Junior soccer players to get red and yellow cards

PLAYERS as young as five will be given red and yellow cards in a move to stop aggression and unruly behaviour at non-contact indoor soccer matches.

JUNIOR sports players as young as five will be given red and yellow cards in a bid to curb “physical aggression” in non-contact indoor soccer matches.

An eastern suburbs indoor sporting centre has issued new guidelines in response to “safety concerns” arising from the unruly behaviour of children and the level of “rough and physical conduct”, it says in a letter to parents.

The new Boroondara Sports Complex rules state that players must control their temper, never argue with officials and play by the rules.

COMPETITIVE PARENTS TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS

UGLY PARENTS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

PARENTS URGED NOT TO PUSH KIDS IN SPORTS TOO SOON

“Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted,” the code of conduct says.

Parents and coaches are also now formally told they must not “raise issues of ­disagreement publicly”, “criticise opposing team members or supporters by word or gesture”, and “not ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition”.

Spectators must also not use foul language, harass players, coaches or officials and respect decisions of all referees.

Junior soccer players can expect red cards if they don’t play fair. Picture: AFP

Calum Smyth, Acting Communications Manager for the YMCA, which operates the venue, said the new rules were due to “consistent events of rough conduct during junior futsal matches”.

“Cards will be distributed to those continuously breaking the rules, regulations and code of conduct of the game for the ongoing safety of children participating,” he said.

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesman, Travers Purton, said: “The idea of respectful play early can help build a lifelong commitment to fair play as they rise through the sporting ranks.

“Sports are responsible for their own codes of conduct and how they deal with disciplinary issues concerning behaviour on and off the field, including applying sanctions,” he said.

Parenting expert and auth­or Justin Coulson said competitiveness in young children could be bad for wellbeing because it “makes them think they are ­either winners or losers”. He said when the emphasis was not on winning but attaining skills, children were better off.

[e-mail]