Gold Coast launches proactive initiative to stamp out bad behaviour

Rugby League Gold Coast is taking a stance against bad behaviour at the footy, committing to the successful 'Not in My House' campaign.

Initially trialled in Toowoomba before being adopted across the entire QRL Central region in 2019, the three-step initiative puts the responsibility on all participants and spectators to meet "house rules".

As part of the program; players, referees, club officials and spectators are considered “family” who share a zone that won’t tolerate swearing, bullying and harassment.

With the support of Queensland Rugby League and the Gold Coast Titans, all clubs on the Gold Coast will display posters outlining the right behaviours when entering to watch any rugby league fixtures managed by RLGC.

Titans representatives Jamal Fogarty, Philip Sami and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui have also thrown their support behind the initiative, providing voiceovers for clubs to use throughout their hosting days to educate all spectators of what is expected. 

Every registered member from all Gold Coast clubs will also also receive an introductory letter from chair Peter Daley outlining the program and explaining the expectations.  

"The basis for this campaign is to support our member clubs to provide the right environment for everyone to enjoy our game," Daley said.

"We want everyone involved in rugby league on the Gold Coast to enjoy their experience when at one of our clubs.

"To do this, we need our community to know what’s acceptable and not acceptable when it comes to behaviour."

QRL Gold Coast area manager Brendon Lindsay said the support to educate fans on how to positively show their passion whilst at the footy has been exemplary.

“For the league to receive support from the QRL and the Titans for this initiative is a great benefit to the rugby league community," Lindsay said.

"Getting players like Tino, Jamal and Phil to give up their time to provide voiceovers for the clubs is something that takes this initiative to another level.  

"Our goal with this is to educate. 

"Rugby league is a passionate game and there is nothing better than the support all of our boys and girls get on a weekend, but we need to keep that support positive and focus on encouraging the person you are there to support."

The campaign is based on three steps as follows:

Visuals: Posters with key messages will be displayed at grounds. 

Audio messaging: Voiceovers from Gold Coast Titans players will be played throughout match days at each venue.

Positive reinforcement: Ensuring all fans who attend a match in “Our House” are aware of the rules and act accordingly.