Coaches, assistants, team managers, trainers and first aid staff instructed to stay seated during grassroots matches

AFL Gippsland will trial a “Sit Down Round” to try and stamp out abuse in junior games but there are fears it could open a can of worms.

Latrobe Valley Umpires Association secretary Daniel Swallow says it is a “fantastic initiative”.

Country footy leagues have been told to instruct coaches and officials to stay seated and keep quiet during play in a push to stamp out umpire abuse and dissent.

AFL Gippsland will this month trial a “Sit Down Round’’ to tackle abuse in junior ranks and “create a better environment for players’’ for leagues throughout the region.

Coaches, assistants, team managers, trainers and first aid staff will be instructed to stay seated during grassroots matches, with only team runners exempt.

The trial, in all competitive junior Gippsland matches next weekend, follows a pilot program in Adelaide last season.

Coaches and officials will be instructed to stay seated and keep quiet during play.

AFL Gippsland has even encouraged clubs to share photos of officials seated and quiet during the dedicated round, from May 12-14.

“Let’s all support the players and umpires to ensure that they enjoy the experience and become lifelong supporters and participants of our great game,’’ the edict to junior clubs said.

Sarah Sharpe, whose son Andy and daughter Ruby play under eights and under 10s at Drouin, supported the move.

“I think this is pretty important,” she said. “The abuse is prolific and as a parent I want my kids to keep playing and if we don’t have umpires, they can’t play.

“It shows that we need to respect the umpires a lot more.”

It’s hoped the trial will help deter abuse of umpires.

But Glengarry’s Peter Hanley, who watches his grandchildren play each week, said the initiative could “open a huge can of worms”.

“By doing this you leave it to the do-gooders to want this all the time,’’ he said.

“When you change something like this people might want it to become the norm.

“If your coaches and officials can’t interact with the field then you’re changing the concept of the game.

“I think you’re going to confuse the kids too much, just keep it simple.’’

The push comes on the back of Yarra Juniors Football League banning parents and crowds entering huddles during breaks in play.

Yarra Juniors also introduced a white card system for poor sideline behaviour towards umpires this season.

In a statement, AFL Victoria said it “encourages leagues and competitions to trial ways to address the issue of behaviour and abuse at community football”.

While it was unclear whether the rules would be extended or made permanent if the trial is deemed a success, AFL Victoria said no action would be taken against clubs failing to follow the instructions.

“It’s not compulsory for officials to participate and no penalties apply for those who don’t, but it’s simply encouraged that they do participate,’’ it said.

“It’s seen as a way of raising awareness around abuse and educating on the importance of good behaviour and respect in our game.

“There is no place for abuse in football, at any level’’.

Latrobe Valley Umpires Association secretary Daniel Swallow said it was a “fantastic initiative”.

“I think the most important factor is ensuring the fun stays in footy,” he said.

“For too many parents, the emphasis on winning takes over from the fun of the game.”

Originally published as Coaches, assistants, team managers, trainers and first aid staff instructed to stay seated during grassroots matches