Belinda Sharpe and Kasey Badger’s appointments to NRL matches in Round 27 as the first women to take on the role as single referees in the competition should have been met with accolades across the board.
Plenty of fans are happy for both, yet the vicious misogyny and nastiness of a small portion of the competition’s supporters has also managed to crawl out from the rock under which it lives.
It appears no matter what transpires in the game, whether it be the matches themselves, off-field incidents, personal matters, mental health challenges or continued efforts to advance women in league, a swathe of online trolls are standing by with nothing more than an intent to offend.
As humans in a digital age, they are the worst of the worst. Sadly, as much as we all would prefer to simply ignore them in the hope that they just go away and take their negativity elsewhere, that approach clearly does not work.
It is no fun to write about them either, yet simply allowing people to spew venomous and uninformed opinions that do reputational and personal damage, without being called out and exposed, is a dereliction of duty for one employed to cover the game.
This time, it is Badger’s turn in the ringer, after her appointment to the Titans versus Bulldogs clash at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast this Sunday.
You would think Canterbury fans would have enough on their minds, watching their team implode before their very eyes amidst walkouts, disunity and obvious fractures within the club. But no, quite a number still found time to have a swipe at Badger, and women, on social media after the announcement was made.
After serving a long apprenticeship, it is time for Kasey Badger to take sole control of an NRL men’s match in Round 27. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
General comments around her level of competence is one thing and perhaps to be expected in league considering just how many times the officials and the commission embarrass themselves with head-scratching interpretations and decisions.
However, the personal and sexist nature of some of the insults delivered yesterday completely cross the line and reflect a bogan element in the NRL community that frankly, most cannot wait to see removed. In an online Bulldogs forum, that element was quite easy to identify.
“Imagine being promoted just because of your sex”, spruiked one undeniable genius. He had back-up: “She doesn’t even seem to know the rules. I’m all for equality, but they have to be able to do their job properly.”
It got even worse. “Sheila’s refereeing. Sheila’s going by our efforts against Manly”, and “Why is she not being at (sic) ref in the NRLW league. That’s what it’s there for woman.”
My goodness.
As I read on, I hoped the above were just outlying examples of utter disrespect towards women, yet amongst all the normal comments citing referees hating certain clubs, requiring guide dogs and essentially being corrupt in their application of the rules, there was plenty more.
Blatant sexism was also on show, “She will penalise them for something they did in Round 1”, backed up by another, “Probably gonna start penalising the boys for things they did 6 weeks ago”, perhaps insinuating that women hold grudges far more emphatically than men in a poor example of gender stereotyping.
Another made a separate attempt to do the same, “Doesn’t matter what happens. Everyone will be wrong”.
The intellect of the people responsible for such offensive nonsense online is perhaps summed up best by one comment I found, “Hope she gets covid and one of the spectators has to officiate the game.” The depth of stupidity required to merely type that sentence is simply mind blowing.
Despite on-line trolls, there is much to celebrate in the NRLW and NRL, including the advancement of female officials in the game. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Women were once treated as such in the round-ball game. The recent Women’s World Cup showed just how far attitudes have evolved, with our Matildas excellent ambassadors and inspirations for the current and next generation of female players.
It appears there are still considerable elements within the NRL community yet to grasp the plain fact that the game’s future relies on a successful cross-pollination of the sexes in it.
Both leagues need to produce a quality product on the field, women and men need to be officiating, commentating and reporting across both, and as soon as the administrative arm of the game contains an increased number of female voices the more assured its future will be.
It is modern sport 101 really, yet sadly, it does appear that we still need to drag some very ignorant people into the 21st century even though it’s 2023.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
You’d have to be a real sad sack not to appreciate the determination and dedication these two women have put into achieving this (as with all other young men and women still trying to achieve this goal). Hats off to them. Hope they go well. Sharpe went well last night. Missed a forward pass, but still did a top job.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
No complaints about Sharpe’s game. Barely noticed her tonight, which is a great change from some of the blokes
Uncle Buck
Roar Rookie
And how many women are part of the Roar..... SFA
mrl
Roar Rookie
How do we know the trolls are male?
Heyou
Roar Rookie
I’ve read quite a few comments and posts about female match officials. Some absolutely embarrassing and cringe worthy and some just the normal whinging about referees getting it wrong. Can’t change the nasty opinions of the few. Can delete, remove, block and ban as you would do for any nasty, discriminatory, abusive comments and posts. Ousted never to return. Get with the program moderators and administrators. The ball is in your half.
Khun Phil
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately you are right,BigGordon.I think these type of trolls actually get satisfaction by being singled out.Just ignore them!
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! Rugby League supporters are angels compared to the large section of dregs that follow football !
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
" it does appear that we still need to drag some very ignorant people into the 21st century even though it’s 2023." No we don't because what you're suggesting is nigh on impossible. This is on par with wanting a society where there's no crime of any sorts and people treat each other with dignity and respect at all times. Grand ideals but not remotely achievable. The best people can do in the short term is learn to ignore the trolls. I'm constantly amazed how seriously many take the comments from complete strangers. The alternative is to not use social media at all, especially if you're in a business where this type of thing can happen.
Mattpoet
Roar Rookie
Pretty sure one of these two (Badger maybe?) was in the bunker for the Storm vs Titans game last week. She was absolutely brilliant, the main ref had a howler (I think it was 4 successful challenges). Certainly seemed to know the rules that game...
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
' the viscous misogyny and nastiness of a SMALL portion of the competitions supporters has managed to crawl out from the rock underneath which it lives.'. Total agreement. They exist and should be called out loudly. But if you think the round ball game has none of these ' creatures' then you have been living in the dark ,if not under a rock. Some of the things said about Kerr at the last world cup ( referencing her sexuality ) were appalling and I cannot even write some of the comments about Ellie Carpenter because my reply would be deleted. Add in a lovely Spanish man who thinks French Kissing a player after a win is ' normal ' behaviour and perhaps it's not as Kumbaya as you seem to think.
Miles Toulon
Roar Rookie
I have two young daughters playing rugby (union) & touch & one very interested in trying out refereeing so I have a vested interest in sports being played/ adjudicated/ supported fairly. I also have enjoyed the going to wallaroos, reds & tahs super w games & find the general atmosphere to be a much nicer one & far better for kids at these games. (This is all the sort of context ones now needs to give to have an opinion & not just have people scream troll at you). All that said, from what I can see in your article your level of sexist or misogynistic is extremely low. There are some over the top or tongue in cheek opinions, like every other ref cops. As you rightly point out, ‘the go to spec savers, get a guide dog’ etc calls are all said & I’m pretty sure the people yelling them don’t actually think the ref is legally blind. I am 100% sure there are many many examples of people truly being cruel & maybe you didn’t want to give the really bad examples any air, which is a view I can agree with but don’t tell me that this level of sledging isn’t acceptable. For women to compete properly they will need to be treated fairly & by fairly I mean the same. Either ban all opinions on referees or let it go, the same goes for players, coaches, presenters etc.
Tony
Roar Guru
I think you’ll find that the trolls aren’t sports fans, let alone rugby league fans
Uncle Buck
Roar Rookie
Social media is a swamp where gutless keyboard warriors get their rocks. While the Roar is part of the swamp there appears to be some moderation of comments. As for a 66yo Bulldog supporter I am proud Casey is taking the whistle for the game against Manly.
Ian_
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately, the dregs of society are well represented among sports fans.