IT could be labelled the ‘Gould Rule’.
The National Rugby League has tightened up its anti-tampering regulations – which control how and when clubs can approach players contracted elsewhere – to include public statements by officials.
Last year, Canterbury footbqll manager Phil Gould – while working as a TV pundit – heaped praise on Wests Tigers half Lachlan Galvin and before then end of the year the youngster had switched to the Bulldogs.
Now the NRL has issued a statement saying: “Clubs have been advised that the definition of tampering will now include certain public and private statements that could be seen as attempts to lure or entice a player to join another club.
“The new regulations have been created, in conjunction with the Rugby League Players Association, in line with the CBA [collective-bargaining agreement], and are designed to protect each club’s contract and negotiation rights during the term of a player’s contracted employment with a club.
“Any public statements would not be considered tampering should the player be given permission by his or her incumbent club to negotiate elsewhere.
“Existing rules around tampering, on top of public commentary, will continue to apply.
“While clubs have been advised of the changes, the changes will only come into effect on February 1. Clubs and agents will be provided education of the new anti-tampering regulations prior to February 1.
“Penalties for breaching the new anti-tampering rules may include financial penalties for offending clubs, players and accredited agents, salary cap penalties for offending club, and in the most serious circumstances deregistration of club officials, accredited agents and players.”