Parramatta Junior Rugby League Coaching Leadership Workshops: Evaluation Report

The Coaching Leadership Workshops conducted by Parramatta Junior Rugby League (PJRL) aimed to address the rising incidents of violence in junior rugby league competitions across the Parramatta districts. In addition to this, these workshops aimed to support coaches with developing their skills in team communication, player support, player safeguarding, positive behaviour modelling, and improving player-group culture for the teams they mentor and coach. Partnering with Western Sydney University, these workshops featured presentations on coaching philosophies and values by Nathan Cayless, a current Parramatta Eels coach and former club captain. Facilitated discussions by Sam Lane and Ben Joseph from Western Sydney University focused on addressing unsanctioned violence and aggression in youth rugby league. Survey feedback from attendees underscored positive impacts on coaching philosophy, violence prevention strategies, and communication & behaviour modelling skills. Participants expressed satisfaction with the workshops' content and format, highlighting improved readiness to manage on- and off-field incidents effectively. Recommendations for future workshops include enhancing interactive elements and incorporating ongoing support mechanisms to sustain learning outcomes. Of particular note was the emphasis that emerged encouraging PJRL to take a whole-club and community approach to prevention and response to unsanctioned violence and aggression in junior rugby league, including increased inclusion of parents, referees, club officials, and community leaders. The initiative reflects a proactive approach by PJRL to foster safer and more supportive sporting environments, aligning with broader goals of cultural transformation and player wellbeing in youth rugby league.