EDFL issues stern warning to clubs following streak of umpire abuse

A major Melbourne suburban football league is warning that umpires may refuse to officiate certain teams if a worrying pattern of poor behaviour continues. Read the details.

Horror abuse has led to new sanctions. Picture: Mark Stewart

Local football umpires will have the power to refuse to officiate certain teams under new rules introduced by a Melbourne competition after a horror run of umpire abuse.

In a memo sent to club coaches, the Essendon District Football League confirmed umpires could call off games if they deem “the actions of players and/or spectators as unacceptable or unsafe or is likely to escalate”.

Umpires also have the power to refuse appointments if they “do not feel safe in certain venues or umpiring certain teams”.

The league, which has 39 clubs and hundreds of teams competing in suburbs from Deer Park to Gisborne, is also introducing stricter penalties for coaches, players and officials who are found guilty.

The memo, seen by this masthead, highlighted several concerning incidents at junior and senior level including one game where a 14-year-old female was

“visibly distressed after a game, crying uncontrollably, and expressing to her mother that a player had verbally abused her during the game”.

It was not during an under-14s game, a runner yelled abuse at a 15-year-old umpire while in an under-12s clash officials including a volunteer goal umpire and umpire’s escort disputed calls.

Other examples in junior games included a runner swearing at the opposition’s runner in an under-10s game while coaches and adults admitted they were “quite vocal” in voicing their opinions during a match where a 13-year-old boy was taking control of his fourth game.

The changes come into effect this weekend.

Senior incidents involved supporters approaching umpires at a Division 2 game men’s calling them cheats as one fan said “go get your money, you cheating dog”.

“This has been the most disappointing area and of most concern to the league this season,” the league said of the behaviour.

The EDFL has also confirmed more severe punishments will be handed down to offenders charged with “being/using, abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene toward or in relation to an umpire”.

This charge previously attracted a set penalty of one week down from two or face the tribunal.

Club officials including coaches will be offered a five-week ban with a reduction of two weeks with an early plea while players can receive a set suspension of four weeks down to two.

“If a plea isn’t accepted and the person will have to front the EDFL tribunal where they will receive the full 4 or 5 weeks if the Tribunal deems fit,” the memo said.

Several incidents have caused concerned.

If an umpire does call off a game, the competing teams will not be given official umpires for the following rounds.

“Any repeat offending teams will face further sanctioning which may include suspension of a team’s official or a team-wide suspension,” the memo said.

The EDFL said it will issue fines and/or sanction for clubs for not controlling their officials.

“We have asked all clubs and are informing you as an accredited coach, to remain vigilant in educating and managing the behaviours of all stakeholders for the remainder of the season,” the meo said.

“If you aren’t prepared or willing to do, and others aren’t listening to you then the league will step in.”

In response to questions from this masthead, the EDFL said there had been “numerous incidents” found through clubs, umpire reports and community reports.

“The EDFL isn’t alone addressing unacceptable behaviour in community sport,” the league said.

“We have previously held meetings with clubs, introduced new rules for matches, utilised assets from the AFL campaigning for improved attitudes.

“We will continue to educate, and remind everyone that attends EDFL games to do so in a safe and inclusive manner.”

It’s understood the EDFL Umpires Association is pleased with the messaging from the competition.