Medical Council

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Key Outcomes of the NZRL Medical Council Meeting 29 June 2011 

Player Participation Policies to Remain Unchanged

The minimum age to play open age, open weight rugby league remains 17 years at the 1st of January in the year of participation.

Mixed Gender Rugby League remains restricted to educational Rugby League grades of the 12 year old grade. From the 13's grade where international rules rugby league commences mixed gender rugby league is no longer allowed.

The NZRL is to have completed development of a girls game from 13's to 17's and deliver an implementation plan for the 2012 season. 

Player Protective Equipment:

The use of neck braces is not endorsed by the NZRL and the recommendation to all zones is to not allow these within Rugby League.

The NZRL Website will detail factual information on the effectiveness of a range of equipment.

The NZRL will review its current policy on the use of protective equipment within Rugby League.

NZRL Medical Council to advise the NZRL on public health and awareness matters and programme deveklopment relevant to the rugby league community.

The role of the NZRL medical council will now expand from providing policy and injury prevention advice and guidance relating to on field player safety, to also include the development of education and awareness programmes,  in matters of public health. This will facilitate and enhance the NZRL role of being "more than just a game" to its communities.