Junior football competition provides a unique opportunity for players, parents, coaches, umpires and club officials to enjoy being part of the Australian Football experience. Lifelong friendships are forged through participation in the game. The very act of working together for a common cause is a major contributor to local community spirit and identity. We are all privileged to be a part of this great experience in whatever roles we fill.
Club officials and coaches have a particular responsibility in providing role models for junior players. Coaches have the special opportunity, even over parents and school teachers, to influence the behaviour and attitude of their players. After all, their times with the coach are spent (hopefully) having fun. That sure beats the grind of parental and school imposed disciplines! The coach has a head-start over almost everyone else in a junior player’s life. It’s up to all coaches and officials to ensure that we set the appropriate examples.
The fantastic contributions of thousands of WRFL club coaches, officials and supporters are soured by the inappropriate behaviour of a few. The fallout from the abandoned Under 14D game between Point Cook and Werribee Juniors two weeks ago has been particularly damaging, not just to the brand of WRFL but to the reputation of the game state wide.
Much as we may dislike the resulting media exposure, it was not the reporters or news-crews that created the incidents: that was all down to unacceptable behaviour and leadership from parents and coaches. It’s time for all of us to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we really are committed to setting the right example, even when the going gets tough.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we never set inappropriate examples to our children / junior players. In particular, threats and abuse to umpires will not be tolerated. Club officials must take-on the tough job of controlling the behaviour of parents and spectators. Those who continue to offend will not be welcome at WRFL games and may be banned from attending. Coaches who offend will have their accreditation revoked.
WRFL Umpires’ Manager Shane Carland, his team of assistants and the WRFL Umpires’ Association have worked hard since the end of last season to recruit and train new umpires. Umpire numbers have increased from 120 at the start of the season to more than 220. We need more than 300 to achieve our aim of supplying full crews of umpires to all grades.
Many of our new umpire recruits are teenagers who will require two or three years of development and training to become skilled field umpires. They deserve the unconditional support of everyone, both during their development phase and as mature umpires. Just one bad experience can be enough to turn a budding young umpire away from the game for good.
Anyone who threatens or abuses our umpires is not welcome in the WRFL.
Last Modified on 06/08/2010 11:01