Junior Values Gala Day May 28th
- Simon Rathbone
- May 17, 2023
- 2 min read
In what is a fantastic opportunity for junior rugby league participants in the lead up to State of Origin 1, NRLSA will be holding the annual Junior Vales at Eyre Sports park on Sunday May 28th.
To compliment the day, the State of Origin Shield will be at the venue between 11:00am and 1:00PM as well as State of Origin Legends Anthony Minichiello and Petero Civoniceva who will be in attendance on the day to meet all of the juniors.
We will also be reaching out to South Australia’s All Ability athletes to be involved in the day and participate in an all-abilities Tag Rugby League Clinic.
The day will be run by NRLSA staff, with junior club players able to participate in a mini carnival within their age group, by playing multiple shortened game.
This event is for juniors ONLY.
At the conclusion of each mini carnival, teams will be rewarded for showing the below good values highlighted below.
Inclusiveness
We will be looking for teams that show an inclusive attitude, working hard to get all players involved in the game, making sure all participants are included and get the opportunity to enjoy the games.
Respect
This will be defined by participants displaying respectful attitudes and behaviours towards all involved in the Game (Coaches, match officials, team members, opposition players and spectators).
Any disrespectful acts towards players and match officials are strongly discouraged, including over the top try celebrations, being discouraging of others and disputing referee decisions.
Behaviours that will be rewarded include treating all with respect, accepting decisions and encouraging others throughout the game.
INSPIRE AWARD
This award will be given to the team that inspires all around them which can demonstrated by showing a happy, fun and welcoming environment in the games they participate in.
FAIR PLAY AWARD
The Fair Play Award will be judged by all of the above, generally playing the game in good spirits and demonstrating all the above values.
For teams to be awarded the Fair Play Award, they need to demonstrate the types of behaviours and attitude that fosters a great environment for all involved in our rugby league community. Awards will not be given out to teams that display poor behaviour.
What – State of Origin Junior Values Day
When – Sunday 28th May
Where – Eyre Sports park
what will be there –State of Origin Shield
Who will be there - Anthony Minichiello (NSW) and Petero Civoniceva (QLD)
The focus on inclusivity and respect at this Junior Values Day is commendable. However, it’s interesting to consider how this event contrasts with the broader sporting culture, which sometimes glamorizes competitiveness over sportsmanship. The Pokies serve as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of competition, highlighting the need for balance between striving for victory and fostering a supportive environment for all players.
The emphasis on good sportsmanship at junior rugby league events like this is critical. It sets a foundation for young athletes to understand the importance of respect and teamwork. As we reflect on the impact of figures like Ricky in promoting these values, it’s clear that instilling these lessons early can shape the future of the sport positively. Creating an inclusive atmosphere ultimately enriches everyone’s experience.
The event outlined in the article seems to emphasize the importance of inclusivity and respect in the junior rugby league community. However, while the focus on good values is commendable, the practical aspects, such as how participants will register or pay for any related activities, remain unclear. For example, will there be a need for using Pay ID https://wrapair2.org/ for any fees associated with the event? Transparency on this would help.
The upcoming Junior Vales event presents a unique opportunity for young athletes to engage with the sport and learn important values. However, the emphasis on respect and inclusion raises questions about how often these ideals are truly practiced in competitive environments. Encouraging behaviours that align with the concept of is essential for fostering a healthy community. Effective education on these values can lead to more than just awards; it can instill life lessons for future endeavors.
The emphasis on respect and inclusivity in junior rugby league is crucial for fostering a positive environment. However, the success of such initiatives will depend on how well the Fair Play Award is implemented. Teams must actively engage in demonstrating good sportsmanship, which is essential for the long-term growth of the sport. Events like this remind us all of the need for a community akin to the Royal Reels we find in storytelling, where every participant has a role and is celebrated.