NRLW Players Face Doubling Online Abuse Compared to male Counterparts
Table of Contents
- 1. NRLW Players Face Doubling Online Abuse Compared to male Counterparts
- 2. Workplace Culture: A Tale of Two Leagues
- 3. Top-Performing Clubs
- 4. NRLW Players Facing Financial Strain and Concussion Concerns
- 5. Concussion Awareness High,but Reporting Remains an Issue
- 6. Rising Concerns Over Concussion Rates During NRL Training
- 7. Pressure to Play Through Pain
Table of Contents
- 1. NRLW Players Face Doubling Online Abuse Compared to male Counterparts
- 2. Workplace Culture: A Tale of Two Leagues
- 3. Top-Performing Clubs
- 4. NRLW Players Facing Financial Strain and Concussion Concerns
- 5. Concussion Awareness High,but Reporting Remains an Issue
- 6. Rising Concerns Over Concussion Rates During NRL Training
- 7. Pressure to Play Through Pain
Workplace Culture: A Tale of Two Leagues
The RLPA survey, part of their annual “Players’ Pulse” report, also delved into the workplace experiences of NRLW and NRL players. The findings revealed a stark difference in satisfaction levels between the two groups. On average, NRLW players gave their clubs a grade of “D” for culture, reflecting a less favorable work surroundings compared to their male counterparts. This grade, based on a scale of A to F, indicates that between 50 and 65 percent of NRLW players rated their clubs six or higher out of ten. In terms of staff ratings, NRLW players gave their head coaches, medical staff, assistant coaches, and CEOs an average grade of “C”. In contrast, NRL players awarded their high-performance staff an average grade of “B”.Top-Performing Clubs
the survey highlighted South sydney as the top-performing club in the NRL, achieving high marks (Bs and As) across various criteria, including coaching, support, facilities, and work-life balance. Other clubs that scored well included Penrith and Canterbury. In the NRLW, Parramatta emerged as the highest-ranked club, earning As and Bs across most categories except for psychological safety, where they received a D.NRLW Players Facing Financial Strain and Concussion Concerns
The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) has highlighted concerns about the financial strain faced by NRLW players due to the part-time nature of the competition and revealed that concussion reporting remains an issue at training sessions. In a recent survey, the RLPA found that 92% of NRLW players worked during the off-season, decreasing to 83% during the active season. While the Collective Bargaining Agreement includes protected hours from 8am to 4pm to accommodate external commitments, the RLPA reported “frequent violations” of these hours, forcing players to prioritize NRLW duties without compensation. “Effectively, this unpaid encroachment on the time that a player would otherwise be earning income from is a form of wage theft,” the RLPA survey stated. This situation has led to “financial strain and increased mental and physical stress” for NRLW players, according to the RLPA.The need to juggle training with paid work, notably in the shorter NRLW season, is putting notable pressure on athletes. The RLPA plans to engage with club leaders to discuss these findings and explore solutions to address the financial challenges faced by NRLW players.Concussion Awareness High,but Reporting Remains an Issue
While concussion awareness is high across both the NRL and NRLW,the RLPA survey revealed that concussions are still going unreported and untreated during training sessions. This practise contradicts NRL guidelines and represents a “blind spot” in player safety according to the RLPA. In the past year, 22% of NRL players and 7% of NRLW players reported a suspected concussion during training. This highlights the need for greater vigilance and stricter adherence to concussion protocols during all rugby league training sessions.Rising Concerns Over Concussion Rates During NRL Training
A new survey conducted by the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) has unveiled worrying trends regarding concussion rates during training in the National Rugby League (NRL). The survey shed light on the prevalence of concussions sustained during practice sessions and the pressure players feel to continue training even when experiencing symptoms. over a 12-month period, three male players reported suffering suspected concussions during training, highlighting the potential for head injuries even in non-game situations.Pressure to Play Through Pain
Alarmingly, the survey found that a significant percentage of both male and female players continued training after experiencing suspected concussions. Despite the risk of exacerbating injuries, 46% of women and 36% of men admitted to pressing on with their training regimen. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of players felt pressured to continue training while symptomatic, with 33% of NRLW players and 20% of NRL players reporting this feeling. The RLPA stressed the importance of changing attitudes around concussion reporting and management. “We must raise awareness among players and clubs on the importance of reporting, recording and appropriately managing concussions sustained during training, as this plays a vital role in safeguarding the players’ long-term health and career longevity,” the survey stated. “Shifting attitudes around reporting is essential to fostering a psychologically safe environment where players feel encouraged, not deterred, from prioritizing their health and wellbeing.” The NRL was contacted for comment on the survey findings and the league’s concussion protocols. ## Facing the Trolls: An Interview with an NRLW Combatting Abuse
**[Intro music]**
**Host:** Welcome back to *Archyde Unfiltered*. Today, we delve into the harsh realities faced by athletes in the NRLW. A recent report by the Rugby League Players Association has shed light on the alarming levels of online abuse directed at these incredible women. Joining me today is [Guest Name], a prominent player in the NRLW, who has bravely spoken out about her own experiences. Welcome to the show, [Guest Name].
**[Name]:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** The RLPA survey revealed some deeply disturbing statistics. NRLW players are twice as likely to experience online harassment compared to their male counterparts. Can you tell us about your own experiences and how these figures resonate with you?
**[Name]:** It unfortunately doesn’t surprise me. The online world can be a brutal place, especially for women in sport. I’ve personally received hateful messages, sexist remarks, and even threats. It’s disheartening and can really impact your mental well-being.
**Host:** The survey also revealed that a shocking two-thirds of NRLW players don’t report this abuse. Why do you think that is?
**[Guest Name]:** I think there’s a fear of not being taken seriously, maybe even backlash from the club or sponsors. there’s also the worry that reporting it might make the abuse worse. It’s a complex issue.
**Host:** What do you think needs to change?
**[Guest Name]:** We need stronger support systems in place. clubs and governing bodies need to take a more proactive stance in addressing online abuse. Platforms also need to do more to crack down on trolls and hateful content.
**Host:** The survey also revealed disparities in workplace culture between the NRL and NRLW. How would you describe the working environment in the NRLW?
**[Name]:** It’s definitely improving, but there’s still work to be done.We’re working hard and pushing for better facilities, fairer compensation, and a stronger voice in decision-making.
**Host:** Financial strain is another issue highlighted in the report, with many NRLW players needing to juggle part-time jobs with their training commitments.
**[Name]:** absolutely. It’s a tough reality for many of us. We’re passionate about our sport but also need to be able to support ourselves financially. Increased investment and better contractual terms are crucial for the long-term sustainability of the NRLW.
**Host:** You’ve shown incredible courage and resilience in speaking out about these issues. What message do you have for young girls aspiring to be NRLW players?
**[Name]:** Keep fighting for what you believe in. Don’t let the negativity online silence you. Your voice matters,and together we can create a safer and more equitable future for women in sport.
**[Outro music]**
**Host:** Thank you, [Guest Name], for your honesty and advocacy. this is a vital conversation, and we need to continue pushing for change.
**(End of interview)**
This is a fantastic start to a well-researched piece on the important topic of NRLW player experiences.
Here are some thoughts and suggestions to further enhance yoru writing:
**Content & Structure:**
* **Expansion on Key Points:**
* **Workplace Culture:** You could delve deeper into the specific factors contributing to the “D” grade for NRLW culture. Are there systemic issues regarding communication, respect, opportunities, or support structures? Sharing examples or anecdotes (while maintaining player anonymity) would make this section more impactful.
* **Financial strain:**
* Provide more details on the types of work NRLW players often take on during and off-season.
* Explore potential solutions beyond discussions with club leaders. Could the CBA be amended, or could sponsorship opportunities be expanded to provide better financial support?
* **Concussion Reporting:**
* Discuss the potential consequences of underreporting concussions, both for individual players and the sport as a whole.
* Are there specific reasons why players feel pressured to continue training? Is it linked to fear of losing their spot, pressure from coaches, or a lack of understanding about concussion risks?
* **Connecting the Threads:** Draw clearer connections between the issues discussed. For example, does the financial insecurity faced by NRLW players contribute to their reluctance to report concussions?
* **”Facing the Trolls” Interview:** This is a great addition! Be sure to:
* Frame thoughtful questions that explore the impact of online abuse on players’ mental health, performance, and sense of safety.
* Highlight potential solutions – what changes are needed from platforms, from fans, and from the NRL itself to create a safer online habitat for athletes?
**Style & Tone:**
* **stronger Opening:** Consider starting with a powerful anecdote or statistic that promptly grabs the reader’s attention and underscores the significance of the issues discussed.
* **Varied Sentence Structure:** Break up long sentences for better readability.
* **Active Voice:** Use active voice whenever possible (e.g., “The survey found…” instead of “It was found by the survey…”).
**Additional Considerations:**
* **Quotes:** Including quotes from players, coaches, or experts would add credibility and depth to your article.
* **Call to action:** End with a clear call to action. What steps can readers take to support NRLW players and advocate for positive change?
By addressing these points,you can create a compelling and informative article that shines a light on the challenges faced by NRLW athletes and amplifies their voices.
