Heads of junior sporting codes in WA to meet with ministers following rise in sideline violence

The heads of junior sporting codes in one state will meet with top ministers after several shocking brawls erupted on the sidelines of junior sporting games.

Heads of junior sporting clubs will meet with government ministers this week in an attempt to curb the rising number of violent altercations breaking out on the sidelines of junior sporting events

Western Australia’s Minister for Sport and Minister for Family Violence will sit down with executives from various sporting codes across the state to discuss sideline violence, weeks after shocking brawls broke out at junior sporting matches.

Footage of a violent altercation that erupted within the final minutes of a junior girls’ football game in Perth on July 26 shows a large group of spectators engaging in a violent scuffle as children stood nearby and watched.

More than a dozen spectators were allegedly involved in the brawl.

WA Police is investigating the incident.

The altercation erupted after a High Wycombe player reportedly received a red card for rough conduct. High Wycombe spectators then allegedly set upon a Mt Lawley volunteer umpire who they say made a “derogatory remark”.

The incident was reported to police and those directly involved have reportedly been suspended, with The West Australian Football Commission handing out fines, a good behaviour bond and a loss of both teams’ sportsmanship points.

Two days later, Football West was forced to launch an investigation after spectators at an under-9 soccer game became embroiled in an off-field fight that left one person with physical injuries.

Following the shocking displays of sideline violence, Sports Minister David Templeman has called for parents and spectators to set a better example for children.

Mr Templeman said he was stunned and disappointed by the conduct at junior sporting events, according to The West Australian.

A meeting will be held on Wednesday in an attempt to prevent sideline violence at junior sporting events. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“(Parents) need to understand the implications of poor behaviour. Their kids see appalling behaviour modelled,” he said.

“It also has the potential to put people off having their kids involved in junior sport and that is the last thing we want.”

Mr Templeman said the prevalence of violence within codes was a “key question” he will put to the forum he has called for Wednesday.

Heads of sporting codes, including football, basketball, rugby and soccer, are expected to attend the meeting.

The WAFC reportedly revealed that penalties linked to poor on and off-field behaviour had led 26 teams being placed on good behaviour bonds this year.

A further 33 team officials and spectators have received suspensions due to breaches of the commission’s conduct.

Originally published as Heads of junior sporting codes in WA to meet with ministers following rise in sideline violence