NTFA officials slam ‘defamatory’ social media behaviour

A Tasmanian football competition has hit out at player and club official behaviour after seeing a “significant number” of defamatory and derogatory social posts last season.

The behaviour has been called out.

Northern Tasmanian Football Association officials are angered by a “significant number” of derogatory and defamatory social media posts from club officials, coaches and players during the 2024.

The 2024 annual report revealed a series of troubling incidents throughout last season including threats and abuse of umpires.

It has prompted for the league to call for improved behaviour in 2025.

The report said “poor behaviour from club officials, coaches and players is still evident” with 76 umpire reports received during the season.

“An area for concern in 2024 has been the significant number of incidents due to poor behaviour by a number of players, coaches and club officials,” the report said.

“These have included threats and abuse of umpires, derogatory and defamatory social media posts about opposing clubs/players.

“As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, the NTFA reaffirms that this behaviour is unacceptable.”

This year will present a new era for the competition which has been split into three divisions including Premier League, Division 1 and Division 2.

Former Tasmanian State League clubs Launceston and North Launceston, who won the competition last premiership, will play in the top tier.

Ex-Oatlands District league club Campbell Town will play in Division 2.

The six Premier League clubs for next season. Picture: Jon Tuxworth

“Off the field, significant efforts have gone into the change management required to shape the future structure of the NTFA,” the report said.

“ The challenges involved in this transition have been widely acknowledged, and the collective effort has positioned men’s football for an exciting 2025.

“While Division 1 (and) 2 look exciting there is an understanding that the Premier League will take time and effort to reach its full potential.

“Promotion and relegation will be introduced at end of the 2025/start of the 2026 season. This will bring an increased level of competition to Division 1 & 2 and will foster an increase in healthy competition moving forward.”

The report said a “critical focus” of the competition was the transition from under-16 footy to the 18s.

During last season, clubs faced challenges with players numbers and engagement.

“To address this, communication efforts have increased, with senior club pathways being presented to under-16 players as they finish their junior football,” the report said.

“The under-18 competition is likely to continue grappling with these challenges until a stronger pipeline develops from junior to senior levels.

“Looking ahead, the potential success of the Tassie Devils should create a surge in interest and participation similar to the Jack Jumpers’ impact on basketball.

“If this materialises, football could see significant growth and stability in the years to come.”