Code ‘lessons’ for footy louts

ERIN PEARSON
BAD BEHAVIOUR among players and spectators has prompted Football Geelong to bolster its education programs, according to league chief Lee Hartman.
Mr Hartman said the organisation would redistribute its codes of conduct for players and spectators to all Football Geelong clubs following a series of widely publicised incidents, including alleged racial abuse among under-11 players.
Geelong and District Football League has also produced incidents, with spectators allegedly verbally abusing an intellectually disabled umpire and an Aboriginal Belmont Lions player at separate matches this season.
Mr Hartman praised clubs for quickly dealing with incidents but said players and spectators must observe codes of conduct.
“When incidents like this happen it’s disappointing. We have over 10,000 members participating in football on a weekly basis,” Mr Hartman said.
“Clubs do a fantastic job educating players on what to and not to do and this needs to continue. Bad behaviour like this won’t be tolerated.”
A spectator at last weekend’s Bellarine Football League reserves match between Modewarre and Ocean Grove said she was shocked at aggressive and offensive language of spectators toward players and other supporters.
“It’s always pretty bad but I haven’t seen it that bad before,” said the women, who did not want to be identified.
Sports Minister Hugh Dela-hunty said State Government was concerned about reports of violence and racial vilification, especially in junior sport.
“Local sporting clubs are for communities to join and enjoy sport – violence and abuse should not be tolerated at any level,” he said.
“The Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport is currently in place and state sporting associations are encouraged to ensure their community clubs provide a safe environment for both spectators and participants.”