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Oz Code of Conduct for Community Sport

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Oz Code of Conduct for Community Sport
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
FYI. Not sure if you guys have the same issues as we do.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/fine-feral-sport-fans/story-e6frf7jo-1225835382100

Fine feral sport fans

* Mark Buttler
* From: Herald Sun
* March 01, 2010 12:00AM

FERAL mums and dads who threaten officials at sports matches face fines of up to $2000.

Under a zero-tolerance blitz on players and fans developed by the State Government and Victoria's peak sporting bodies, a range of hefty fines will be imposed across all codes.

Suspensions of up to 16 weeks can be dished out for a first offence of threatening an official.

A second offence will cost a player's club premiership points and could lead to a $2000 fine.

Each player and spectator involved in a brawl - on or off-field - risks a $1000 fine.

The sports clubs of more than one million Victorians also will be hit hard if they fail to play their part in curbing sports hooligans.

The Australia-first Code of Conduct for Community Support puts millions of dollars in sports grants at risk.

Those clubs and associations that do not sign on for the code by July 1 will be in danger of losing vital state government funding.

Clubs will be expected to fine players and spectators, while associations will decide on penalties for clubs.


Melbourne Victory star Archie Thompson said the code would stop some of the stars of tomorrow being driven out of sport.

"It's great. I had racial taunts from parents. There's no need for it," Thompson said.

"They (children) should be having fun, not being abused."

Breaches subject to financial penalties include:

VILIFICATION of any kind.

DISCRIMINATION based on age, gender, sexual preference, race or culture.

VIOLENCE or abuse.

SEXUAL harassment or intimidation.

NEGLIGENCE in maintaining a safe environment.

The code was put together over summer by Sports Minister James Merlino's office. AFL Victoria, Football Federation Victoria, Basketball Victoria, Netball Victoria, Cricket Victoria and Hockey Victoria all had a role in its development.

Mr Merlino said Victoria's 16,000 community sporting clubs must comply with the accord's standards for players, spectators and officials.

"In the past decade we have provided more than $210 million to the local clubs that are vital to our communities.

"But there is a small minority who overstep the mark and do the wrong thing," he said.

A promotional campaign will begin soon to back the code.

Momentum for tighter controls of problem parents gathered steam last year after a succession of ugly episodes at suburban sports matches.

In August, the Herald Sun revealed the case of a nightmare footy dad who bombarded one club with almost 100 legal actions, was charged with assaulting another dad at a junior camp, was paid thousands of dollars to quit a club, and defied bans on attending his son's games.

Football Federation Victoria CEO Mark Rendell said though only a small minority caused problems, some of the behaviour at junior sport would never be tolerated at a school play.

"There was unanimous agreement the penalties needed to be harsh for breaches," Mr Rendell said.

AFL Victoria CEO and former Hawthorn star Peter Schwab said the code was

"definitely a step in the right direction".
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
You get that with any sport, but Rugby's the worst over here.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Michael wrote:
You get that with any sport, but Rugby's the worst over here.


AMEN! I used to ref 9yo's back in the Bay. Some absolutely shocking parents, but fortunately they were the minority. Perhaps I was luck - colleague of mine a few grades up had to call off a match once because the parents on both teams were WAY out of line and wouldn't pay heed to his warnings. I've only ever once had to deal with parents as a football ref and it was a much more civil experience.
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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Michael wrote:
You get that with any sport, but Rugby's the worst over here.
Got any kind of stats to back that up?

www.kiwifromthecouch.blogspot.com

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about 16 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
bopman wrote:
Michael wrote:
You get that with any sport, but Rugby's the worst over here.
Got any kind of stats to back that up?
I once witnessed a 15 year-old have mud thrown at him by an opposition coach. And then hassle the kids mother. It's pretty bad-arse around here.
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