SANFL warns local Juniors clubs, introduces new initiatives to tackle umpire abuse
South Australia’s top junior footy competition has sent another warning to clubs over umpire abuse with coaches reported for bad behaviour a staggering amount of times this season.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The state’s top junior football competition has sent another warning to local clubs over ongoing umpire abuse and introduced new initiatives to tackle the issue after 73 poor ratings of coaches by umpires in just ten rounds of play.
SANFL Juniors addressed a statement to all club officials, parents, guardians and coaches involved in the competition on Thursday morning outlining new in-game regulations, and punishments for those who did not adhere.
The statement – penned by SANFL general manager Matt Duldig, head of football Sean Toohey and competitions manager Oliver Graham – advised of fines for clubs who do not adhere to the implemented five-metre coaching exclusion zone (for club staff during games).
It also made clubs aware of a new initiative beginning in round 12 which will require coaches and officials to be seated during games, with runners exempt.
It comes after almost a full season of complaints regarding umpire abuse from spectators and club members.
“After ten rounds of football, the competition has received 73 poor coach ratings, and seen 15 blue cards for abuse from varying coaches, spectators, and other club officials,” SANFL said.
“These numbers are alarming in comparison to the 2021 season and reinforce a growing pattern across the competition.
“The fact we continue to receive reports of threatening behaviour towards our umpires is completely unacceptable.
“The frequency with which we are receiving reports of umpire abuse or dissent shows that stronger action must be taken.”
Initial fines of $100 will be enforced for individual breaches of initiatives, while a new coach behaviour strategy would see coaches fined as a result of two poor ratings, and suspended two matches after a third poor rating.
The SANFL also advised that staff would be present at games for the remainder of the season to oversee behaviour.
“SANFL Juniors staff will be present at various matches and venues and if the exclusion zone is not adhered to, clubs will receive a $100 fine for each individual breach identified.
“Umpires will also be instructed to notify SANFL Juniors of any team that is not adhering to this framework.
“Any reports of umpire abuse from officials will receive the full sanction available.
“Spectator and officials’ behaviour plays a pivotal role in the enjoyment of the matchday experience, so let’s all support the players and umpires to ensure they become lifelong supporters of our great game.”
Two anonymous umpires have so far come forward to The Messenger about their experience with abuse in local football, including one just two weeks ago.
“It’s frustrating and discouraging and I know there are people leaving the sport because of it,” they said.
“It’s just really not healthy for the sport and I think it seems to be something that’s just part of the game, because it doesn’t happen in any other sport like it happens in footy.”
Craig Scott, president of Goodwood Saints – one of the most successful clubs in SANFL Juniors – was also critical of poor behaviour at games.
“If you don’t have anything positive to say don’t say anything at all – without supported and protected umpires we don’t have a sport,” he said.
“Abusing umpires is still culturally accepted and I don’t understand it. Every club has sanctions but we need to do more as a collective.”
Adelaide Crows premiership legend signs with country footy battlers
A battling SA country footy club has secured a huge coup by signing a former Adelaide Crows premiership champion.
‘We’ve got to’: Contentious $41m sports centre hits new milestone
A plan to build a controversial $41m sports centre has taken a huge step forward, with the local council seeking to change planning rules to allow it.