Ballarat Football Umpires Association demands safety measure be implemented before Sebastopol under-17 team returns to play

An umpires association in a major Victorian football league is seeking improved safety measures before determining if it will officiate a junior game this weekend.

Sebastopol’s under-17 team will be able to return to action this weekend. Picture: Hamish Blair

The Ballarat Football Umpires Association (BFUA) says it may not field umpires for future Sebastopol under-17 matches unless safety improvements are implemented in the next 48 hours.

On Wednesday, the junior Burras team won a court case lifting a provisional ban, which was put in place by the Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL).

The ban came following an investigation into the team after their May 5 clash against Redan, which saw, according to the BFUA, verbal abuse from players, officials and spectators from Sebastopol towards the umpires.

Sebastopol’s under-17 team, which has been banned from playing since, are expected to return to the field this Sunday against East Point.

While the association respects the court’s decision, the BFUA is now seeking measures to be put in place to protect their umpires ahead of the club’s return.

“As an association we have a duty of care to our umpires and a child safety policy to adhere to,” BFUA chairperson Deb Sleep told this masthead.

“As such, we have requested the BFNL and Sebastopol Football Club implement measures to ensure a safe match day environment for all.

“We await acceptance of proposed safety measures which shall assist us in determining our involvement this weekend.”

Sleep reiterated that the investigation into the May 5 game remained unresolved.

“We note the ongoing investigation being conducted into the Redan v Sebastopol under-17 seniors match on Sunday May 5,” she said.

“During that match our umpires were made to feel highly unsafe and were subjected to verbal abuse from players, officials and spectators.

“We reiterate the importance of respect for umpires in all competitions to ensure safety and wellbeing.”

EARLIER

A country Victorian junior football team has won a legal battle against its governing body, earning the right to return to the playing field.

Sebastopol’s under-17 team will be back in action this weekend in the Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) after a provisional ban was lifted following court proceedings earlier this week.

The Burras junior team had missed the past three games of the BFNL under-17 competition after being provisionally suspended by the league as it conducted an investigation on the team following their May 5 clash against Redan.

On Monday the football club took the matter to the Magistrates Court of Victoria, looking for the suspension to be lifted.

The court found the BFNL made errors in its handling of the investigation and the applying of the provisional suspension.

“The League acknowledges its error in provisionally suspending the under-17 senior team and affirms its commitment to adhering to its policies and processes and to learning from this experience,” a statement from the league said.

“Both the League and Sebastopol also wish to confirm their commitment to providing a safe and positive environment for players, umpires, officials and spectators alike so that they can experience our great game of Australian rules football to the fullest extent in a positive manner.”

Sebastopol president Chenay Wilkinson said the club wouldn’t comment on the court matter but was glad the team can return to playing.

“We’re very happy the boys can go back and play football,” she said.

“This is just about them and are happy the boys are back.”

The team will take on East Point on Sunday.

More to come.