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The Rugby Football League is “not complacent” about the threat of player strike action following early-season disciplinary controversy, says director of legal and operations Robert Hicks.
Frameworks for high contact penalties have been amended following a high-profile red for Hull FC’s Nu Brown.
Players, who have publicly considered action, met with the RFL this week.
“I don’t think it’s a surprise that people are talking about it [strike],” Hicks said at a media briefing.
“I thought the meeting was positive,. We should be clear that we’re not complacent about that happening,”
Hicks, an experienced match official before moving into the directorate position, is confident that the dialogue between the players and coaches has helped.
While the focus remains on tightening up on head contact before next season’s switch to tackling below the armpit, making sure there is a chain of feedback and input is a priority for all concerned.
“The players articulated themselves fantastically well, it didn’t just cover head-on-head contact, it covered a wide range of things,” Hicks continued.
“What the governing body, the players association, Rugby League Cares, and the players all agreed on, was that players are a massive part of the decision-making process. They have representation.”
Hicks and new head of match officials Phil Bentham – a returning figure following time with PGMOL in football – both outlined the plans for regular briefings on laws and decision-making on-field with the media as well as with the players and clubs.
Another issue raised is the subject of fines in tandem with larger bans as the match review panel hands out Grade D-F charges.
Not only have players missed several games, but they have also been issued fines of £250.
“More things are being caught higher up and that was part of the conversation yesterday and something we are reflecting on over the coming weeks,” Hicks responded, stating that it was something the RFL would be reviewing.
“Our direction of travel is unchanged. We have to reduce head contact, but we also have to remember player behaviour change takes time. They’re buying in and we can’t lose that buy-in.”
