THE numbers are in and they are very encouraging for Group 3 rugby league compared with the rest of the state, particularly when it comes to female participation.
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Rugby league players across the entire Mid North Coast are setting the standard for their country counterparts, particularly in the junior divisions.
In 2018, there was an increase in overall female player numbers from 205 to 463 (both in senior and junior) while junior female numbers jumped from 43 to 293.
Group 3 had the best retention rate overall of any NSW country junior competition with a staggering 10 per cent increase on the national average from 2017.
There was a 16 per cent increase (2345 to 2723 players) in both male and female junior and senior participation numbers.
Male overall participation had a slight increase from 2140 to 2260.
National trends across all sports previously have shown a drop in male participation between the 13 to 18 year age groups.
Group 3 male participation was up in this age group in 2018 with 13-15 years up seven per cent and 16-18 up 23 per cent.
Sharks president Gordon Witherspoon said the CRL’s introduction of the Active Kids $100 voucher encouraged players to take up the sport.
The new league tag competition also provided an option for the girls while the nine-a-side format is set to kick off next weekend.
“The introduction of league tag for the girls was a massive success,” he said.
“They are promoting Fair Play and rugby league is probably a safer sport now than it was even five or 10 years ago.”
Witherspoon said that was due to a focus on concussion and trying to prevent head knocks.
The Sharks grew their membership base by 120 players and the president was hopeful they could do that again next season.
“In the minis we had three teams in the two age groups so I’d be happy if we did that again.”
Breakers junior president Raymond Weatherby has also noticed the increase in girls playing footy.
“A lot of girls are coming into rugby league,” he said.
“We had a couple of girls in every age division right up to under-11s and then the 14s and 16s league tag.”
He echoed Witherspoon’s thoughts on rugby league being turned into a safer sport.
“They’ve done a few rule changes that have made it safer; the minis and mods play on a smaller field and the minis are only back five metres,” he said.
“That minimises the amount of big hits.”
Port City also nudged 300 members by the end of the season.
“We were up 70 this year from last year so I think we’ll crack the 300 overall.”
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