Media Release

Friday 13 July 2012

FOOTBALL FEDERATION VICTORIA COMMITTED TO ZERO TOLERANCE

Football Federation Victoria (FFV) remains committed to its highly successful “Zero Tolerance” policy which has proved effective in recent seasons in reducing red cards and the abuse of players and officials.

This morning’s The Age newspaper has a front page story highlighting racial abuse as being a common problem in Victorian football. The story has emanated from the abandoned game between Tullamarine City and Sunshine Heights Western Tigers on June 2, which is still before the FFV’s Independent Tribunal and is a matter of police investigation.

FFV CEO Mark Rendell says he is naturally disappointed to read reports such as in today’s Age but believes FFV has been one of the more advanced sports organisations in dealing with all facets of abuse, both of players and officials. Mr Rendell emphasised that FFV already had its own codes of behaviour in place prior to the Government implementing its code of conduct. This code outlines expected standards of behaviour at sports events and that every person in Victoria has the right to participate in community sport which is safe, welcoming and inclusive.

“This is a problem that is not confined to football and as an organisation we have set guidelines for the Independent Grievance and Discipline Tribunal (GDT) to follow that are tough on clubs, teams and individuals who step outside what is reasonable behaviour. We are committed to creating an environment at all football grounds throughout Victoria that is enjoyable to be at.”

“Since 2008, when the Zero Tolerance policy was implemented, we have seen a marked reduction in offences at our grounds while playing numbers and referee numbers have steadily increased.”

“However in more than 15,000 fixtures this season we have had only four cases of racism go before the Tribunal. Like any organisation we cannot act on anything unless it is reported,” Mr Rendell said.

In April this year FFV held a three day, ”United Through Football” seminar at La Trobe University, in which racism in the game was discussed. Club attendees were talked through the process of complaining about racism and what they need to do to alert the relevant authorities. At this seminar there was a clear discussion on how to manage racism at their Club and in an on field situation.

Sunshine Heights Western Tigers were invited to attend but unfortunately did not take up their invitation.

Mr Rendell says that clubs and teams that are repeat offenders face point deductions and relegation.

“We have found that while financial penalties have been successful in reducing offences, they have an effect on the whole club. By moving to team penalties such as the loss of points or relegation, then the actual team guilty of the offences are being targeted.”

For many years the FFV has employed a Community Engagement Officer to deal with clubs on a daily basis and just recently has secured further funding for a Club Engagement Officer. This person will engage with clubs and their associates and help educate on good sportsmanship; help address past discipline and misconduct issues; help understand the expectations of the club and individuals under the GDT; work with clubs to minimise the potential of future indiscretions.

Mr Rendell says FFV has worked hard in this area but understands it cannot rest in helping alleviate this aspect of sport.

“At the end of the day racism is not confined to football or the sports fields of Victoria. It’s a societal issue that permeates all walks of life.”

“However FFV is committed to doing all it can to ensure that playing a game of football in Victoria is a pleasant and enjoyable experience for all who partake, including players, officials and spectators.”

“While we have many club education programs in place and we have employed education officers to help clubs in these areas, we can only act on incidents that are reported to us.”

“When they are reported, FFV has no hesitation in enforcing the full disciplinary powers available to it to eradicate racism and any other form of abuse from the sport,” Mr Rendell said.