Which sports trainers must be present before a match can start?

Under NSWRL Policies 4.8 and 4.15, no match starts under any circumstances without, as a minimum, the on-field safety personnel prescribed by the NRL On-Field Policy present and available at the venue. Ground managers are responsible for checking this before any match commences.

• Identify each sports trainer through their Match Day Card and verify their accreditation the same way.
• Mark sports trainers on the sign on sheet. They must sign it before the game starts.
• If a team presents without the required sports trainer, you must direct that the match CANNOT start. Everyone must comply, and the match is deemed a forfeit.
• A coach cannot act as both coach and the required on-field safety person in the same game. One individual is needed for each role.

The NSWRL 2023 Team Managers Manual sets out the minimum by age group: for Under 6 to Under 12 the home venue needs at least one volunteer with League First Aid accreditation; for Under 13 to Under 15 each team needs a League First Aid accredited trainer; and for Under 16 to Open Age each team needs an accredited Level 1 Sports Trainer.

Each team can use a maximum of two sports trainers in Under 6 to Under 12 matches, and three in Under 13 and above.