Moffo
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NRL Board reviews Bulldogs' behaviour
5 March 2004
The National Rugby League Board has received an interim report into behaviour issues surrounding the allegations of misconduct against the Bulldogs in Coffs Harbour two weeks ago.
A detailed report from Robuck Security, a company headed by former Chief of Detectives, Mr Ken Bowditch, investigated allegations of a brawl outside a night club, allegations of misconduct towards female patrons and general misbehaviour.
"In relation to these issues only, the report has found no evidence to substantiate such claims," Mr Gallop said today.
"This is despite extensive interviews with patrons, security personnel and management in attendance on the nights in question.
"There are still areas of the investigation to complete and the NRL has not ruled out re-examining any issue on the basis of new evidence."
The interim report is over 50 pages in length and will, when completed, have examined every claim in relation to the club (outside of those under investigation by police).
In considering the interim report from its investigator today, the NRL Board, has also been faced with clear legal advice relating to its ability to act against the Bulldogs club or its players over any issue connected with matters being investigated by the NSW Police.
The detailed written advice states clearly that:
... the NRL should not take any action that might endanger the balance of fairness in later proceedings unless and until that prospect is removed.
"..It is to be observed that the NRL has so far proceeded conformably with the above principles.
"....As for the making of statements damaging to the reputation of the NRL and the game and, in particular, the statements reported in the Sun Herald last Sunday, it cannot be assumed that such statements (or some of them) will not later be relied upon in a criminal prosecution."
In relation to the matters being investigated by the police at the team hotel, and therefore any subsequent comments made in relation to these issues by players or the club (in particular those comments contained within the Sun Herald on February 29), the NRL believes it is unable to take action until the position of the police becomes clearer.
The same statement applies in relation to allegations which came to the NRL's attention yesterday in relation to the Melbourne Storm.
"I acknowledge and share the frustration some people may feel in wanting to see penalties imposed," Mr Gallop said.
"We are however in relation to the Bulldogs and the Storm talking about matters of the greatest seriousness.
"We are not the police and can't pretend to second guess their investigations.
"I trust that they are doing everything in their power to ensure that this matter is being dealt with as speedily as possible.
"Once we are clear about the extent of their investigations and some of the outcomes we can re-address this issue but until then we can only take steps to ensure we do everything possible to prevent anything which casts this sort of shadow over our sport."
Mr Bowditch was also asked to examine and investigate a report submitted by the Roosters in relation to an alleged act of misconduct at Shoal Bay.
His assessment of that report and his own investigations have revealed no evidence of misconduct.
The Board today also discussed comments made by Darren Lockyer in Brisbane yesterday and has agreed against further action after taking into account the speed and nature of his public apology.
Significantly, the Board has also accepted recommendations from the Education and Welfare Committee headed by the Executive Director of Sydney University Sport, Mr Greg Harris, and which includes RLPA President Mr Tony Butterfield.
Among the recommendations is the introduction of an expert in gender studies, Associate Professor Catharine Lumby of the University of Sydney, acting as a specialist advisor to the committee and the game.
Associatate Professor Lumby is a respected author, a member of the Advertising Standards Board, a former consultant to the Equal Opportunity Commissioner of South Australia and the current Director of the University of Sydney's Media and Communications Programme.
The Committee's recommendations are as follows:
* Committee endorses the existing NRL code of conduct and the core values reflected within.
* NRL to emphasise the importance of the existing welfare courses and the clubs' compliance with the NRL Welfare and Education policy finalised in 2003, which already allows for an additional investment of $1million in education and welfare.
* Appointment of Associate Professor Catharine Lumby, an expert in gender studies based at the University of Sydney to the NRL Welfare and Education Committee to ensure all perspectives are taken into account in deciding education and welfare policy.
* NRL and RLPA to promote individual player responsibility and the need to have players individually accountable for their actions.
* Strengthening of existing induction programmes to ensure all new players at clubs fully understand the challenges and obligations they face in professional Rugby League.
* At least 6 senior players at each club to undergo leadership and mentoring programmes so that they can assist in guiding young players.
* All officials and coaches required to attend all NRL education courses relating to community standards, racial vilification, sexual discrimination and harassment.
Welfare and Education Committee to re-examine all existing courses covering these issues and increase emphasis where necessary in the light of recent events.
Investigate whether NRL's external counselling programme can be expanded to allow anyone with a concern about a player's behaviour the option of approaching a qualified and independent counsellor who can advise of all legal rights if necessary.
"The concerns raised in relation to the game are clear evidence that the focus on education and welfare that we are putting in place deserves the support it is getting," Mr Harris said.
"We need to ensure players are informed and educated and we need to ensure they understand that once the game has made that effort, once it has set its codes of conduct that it is the players have to accept responsibility for their actions.
"We looked around the room today and it was clear that one perspective we needed to add was the expertise of someone like Catharine Lumby and I'm delighted she has agreed to take part going forward.
"Over my involvement in the last twelve months, I've got no doubt about the intentions of the NRL to face up to education and welfare issues and we need to keep heading down the path that we are. This should serve to emphasise the importance of what is being done."
RLPA President, Mr Tony Butterfield, said that he fully supported the committee's recommendations and welcomed the NRL's assurance that the investments in Education and Welfare suggested by the committee in 2003 had been approved late last year and were not tied to the Collective Bargaining Agreement outcomes.
5 March 2004
The National Rugby League Board has received an interim report into behaviour issues surrounding the allegations of misconduct against the Bulldogs in Coffs Harbour two weeks ago.
A detailed report from Robuck Security, a company headed by former Chief of Detectives, Mr Ken Bowditch, investigated allegations of a brawl outside a night club, allegations of misconduct towards female patrons and general misbehaviour.
"In relation to these issues only, the report has found no evidence to substantiate such claims," Mr Gallop said today.
"This is despite extensive interviews with patrons, security personnel and management in attendance on the nights in question.
"There are still areas of the investigation to complete and the NRL has not ruled out re-examining any issue on the basis of new evidence."
The interim report is over 50 pages in length and will, when completed, have examined every claim in relation to the club (outside of those under investigation by police).
In considering the interim report from its investigator today, the NRL Board, has also been faced with clear legal advice relating to its ability to act against the Bulldogs club or its players over any issue connected with matters being investigated by the NSW Police.
The detailed written advice states clearly that:
... the NRL should not take any action that might endanger the balance of fairness in later proceedings unless and until that prospect is removed.
"..It is to be observed that the NRL has so far proceeded conformably with the above principles.
"....As for the making of statements damaging to the reputation of the NRL and the game and, in particular, the statements reported in the Sun Herald last Sunday, it cannot be assumed that such statements (or some of them) will not later be relied upon in a criminal prosecution."
In relation to the matters being investigated by the police at the team hotel, and therefore any subsequent comments made in relation to these issues by players or the club (in particular those comments contained within the Sun Herald on February 29), the NRL believes it is unable to take action until the position of the police becomes clearer.
The same statement applies in relation to allegations which came to the NRL's attention yesterday in relation to the Melbourne Storm.
"I acknowledge and share the frustration some people may feel in wanting to see penalties imposed," Mr Gallop said.
"We are however in relation to the Bulldogs and the Storm talking about matters of the greatest seriousness.
"We are not the police and can't pretend to second guess their investigations.
"I trust that they are doing everything in their power to ensure that this matter is being dealt with as speedily as possible.
"Once we are clear about the extent of their investigations and some of the outcomes we can re-address this issue but until then we can only take steps to ensure we do everything possible to prevent anything which casts this sort of shadow over our sport."
Mr Bowditch was also asked to examine and investigate a report submitted by the Roosters in relation to an alleged act of misconduct at Shoal Bay.
His assessment of that report and his own investigations have revealed no evidence of misconduct.
The Board today also discussed comments made by Darren Lockyer in Brisbane yesterday and has agreed against further action after taking into account the speed and nature of his public apology.
Significantly, the Board has also accepted recommendations from the Education and Welfare Committee headed by the Executive Director of Sydney University Sport, Mr Greg Harris, and which includes RLPA President Mr Tony Butterfield.
Among the recommendations is the introduction of an expert in gender studies, Associate Professor Catharine Lumby of the University of Sydney, acting as a specialist advisor to the committee and the game.
Associatate Professor Lumby is a respected author, a member of the Advertising Standards Board, a former consultant to the Equal Opportunity Commissioner of South Australia and the current Director of the University of Sydney's Media and Communications Programme.
The Committee's recommendations are as follows:
* Committee endorses the existing NRL code of conduct and the core values reflected within.
* NRL to emphasise the importance of the existing welfare courses and the clubs' compliance with the NRL Welfare and Education policy finalised in 2003, which already allows for an additional investment of $1million in education and welfare.
* Appointment of Associate Professor Catharine Lumby, an expert in gender studies based at the University of Sydney to the NRL Welfare and Education Committee to ensure all perspectives are taken into account in deciding education and welfare policy.
* NRL and RLPA to promote individual player responsibility and the need to have players individually accountable for their actions.
* Strengthening of existing induction programmes to ensure all new players at clubs fully understand the challenges and obligations they face in professional Rugby League.
* At least 6 senior players at each club to undergo leadership and mentoring programmes so that they can assist in guiding young players.
* All officials and coaches required to attend all NRL education courses relating to community standards, racial vilification, sexual discrimination and harassment.
Welfare and Education Committee to re-examine all existing courses covering these issues and increase emphasis where necessary in the light of recent events.
Investigate whether NRL's external counselling programme can be expanded to allow anyone with a concern about a player's behaviour the option of approaching a qualified and independent counsellor who can advise of all legal rights if necessary.
"The concerns raised in relation to the game are clear evidence that the focus on education and welfare that we are putting in place deserves the support it is getting," Mr Harris said.
"We need to ensure players are informed and educated and we need to ensure they understand that once the game has made that effort, once it has set its codes of conduct that it is the players have to accept responsibility for their actions.
"We looked around the room today and it was clear that one perspective we needed to add was the expertise of someone like Catharine Lumby and I'm delighted she has agreed to take part going forward.
"Over my involvement in the last twelve months, I've got no doubt about the intentions of the NRL to face up to education and welfare issues and we need to keep heading down the path that we are. This should serve to emphasise the importance of what is being done."
RLPA President, Mr Tony Butterfield, said that he fully supported the committee's recommendations and welcomed the NRL's assurance that the investments in Education and Welfare suggested by the committee in 2003 had been approved late last year and were not tied to the Collective Bargaining Agreement outcomes.
