Referees in the South32 Illawarra Junior Rugby League will wear body cameras on the field from this weekend to improve officials’ safety on game day.
The devices will be worn by officials in charge of matches from Under 10s up to Under 16s to prevent anti-social behaviour from players, coaches, and crowds.
The technology will also be used off the field as a training aid for the Illawarra Rugby League Referees Association when assisting new recruits in their journey to become match officials.
Interim Illawarra Rugby League Manager Blake Edwards believes introducing body cameras in junior rugby league matches will positively impact behaviour.
“Due to recent poor player, coach, and crowd behaviour in not only our sport but in codes across the state, the League believes it is in the best interest of all participants to take a proactive approach to resolve these issues,” Edwards said.
“It is hoped that the use of body cameras in Junior Rugby League matches will act as a deterrent for anti-social behaviour, as well as provide a support mechanism and coaching tool for the referee’s association, which in turn, will go a long way in retaining officials in our game.
Acting General Manager of the Steelers Club, Graham Crittenden, echoed the League’s sentiments with the club throwing their support behind officials in the Illawarra.
“The Steelers exist to foster rugby league, and the Referees are an integral part of the game,” Crittenden said.
“We must put supportive measures around officials to keep them in the game and ensure that player and officials’ safety remains paramount. The League and Referee’s Association has the support of the Steelers Club and the management board.”
Harrison Armitt and Kayla Yeo are in their third season as referees in Illawarra Rugby League competitions. They both say they are looking forward to having body cameras available as a safety measure.
“The majority of the time, crowd and player behaviour is really good, although on occasions it can be quite horrible, particularly this season,” Harrison says.
“Using the body cameras will help lift the weight and pressure off the referees and act as a safety net for us.
“It will be good to know that if something happens in and around the game, it will be captured.”
Kayla also says her time as a referee has been enjoyable. However, the behaviour of those on the field and on the sidelines this season has made things more difficult than in previous years.
“Players have become a little more aggressive in the junior ages I referee, and the crowds have definitely become a lot rowdier,” she says.
“The League and Referees Association initiative to wear body cameras in games is positive. With players and parents seeing cameras on the referees, they will know they are being watched. Hopefully, this will settle things down.”