Editorial: Help build an inclusive culture for new and old players

Michael Sholly – VAFA CEO

Two incidents of abuse during last weekend’s AFL football offers some time for reflection of crowd, officials and player behaviour in the VAFA. The first was a player on player incident where he was aggressively tackled and responded verbally with an insulting comment. The second was a supporter racially vilifying an official after he made a mistake on the oval. In the VAFA we are not immune to such behaviours and endorse a zero tolerance policy when it comes to such incidents.

It is worth noting that one of these incidents has gone to police to be investigated. It is against the law to vilify a person because of race, colour, religion, sexuality or gender identity. In particular any forms of public behaviour which threatens, incites, disparages, ridicules, insults or shows contempt towards another person.

In Heath Shaw’s public apology he stated: “Yes I am a fiery person who plays with a lot of passion and emotion but that is no excuse for my actions last night. There is no place for comments of that nature on or off the football ground. It was an offensive remark that I should never have made and for that I apologise.”

Players and coaches need to heed these words.  Being emotionally invested in the match does not excuse vilifying another person. In some instances, the VAFA has cases go to mediation. In this regard, we are fortunate to have trained officers who mediate and generally a resolution is agreed upon from all parties involved.

Sometimes an apology is not enough.

Everyone is so proud of the VAFA’s leadership in the introduction of women’s football and the cultural changes at clubs have mostly been positive. However, we have had reports of inappropriate behaviour and comments from crowds assembling behind the goals. There has been a long held tradition at VAFA matches to gather behind the goals and offer support to your team with some good natured gibes at the opposition, generally the full back kicking out.  The line for the crowd can seem blurred and there are few who cross it.

In the women’s matches we have already had a report of similar behaviour of people gathering behind the goals and offering their support for the team. These supporters must be more aware of their comments to the opposition. Supporters must understand that a large number of these women are being introduced to the game for the first time and haven’t developed their skills to that of a male player due to lack of opportunity. They also haven’t grown up on a football field with crowds behind the fence offering their opinions. This can be confronting. Any comments of a derogatory nature are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Women participants are still learning the game and picking up on all the nuances. It is hard enough for a beginner to go hard into a pack and pick up the ball without having the threat of comments coming from the crowd or, in some cases, the coaches.  Football is competitive, we keep scores and the teams want to win, but we need to keep it all in balance. That is one strength of the VAFA, we have the right balance. Now, let’s work hard to maintain that.

Feature photo: Ivanhoe AFC