The Hiway Stabilizers Hibiscus Coast Raiders have set the standard for the nation’s rugby league clubs.
It has become the first recipient of a League4Life club award by New Zealand Rugby League after successfully piloting its new project.
The club development programme was introduced four years ago as part of New Zealand Rugby League’s “more than just a game” philosophy, to help clubs provide the best possible environment for their members and their wider community.
Several key health and sporting organisations contributed to the action-based accreditation criteria that target three specific areas – rugby league skills and safety fundamentals, responsible drinking and smoke-free environments, and healthy food choices and club member’s health.
The Raiders, where Kiwis and Warriors star Shaun Johnson played his junior football, achieved the required standards with flying colours, implementing measures that have addressed all the issues.
Club chairwoman Karen Gibbons says it was exciting to receive the award and a real credit to the club after many years of hard work.
She says it was daunting at the beginning when they saw what criteria had to be met but once the club began it was easy and people took it on board.
“Now it is just part of everyday life,” she says.
The club worked with the Waitemata District Health Board to promote healthy eating and health awareness and with Auckland Transport to promote sober driving.
Even the Gold Coast Titans were taught the effects of alcohol on driving using an obstacle course, night vision and drinking goggles when they visited in February.
Gibbons says the hardest part was educating visiting clubs.
“Because we don’t allow smoking on the sideline, especially round children’s games.
“That took a while for people to get used to,” she says.
New Zealand Rugby League chief executive officer Phil Holden says the club has set the benchmark for the programme.
The NZRL will now be liaising with the Raiders to see what the club learnt and how it can be applied as the programme is run out nationally.
Holden says club members should be proud of what they have achieved for the New Zealand Rugby League.
“It means a hell of a lot to us and I can’t really stress that enough.
“It is about better choices for people and making them aware about the choices that are available.”
TOP EQUAL
The Hibiscus Coast Raiders premier league team are top equal with a 38-14 victory over competition leaders Pakuranga at Stanmore Bay on Saturday.
Tries were scored by Ethan McGuire 2, Jack Miller 2, Lewis Harding-Powell, Shaun Davison, Jordan Tana and Joshua Taitima-Moore. Warwick Cheney kicked three conversions. The Raiders travel to Pukekohe this Saturday.