VAFA Statement

The VAFA prides itself on providing a haven for all to enjoy our wonderful indigenous game.

Together with our 65 clubs a VAFA primary pillar is to create an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment where players, officials and supporters come together in a sense of belonging enabling friendship, connection and camaraderie to flourish.

The VAFA has zero tolerance for hate speech, racism or discrimination at any level.

Yet, sadly, there have been two separate antisemitic incidents recorded at VAFA games already this season.

To deal with such matters the VAFA adopts the Vilification & Discrimination policy (‘The Peek Rule’) via the AFL’s National Community Football Policy Handbook.

Cl10.1 states: No Person shall act towards or speak to any other person in a manner, or engage in any other conduct which threatens, disparages, vilifies or insults another person or group of persons on any basis, including but not limited to, a person’s race, religion, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

We will not tolerate any such behaviour and will act immediately where such a breach is reported either by our umpires or club officials.

We will continue to engage with the VAFA community, the AJAX AFC and the broader Jewish community, to send the message that the VAFA stands with the AJAX AFC, we will not tolerate antisemitic behaviour, and we will do all within our power to penalise any such breach.

The VAFA is committed to provide a safe and inclusive haven free of discrimination.