THE PULSE — 15 May 2026

No place for Antisemitism in the VAFA

The VAFA has always taken enormous pride in fostering a community football environment that is safe, inclusive and welcoming for people from all walks of life. Respect for one another sits at the heart of our competition and the values we seek to uphold across every club.

In recent months, many within our local Jewish community have experienced significant distress following the horrific terror attack during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach on 14 December last year, which tragically claimed 15 lives. Some of those who lost their lives had family connections within VAFA clubs, making this tragedy deeply personal for members of our football community.

At the same time, the establishment of a Royal Commission into antisemitism in Australia has further highlighted the very real impact that antisemitic behaviour and attitudes are having on Jewish Australians. The widespread media coverage surrounding these events has increased awareness across the broader community of the fear, hurt and concern that antisemitism causes.

There is no place for antisemitism in the VAFA.

Accordingly, VAFA President Paul Newton and I this week issued a joint statement across our media channels condemning all forms of antisemitic behaviour and reinforcing that any such conduct within our competition will be investigated thoroughly and dealt with appropriately.

The sanctions available under the VAFA’s vilification and discrimination policies are significant and may include lengthy suspensions, mandatory education requirements and formal written apologies.

We want every participant, volunteer, supporter and family member involved in the VAFA to feel safe, respected and valued. That expectation applies equally on the field, on the sidelines and across all interactions connected to our competition.

We trust this message is heard clearly throughout the VAFA community and that we see no repeat of antisemitic words or actions within our game.

Together, by continuing to stand for our values of respect, inclusion and community, we can ensure the VAFA remains a competition that brings people together through community football.

Jason Reddick

VAFA CEO