THE Rugby Football League have introduced a Player Dispensation Policy which aims to allow youngsters to take part in matches at youth and junior level even if they have any condition – physical or mental – that would until now have limited them to watching from the sidelines.
Boys and girls who, for example, are obliged to wear goggles may now be able to enjoy playing, subject to appropriate medical evidence being supplied and accepted by the governing body.
In certain ‘exceptional and evidence-based circumstances’, players may play outside their own age group.
Those are just two examples of the benefits of an initiative which was recently relayed to clubs.
Kelly Barrett, the RFL’s head of delivery (community game competitions), in emailing relevant documentation and guidance sheets, stressed: “These documents apply to Youth and Junior Rugby League only and cover playing outside a standard age group and the use of approved medical devices (or personal protective equipment).
“(Clubs) should review any existing or historic dispensations to ensure they still meet the requirements of the new policy.”
The purpose of the Player Dispensation Policy is to “ensure children and young people can access Rugby League in a safe, inclusive and developmentally appropriate way” and it is stressed that dispensations are not intended to enable a competitive advantage but solely to support participation, welfare and long-term player retention.
The policy applies during matches and in training to all Youth and Junior (but not open-age) players, whether with male, female or mixed-gender teams.
Categories include diagnosed physical or mental impairment, size, strength or co-ordination concerns, chronic health (physical or mental) conditions, access or pathway barriers (such as there being no local team in the relevant age group) and exceptional individual needs.
The latter can include prolonged absence, social or emotional challenges or other unique circumstances. There is, in addition, an ‘holistic assessment’ category, to deal with ‘exceptional circumstances’.
More than one reason may be given in a single application, which must be supported by written evidence, for example parent/carer statements, a supporting letter from the club involved, medical or specialist reports, confirmation (if relevant) from league/competition administrators and educational confirmation from a school or local authority.
Safeguarding and fairness dispensations will not be approved if they present a safeguarding or safety risk, create a significant competitive imbalance or undermine competition integrity.
“Player welfare is the overriding consideration in all decisions,” said the RFL.
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