As custodians of Rugby League and Touch Football in New South Wales, we, the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) and New South Wales Touch Association (NSWTA), collectively recognise the immense benefits that Touch Football offers to both sports. We are committed to fostering collaboration and inclusivity to maximise the growth and development of both codes.
Touch Football serves as a complementary pathway to Rugby League, providing players with a unique opportunity to develop essential skills such as evasion, spatial awareness, agility, and decision-making in a fast-paced, non-contact environment. These skills are not only vital for success on the Rugby League field but also contribute to overall athletic development and enjoyment of the sport.
Furthermore, participation in Touch Football offers numerous benefits beyond the physical realm. It fosters camaraderie, teamwork, and respect for opponents, enhancing the holistic development of young athletes both on and off the field. The inclusive nature of Touch Football welcomes individuals of all abilities and backgrounds, promoting social cohesion and community engagement.
Recognising the symbiotic relationship between Touch Football and Rugby League and acknowledging the milestone partnership forged by the two codes in 2013, both organisations advocate for the integration of Touch Football into the development pathways of Junior League players. Allowing representative Junior League players to participate in representative Touch Football not only enriches their skill set but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for the tactical nuances and strategic aspects of the game.
We urge stakeholders within the Rugby League community to embrace the synergy between Touch Football and Rugby League and to support initiatives that promote crossover participation. By working together, we can harness the inherent strengths of both sports to create a more vibrant and inclusive sporting landscape for the benefit of all participants.
We ask that practices that are currently being employed to prohibit participation in representative Touch Football events cease. We believe that players should be able to participate equally in both codes. Where a player is not selected to play in a representative Junior League game, and a clash exists, that player should be allowed to participate in representative touch footballing fixtures.
As a first step, we also advise that no Rugby League trial games or training are to be scheduled in opposition to the NSWTA State Cup, held on the weekend of the first Friday in December each year.
Together, let us unlock the full potential of our athletes by embracing Touch Football as an integral component of the Rugby League journey.
