2309THS: Assessment 1 by

Game Development Officer - Brisbane Broncos

charliethomas7 — 2025-03-25 03:48:27 UTC

A Game Development Officer (GDO) within rugby league is responsible for establishing, coordinating and administering community-based development programs for junior rugby league, fostering the start of the pathway towards NRL. This role involves developing relationships with local schools and junior clubs with the aim of inspiring more kids to try rugby league. This example is from the Brisbane Broncos an NRL club which would likely mirror similar structures and roles found within the Gold Coast Titans organisation.

Titans General Manager of Community and Game Development - Renee Cohen

charliethomas7 — 2025-03-25 03:54:00 UTC

Renee Cohen joined the Titans in their foundation in 2007, initially serving as the Community and Game Development Manager until 2019. She was then promoted to General Manager of the department, a position she still works in today. In her time at the Titans, Cohen has been responsible for the strategic direction of the club's community engagement, which sees her manage relationships with stakeholders and staff to increase participation through a range of programs. Cohen was recognised for her excellent service to the Titans at the Gold Coast Australia Day awards in 2021.

City of Gold Coast Growth

charliethomas7 — 2025-03-25 07:55:41 UTC

The Gold Coast is experiencing significant population growth, with the city’s population reaching 666,087 as of June 2023, with a projection to hit 1 million by 2040. This rapid increase offers a valuable opportunity for the Titans to expand rugby league participation on the coast. As the population grows, so does the demand for recreational activities, creating a great opportunity for the Titans to focus and allocate resources towards engaging with local schools, junior clubs, and communities. By capitalising on this growth, the Titans can encourage more youth to take up rugby league, ensuring a bright future for the sport and developing the next generation of players, aligning with their strategic priority 'Future Titans'.

Underrepresented Demographics

charliethomas7 — 2025-03-25 07:56:53 UTC

An area of focus by the Titans organisation is boosting the participation of underrepresented groups, in this case people with disabilities through the Leagueability program. This program aims to address the challenge of allowing people of all abilities the opportunity to play rugby league. The weekly program has seen significant growth since it begun in 2018, however the overriding challenge of inclusivity will continue to make this initiative of high importance to the club going forward, with the hope of introducing even more people to the game of rugby league.

Declining Participation - Contact Sport and Dangers that come with it

charliethomas7 — 2025-03-25 08:46:48 UTC

The Gold Coast Titans, like many NRL clubs, face a growing challenge related to participation in junior rugby league, particularly due to concerns over contact sports. A significant drop in male tackle rugby league participants, nearly 12,000 since 2015, has raised concerns across the sport. As more parents express concerns over the risks of concussion and injuries, the NRL is working to reassure them that junior rugby league is safe. As a result, a notable decline in teenage male participation, particularly from ages 13 to 18 has been identified. With an organisation focus towards the 'Future Titans' it will be crucial to address this challenge to ensure participation rates can increase into the junior programs and pathways.

Strengthening the Female Academy Program

charliethomas7 — 2025-03-26 01:11:28 UTC

The Gold Coast Titans are making significant strides in growing women's rugby league, as demonstrated by the launch of their inaugural Under 14 and 15 female academies. As a result of a nationwide challenge in increasing participation of females in Rugby League is a starting point to allow young women the opportunity to learn and develop their skills in a specific program designed for them. However, the issue still stands on attracting females into Rugby League and working with schools and clubs to boost their female participation is key towards the success of the NRLW pathway.

On field Results

charliethomas7 — 2025-03-26 01:13:45 UTC

Above all else the most important challenge the Gold Coast Titans' face is on field success. Having yet to win a premiership and only few finals appearance in their history has led to strong comments about the general perception of the club. On field success and winning results is crucial towards creating a strong fan base and thus boosting participation. These align closely to two pillars in the Titans strategic priorities, Future Titans and Titans Legion. In order to reaching the goals of these pillars winning results from the Gold Coast Titans NRL team is vital.

Record Participation Growth - Impact on Gold Coast Titans

charliethomas7 — 2025-03-26 05:26:00 UTC

Highlighted by the NRL, participation numbers across the game saw a 20% increase to over 1 million inclusive of over 200,000 community rugby league participants in 2024, which was a clear record. Having identified Future Titans as a key pillar on their strategic plan the Gold Coast Titans organisation and in particular those involved in community and game development must take advantage of the growing number of participants in the game to ensure they meet their objective of investment in pathways to secure the future of the Titans. The creation and delivery of new and stronger pathway programs in both schools and junior clubs can allow this vision to be achieved with more participants than ever gifted with the opportunity of elite skill and game development to hopefully one day make it to the NRL/NRLW.

Parents Decision Making in Children's Sport

charliethomas7 — 2025-03-26 09:47:09 UTC

Section 4.4.2 Recruitment of the attached thesis makes reference to the perception mothers have of rugby league being too dangerous and a risk for their children to participate in. Mather (year) highlights the need for us as Community and Game Development to differentiate the game played by young athletes at junior levels compared to the TV product. This should be a focus with our marketing and messaging to parents at schools and clubs in order to bring more youth into our rugby league programs and ensure the strength of 'Future Titans'.

References

charliethomas7 — 2025-03-26 09:53:24 UTC