SACA, SANFL conduct audits after umpire accused of child pervert offences

The state’s top sporting bodies are conducting reviews into the legal requirements needed to umpire their sports following shocking allegations.

The state’s two top amateur sporting bodies have scrambled to undertake reviews into their recruiting processes following allegations one of their umpires was found in possession of child exploitation material.

Former umpire Brett Allford worked for both the South Australian Cricket Association and the SANFL, both of which immediately conducted reviews following the allegations being communicated to them by SA Police.

SANFL chief executive officer Darren Chandler said the SANFL had immediately following Allford’s arrest sought clarity on how it cleared workers and volunteers.

“Under SANFL’s Member Protection Policy, we require anyone in our organisation, including umpires, who officiate in junior competitions to have a current Working with Children Check,” he said.

Allford’s arrest also made waves at the SACA, which was amid a review into the employment of all umpires.

Stock image of a cricket player waiting, leaning on the bat. Picture: iStock

“We are undertaking a full audit of our systems and processes and all umpires are being cross-checked directly by SACA staff,” a spokesman said.

“SACA can confirm no umpire will be working without appropriate and current checks in place.”

Allford, 40, was arrested by detectives from the the Australian Federal Police and SAPOL Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team.

The Edwardstown man, formerly of Murray Bridge, was later charged with using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material and possessing/controlling child abuse material.

Allford, 40, was terminated by both the SACA and SANFL after being charged with the alleged offences, who maintain the allegations were not related to the participation of children in their sports.

Court documents show the charges relate to a period of time between January 1 and August 17 this year, and on October 10 this year.

Mr Allford umpired cricket as recently as March this year when he officiated a match between Glenelg and Sturt in the under 18 girls’ competition.

He made no application for bail on October 11 and was remanded in custody to face court again later this month.