This incredible, exciting, competitive game is filled with theatre, highs, lows, sad times and happy times.
We who play, coach, umpire, spectate, or volunteer share all of these things. We have so much in common, vast common ground and the same goals and ambitions.
In the spirit of this great game, in the spirit of its future, and for all of us who love football, here are some things we can do to show our good sportsmanship and keep our cool;
• Respect yourself, your opponent, the opposition and all officials. Shake hands with all umpires at the end of the game and thank them. Shake hands with the opposition, their coach and support staff.
• Play with spirit, to the best of your ability and in the spirit of the game. You earn respect and show courage by keeping your eye on the ball in a contest. It’s a physical game but if you’re behaving violently off the ball you are doing yourself, your family and your club a disservice.
• Have fun, you are playing the best game in the world with your mates. The winners aren’t necessarily those that are ahead on the scoreboard.
• If one of the opposition players or your teammate falls after a contest, help them to their feet.
• At each break, don’t be angry or critical of the opposition, but admire their skilled players, and seek to lift your own game in response.
• Little things count – like thanking the parents in the canteen, and leaving the change rooms clean and tidy.
To our parents and spectators – this is chance to reflect on this great opportunity for our kids, so let’s set a good example to our kids on the field – support them all passionately and positively, and respect the decision making of coaches and umpires, even if you may not agree with them.
Last Modified on 25/05/2015 14:18