FOOTBALL NETBALL
EAST GIPPSLAND INC.
(GST EXEMPT NON-PROFIT SPORTING ORGANISATION)
45 GATEHOUSE DRIVE, EASTWOOD, VIC. 3875
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PRESIDENT: ROBERT INGRAM
MOBILE: 0417557155
E-MAIL: roin20@bigpond.com;
13th July 2015
Dear EGFNL Presidents and Coaches.
Firstly thank you for taking on your respective roles. There are many very important roles within a footy club but none more important than yours. It is you who set the tone for how your team and club operate on and off the playing area. It is often your language and/or actions that diffuse or fuel situations that have the potential to get out of hand. As such it is very important that you are familiar with the Codes of Conduct and do your best to operate within them. Your players should be encouraged to do likewise.
Many things can be learnt from the tragic circumstances surrounding Phil Walsh. For us, the way the AFL has handled this tragedy, brings home the fact that ‘it is only a game,’ even at that level.
Over the past few weeks we have had a significant number of complaints from the East Gippsland Umpires Association about abuse to the umpires.
Examples have included…
- A comment from the ‘Bench’ of one team to a boundary umpire – “You need to go to Specsavers and get better glasses”. This comment was directed at a new, fourteen year old boundary umpire, who was deeply upset at this comment.
- Constant abuse and questioning of umpires’ decisions coming from the ‘Bench’ of a club.
- A water carrier (an adult) was sent off the ground for the rest of the match for constant abuse towards an umpire. He made several statements but the one that he was sent off for was – “You are absolutely pathetic. The biggest joke of an umpire I have seen. A #@! disgrace.” This comment was directed at the young central umpire who was still very shaken by the comments after the game and is no longer wishing to umpire.
- Central umpire was called a ‘c’ on two occasions by a spectator.
- Coach loudly disputing of the decisions of the umpires.
- Youths/children including the Umpire Escort throwing stones at a goal umpire
- Spectator named the umpire and called the umpire a cheat.
It appears that there are a few Clubs that seem to constantly belittle, bully and harass umpires on a regular basis and these Clubs seem to think that it is acceptable to do.
It is hard enough to get young men and women to participate in umpiring, but harder still when they are being abused and bullied.
The Commissioners put all Clubs ‘On Notice’ that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.
The Umpires have been instructed to deal with the matters as they arise on the day, including reporting abusive officials and stopping the game until spectators who fail to comply with the Code of Conduct are removed from the ground.
Clubs will be put on bonds and/or fined if their officials and spectators fail to comply with the Code of Conduct.
Clubs need to be proactive with spectators. It may be worthwhile issuing all spectators with a Code of Conduct as they enter the ground, making them aware that there will be zero tolerance of abuse to umpires.
I look forward to your unqualified support in these matters.
Yours truly
Robert Ingram
President
Footnote: I have attached the Codes of Conduct for your information
CODES OF CONDUCT
SENIOR PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT:
1. At all times abide by the rules of the League in which you compete and the club for which you play. Rules of the game are mutual agreements which no player should evade or break.
2. Do not assault or attempt to assault an umpire, another player, officials or spectators.
3. Ensure that both on and off field behaviour is consistent with the principles of good sportsmanship.
Swearing is not acceptable.
4. Do not abuse, dispute or react in an obviously provocative or disappointing manner towards an umpire.
5. Conduct yourself at a high level of personal behaviour on and off the field in such a manner so as not to bring your club or the game of Australian Football into disrepute.
6. Develop a respect for the League in which you compete, your club, team mates and opponents.
7. Be willing to be involved in local football development and promotional activities.
8. Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender or race.
9. Participate in Random Drug Testing as conducted by AFL Vic Country or the local League.
JUNIOR PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT:
1. Abide by the rules of the game and rules set down by your coach, club and league.
2. Never argue with an official or umpire. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.
3. Control your temper. Verbal or physical abuse of officials, umpires, spectators or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted.
4. Work equally hard for yourself and your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.
5. Be a good sport. Applaud all good plays whether they be by your team, opponent or the other team. Be proud to walk off the ground after each game knowing that you have given your best effort and never involve yourself in an argument with opposing players, umpires or officials.
6. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player. Your involvement to play is for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it.
7. Co-operate with your coach and team mates, and respect the ability of your opponent. Without them there would be no game.
8. Play for the ‘fun of it’ and not just to please parents and coaches.
9. Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender or race.
SENIOR COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT:
1. Be familiar with the laws of Australian football and abide by the rules and conditions of your league and club.
2. Attain coaching accreditation and to become an active member of the local branch of the Australian Football Coaches Association.
3. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and coaching developments.
4. Avoid verbal and physical confrontation with the other club’s players and officials and umpires at all times – use the League’s official vehicle of communication to report any unfair situations that you may believe arise.
5. Don’t ask for, but rather earn the respect of your players through your dealings with them and the manner in which you perform your coaching duties.
6. Through your behaviour in the community develop personal respect to enhance the image of your club and Australian football.
7. Never swear, or use abusive language during the game or when addressing the players. Be mindful of the presence of your people and other spectators.
8. Follow the advice of a qualified person when determining when an injured player is ready to play again.
9. Treat the umpires and opposition sides with respect.
10. Be aware of the differing needs and attitudes of players at your club, particularly young players.
11. Never place the value of winning above that of instilling the highest desirable ideals and character traits in players.
12. Be supportive of activities designed to encourage participation of young players at junior clubs, schools and development programs.
13. Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender or race.
TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH AFL COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT WHERE APPLICABLE
SPECTATOR CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
SPECTATORS
Remember that people participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
Encourage players always to play according to the rules and settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or not winning.
Applaud good performances and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants regardless of the game’s outcome.
Condemn the use of violence, verbal abuse or vilification in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
Respect official’s decisions and encourage players to do likewise.
Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials, administrators.
Support policies and practices in relation to responsible use of alcohol, child protection issues and issues involving recreational and performance-enhancing drugs.
Support involvement in modified rules games and other junior development programs.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
PARENTS AND SPECTATORS OF JUNIOR FOOTBALL
1. Encourage children to participate if they are interested. However, if a child is not willing do not force them.
2. Focus upon the child’s efforts and performance rather than the overall outcome of the event. This assists the child in setting realistic goals related to their ability by reducing the emphasis on winning.
3. Teach your child that honest effort is as important as victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment.
4. Encourage your child always to play by the rules.
5. Never ridicule or yell at your child for making a mistake or losing a competition.
6. Remember your child should be involved in football for their enjoyment, not yours.
7. Remember your child learns best by example. Applaud good play by both your team and by members of the opposing team.
8. If you disagree with an official or umpire raise the issue through the appropriate channels rather than
questioning the official’s judgment and honesty in public. Remember, most officials give their time and effort for your child’s involvement.
9. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from junior sporting activities.
10. Recognise the value and importance of volunteer coaches. They give of their time and resources to provide recreational activities for your child and deserve your support.
11. Support your club officials in maintaining the highest standard of behaviour both on and off the field for the betterment of the league and your family. Offer your assistance to the team that your child is playing in so that every opportunity is being provided for the very best supervision and support. Your involvement will give both yourself and your child far more satisfaction.
12. Avoid use of derogatory language based on gender or race.
The Australian Sports Commission has generously permitted the reproduction of many of the codes from its National Codes of Behaviour resources
Last Modified on 17/07/2015 13:10
