Southern Football League bans pet dogs from venues, fans from gathering at team huddles
Local footy supporters have unleashed as one of SA’s major southern football comps kicks dogs out of matches and trainings.
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A local football league has banned pet dogs from its venues in a shock move.
The Southern Football League – home to clubs Flagstaff Hill, Morphett Vale, Noarlunga, Port Noarlunga, Reynella, Cove, Happy Valley, Christies Beach and Aldinga – announced the decision on Tuesday following after Monday’s board meeting.
“Clubs all agreed to a NO DOG policy at grounds as per the Recreation Grounds (Regulations) Act (2011),” the announcement read.
“A person must not bring a dog or … allow the dog to remain on a recreation ground except as authorised by the controlling body or these regulations.”
League chief Craig Warman said the rule was integral for the safety of footy-goers.
“What we have to understand here is that we’re looking at the protection of patrons,” Warman said.
“If a dog attacks someone, who’s at fault?”
“It’s a duty of care and if people don’t comply they can face a fine of up to $250.”
The announcement sparked an upset response by some of the league’s fans.
Morphett Vale Football Club fan and past player Manny Glazbrook said the rule was “silly.”
“It’s silly as far as I’m concerned and it really makes little sense,” Glazbrook said.
“We’ve always walked dogs down to the club on every other day, and on weekends with no issues so why should everything change now?”
“You’re not taking an aggressive dog which is going to attack kids to the footy – most kids actually enjoy patting the dogs so I think the league is worrying about something it doesn’t need to.”
Bringing pet dogs to football games and trainings has become commonplace through Glazbrook’s time at the Emus.
He said it was a local footy tradition and worried for clubs and volunteers forced to administer the new rule.
“So many people take their dog, it’s part of that local environment and the dogs and everyone at the clubs enjoy it,” he said.
“There’s already enough stress on local footy clubs at the moment and it’s just going to add more pressure to limited volunteers.”
The City of Onkaparinga Council said that under current regulations a dog could remain at a venue if on a leash.
“Council’s ‘By-law 7 – Dogs’ is currently under review but a clause has been included which states dogs must not (unless under effective control by means of a leash) be or remain on any park or reserve when organised sport is being played,” a council spokesperson said.
“This is to protect the convenience, comfort and safety of members of the public and to promote responsible dog ownership.”
The league has also introduced a ban on fans gathering around player huddles on the field, or using the middle of the ground for kick-to-kick.
“That’s part of the SANFL ruling in regards to Covid and until we get notification from SA Health or the SANFL that rule will remain,” Warman said.
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