Parents learn tips to ’Play Well’ through online program

Image credit: NRL - children walking midst game of junior rugby league Practical tips to help maximise children's enjoyment and participation in Junior Rugby League (JRL) will soon be available for Queensland parents via an online program. Delivered in partnership between The University of Queensland, National Rugby League (NRL), Queensland Rugby League (QRL), Triple P - Positive Parenting Program and Central Queensland University, the Play Well Program is ready for the next phase of its release. Professor Matthew Sanders from UQ's School of Psychology and Founder of the Triple P- Positive Parenting Program said the unique program aimed to provide parents with tools to help their child have the best experience with JRL. "The idea is that when parents register their child to play rugby league, they will have the opportunity to do the Play Well program ahead of the season," Professor Sanders said. "The half hour program takes parents through the value of sport to a child's development and provides specific tips and advice that can be used during the season and on game day. "Play Well has been created through a very careful process of research and development, trialling, and testing. "We received feedback from parents and coaches to ensure it is a fit-for-purpose program that can be made available to parents who want their kids to have the best experience possible when playing rugby league." The program trial run through the NRL and QRL demonstrated that a brief, focused, high quality online intervention could produce a meaningful change in the way that parents supported their children's rugby league experience.