fbpx

Mandatory medical certificate for footy players over 40

January 27, 2025 BY
Rugby League medical check

NRRRL players aged 40 years over will need to complete a Certificate of Fitness to play in the competition this year. Photo: CEE BEE'S PHOTOS.

NORTHERN Rivers Region Rugby League players aged 40 years or older will need to pass a compulsory medical check to play in this year’s competition.

It is part of a state-wide initiative by NSW Rugby League with players to complete a Certificate of Fitness before they take the field.

The new rule applies to anyone looking to play, train or take part in a carnival sanctioned by the governing body.

The medical check has been brought in for player safety and mainly affects local players in the reserve grade competition.

Only a handful of players in the NRRRL first grade competition are over 40, while others are nearing the age bracket.

NRRRL chairman Max Beecher said it is a good move surrounding player safety.

“At any level you have to be reasonably fit to play, so it’s definitely a good thing,” Beecher said.

“I think they have already been doing it in Queensland for a few years now and this will get everyone on the same page.”

Players will have to provide the certificate, completed by a GP, before registering with their club.

The purpose of the policy is to detect any pre-existing illness or physical abnormality that players might not necessarily be aware of.

The medical information remains confidential between player and doctor and cannot be accessed by NSW Rugby League or the NRRRL.

NSW Rugby League chief medical officer Dr Nathan Gibbs said he hoped the medical clearance would encourage older players to stay in the sport.

“Continuing to play team contact sport like rugby league as an older player over 40 is definitely encouraged for all the mental and physical benefits gained from being involved in a team sport and the conditioning required to be able to play the game,” he said.

“However, increasing age also has an increased risk of contact injury and an increased risk of medical problems related to the actual physical conditioning required to play the game.

“As such it is important to visit your GP and get a clearance medically and physically to say that you are fit to play despite your older age.”

The medical form can be accessed at www.nswrl.com.au with the first round of the NRRRL season set down for the weekend of April 5-6.