Steve McNamara and Danny McGuire have been fined for criticism of match officials which has been judged a breach of Operational Rules.
In each case, the coach has two weeks in which to request an Operational Rules Tribunal.
Steve McNamara has been fined £2,000, half of it suspended until the end of the 2026 season, for his comments as Catalans Dragons head coach before and after their Betfred Challenge Cup semi final defeat by Hull KR in April.
Danny McGuire has been fined £3,000, half of it suspended until the end of the 2026 season, for his comments as Castleford Tigers head coach after their Betfred Super League defeat by Wigan Warriors on June 28.
In addition Sam Burgess, the Warrington Wolves head coach, has been informed by the RFL Compliance department that an investigation has been opened into his comments following Sunday’s defeat at Castleford Tigers, with the usual seven days in which to respond.
This Compliance action follows a note that was sent to all clubs in May expressing concern at the increasing number of public comments by Head Coaches relating to Match Officials, and stressing that comments deemed to be public criticism of Match Officials breaching the relevant Operational Rules and the sport’s Respect code of conduct could lead to compliance action.
The relevant Operational Rules are as follows:
- Operational Rule D1.1 (b) (Improper Conduct) - Engages in conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the Game, or which is improper conduct.
- C2:6 - Each Person Subject to the Operational Rules agrees to be bound by and observe all other codes of conduct, regulations, rules and policies published by the RFL from to time.
- Operational Rule C2.10 (Behaviour Standards) - In accordance with Operational Rule D1:1(b), no Person Subject to the Operational Rules shall engage in conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the Game, brings the Game into disrepute or which is improper conduct. In addition, no director of Club or other senior personnel shall act in a manner unbefitting of the position which they hold. The RFL expect such individuals to uphold the standards of the game and to set an example to other participants. By virtue of their position, such individuals will be held to a higher standard of behaviour than other Persons subject to the Operational Rules.
- C2:12 - No Person Subject to these Operational Rules shall make any public statement (written or oral) or cause to be published or post online material or content which contains criticism of the character of a Match Official or criticism of the manner in which a Match Official has officiated at a Match (whether a Match in which the Club or Player has taken part, or of any other game under the control or subject to the jurisdiction of the RFL).
In addition, the RESPECT Policy states coaches should not engage in public criticism of Match Officials. Coaches should conduct themselves at all times and in all situations in a way that demonstrates leadership, respect for the game of Rugby League and respect for all those that are involved in the game (including officials and referees).
In each of the above cases, the explanation for the sanction includes the following passage:
“Head Coaches have a responsibility to ensure their behaviour sets an example to all within the game and, as such, any such misconduct should be dealt with more severely. Given your high profile within the game, the level of reach the comments made in the media and within the press have a detrimental impact to the game.”
