Concerning Trend? The Woodville Oval Incident 3/7

[csbowes]

Actually Barto, two mates of mine who are members received calls from the CEO this afternoon asking for help to identify those who threw punches from the Eagles side of things......... Although I think the penalty is light at least our Club has commented officially in regard to the whole thing and have been transparent from the word go. Get off of your high horse - the world doesn't revolve around the Sturt FC.

How have you determined that the WWTFC has been transparent? You're not basing that assumption on the fact that they had an internal investigation from which they will not publish any accounts on who said what or admitted to what, but from which they then decided to hand out a penalty, which no one can comment on the applicability of, because we don't know what the offence is that Treeby is being punished for?

Now, that's being harsh on WWTFC, I don't expect them to divulge that information, but please, the club hasn't turned water into wine here, they've been put in a crappy position by an idiot player and so have done what they feel is the minimum they can, while as Barto said, taking a swipe at the other side with a poorly worded press release. Anyone with some management experience would know you deal with your own and let the league deal with the other side.

Imagine the out cry if the SFC came out with a dumb comment like "reaction of officials from the WWTFC was completely uncalled for", geez, there'd be riots at the Fortress.

The good points here are WWTFC did something and Treeby has been named and shamed.

The other good thing is the SANFL press release seems to be balanced and does not inflame the situation.

What the SFC does remains to be seen.

A lack of response from the club to its members, let alone the public, isn't one of their finest moments. Regardless of whether the club thinks the SFC CS are angels or the devil incarnate or inbetween, they need to make a statement to fans.

... and the public.

I'll put my money on the fact that they're just being cautious and will make one shortly. <tick tock tick tock>

[CUTTERMAN]

Courtesy of the SANFL:

Thursday, July 8, 2010

STATEMENT ON SANFL INVESTIGATION

Darren Chandler – Chief Officer, Football & Corporate Operations

The SANFL wishes to announce the findings of its investigation into an off-field incident last Saturday.

The League has a responsibility to ensure all matches hosted at local grounds continue to provide the public with good, family-friendly entertainment.

The type of behaviour witnessed on Saturday was far removed from the atmosphere considered the norm at SANFL matches.

The League takes its responsibility very seriously and in turn, relies on our football supporters to act in a responsible manner as well.

The vast majority do so on a weekly basis.

The SANFL’s investigation involved meetings with the Woodville-West Torrens Football Club (including player Leigh Treeby) and the Sturt Football Club (including the leader of the Sturt cheer squad) and discussions with Weslo security.

All parties provided the SANFL with detailed reports of the events, which have been considered by the League.

We wish to thank the clubs, Weslo and the police for their full cooperation with this investigation.

The investigation concluded the following:

The behaviour of Woodville-West Torrens player Leigh Treeby contributed to the incident.

The behaviour of some members of the Sturt cheer squad contributed to the incident and its escalation

On the day, SA Police removed two individuals from the ground following the incident. There were no reported injuries or charges laid.

Other football supporters became involved after the initial altercation.

Woodville-West Torrens Football Club earlier today announced it has fined Treeby the maximum $500 penalty under SANFL regulations and has made him unavailable for selection for one League match.

The SANFL has viewed this action as appropriate and will not impose any further penalties on Leigh.

The Sturt Football Club is committed to working with the Sturt cheer squad to improve its behaviour.

Under direction from the SANFL, Weslo will now have a one-on-one relationship with every club’s official cheer squad. Security personnel will be advised to make themselves known to every squad prior to each match.

We will aim to keep a minimum distance of 50m between each squad at all SANFL games.

The SANFL and its clubs will continue to identify games where potential problems may occur. At these games, the League will put on additional security and will request police presence.

Patrons who behave in an unacceptable manner can be evicted from grounds and barred for three months.

The League will contact all clubs today to advise them of the new security arrangements.

The League understands not all groups of supporters cause problems at SANFL matches.
However, we have a responsibility to the men, women and children who come to the football to watch the game and while doing so, respect the safety and wellbeing of their fellow supporters.

Commonsense. Well done. Move on with lessons learnt and better systems put in place.

Agree Airie, hopefully WESLO's part in this and it's ongoing attitude towards patrons will improve, as Voice has pointed out he had had dialogue with them during the incident and before as to them stepping in and that of the stance that they were taking. Let's hope there's an improvement on all parts.

[csbowes]

I think we've all seen that apart from ensuring people don't step outside the drinking zone with a roadie, they don't get involved in any unsavoury situations until fists are flying... too little too late is their motto.

[CUTTERMAN]

stephen rowe said on 5AA tonight that at the recent glenelg v sturt match he was subjected to some abuse etc....i can see the common denominator, can you ?

Come on Bayman, there were Eagles supporters throwing punches or are you choosing to forget that. I'm sure there's a few in your mob that need a look at too . Don't be so selective.

[JK]

I think we've all seen that apart from ensuring people don't step outside the drinking zone with a roadie, they don't get involved in any unsavoury situations until fists are flying... too little too late is their motto.

Ive seen occasions when even then they didnt get involved

[csbowes]

I think we've all seen that apart from ensuring people don't step outside the drinking zone with a roadie, they don't get involved in any unsavoury situations until fists are flying... too little too late is their motto.

Ive seen occasions when even then they didnt get involved

Surely the SANFL could just hire the Finks at $50 an hour, no one would step out of line then...

[FlyingHigh]

Rubbish.

Stopped reading there. If you want to debate with someone, address the point first, then abuse.

Fair enough. I think using the word "sniping" is unfair in this situation.

Still think Treeby is a bit lucky with the sanctions.

[Wedgie]

Where exactly is the Family Friendly area now?
The only times Ive been at Woodville it was south of the grandstand.

[Mr Irate]

stephen rowe said on 5AA tonight that at the recent glenelg v sturt match he was subjected to some abuse etc....i can see the common denominator, can you ?

Come on Bayman, there were Eagles supporters throwing punches or are you choosing to forget that. I'm sure there's a few in your mob that need a look at too . Don't be so selective.

What exactly were the Sturt "supporters" chasing Treeby looking for ?

[Mickyj]

Rubbish.

Stopped reading there. If you want to debate with someone, address the point first, then abuse.

Fair enough. I think using the word "sniping" is unfair in this situation.

Still think Treeby is a bit lucky with the sanctions.

Well I think he's got off ok .
A $500 slap on the wrist and missing this weeks league game(hes banned from the league only).

[Squawk]

The Sturt Football Club is committed to working with the Sturt cheer squad to improve its behaviour.

So we've heard from WWTFC and the League. But this is all we've heard that relates to Sturt (other than Voice's input here and a reference to the opposition in the WWTFC media release). I'm at a loss as to why all three parties didn't have a joint media release today, or even tomorrow?

The league statement also said that patrons can be evicted and also barred for up to 3 months. Has anyone ever been barred?
Is that a possible outcome from this incident, given WWTFC is apparently still trying to identify the Eagles fans involved and Sturt are yet to comment publicly?

[Voice]

We are currently working on getting a suitable Code of Conduct for the cheersquad to sign off on and this will be my last official duty as leader of the Sturt Cheer Squad.
It is something that will take some time to get properly worded and as Darren Chandler mentioned, it is something the SANFL would like all clubs to do with their cheersquads.
At least something good may be able to come of this horrible event in that there will be a strict outline on how cheersquads will behave and how the issues should be sorted if problems arise.
A few lads on here, whufc for one, know that I have made efforts to chat with and become friendly with opposing cheersquads in an attempt to have no issues with anyone at the footy. In fact, on last Saturday after all the issues had happened, I went up to one of the more vocal Eagles supporters (he wasn't involved in the incident) and shook his hand and had a bit of a laugh at the things we had said to eachother during the match.
Regarding the actual incident, I hadn't commented for a couple of days due to myself being involved in the discussions with the SANFL, as mentioned in Darren Chandler's statement. Now that he has released his statement I can say that I have taken it upon myself and requested that some other members not attend this weeks game (as per Treeby's punishment) and will be rattling the can to raise a few dollars to put towards his fine.
I tried to contact Chris Davies (sorry if I have his name wrong) to inform him of my decision today but he was unavailable (I can understand he's probably had a busy week, as have I).
I have worked very hard to resolve this situation this week and I thank all of you that have been supportive of what I have attempted and I also thank everyone who has been realistic and sensible with their comments.

[CUTTERMAN]

Well done Voice, I think you've handled yourself well throughout this and be proud of what you've achieved in the last couple of years, hopefully alot of things are sorted out for the better for all parties involved and across the league. I'll see you at the North game. Enjoy the week off with PV.

[Barto]

Chandler's comments were excellent and to the point. Stuck to the facts with no emotive terminology.

Can we put this to bed now and move on?

[Squawk]

Why do cheersquads need a code of conduct? Surely good conduct is incumbent on everyone going to a game, not just the cheersquads. It would be hard for it to be binding unless there is a formal membership regime for cheersquads and it is a condition of membership.

[Voice]

Why do cheersquads need a code of conduct? Surely good conduct is incumbent on everyone going to a game, not just the cheersquads. It would be hard for it to be binding unless there is a formal membership regime for cheersquads and it is a condition of membership.

Cheersquads are a very visible part of our football and therefore are noticed more than your average punter at a game. As well being intimidating due to the number of people sprouting the same cause, they are also targeted by some people who know that certain persons or character types in the group will fire up and make dicks of themselves.
If a code of conduct is implemented then added with the recommendations that security make themselves known to all cheersquad members prior to the beginning of the match, I think it will go a long way to putting it into the members heads that they should be on their best behaviour or they won't get to watch the team they love. If they are still stupid enough to cause a scene, then they deserve the 3 month ban.

[mickey]

Are cheer squads an officially affiliated part of the football club?

Or just an independent group of supporters as such?

[whufc]

We are currently working on getting a suitable Code of Conduct for the cheersquad to sign off on and this will be my last official duty as leader of the Sturt Cheer Squad.
It is something that will take some time to get properly worded and as Darren Chandler mentioned, it is something the SANFL would like all clubs to do with their cheersquads.
At least something good may be able to come of this horrible event in that there will be a strict outline on how cheersquads will behave and how the issues should be sorted if problems arise.
A few lads on here, whufc for one, know that I have made efforts to chat with and become friendly with opposing cheersquads in an attempt to have no issues with anyone at the footy. In fact, on last Saturday after all the issues had happened, I went up to one of the more vocal Eagles supporters (he wasn't involved in the incident) and shook his hand and had a bit of a laugh at the things we had said to eachother during the match.
Regarding the actual incident, I hadn't commented for a couple of days due to myself being involved in the discussions with the SANFL, as mentioned in Darren Chandler's statement. Now that he has released his statement I can say that I have taken it upon myself and requested that some other members not attend this weeks game (as per Treeby's punishment) and will be rattling the can to raise a few dollars to put towards his fine.
I tried to contact Chris Davies (sorry if I have his name wrong) to inform him of my decision today but he was unavailable (I can understand he's probably had a busy week, as have I).
I have worked very hard to resolve this situation this week and I thank all of you that have been supportive of what I have attempted and I also thank everyone who has been realistic and sensible with their comments.

totally agree and over the last couple of years both the sturt cheersquad and the central fans have been very well behaved towards one another without any incidents.

[Zorro]

Why do cheersquads need a code of conduct? Surely good conduct is incumbent on everyone going to a game, not just the cheersquads. It would be hard for it to be binding unless there is a formal membership regime for cheersquads and it is a condition of membership.

Cheersquads are a very visible part of our football and therefore are noticed more than your average punter at a game. As well being intimidating due to the number of people sprouting the same cause, they are also targeted by some people who know that certain persons or character types in the group will fire up and make dicks of themselves.
If a code of conduct is implemented then added with the recommendations that security make themselves known to all cheersquad members prior to the beginning of the match, I think it will go a long way to putting it into the members heads that they should be on their best behaviour or they won't get to watch the team they love. If they are still stupid enough to cause a scene, then they deserve the 3 month ban.

I'm with Squawk on this one. So we're saying we should document and sign off on how specific groups of people should behave as opposed to individuals? If I get a dozen of my mates together and we knit some flags but aren't called a cheer squad do we need a code of conduct? Who is in the cheer squad and who is not?

Sorry Voice, not having a go at you mate I think you've handled this situation extremely well but I think we should all take responsibility for our own behaviour, individually and collectively. End of story.

[Mr Irate]

We are currently working on getting a suitable Code of Conduct for the cheersquad to sign off on and this will be my last official duty as leader of the Sturt Cheer Squad.
It is something that will take some time to get properly worded and as Darren Chandler mentioned, it is something the SANFL would like all clubs to do with their cheersquads.
At least something good may be able to come of this horrible event in that there will be a strict outline on how cheersquads will behave and how the issues should be sorted if problems arise.
A few lads on here, whufc for one, know that I have made efforts to chat with and become friendly with opposing cheersquads in an attempt to have no issues with anyone at the footy. In fact, on last Saturday after all the issues had happened, I went up to one of the more vocal Eagles supporters (he wasn't involved in the incident) and shook his hand and had a bit of a laugh at the things we had said to eachother during the match.
Regarding the actual incident, I hadn't commented for a couple of days due to myself being involved in the discussions with the SANFL, as mentioned in Darren Chandler's statement. Now that he has released his statement I can say that I have taken it upon myself and requested that some other members not attend this weeks game (as per Treeby's punishment) and will be rattling the can to raise a few dollars to put towards his fine.
I tried to contact Chris Davies (sorry if I have his name wrong) to inform him of my decision today but he was unavailable (I can understand he's probably had a busy week, as have I).
I have worked very hard to resolve this situation this week and I thank all of you that have been supportive of what I have attempted and I also thank everyone who has been realistic and sensible with their comments.

Do not use big words......