THE Sunraysia Football Netball League (SFNL) has introduced a zero tolerance policy in an attempt to curb unruly behaviour at matches.
The policy was unanimously supported by club presidents at a meeting on Monday night and will be in place for the start of the 2020 season.
SFNL executive officer Peter Walker said the tough new guidelines aimed to provide a safer environment for everyone involved in match days.
"We just felt it was important we put some things in place which set some boundaries for what is acceptable and what isn't acceptable behaviour," Walker said.
"A day at the footy and netball should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved."
The new policy covers a broad range of areas with a key focus on stamping out abuse towards umpires.
Under the guidelines released by the SFNL this week, if there is any abuse from spectators directed at umpires, the interchange steward or, in the case of netball, the court supervisor will be required to be notified and immediate action taken by the home club to stop the abuse.
If the abuse continues then a code of conduct warning must be issued to the offending person.
In the instance where the abuse towards an umpire is instigated by a player, a code of conduct report will be issued.
Umpiring training will be instigated to ensure the new rules are interpreted correctly and there is consistency in the issuing of penalties.
Under the new system, there will be a series of graded sanctions umpires will have at their disposal as part of the zero tolerance policy.
These sanctions include:
a. Undirected swearing, which is heard by few players and no spectators, will be deemed acceptable.
b. Swearing, which is heard by spectators and a group of players, will result in a free kick being awarded.
c. Any abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene language towards an umpire will result in a 50-metre penalty or free kick (can be reportable – umpire’s discretion).
d. Any player behaviour which is abusive, insulting, threatening or acts in an obscene manner towards an umpire or disputes the decision of the umpire will result in a 50-metre penalty or free kick (can be reportable –...
