by magpieeagle » Fri Jul 05, 2019 7:40 pm
MESSAGE FROM APFL TO ALL CLUBS
The APFL board is concerned at recent reports that abusive and threatening behaviours by spectators, club officials and players both on and off field is becoming a more regular occurrence. This is unacceptable, the board and umpires are concerned that this rising level of poor behaviour towards umpires in particular will lead to an incident we all will regret. There is also quite a deal of poor behaviour directed at opposition players and officials during games, this is also unacceptable.
I write this letter to all clubs, officials from all clubs, players and spectators from all clubs, this ongoing behaviour that constitutes abuse and attack upon our League umpires in particular, will not be condoned. These umpires have the right to perform their duties without fear of being vilified and/or abused.
Take note that our umpiring panel is going to be taking a far more active role in paying free kicks against poor behaviour from coaching boxes and those associated with those boxes, poor player behaviour will certainly lead to free kicks and send offs and reports should that be warranted, they will certainly be actively reporting poor behaviour by spectators, and sanctions against clubs, its officials and players will not be ruled out.
I am writing this so that clubs can become more responsible for the actions of their clubs Officials, coaches, players and spectators. The Board is concerned about the rise in this type of behaviour and is even considering making match day officials for both teams a requirement, not just in finals but across the home and away season.
It is time to take a breath, and lets all take the time to review our own clubs, our officials, our players and our spectators behaviour. A head in the sand approach will not work. It is paramount that each club takes responsibility and calls out poor behaviour wherever it arises.
Be warned the League and its umpires will be acting should the poor behaviour continue.
I ask that all clubs pass this message to all of its committee, coaches, players and spectators in an effort to reduce this rise in poor behaviour. The league is currently looking at signage to post at all grounds to provide further reminders to those who need it.
It is a wonderful game we should all be able to enjoy it, our participation in it and do so without any fear of abuse or attack.
Regards
Michael Vigor
President
Adelaide Plains Football League