On field and spectator violence has become a recurring affair in the code of rugby league, a concern not only for the rugby league fraternity, but the governing body as well.
The national sport of Rugby League has a zero tolerance policy on violence in sport, and violence surrounding the game.
PNG Rugby Football League Chairman, Sandis Tsaka, was clear with the governing body’s stance on violence in Rugby League, assuring the country and all rugby league participants that harsh penalties will continue to apply to those who cannot comply with competition regulations.
“We’ve had zero tolerance on violence, both on and off the field. You would have seen the policy has taken route with a couple of decisions that have been made particularly in the DIgicel Cup, and a couple of the recent (suburban) league games,” Tsaka said.
Tsaka, has continuously condemned the acts of violence within, and surrounding the game.
“It is something that we’ve taken on seriously in the last few years. We’ve come to the resolution passed at the AGM, that violence in the sport will be something that will not be tolerated in all levels,” Tsaka said.
While stern penalties have been recently applied to players who have breached the code of conduct, Tsaka says, these are bandage solutions.
“We’re looking long term to address these things, and the only way we can do that is to go plant good seeds down at the junior level.”
