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AN NRL crackdown on unruly behaviour has resulted in 16 fans being banned from venues by its integrity unit over the past 12 months.
Origin streaker and perennial pest Wati Holmwood heads the list with an indefinite/life suspension following his three-month jail *sentence last year.
Another 15 fans have been turfed out for at least one season for offences including drunkenness, assault and anti-social behaviour.
The NRLs tough stance since setting up the integrity unit is a move to attract more families and members to the football in a comfortable *environment.
Once under the control of clubs, chief executive Dave Smith instructed his own security staff to oversee all crowd behaviour incidents when the integrity unit was established.
The irony is that it has happened at the same time that notorious Dragons supporter Ross The Skull May has been allowed back to the football.
For years The Skull was famously banned from Kogarah Jubilee Oval but, such was his passion, he would often climb a tree or ladder to watch games from over the fence.
He was allowed back to all major venues this year, including Allianz Stadium for the Anzac Day game.
Under the strict new behaviour guidelines, the NRL is working closely with the police.
When an offender is arrested at the game, the integrity unit then speaks to police officers on the nature of the offence, whether the person is convicted, what kind of sentence is imposed and the recommendation of police. The unit then determines the length of the ban from rugby league games.
This is all about ensuring the comfort and safety of spectators, an NRL spokesman said.
We are going to continue to take action against people who engage in anti-social behaviour, which can ruin the experience of other fans.
Rugby league is a game for families and we are determined to create the right environment for them.
The A-League has also come down hard on fans misbehaviour over the past 12 months, banning 34 supporters for varying suspensions including incidents outside their venues.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/wha...hitting-the-mark/story-fnlt03ir-1226904283601
