Coaching Leadership Workshops and Violence Prevention in Junior Rugby League

This study evaluates the impact of Coaching Leadership Workshops designed to address increasing incidents of violence and overly aggressive behavior in youth sports.The workshops, delivered to coaches of Under 13s, 14s, and 15s teams within the Parramatta Junior Rugby League districts, focused on improving safeguarding practices, effective communication, and role-modeling techniques for preventing and responding to incidents of on-field violence.Using an action research methodology, the study found significant enhancements in coaches' understanding of behavior modeling, increased confidence in handling incidents of violence and aggression with junior players, and shifts in coaching philosophies.The study also offers several recommendations for future studies and practice, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive, multifaceted approaches that involve all stakeholders in advancing violence prevention efforts.These recommendations include implementing code of conduct policies, enhancing stakeholder engagement, expanding coach-focused training programs, developing long-term support mechanisms, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to create a safer and more supportive environment in junior rugby league.