Referee Leon Williamson who recently won the Referee/Umpire of the Year in the Sporting Excellence Awards held recently in Auckland. Leon beat a top field to showcase refereeing in NZ and put his sport on the map. He has had a fantastic year with selection in the recent World Cup, where over 3 years he had been striving and working towards that goal.

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For the past three years Auckland Rugby League Referees Association have sent two referees and a coach to the New South Wales Secondary Schools Carnival held in August. This Tournament is the culmination of dozens of statewide area competitions from which the champions progress to hopefully become NSW State Grand Champions. It is naturally considered very prestigious.

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