RFL launch initiative to find audio commentators

The RFL has launched a search to find a number of volunteer commentators who can give ball-by-ball descriptions of Rugby League matches for a new service it is offering to visually impaired supporters.

Launched at the Carnegie World Club Challenge following a successful trial at last year’s engage Super League Grand Final, the RFL will now be able to provide commentary at all its main games via a portable audio equipment supplied by the Royal Institute for the Blind (RNIB). This service will allow visually impaired supporters to listen in on a game no matter where they are sat within a stadium.

Sarah Williams, RFL equality and diversity manager said: “The commentary provided is more detailed than a radio commentary and we are looking to recruit 20 people from across the country to be trained to provide these commentaries.

“We hope that more clubs will get this equipment themselves and eventually make it available to fans at a number of major Rugby League grounds.

“The equipment has an important advantage over in seat audio already available at some grounds as it’s fully portable so you can use it sitting anywhere throughout the stadium.

“This means that visually impaired fans can sit with their family and friends or their club’s supporters rather than having to sit in one designated area where you have to plug into an audio point.

“Following the launch of this initiative we hope more blind and partially sighted people will realise that they can fully enjoy a live Rugby League match despite their visual impairment.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer commentator and receive free training from the RNIB, please contact sarah.williams@rfl.uk.com

RFL launch initiative to find audio commentators

The RFL has launched a search to find a number of volunteer commentators who can give ball-by-ball descriptions of Rugby League matches for a new service it is offering to visually impaired supporters.

Launched at the Carnegie World Club Challenge following a successful trial at last year’s engage Super League Grand Final, the RFL will now be able to provide commentary at all its main games via a portable audio equipment supplied by the Royal Institute for the Blind (RNIB). This service will allow visually impaired supporters to listen in on a game no matter where they are sat within a stadium.

Sarah Williams, RFL equality and diversity manager said: “The commentary provided is more detailed than a radio commentary and we are looking to recruit 20 people from across the country to be trained to provide these commentaries.

“We hope that more clubs will get this equipment themselves and eventually make it available to fans at a number of major Rugby League grounds.

“The equipment has an important advantage over in seat audio already available at some grounds as it’s fully portable so you can use it sitting anywhere throughout the stadium.

“This means that visually impaired fans can sit with their family and friends or their club’s supporters rather than having to sit in one designated area where you have to plug into an audio point.

“Following the launch of this initiative we hope more blind and partially sighted people will realise that they can fully enjoy a live Rugby League match despite their visual impairment.”

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer commentator and receive free training from the RNIB, please contact sarah.williams@rfl.uk.com