RFL warn coaches over bad language during live TV matches

Drew Darbyshire

The Rugby Football League has told all head coaches to be mindful of their behaviour after they were caught swearing during televised broadcasts. 

Huddersfield Giants boss Simon Woolford was captured by the Sky Sports cameras swearing during a recent Super League game.

And Leeds Rhinos chief Dave Furner was also seen using bad language in their dramatic win over Castleford Tigers.

RFL chief executive, Ralph Rimmer, said: “One other area where we’ve acted behind the scenes in recent weeks, but I think is worth sharing here given the importance to the wider game, is stressing to the game’s head coaches that they also have a responsibility in terms of behaviour.

“I do think we’re lucky with the calibre of individuals we have involved at all levels of the game, and their appreciation of their role in it – largely because they all love it. But there had been a couple of incidents recently of unmistakeable bad language in the close-up shots that broadcasters use to show the passion on the touchline and in the stand.

“Our compliance department has written to all clubs and coaches reminding them of their obligations in this regard – especially linking to the Enjoy the Game campaign, which is so important to all of us at the RFL.

“Touchline behaviour is crucial in terms of the rugby league experience at community levels, so we need our high-profile figures at the highest level – players and coaches – to set the right example. We’re not expecting them to be angels, and we definitely don’t want them to be robots. This was discussed with all the members of the RFL council in December – and we thought it was timely to send out a reminder.

“We all love the game; it’s so important that we try and protect and nurture it at all levels; we all play a role within that.”

Super League Castleford Tigers

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