NSWRL Statement on safety of officials

The Cronulla Junior Rugby League has issued a notice of suspension to the official involved in an incident with a teenage referee at Anzac Oval, Engadine, yesterday.

CJRL General Manager Nathan Waugh said the official had been stood down immediately from his role as a trainer and had been banned from all Rugby League grounds in the Sutherland Shire, pending the outcome of his court hearing (on Wednesday) and subsequent Rugby League judiciary hearing.

New South Wales Rugby League and CJRL agree referees should be treated with the utmost respect and such behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

The CJRL judiciary hearing date will be set after the official's court appearance on Wednesday.

NSWRL CEO Dave Trodden said: "This sort of behaviour has no place in any junior sport. The protection of our referees is paramount and we can't, and won't, tolerate any behaviour that puts into question the safety and protection of our match officials.